Sarah is a top-rated attorney with extensive experience representing corporate and individual clients at trial and on appeal. Her practice spans a wide range of complex matters, including commercial litigation, transportation and trucking matters, products liability, construction disputes, breach of fiduciary duty, professional liability and legal malpractice, negligence, and other serious personal injury and wrongful death cases. Sarah regularly handles appellate matters and complex legal issues arising from trial court proceedings. She has represented plaintiffs and defendants in state and federal courts and in arbitration proceedings.
Sarah is a Qualified Mediator pursuant to Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code §§ 154.052(a) and 154.052(b) (family) and is admitted to practice law in Texas and California.
A native Texan, Sarah lived in the Rio Grande Valley for nearly a decade before returning to the Austin area in 2011. She has remained actively involved in the legal profession through continuing legal education presentations and has volunteered with the Center for Human Rights & Constitutional Law. Earlier in her career, Sarah worked in public service and politics, including roles as a Legislative Aide to United States Congressman Lloyd Doggett in Washington, D.C.
Outside of her practice, Sarah enjoys running.
Education
University of Texas School of Law – J.D. with honors, 1999
Texas Lutheran University – B.A. Political Science, magna cum laude, 1996
Recognitions & Distinctions
Named a Texas Super Lawyer in Civil Litigation: Defense by Thomson Reuters (2023–2025)
Fewer than 5% of attorneys in the state are selected annually
AV Preeminent® Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell, the highest rating possible
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® for Commercial Litigation (2021–2026)
Named a Texas Super Lawyers® Rising Star in Civil Litigation by Thomson Reuters
The top 2.5% of attorneys in the state who are 40 or younger, or in practice for 10 years or less
Representative Experience
Lead appellate counsel affirming summary judgment in Sookdial v. Valley Land Title Company, Ltd., No. 13-23-00303-CV, 2025 WL 718715 (Tex.App.—Corpus Christi-Edinburg Mar 6, 2025).
Lead appellate counsel in defense of dismissal, successfully resolved on eve of oral argument, in Cohrs v. Agrilogic Insurance Services, LLC, No. 24-40493 (5th Cir.).
Lead appellate counsel affirming summary judgment in Benson v. Fiesta Nissan, Inc., No. 13-20-00516-CV, 2023 WL 5520823 (Tex.App.—Corpus Christi-Edinburg Aug 27, 2023, no pet.).
Lead counsel in trial court and on appeal, securing and affirming Rule 91a dismissal in Brickley v. Reed, No. 03-22-00453-CV, 2023 WL 2376127 (Tex.App.—Austin Mar 7, 2023).
Lead counsel in trial court and on appeal, securing and affirming summary judgment via Bill of Review in Bock v. State Farm Mut. Ins. Co. of Texas, 675 S.W.3d 36 (Tex.App.—San Antonio 2023, no pet.).
Lead counsel in trial court and on appeal, overturning $13 million default judgment in Propel Fin. Servs., LLC v. Conquer Land Utils., LLC, 579 S.W.3d 485 (Tex.App.—Corpus Christi 2019, pet. denied).
Appellate attorney in affirmance of trial verdict in Chavez v. State Farm Lloyds, 746 Fed.Appx. 337 (5th Cir. 2018).
Appellate attorney in affirmance of dismissal based on forum non conveniens at the Texas Supreme Court in In re Oceanografia, S.A. de C.V., 494 S.W.3d 728 (Tex. 2016).
Lead counsel in trial court and on appeal, securing dismissal in Head v. Las Vegas Sands, LLC, et al., 760 Fed. Appx. 281 (5th Cir. 2019) and 298 F.Supp.3d 963 (S.D.Tex. 2018)
First chair in defense of client bank at arbitration related to alleged breach of loan agreement, damages in excess of $20 million. Arbitration panel ruled in favor of client and awarded fees.
Co-chair for defendant in federal bad faith insurance jury trial, successfully resolved during trial.
Second chair for plaintiff in jury trial with verdict of approximately $6.5 million on behalf of distributor against manufacturer, for breach of contract and related claims.
Second chair at arbitration for defendant and counter-plaintiff, complex commercial claims related to asset purchase agreement, resulting in arbitration award of damages and fees in favor of client.
Trial team member representing major Texas law firm in defense of claims for legal malpractice brought by former clients alleging multiple millions in damages, complete defense verdict upheld on appeal.
Secured summary judgment for national non-profit organization against claims made by former employee who was fired for financial improprieties and related criminal investigation and theft charges.
Speaking Engagements & Presentations
Legal Malpractice – State Bar of Texas Advanced Civil Trial (Dallas), October 2025
Malpractice and Ethics Update – TADC Spring Meeting (Louisville), April 2025
Hello From the Other Side! Lessons learned defending claims and grievances against attorneys – Private client firm retreat presentation (Austin), November 2024
New Texas Business Court – State Bar of Texas CLE Webcast, August 2024, with Kennon Wooten and Marcy Greer
Hot Topics in Insurance Law – TADC Summer Meeting (Lake Tahoe), July 2024
Saddle Up! We Mean Business (Court)! – Austin Bar Association Civil Litigation Section, May 2024
Saddle Up! We Mean Business (Court)! – State Bar of Texas Women and the Law CLE, May 2024
Let’s Grow Together – Development and Communications with Young Attorneys – TADC Annual Meeting (Horseshoe Bay), September 2024, with Dania Sadi
A Day in Federal Court – Trial – Western District of Texas Federal Court Practice Seminar, May 2023
Defeating the Reptile – TADC Winter Meeting (Steamboat Springs), January 2023
Service Through Social Media and New Amended Rules – San Antonio Trial Lawyers Association Annual CLE (San Antonio), September 2022
Insurance Update – State Bar of Texas Advanced Civil Trial CLE (Dallas), July 2022
Avoiding Legal Malpractice – State Bar of Texas Collections and Creditors’ Rights CLE (San Antonio), May 2022
Insurance Update – State Bar of Texas Annual Litigation Update CLE (San Antonio), January 2022
Texas Supreme Court 2021 – Insurance Decisions: Shifting the Playing Field – State Bar of Texas Insurance Section Annual CLE (San Antonio), August 2021
Changes to Texas Rules of Civil Procedure – Austin Bar Association Civil Litigation Section, May 2021, with Judge Stephen Yelenosky
Rules Update – State Bar of Texas Damages in Civil Litigation (San Antonio), February 2021, with Anne Johnson and Kennon Wooten
Memberships & Affiliations
Texas Bar Foundation Fellow and District 9 Nominating Committee Member
Austin Bar Foundation Fellow
Texas Association of Defense Counsel – District 10 Director
State Bar of Texas
Women and the Law Section Council Member and Executive Committee
Litigation Section Member
Texas Association of Defense Counsel (TADC)
Austin Bar Association
Civil Litigation Section
Board Member
Executive Committee
Hidalgo County Bar Association
Cameron County Bar Association
Texas Bar College
American Bar Association
Professional Liability Committee
Litigation Section
Admissions
State Bar of Texas (1999)
State Bar of California (2001)
United States District Courts: Northern, Eastern, Southern, and Western Districts of Texas
United States District Courts: Central District of California
United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
Chris Ross is an attorney in the Austin office of Cokinos | Young. His practice centers on construction and commercial litigation in state and federal courts. He primarily represents clients in the construction industry broadly, handling both commercial and residential project disputes involving contracts, delays, defects, payment issues, liens, and related business claims. He also represents clients in commercial litigation and breach of contract matters across a variety of industries.
Chris’s experience includes products and premises liability, business litigation, real estate disputes, employment matters, personal injury litigation, and intellectual property disputes involving trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. He guides clients through all phases of litigation, from early case assessment and strategy through written discovery, depositions, dispositive motions, mediation, and trial, and works aggressively to secure the best possible outcome.
Chris received his J.D. from Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law, where he served as Associate Managing Editor of the SMU Law Review, externed for the Northern District of Texas, competed in moot court competitions, and worked as a licensed student attorney in the SMU Civil Clinic.
Chris enjoys spending time in the Texas Hill Country and running around Lady Bird Lake.
Education
SMU Dedman School of Law – J.D., 2018
Houston Christian University – B.A. History, 2015
Judicial Experience
Judicial Extern to the Honorable Terry R. Means, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas
Memberships & Affiliations
Texas Young Lawyers Association
Austin Bar Association
American Bar Association
Young Lawyers Division & Forum on Construction Law
Austin Young Lawyers Association
Associated Builders and Contractors
State Bar of Texas
Litigation Section
Construction Section
Admissions
State Bar of Texas (2018)
United States District Courts: Northern, Eastern, Southern, and Western Districts of Texas
Holton has experience assisting individuals and businesses in a wide range of matters, including commercial litigation, construction claims, employment matters, oil and gas litigation, insurance defense, and fiduciary litigation. Holton’s state and federal court experience spans across multiple states, including Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. Holton grew up in a small town outside of Fort Worth, Texas before attending Texas Tech University. While in school, Holton played an active role in several organizations, including the Texas Tech Administrative Law Journal and Student Government Association. While in school, Holton served as a law clerk for multiple district court judges.
Before moving to Austin, Texas, Holton Westbrook practiced across West Texas, representing clients in Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. In his free time, Holton enjoys spending time with his family, hiking, running, and playing sports.
Education
Texas Tech University School of Law – J.D., 2019
Texas Tech University–B.S. Agricultural and Applied Economics, 2016
Recognitions & Distinctions
Texas Bar Foundation Fellow
Speaking Engagements & Presentations
“Negotiating Damages in Construction”, Continuing Legal Education, National Business Institute, July 2025 Speaker
“Ethics for Construction Attorneys”, Continuing Legal Education, National Business Institute, July 2025 Speaker
Memberships & Affiliations
American Bar Association – Young Lawyers Division, District 25 Representative
Texas Young Lawyers Association, Board Liaison
Austin Bar Association
Austin Young Lawyers Association
Admissions
State Bar of Texas (2020)
State Bar of New Mexico (2020)
Oklahoma Bar (2023)
United States District Courts: Northern, Southern, and Western Districts of Texas
United States District Court: District of New Mexico
Community Involvement
Legal Aid of Northwest Texas Board of Directors
Rodeo Austin Committee Member
Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, Scholarship Committee Member
Lina is a results-driven, strategic litigator with experience in commercial, construction, employment, personal injury, and products liability matters. She has experience representing companies, who manufacture, sell, and market prescription and over-the-counter medications, personal care products, and vaccines in mass tort litigations and defending catastrophic personal injury cases. Lina represents self-insured and insured, individuals and corporate clients in state and federal courts. She has extensive experience with the day-to-day management of cases, claim evaluation, pretrial motion practice, assisting company witnesses with deposition preparation, document management, and trial preparation.
Lina values counseling her clients on the various options they have in resolving their claims, and then navigating them through whatever process they choose, whether it be litigation or alternative dispute resolution. Lina also enjoys mediating cases.
Education
Baylor University School of Law – J.D., 2002
University of Texas at Austin – B.A., 1999
Representative Experience
Obtained summary judgments on behalf of product manufacturers, including claims for alleged product defects, negligence, breach of warranty, punitive damages, and attorney’s fees
Obtained dismissal of claims against directors in multi-million dollar case, involving claims of breach of fiduciary duty and conspiracy
Obtained Rule 91a dismissal of claims on behalf of a court-appointed forensic psychologist
Obtained dismissals on behalf of product manufacturer across the U.S. based on lack of personal jurisdiction
Successfully and efficiently resolved personal injury, employment discrimination, residential construction, breach of fiduciary duty, breach of contract, and other commercial disputes through alternative dispute resolution
Served as a member of regional and national counsel teams, defending companies in mass tort litigations, involving pharmaceutical and personal care products
Memberships & Affiliations
State Bar of Texas
Litigation Section
Admissions
State Bar of Texas (2002)
United States District Courts: Northern, Eastern, Southern, and Western Districts of Texas
Jesse is a skilled trial attorney whose practice spans construction litigation, personal injury, products liability, and complex commercial disputes. He brings the same tenacity and strategic precision to every case, whether he is navigating a high-stakes commercial legal dispute or working to protect his client’s interests before a lawsuit is ever filed.
Whether handling a transactional matter, a pre-litigation claim, or an active lawsuit, Jesse is a fierce and tireless advocate who guides his clients every step of the way. He has secured favorable verdicts and critical wins at both the pre-trial and trial stages and consistently delivers outcomes that make a real difference in his clients’ lives and businesses.
That same litigation insight gives Jesse a distinct advantage outside the courtroom as well. His deep understanding of risk management, dispute resolution strategies, and contract enforcement mechanisms enables him to counsel clients on transactional and business matters with an eye toward preventing disputes before they arise and positioning clients for success if a dispute becomes unavoidable.
Jesse is a proud son of South Texas and visits every chance he gets. When he is not advocating for his clients, you can find him spending time with his wife, his two sons, and the family’s beloved Basset Hound. He is also an avid traveler, hiker, and home cook who enjoys music, movies, and cheering on his favorite teams, especially the Texas Longhorns and the Dallas Cowboys.
Education
St. Mary’s University School of Law, J.D., cum laude, 2017
Editor in Chief, St. Mary’s Law Review on Race and Social Justice (2016-2017)
Staff Writer, St. Mary’s Law Review on Race and Social Justice (2015-2016)
Best Brief for Section, Eric Reister Family Award Winner
Dean’s Scholarship Recipient
University of Innsbruck, Austria, Summer 2015
University of Texas at Austin, B.A. Government, 2012
Representative Experience
Represented subcontractor in workplace injury case and obtained summary judgment based on exclusive remedy defense
Represented residential contractors in defect claims and obtained voluntary dismissals after discovery
Represented industrial services company in motor vehicle accident case and obtained summary judgment on multiple causes of action
Part of trial team who obtained defense verdict in Travis County District Court in motor vehicle accident case
Represented contractor in public works construction project and obtained summary judgment in personal injury suit arising from accident on the construction site
Has recovered hundreds of thousands of dollars on behalf of construction industry clients embroiled in complex payment disputes.
Speaking Engagements & Presentations
“Laying the Foundation: Knowing the Differences Between Litigation and Arbitration and the Importance of Mastering the AAA Construction Arbitration Rules” – Cokinos | Young, Spring 2026
Publications
Navigating the Post-Shelby Landscape: Using Universalism to Augment the Remaining Power of the Voting Rights Act, 19 SCHOLAR 217 (2017).
Memberships & Affiliations
State Bar of Texas
Austin Bar Association
Austin Young Lawyers Association
American Bar Association
Phi Delta Phi International Legal Honor Society—San Antonio Tarlton Inn Chapter
State Bar of Texas
Insurance Law Section
Litigation Section
Admissions
State Bar of Texas (2017)
United States District Courts: Northern, Southern, Eastern, and Western Districts of Texas;
United States Bankruptcy Courts: Northern and Southern Districts of Texas
Community Involvement
Texas Appleseed, Mentor in Diversity Legal Scholarship Program
Kristen Maloney is an Austin-based attorney at Cokinos | Young whose practice focuses on labor and employment law, with an emphasis on defending employers in administrative proceedings and workplace disputes. She represents public and private employers before federal agencies such as the EEOC, OSHA, and HUD, as well as state workforce commissions, and regularly advises on issues involving discrimination, retaliation, and whistleblower complaints. She also advises employers on workplace compliance and risk management, including the enforcement and defense of restrictive covenants and the protection of trade secrets. Kristen works proactively with clients and their supervisors, providing training and counseling on evolving employment laws to help prevent workplace issues before they become legal problems.
In addition to her employment practice, Kristen handles a broad range of commercial disputes across industries. She works with businesses and individuals to resolve high-stakes matters efficiently from pre-suit strategy through negotiated resolution, with a focus on practical, client-driven outcomes.
Before attending law school, Kristen served as a Teach for America Corps member, teaching 4th grade in Spring Branch ISD. That experience instilled a commitment to preparation, clear communication, and advocacy that she carries into every client relationship.
Kristen received her J.D. from the University of Houston Law Center in 2022, where she served on the executive boards of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Team and the International Law Society. During law school, she gained hands-on federal court experience through judicial internships with the Honorable Ewing Werlein, Jr. of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas and the Honorable Gregg Costa of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, as well as an internship with the Texas Attorney General’s Office in the Consumer Protection Division.
Education
University of Houston Law Center – J.D., 2022
Houston Journal of Health Law & Policy
Alternative Dispute Resolution Team, Executive Board
International Law Society, Executive Board
Texas A&M University – B.A. Political Science, 2017
Speaking Engagements & Presentations
“2026 DOL Opinion Letters: FLSA and FMLA Compliance Updates,” HR Houston LEGALkwik Spring 2026 Seminar, March 24, 2026
“Social Media Policies and the EEOC,” AGC Houston HR & Safety Professionals Day, October 31, 2024
“Texas’s Enhanced Sexual Harassment Laws: Nearly One Year Later,” HR Houston General Meeting, October 12, 2022
Publications
An Adequate Shift from Inpatient Care or a Kick to the Curb: The Need to Shift Hospitals’ Discharge Criteria from Hospital-Focused to Patient-Driven, HOUS. J. HEALTH L. & POL’Y 1 (2023).
Judicial Experience
Judicial Intern to the Honorable Ewing Werlein, Jr., U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas
Judicial Intern to the Former Judge Gregg Costa, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
Admissions
State Bar of Texas
United States District Court: Southern District of Texas
United States Courts of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
Community Involvement
Bellaire Ducks Unlimited – Past Chairman
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo: World Championship Bar-B-Que Contest – Contestant Supervisor
Bianca Cedrone focuses her practice on defending personal injury claims, including those involving catastrophic injury and wrongful death. She has extensive experience defending against 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 presenting an aggressive, cost-efficient defense.
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 against subrogation or contribution claims arising from property damage 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
Recognitions & Distinctions
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® for Construction Law (2026)
Recognized in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America for Litigation – Construction and Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants (2024–2025)
Representative Experience
Obtained summary judgment on behalf of retail client in premises liability case.
Obtained summary judgment on behalf of client in defamation case.
First chair in Zoom trial resulting in a favorable defense verdict for client.
Second chair in trial resulting in a complete defense verdict for the trucking company and its driver.
Obtained summary judgment on claims of premises liability, negligent activity, negligence, and gross negligence on behalf of the 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 the client, and further defeated the claimants’ attempts to modify said arbitration award.
Obtained a summary judgment in the Western District Court on behalf of a national retail outlet for premises liability claims.
Obtained summary judgment in dog-bite case.
Obtained a 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.
Dana has devoted her entire 35-year career to appellate law, representing clients in high-stakes appeals and complex litigation. A board-certified appellate specialist, a Fellow of the by-invitation-only American Academy of Appellate Lawyers, and an incoming member of the Academy’s Board of Directors, Dana is widely recognized as one of the premier appellate practitioners in the state. She brings particular expertise before the Fifth Circuit and the Supreme Court of Texas—courts she knows from the inside, having served as a Law Clerk for the Fifth Circuit and a Staff Attorney for the Supreme Court of Texas. That dual perspective shapes how she approaches every brief and argument.
Dana’s reputation for excellence has led to leadership roles that few appellate lawyers attain. She currently chairs the American Academy of Appellate Lawyers’ Appellate Rules Task Force and previously served on the Texas Board of Legal Specialization’s Civil Appellate Examination Commission—the committee responsible for writing and grading the state’s specialization exam. She has also served as an Adjunct Professor of Law at the University of Texas School of Law, where she taught Appellate Advocacy for many years—instilling in her students the same rigor and precision she brings to her own practice.
A frequent CLE speaker on appellate practice, Dana is a contributing author for the Texas Practitioner’s Guide to Civil Appeals (Texas Lawyer Books 2019). On the national stage, the American Bar Association selected her as Editor-in-Chief of the two-volume, multi-jurisdictional Appellate Practice Compendium—a distinction that places her among the country’s most recognized appellate authorities.
Dana brings experience across a wide range of substantive areas. Known for weaving creative problem-solving with the meticulous analysis the appellate process demands, she regularly partners with trial counsel on strategy from the earliest stages of litigation—advising on key discovery disputes, dispositive motions, jury-charge preparation and argument, and error preservation during and after trial. That integrated approach positions her clients for success—whether at the trial level or on appeal.
Dana began her career at 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, is Chambers-ranked in Appellate, and has been named one of the “Top 10 Most Influential Texas Appellate Litigators.”
Education
University of Texas School of Law – J.D., with honors, 1990
University of Texas at Austin – B.A., with high honors, 1987
Certifications
Board Certified in Civil Appellate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization (1995–present)
Recognitions & Distinctions
American Academy of Appellate Lawyers–the premier organization for appellate specialists in the United States
United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, Law Clerk (1990–1991)
Supreme Court of Texas, Staff Attorney (1996–1998)
Appointed by the State Bar of Texas and the State Board of Disciplinary Appeals as Special Assistant Disciplinary Counsel on Appeal (1994–1996)
Texas Board of Legal Specialization, Civil Appellate Examination Commission (2004–2010)
University of Texas School of Law, Adjunct Professor of Law, Appellate Advocacy (2000–2007, 2022–2023)
Chambers USA: Ranked Lawyer in Texas Litigation: Appellate (2022–present)
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® for Appellate Practice (2008–present)
Named a Texas Super Lawyer in Appellate Practice by Thomson Reuters (2003–present)
Fewer than 5% of attorneys in the state are selected annually
Named one of the “Top 10 Most Influential Texas Appellate Litigators” (Business Today 2023)
Speaking Engagements & Presentations
New SCOTX Petition for Review Rules: Practical Implications, in State Bar of Tex., Advanced Appellate Practice Course (forthcoming September 2026) (co-presenter with Texas Supreme Court Justice Kyle D. Hawkins)
After Three Decades,Petition-for-Review Practice Undergoes a Radical Transformation, in Univ. of Tex. 36th Annual Conf. on State and Federal Appeals (forthcoming June 2026) (speaker & author)
Stays and Emergency Relief in Federal Appellate Courts, in STATE BAR OF TEX., ADVANCED APPELLATE PRACTICE COURSE (2024) (speaker & author)
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 (2023) (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, in TRAVIS 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 Circuit 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 Academy of Appellate Lawyers
Fellow (by-invitation-only); Board of Directors (2026-28); Chair of Appellate Rules Task Force (2025-present); Planning Committee (2024-25); Eisenberg Prize Committee (2024-2025)
American Bar Association
Council of Appellate Lawyers, Judicial Division
Publications Committee (Editor of Appellate Practice Compendium) (2008–2014)
Rules Committee, Member (2008–2014)
Texas State Bar
Planning Committee for Advanced Appellate Practice Course and 101 Course (2026—present)
United States Courts of Appeals for the First, Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, Ninth, Tenth, Eleventh, Federal, and D.C. Circuits
United States District Courts: Northern, Eastern, Southern, and Western Districts of Texas
Lauren S. Aldredge is a seasoned trial lawyer who brings strategic insight and courtroom experience to her clients across intellectual property, labor and employment, and housing rights matters. As Chair of Cokinos | Young’s Intellectual Property Practice Group, she leads a team of attorneys dedicated to protecting clients’ most valuable intangible assets—their innovations, brands, and creative works.
Lauren’s career has been shaped by her commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for her clients, whether through vigorous trial advocacy or collaborative problem-solving. She has tried cases at every level, from state courts to federal district courts, and has successfully argued before appellate tribunals. Her trial experience spans jury and bench trials, as well as complex evidentiary hearings, and she approaches each matter with the meticulous preparation and persuasive advocacy that win cases.
Lauren is committed to giving back to her community and mentoring the next generation of lawyers. She maintains active involvement in bar associations and professional organizations dedicated to advancing her practice and access to justice.
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
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® for Construction Law (2026)
Named a Texas Super Lawyer in Civil Litigation: Defense by Thomson Reuters (2025)
Fewer than 5% of attorneys in the state are selected annually
Recognized in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America for Intellectual Property Law, Litigation – Intellectual Property, and Litigation – Labor and Employment (2023–2025)
Named a Texas Super Lawyers® Rising Star in Civil Litigation by Thomson Reuters (2018–2021)
The top 2.5% of attorneys in the state who are 40 or younger, or in practice for 10 years or less
Representative Experience
Lauren brings a proven track record across her practice areas:
Represents construction and start up clients in trademark and copyright disputes involving branding, marketing materials, and proprietary designs
Counsels employers through complex workforce restructurings and employment litigation involving confidential business information
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.
Outside general counsel for multiple housing authorities and apartment complexes, advising and handling all matters, including evictions, public information requests, Board governance, and directing housing policy.
Intellectual Property
Represents clients in protecting and enforcing patent portfolios, including technologies related to construction methods, design innovations, and emerging technologies.
Handles intellectual property litigation involving patent infringement, trademark and trade dress disputes, copyright enforcement, and trade secret misappropriation claims.
Successfully defends clients against infringement allegations and pursues claims to protect brand integrity and market position.
Counsels clients on the full spectrum of IP matters, including patent, trademark, and copyright prosecution and litigation.
Labor and Employment
Represents employers in labor and employment disputes involving trade secrets, noncompete agreements, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wage and hour compliance, and wrongful termination claims.
Defends companies in federal and state courts and before administrative agencies, including the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Texas Workforce Commission.
Drafts and negotiates employment agreements, noncompete and non-solicitation provisions, and trade secret protections designed to safeguard proprietary information and key personnel.
Advises construction industry clients on workforce classification, prevailing wage compliance, and employment issues arising from multi-jurisdictional project staffing.
Housing Rights
Represents landlords, property owners, and housing authorities in disputes involving tenant relations, lease enforcement, fair housing compliance, and property access issues.
Serves as outside general counsel to multiple public housing authorities in the Central Texas area.
Advises clients on housing law matters involving board governance, regulatory compliance, and operational risk management.
Navigates complex issues at the intersection of housing regulations, governance requirements, and day-to-day property operations.
Speaking Engagements & Presentations
Adjunct Professor, University of Texas at Austin School of Law, Advocacy Skills and Theory — Since Fall 2021
Memberships & Affiliations
State Bar of Texas
Austin Bar Association
Austin Young Lawyers Association
University of Texas at Austin School of Law, Interscholastic Mock Trial Team Coach — Since 2013
Admissions
Registered Patent Attorney, U.S.P.T.O. (2012)
State Bar of Texas (2011)
Community Involvement
Serves as a Sexual Assault Victim Rights Advocate — SAFE Place Austin
Stephanie Cook has extensive experience with a wide range of business negotiations and disputes, having successfully represented general contractors, banks, insurance companies, owners, developers, and individuals in complex commercial and construction litigation and bankruptcy for over twenty years. She began her career at Winstead P.C. and worked in the Austin and Houston offices, handling lender liability and workouts. She served on its leadership committee before returning to Austin to work at a litigation boutique, handling civil and appellate matters in state and federal courts for insurers, national lending institutions, and construction clients.
Stephanie has successfully negotiated contracts and resolved claims in excess of $1 billion in mission-critical and emerging technology work, including for national and regional Top 20 ENR contractors and leading industry practitioners. She has experience in mission-critical contracting, various project delivery methods, nuclear energy project delivery, project delays, and claim resolution.
Stephanie has settled, tried, or appealed a broad range of commercial and construction cases in state and federal courts in Texas, including delay claims, fraud, construction defects, commercial leases, subcontractor and general contractor disputes, director and officer liability, lender liability, and partnership disputes. She continues representing international and national lending institutions relating to workout, debt restructuring, asset protection, and defaults. Her knowledge of lending practices enables her to assess and protect clients in financially distressed projects.
Her devotion to the construction industry includes representing it before the Texas Legislature on matters critical to its continued success in Texas. She is a member of the Associated General Contractors-Texas Building Branch, Legal Affairs Committee, which monitors developing law affecting the construction industry, and partners with experts in engineering and architecture to understand all aspects of construction, engineering, and design. Frequently, she speaks with professional associations about best practices and the development of law to understand business risks in the construction industry. Her experience also earned her a place on the American Arbitration Association roster for complex commercial and construction litigation.
Stephanie also gives back to the community through leadership.
Education
St. Mary’s School of Law – J.D., magna cum laude, 1999
Order of Barristers
John Harlan Society
Phi Delta Phi Honor Society
St. Mary’s Law Journal, Associate Editor
Texas Tech University – B.A., 1994
Recognitions & Distinctions
Recognized by The Best Lawyers in America® for Commercial Litigation, Construction Law, and Litigation – Construction (2021–2026)
America’s Top 100 Bet-the-Company Litigators (2019–2022)
“Texas Rising Star,” Texas Monthly (2004)
Speaking Engagements & Presentations
Adjunct Professor, University of Texas at Austin School of Law, Arbitration — Spring 2024; Fall 2022; Fall 2021
“The Power and Persuasion of a Lien” — AGC-TBB, June 2023
“DEI Impact Initiatives: Sexual Harassment” — TEXO Association, May 2023
“Contract Drafting and Administration After James v. Westlake” — DBIA Southwest, April 2023
“James v. Westlake”— AGC-TBB, July 2022
OSHA: AGC Austin, June 2022
“SB 45 and Anti-Discrimination” — Client Presentation, August 2021
“Modernizing Commercial Liens – Is HB 2237 Better?” — AGC TBB Legislative Update, July 2021
“Risks and Rewards of Contracting in Texas” — Chambers Events Webinar, June 2021
“Pointers for General Contractors and Design-Builders” — Client Presentation, March 2021
“An Antidote for Construction Defects? The Right to Cure in Public Works and Buildings” — 34th Annual Construction Law Conference, March 2021
“The Impacts of COVID-19 and the November Election on the Construction Industry” — AGC Central Texas, November 2020
“COVID–Where Are We Today?” — TEXO Association, October 2020
“Key Provisions in Construction Contracts” — Client Presentation, February 2020
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