Katrina has extensive experience in complex products liability cases, commercial litigation, personal injury defense, and appellate litigation. She has represented a wide array of manufacturers in litigation in state and federal courts, both across Texas and nation-wide. Katrina is experienced with all facets of litigation, from initial case investigation, developing case strategy and discovery, through to dispositive motion practice, trial, and appeal. She currently serves as a member of the State Bar of Texas Court Rules Committee. Since 2011, she has served in a variety of coaching and mentorship roles with the Baylor University Undergraduate Mock Trial team.
Education
Baylor University School of Law, J.D., 2013 (cum laude)
University of Wisconsin – Madison, B.S., 2008
Memberships & Affiliations
Austin Bar Association
Dallas Bar Association
Dallas Association of Young Lawyers
DAYL Foundation Fellow
Admissions
State Bar of Texas 2014
United States District Court: Northern District of Texas
Community Involvement
State Bar of Texas Court Rules Committee Member – Appellate Subcommittee Co-Vice Chair
Baylor University Undergraduate Mock Trial Tournament Director
Judge Stefany A. Tewell (ret.) is a native Texan and proud Texas Aggie. Stefany was elected to the bench at 34 years of age making her, at that time, the youngest trial court judge elected in Nevada. Stefany was re-elected by the public at large in four different general elections. During her sixteen years on the bench, Stefany presided over approximately 1000 civil and criminal cases per year for a population of 2.3 million people. The caseload assigned encompassed complex civil litigation, class actions, products liability, construction litigation, bad faith litigation, medical malpractice, homeowners’ association litigation, employment litigation, contract disputes, personal injury litigation and wrongful death, real estate disputes, felony crimes, adult guardianship, and family law – including divorces, custody, termination of parental rights, and domestic violence cases. Stefany also heard appeals from all state administrative agencies and justice and municipal courts and was appointed by the governor of Nevada as an alternate Nevada Supreme Court Justice. Stefany has also received 40 hours of mediator training from the National Judicial College. She used this training to settle over 100 civil matters prior to trial. Stefany’s legal decisions have been affirmed by the Nevada Supreme Court and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appels in over thirty published cases. Many of Stefany’s cases have also been the subject of worldwide media coverage and television shows. In 2005, before remote proceedings were commonplace, Stefany was the first judge in Nevada to perform a remote trial which gave a bed ridden litigant access to the courthouse. Stefany was also the first judge in Nevada to grant equal parental and adoptive rights to same sex partners. In this case of first impression, Stefany was affirmed by the Nevada Supreme Court, laying the foundation for other equal rights for same sex partners. Additionally, Stefany has been involved with numerous local charities including Junior League of Las Vegas. Through the Junior League, Stefany helped to raise money for numerous charities including HELP of Southern Nevada, Channel 10 Ready To Learn, and the Ronald McDonald House. Stefany assisted in authoring and passing the Safe Haven for Babies Legislation which gives parents a safe, additional option for unwanted children. Stefany has also been involved with the Jean Nidetch Women’s Center and UMC Children’s Miracle Network. Prior to taking the bench Stefany worked for State Farm Insurance Company handling high value claims, extracontractual and bad faith claims, coverage issues, and wrongful death claims. While at State Farm, Stefany conducted hundreds of depositions of witnesses, parties and experts, and over 100 arbitrations. Stefany also attended the National Institute of Trial Advocacy and tried several cases to jury verdict obtaining favorable verdicts for her clients. Stefany started her career as an associate attorney with the boutique civil litigation firm of Jolley, Urga, Wirth & Woodbury in Las Vegas, Nevada. While at Jolley Urga, Stefany oversaw the personal injury division of the firm negotiating settlements in several multi-million-dollar cases.
Stefany is the proud mother of three wonderful sons.
Education
California Western School of Law, San Diego, California 1995 (with honors)
Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 1993
Speaking Engagements & Presentations
Featured Speaker, Collective Bargaining Rights in Nevada.
Apple podcast, Killer Genes, exclusive with Thomas Randolph aka the Black Widower.
Dateline NBC, The Widower, 3-part series.
On the case with Paula Zahn, The Hero Who Wasn’t.
Recognitions & Distinctions
Youngest Trial Court Judge elected in Nevada History, elected at 34 years of age
Top 100 Women of Influence by Nevada Magazine in 2015
National Judicial College Mediator Training
Representative Experience
Nevada Power Co. v. 3 Kids, LLC, 302 P.3d 1155 (July 3, 2013). Affirmed. REAL PROPERTY-Eminent Domain. Jury was permitted to consider restrictions imposed on property by county setback when determining fair market value.
Daisy Trust v. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., 445 P.3d 846 (July 25, 2019). Affirmed. REAL PROPERTY-Mortgages and Deeds of Trust. Freddie Mac did not need to be the beneficiary of record to establish its ownership interest in property sold at foreclosure sale.
Amaral v. Shull, 373 P.3d 890 (March 21, 2011). Affirmed. COMMERCIAL LAW-Damages. Award of $40,000 in punitive damages was supported by the evidence in seller’s action against buyer of motor home.
Flores v. Las Vegas-Clark County Library District, 432 P.3d 173 (December 13, 2018). Affirmed. GOVERNMENT-Weapons. Senate bill governing firearms regulation by the legislature did not preempt library district from banning possession of firearms on its premises.
Pizarro-Ortega v. Cervantes-Lopez, 396 P.3d 783 (June 22, 2017). Affirmed. TORTS-Discovery. Rule requiring pretrial disclosure of “computation of any category of damages claimed” applied to claim for future medical expenses.
Torres v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., 317 P.3d 828 (January 30, 2014). Affirmed. LITIGATION-Interest. There was no statutory authorization for award of compound interest on judgment.
Alotaibi v. State, 404 P.3d 761 (November 9, 2017). Affirmed. CRIMINAL JUSTICE-Lesser Included Offenses. Statutory seduction was not lesser included offense of sexual assault with a minor.
Sweat v. 8th Judicial District Court in & for County of Clark, 403 P.3d 353 (October 5, 2017). Affirmed. CRIMINAL JUSTICE-Double Jeopardy. Defendant waived his right to be free from multiple prosecutions for domestic violence by failing to follow terms of plea agreement.
Rodriquez v. State, 273 P.3d 845 (April 5, 2012). Affirmed. CRIMINAL JUSTICE-Evidence. Text messages from victim’s cellular telephone following sexual assault was not properly authenticated.
Memberships & Affiliations
State Bar of Texas
Austin Bar Association
Austin Young Lawyers Association
Admissions
State of Nevada, 1996
United States District Court, District of Nevada, 1996
Matthew’s practice focuses on civil litigation, with extensive experience at both the trial and appellate level handling a broad variety of consumer and corporate litigation.
Matthew has represented numerous companies and individuals, successfully prosecuting and defending multimillion dollar contract, real estate, and personal injury disputes, throughout Texas. Matthew has defended cases involving breach of contract, asset purchase agreements, anti-trust allegations, trade secret misappropriation, fiber optic cable directional bore work, masonry and HVAC work, foundation work, and other construction defect claims. He has successfully worked on appellate matters in the Texas First, Third, and Fourteenth Courts of Appeals, as well as in the Texas Supreme Court. With a strong work ethic, Matthew maintains high standards for and takes pride in any finished work product, leaving no stone unturned throughout his representation.
Education
University of Texas at Austin – J.D., 2015
University of Denver – B.A., magna cum laude, 2012
Recognitions & Distinctions
Outstanding Memorandum Award for Law School Section, resulting in membership in The Legal Research Board
Representative Experience
Obtained complete defense verdict as second chair in trial representing a hotel property management company in suit by injured patron during hotel pipe leak.
Obtained summary judgment for a law firm sued for tortious interference with contract.
Obtained summary judgment for HOA in declaratory judgment / deed restriction claim.
Obtained summary judgment for university sued by student for BOC, fraud, and IIED.
Obtained ruling striking damages expert in construction defect case resulting in damages model being cut by approximately $10 million.
Successful defense of US Subsidiary of Japanese Corporation in anti-trust and contractual interference suit, defeating antitrust allegations in SJ proceedings, resulting in six figure settlement.
Prosecution of complex arbitration / high-dollar contract dispute, resulting in six figure settlement.
Successful defense of South Korean subsidiary corporation in high-dollar contract dispute to satisfactory settlement, including overturning default judgment via a Restricted Appeal.
Prosecution of high-profile Civil Rights 1983 Claim to settlement; successfully defending MTD for qualified immunity.
Representation of property owners in multi-million dollar dispute with Developer; successfully defended Developer mandamus appeals to Third COA and Texas Supreme Court.
Memberships & Affiliations
Member of the Austin Bar
Member of the Texas Young Lawyers Association
Member of the Litigation Section of the Texas Bar
The Review of Litigation (Staff Editor Vol. 33; Associate Editor Vol. 34)
Abigail has defended General Contractors and Subcontractors involving construction defect matters throughout Central and South Texas. She’s also represented defendants regarding commercial disputes, personal injury, premises liability, and product liability matters. Abigail is experienced in all aspects of litigation in federal and state courts and arbitration. In her career, Abigail has gained extensive courtroom experience and successfully briefed, argued motions, and handled depositions and trial preparation.
Before moving to Austin, Texas, in 2020, Abigail practiced law in Edinburg, Texas as a Criminal Defense Attorney, representing clients in various cases ranging from misdemeanors to felonies.
Education
Michigan State University College of Law – J.D., 2016
University of Texas at Austin – B.A. Spanish Literature and History, 2012
Memberships & Affiliations
Austin Young Lawyers Association
Travis County Women’s Bar Association
Construction Law Section of the State Bar of Texas
Texas Bar College
Admissions
State Bar of Texas (2017)
United States District Court: Western District of Texas
Bianca Cedrone focuses her practice on defending personal injury claims including, catastrophic injury and wrongful death claims. She has extensive experience in defending: trucking and commercial motor vehicle accidents, product liability, premises liability, construction site injuries, construction defects, automobile accidents, and Texas Non-Subscriber claims. Bianca believes in taking an efficient approach to litigating cases, being responsive to clients, and putting forth an aggressive defense in a cost-efficient manner.
Bianca has represented numerous businesses and individuals in wrongful death and catastrophic injury claims, including premises owners, product designers and manufacturers, general contractors and subcontractors, trucking companies, and hotels. Bianca has defended cases involving road construction, electrical system installation, HVAC and plumbing work, and construction defect claims. Other cases include defending businesses from subrogation or contribution claims in property damage situations and claims against nonsubscription employers.
Education
South Texas College of Law – J.D., 2012
– Law Review Journal
– Dean’s Merit Scholarship
– CALI Award for Excellence in Study of Comparative Family Law
University of Texas at Austin – B.A., 2008
Representative Experience
First chair in Zoom trial resulting in favorable defense verdict for client.
Second chair in trial resulting in complete defense verdict for trucking company and its driver.
Obtained summary judgment on claims of premises liability, negligent activity, negligence and gross negligence on behalf of client.
Obtained dismissal of all claims on the date of trial by successfully demonstrating Plaintiff’s lack of standing and damages to the court.
Successfully defended claims brought against an auto body shop for alleged property damage and conversion in consumer arbitration, obtained a monetary award on behalf of client, and further defeated the claimants’ attempts to modify said arbitration award.
Obtained a summary judgment in Western District Court on behalf of national retail outlet for premises liability claim.
Obtained summary judgment in dog-bite case.
Obtained favorable ruling on a federal Motion to Remand to State Court based on diversity.
Obtained voluntary dismissals of parties in multiple cases as a result of filing Motions for Summary Judgment.
Before joining Cokinos Young, Rebekah defended manufacturers, distributors, and premises owners in a variety of premises liability, product liability and toxic tort litigation involving catastrophic injury and wrongful death. Rebekah is experienced in all aspects of litigation in federal and state courts and administrative proceedings from initial responses, discovery, and case strategy to drafting motions, conducting depositions, and trial preparation.
Education
St. Mary’s University School of Law – J.D., 2018
Baylor University – B.A., 2014
Recognitions & Distinctions
Best Lawyers – Ones to Watch 2022 – 2023: Administrative / Regulatory Law
Brian Pounds is an attorney in Cokinos | Young’s Austin office. His practice focuses primarily on construction and commercial litigation. Prior to joining the firm, Brian served as a judicial intern for the Honorable David Hittner, Judge, of the Southern District of Texas, the Honorable Jerry Zimmerer, Justice, of the Fourteenth Court of Appeals of Texas, and worked at a boutique appellate firm handing complex federal and state appeals. Additionally, while attending the University of Houston Law Center, Brian was involved with a number of organizations, including the Houston Business and Tax Law Journal, the Legal Writing Fellows, the Mock Trial Team, and the Moot Court Team, where he received an award for Second Best Brief and Second Best Advocate at the ABA National Appellate Advocacy Competition Regional.
Brian’s uniquely diverse experience allows him to navigate and neutralize the complex challenges presented by construction and commercial litigation.
Education
University of Houston Law Center – J.D., cum laude, 2021
– Houston Business and Tax Law Journal, Article Editor
– Legal Writing Fellow (2020-2021)
– Second Best Advocate and Second Best Brief – ABA National Appellate Advocacy Competition, Regional
– Teaching Assistant, Civil Procedure, Professor Lonny Hoffman (Fall 2020)
– Teaching Assistant, Constitutional Law, Professor Theodore Rave (Spring 2021)
Arizona State University – B.A. Political Science, 2017
Recognitions & Distinctions
2021 National Scribes Award for Excellence in Legal Writing
Christian C. Trevino is an attorney in Cokinos | Young’s Austin office. Raised around his family’s construction business, Christian brings a unique background and firsthand experience of construction law. His practice focuses primarily on construction law and commercial litigation. Christian’s experience covers a variety of areas including mechanic’s liens, construction defect cases, contract and payment disputes, and contract negotiations.
Christian received his bachelor’s degree in Economics from Texas A&M University and his law degree from the University of Texas School of Law where he was President of the Texas Business Law Society, an editor for the Texas Journal of Oil, Gas, and Energy Law, and a leader in the Texas Law Society and Dean’s Fellow Program.
Education
University of Texas School of Law – J.D., 2020
– Texas Business Law Society, President
– Texas Journal of Oil, Gas, and Energy Law, Staff Editor
– Texas Law Society and Dean’s Fellow Program, Society Leader
Texas A&M University – B.S., Economics, magna cum laude, 2017
– 12th Man Student Foundation, President
– Texas A&M Student Senate, Senator
– Transportation Services Advisory Committee
Recognitions & Distinctions
Dean’s Achievement Award in Texas Venture Labs Practicum
Memberships & Affiliations
Austin Bar Association: Construction Law Section
Austin Young Lawyers Association
State Bar of Texas: Construction Law Section, Litigation Section
University of Texas School of Law Steering Committee
Associated General Contractors of America, Diversity and Inclusion Committee
Clients embroiled in bet-the-company appeals and high-stakes litigation call on Dana for the type of broad and deep experience that an experienced and savvy appellate lawyer can bring. A board-certified appellate specialist, Dana is recognized as one of the premier appellate practitioners in the state, with particular expertise before the Fifth Circuit and the Supreme Court of Texas. A former Law Clerk for the Fifth Circuit and a former Staff Attorney at the Supreme Court of Texas, Dana is equally fluent in both state and federal appellate matters.
During her more-than-30-year, Dana’s wide-ranging experience in appellate advocacy and complex legal issues covers a diverse range of substantive law. Known for her ability to weave creative problem-solving with the meticulous analysis that the appellate process demands, she frequently works with trial counsel on strategy, key discovery disputes, legal motions, crafting and arguing the jury charge, and error preservation during and after trial to achieve an early litigation victory or lay the groundwork for a successful appeal or mandamus.
Because of her extensive appellate expertise, Dana was appointed by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization to serve on its Civil Appellate Examination Commission for six years. Dana is also an Adjunct Professor of Law at the University of Texas School of Law where she has taught Appellate Advocacy for many years.
On the national stage, the American Bar Association selected Dana as the Editor in Chief of the two-volume multi-jurisdictional appellate practice guide, the Appellate Practice Compendium, and to author the Fifth Circuit chapter of that book. Dana is a sought-after speaker at CLE programs on a wide range of appellate practice topics.
Dana entered private practice with the Houston office of Vinson & Elkins LLP and was a partner for 15 years with the Austin office of the appellate boutique Alexander Dubose Jefferson & Townsend LLP where she was the managing partner. She has been Board Certified in Civil Appellate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 1995.
Education
University of Texas School of Law – J.D., with honors, 1990
– Texas Law Review (1988-90), Executive Editor (1989-90)
University of Texas at Austin – B.A., with high honors, 1987
Recognitions & Distinctions
Chambers USA: Ranked Lawyer in Texas Litigation: Appellate (2022)
United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, Law Clerk (1990–1991)
Supreme Court of Texas, Staff Attorney (1996–1998)
Texas Board of Legal Specialization, Civil Appellate Examination Commission (2004–2010)
University of Texas School of Law, Adjunct Professor, Appellate Advocacy (2000-05, 2007, 2022–present)
Best Lawyers in America: Appellate Law (2008–present)
Selected for inclusion in Thomson Reuters Super Lawyers Texas in Appellate Practice (2003–present)
Board Certified in Civil Appellate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization (1995–present)
Speaking Engagements & Presentations
Under-Utilized Procedural Tools—How to Make Use of Rule 166(g) Motions, Rule 62.1 Indicative Rulings, and Rule 54(b) Judgments, in UNIV. OF TEX. 33RD ANNUAL CONF. ON STATE AND FEDERAL APPEALS (2012) (speaker & author)
Jury Charge in Construction Cases, in State Bar of Tex., Prof. Dev. Program, 35th Annual Construction Law Conference (2022)
Certification of Questions to State Courts, in Appellate Judges Education Institute Summit (2021) (panel moderator)
Seeking Rehearing: Don’t Banc on It, in STATE BAR OF TEX. PROF. DEV. PROG., HANDLING YOUR FIRST (OR NEXT) FIFTH CIRCUIT APPEAL (2020) (co-presenter with Fifth Circuit Judge Jennifer Walker Elrod & author)
Federal Court Certification of State Law Questions: Lessons from Other Circuits, in UNIV. OF TEX. 26TH ANNUAL CONF. ON STATE AND FEDERAL APPEALS (2020)
Interview with Fifth Circuit Judge Don Willett, in UNIV. OF TEX. 28TH ANNUAL CONF. ON STATE AND FEDERAL APPEALS (2018)
Fifth Circuit Panel & En Banc Rehearing: Strategies & Voting Patterns, in UNIV. OF TEX. 27TH ANNUAL CONF. ON STATE AND FEDERAL APPEALS (2017) (co-presenter)
Fifth Circuit En Banc, in UNIV. OF TEX. 26TH ANNUAL CONF. ON STATE AND FEDERAL APPEALS (2016) (co-presenter with Fifth Circuit Judge Jennifer Walker Elrod)
From Volkswagen to Crystal Power to RadMax: The Changing Landscape of Mandamus in the Fifth Circuit, in UNIV. OF TEX. 24TH ANNUAL CONF. ON STATE AND FEDERAL APPEALS (2014) (speaker & author)
Federal Interlocutory Appeals and Mandamus, in UNIV. OF TEX. 23RD ANNUAL CONF. ON STATE AND FEDERAL APPEALS (2013) (speaker & author)
Fifth Circuit Voting Patterns, in STATE BAR OF TEX. PROF. DEV. PROGRAM, 20TH ANNUAL ADVANCED CIVIL APPELLATE PRACTICE COURSE (2011) (speaker & author)
Competing Visions of the Role of an Appellate Court: Internal Struggle at the Fifth Circuit, Houston Bar Association Appellate Section Luncheon (2009) (speaker)
Preserving Error for Appeal, AUSTIN BAR ASSOCIATION,ULTIMATE TRIAL NOTEBOOK SEMINAR (2009) (panelist)
Anatomy of an Appeal Part 2: Persuasion, ABA/YLD TELECONFERENCE (2009) (co-presenter)
Oral Argument: Anticipating and Handling the Tough Questions at the Supreme Court of Texas, in UNIV. OF TEX. 18TH ANNUAL CONF. ON STATE AND FEDERAL APPEALS APPEALS (2008) (co-presenter)
How to Make Yourself Indispensable at Trial, in STATE BAR OF TEX. PROF. DEV. PROGRAM, 20TH ANNUAL ADVANCED CIVIL APPELLATE PRACTICE COURSE (2006) (panelist)
For the Record: Judicial Notice on Appeal, in UNIV. OF TEX. 16TH ANNUAL CONF. ON STATE AND FEDERAL APPEALS (2006) (co-presenter & co-author)
Fifth Circuit Clerk’s Rules and Procedures You Should Know, But No One Ever Told You, in UNIV. OF TEX. 15TH ANNUAL CONF. ON STATE AND FEDERAL APPEALS (2005) (co-presenter with Clerk of the Fifth Circuit, Fritz Fulbruge)
Jury Charge and Other Error Preservation Hot Topics, in AUSTIN BAR ASSOCIATION ULTIMATE TRIAL NOTEBOOK SEMINAR (2005) (panelist)
Fifth Circuit Internal Operating Procedures Beyond the I.O.P.s, in STATE BAR OF TEX. PROF. DEV. PROGRAM, 18TH ANNUAL ADVANCED CIVIL APPELLATE PRACTICE COURSE (2004) (speaker & author)
Interlocutory Appeals and Mandamus in Federal Court, in UNIV. OF TEX. 14TH ANNUAL CONF. ON STATE AND FEDERAL APPEALS (2004) (speaker & author)
Threshold Forum Issues, in STATE BAR OF TEX. PROF. DEV. PROG., 26TH ANNUAL ADVANCED CIVIL TRIAL COURSE (2003) (speaker & co-author)
The Supervening Decision Doctrine, in UNIV. OF TEX. 13TH ANNUAL CONF. ON STATE AND FEDERAL APPEALS (2003) (speaker & author)
Permissive Interlocutory Appeals in State Court, in TRAVIS COUNTY BAR ASS’N BENCH–BAR CONF. (2003) (speaker & author)
Interlocutory Appeals, in TRAVIS COUNTY BAR ASS’N BENCH–BAR CONF. (2003) (speaker)
Permissive Interlocutory Appeals in State Court, in UNIV. OF TEX. 12TH ANNUAL CONF. ON STATE AND FEDERAL APPEALS (2002) (speaker & author)
Briefing to the Intermediate Courts of Appeals: State and Federal, in STATE BAR OF TEX. PROF. DEV. PROG.,NUTS & BOLTS OF APPELLATE PRACTICE (2001) (speaker & author)
Fifth Circuit Internal Operating Procedures Beyond the I.O.P.s, in UNIV. OF TEX. 11TH ANNUAL CONF. ON STATE AND FEDERAL APPEALS (2001) (speaker & co-author)
Federal Interlocutory Appeals and Mandamus, in UNIV. OF TEX. 10TH ANNUAL CONF. ON STATE AND FEDERAL APPEALS (2000) (speaker & author)
Preparing and Preserving Error in the Jury Charge, in UNIV. OF TEX. CONF. ON PROCEDURE AND EVIDENCE (2000) (speaker & author)
Practice Before the Third Court of Appeals, in TRAVIS COUNTY BAR ASS’N BENCH–BAR CONF. (2000) (panel moderator)
Cases Pending Before the Supreme Court of Texas, inTRAVIS COUNTY BAR ASS’N CIVIL APPELLATE SEMINAR (1999) (speaker & author)
Ten Things You Ought to Know About Practicing in the Fifth Circuit, AUSTIN BAR ASS’N CIVIL APPELLATE LAW SECTION LUNCHEON (1998) (speaker & author)
Perfecting the Appeal and Appellate Motion Practice, in STATE BAR OF TEX. PROF. DEV. PROG., APPELLATE PRACTICE INSTITUTE (1998) (speaker & author)
Practice Before the Supreme Court of Texas, in STATE BAR OF TEX. PROF. DEV. PROG., APPELLATE PRACTICE INSTITUTE (1998) (speaker & co-author)
A Comparison of State and Federal Appellate Practice, in STATE BAR OF TEX. PROF. DEV. PROG., APPELLATE PRACTICE INSTITUTE (1998) (speaker & co-author)
Publications
Editor-in-Chief, Appellate Practice Compendium (ABA 2012)
Comparison of State and Federal Appellate Practice, in STATE BAR OF TEX. PROF. DEV. PROG., APPELLATE BOOT CAMP (2009) (co-author)
A Comparison of State and Federal Appellate Practice, in STATE BAR OF TEX. PROF. DEV. PROG., APPELLATE BOOT CAMP (2008) (co-author)
Insider’s Guide to Fifth Internal Procedures, in Fifth Circuit Ultimate Practice Guide: What Every State-Court Practitioner Needs to Know About Practicing in the Fifth Circuit, in STATE BAR OF TEX. PROF. DEV. PROG., APPELLATE BOOT CAMP (2005) (author)
Nuts and Bolts of Fifth Circuit Practice, in UNIV. OF TEX. 9TH ANNUAL CONF. ON STATE AND FEDERAL APPEALS (1998) (co-author)
Texas Supreme Court Update, in STATE BAR OF TEX. PROF. DEV. PROG., 14TH ANNUAL LITIGATION UPDATE INSTITUTE (1998) (co-author)
Interlocutory Remedies in State Court, in UNIV. TEX. 21ST ANNUAL PAGE KEETON PRODUCTS LIABILITY AND PERSONAL INJURY LAW CONF. (1997) (co-author)
Fifth Circuit Update, in STATE BAR OF TEX. PROF. DEV. PROGRAM, 10TH ANNUAL ADVANCED CIVIL APPELLATE PRACTICE COURSE (1996) (co-author)
The Court’s Charge, in STATE BAR OF TEX. PROF. DEV. PROG., 16TH & 15TH ANNUAL ADVANCED CIVIL TRIAL COURSE (1993 & 1992) (co-author)
Jury Charge in State and Federal Court, in STATE BAR OF TEX. PROF. DEV. PROG., 9TH ANNUAL ADVANCED PERSONAL INJURY LAW COURSE (1993) (co-author)
Memberships & Affiliations
American Bar Association
– Council of Appellate Lawyers, Judicial Division
– Publications Committee (Editor of Appellate Practice Compendium)(2008-14)
– Rules Committee, Member (2008-14)
Texas State Bar
– Appellate Practice & Advocacy Section
– Section Member (1991-present)
– Interaction with Judges Committee (2018-2019)
– Appellate Advocate, Editor (2019-2022), Associate Editor (1996-97, 2003-06)
– Electronic Publications Committee, Member (1996-97)
– Annual Meeting Planning Committee, Member (2003)
– Pattern Jury Charge Committee, General Negligence and Intentional Personal Torts, Member (2004-06)
– Plain Language Committee, TYLA Liaison (1994-95)
– Texas Bar Foundation, Fellow (1995-present)
– Texas Bar Journal, Editorial Board (1995-98)
– Texas Bar Journal Committee, Member (1995-98)
Austin Bar Association
– Appellate Section, Chair (2003-04)
– Austin Young Lawyers Association: AYLA Board of Directors (2003-04); Treasurer (2002-03); Secretary (2001-02); Director (2000-01)
– Austin Lawyer, Editor of AYLA Section (1999-2003)
– Judicial Affairs Committee, Co-Chair (1998-2003)
– Publications Committee, Co-Chair (1999-2003)
– Supreme Team Committee, Co-Chair (1998-99)
– VoTexas Committee, Member (1998-99)
– Nominated for Outstanding Young Lawyer of Austin (2000)
University of Texas Annual Conference on State and Federal Appeals:
– Planning Committee Member (2002-present)
– Presiding Officer (2003, 2005-2007, 2010)
Bar Association of the Fifth Federal Circuit
Admissions
United States Supreme Court
United States Courts of Appeals for the Third, Fifth, Eighth, Ninth & Eleventh Circuits
United States District Courts: Northern, Eastern, Southern & Western Districts of Texas
Lauren is a trial lawyer who brings her experience and judgment to help clients obtain the best resolution of their issues, whether that means vigorously protecting those interests in the courtroom or working collaboratively to reach common-sense solutions. Lauren’s practice focuses on representing clients in all phases of litigation, including mediation, trial, and appeals. She has represented a wide variety of clients, including public entities, commercial enterprises, employers, and insurance companies. Her wide breadth of knowledge helps guide her clients through the often unfamiliar waters of litigation and negotiation. In recognition of these skills, Lauren was selected as a Rising Star for 2018 to 2021.
In addition to an earned reputation as a skilled and effective advocate, Lauren is licensed before the United States Patent and Trademark Office and counsels clients on a broad range of patent and trademark matters, including intellectual property portfolio management, brand protection and infringement litigation. Along with her trial and intellectual property work, Lauren excels at counseling clients regarding the formation of business entities, including partnerships, limited liability companies, professional entities, and non-profits. Lauren routinely advises clients on business operations, helping them grow effectively and making sure their assets are protected.
Lauren also gives back to her community and the next generation of young lawyers. She sits as an adjunct professor at the University of Texas School of Law where she teaches advocacy skills and theory to law students, coaches the interscholastic mock trial team and recently guided her team to a National Championship in Spring 2021. She also serves as a Sexual Assault Victim Right’s Advocate for SAFE Place Austin, helping survivors of sexual assault navigate their options in both the community and the legal system. In 2021, she was elected as a Texas Bar Foundation Fellow based on her outstanding contributions to the legal profession as well as commitment to her community.
Education
University of Texas School of Law – J.D., with honors, 2011
Texas A&M University – B.S. Chemistry, 2006
Recognitions & Distinctions
Texas Bar Foundation Fellow
Best Lawyers – Ones to Watch 2023: Intellectual Property Law & Litigation – Labor and Employment
2018 – 2021 Texas Rising Stars by Thomson Reuters
Representative Experience
Successfully defends clients from unmeritorious defamation lawsuits by obtaining dismissals under the Texas Citizens Participation Act (“TCPA”).
Represents local government entities in Chapter 1205 bond validation suits, obtaining validation of hundreds of millions of dollars in public financing, including extensive work with the Attorney General of the State of Texas to reach appropriate final declaratory judgments.
Represents clients in litigation and administrative proceedings involving contracts, permitting, and federal civil rights claims for cities and other governmental entities.
Represents clients in contract and tort claims, including allegations of fraud and misrepresentation, tortious interference with a contract, and personal injury in cases involving private industries –from electric utilities to oil & gas to telecommunications to specialized manufacturing.
Represents public and private employers in employment litigation and pre-litigation administrative proceedings, including wage-hour disputes, and discrimination and harassment claims.
Represents local businesses in resolving copyright and trademark disputes, licensing agreements, and entity formation.
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