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 a savvy, experienced, and skilled 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 careful intellectual perspective 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 a former Adjunct Professor of Law at the University of Texas School of Law where she taught Appellate Advocacy for many years.
Dana’s devotion to appellate practice caused her to be selected as the Editor in Chief of the two-volume Appellate Practice Compendium, a multi-jurisdictional appellate practice guide published by the American Bar Association 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 appellate boutique, Alexander Dubose Jefferson & Townsend LLP before joining Cokinos | Young. 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 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)
Best Lawyers in America 2008 – 2023: Appellate Law
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
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: 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.
Wilson Stoker is an employment law counselor who is Board Certified in Labor and Employment Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Wilson’s experience allows him to provide companies with practical, proactive advice. He regularly works with management to resolve day-to-day personnel issues such as leave abuse, discipline and termination. Wilson frequently conducts workplace training, and provides compliance assistance in all areas, including harassment investigations, auditing human resources practices, handbook policies and general counsel advice.
Wilson has broad experience representing employers in a wide range of employment lawsuits in state and federal courts and administrative agencies throughout the United States. Wilson has defended businesses in litigation involving FMLA, ADA, FLSA, wage and hour, Title VII harassment, discrimination, and retaliation, as well as state law claims. Wilson has worked with numerous employers to successfully defend DOL, EEOC and TWC complaints and investigations. In addition, Mr. Stoker has particular experience assisting government contractors with all aspects of OFCCP affirmative action compliance including developing and maintaining affirmative action plans.
Wilson drafts, reviews and enforces non-disclosure, non-compete and executive employment agreements for compliance with federal, state and local laws. This includes enforcement of agreements on behalf of companies and individuals through temporary injunctions, restraining orders and litigation.
Wilson is a frequent speaker on hot-button labor and employment law issues, including social media, harassment, and disability accommodations.
During law school, Wilson clerked for the Honorable John M. Manos, U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of Ohio. Prior to law school, he worked as a financial analyst for Lehman Brothers in New York City. Wilson is originally from Buffalo, NY.
Education
Case Western Reserve University – J.D.
– Member, Craven Moot Court Team
– Recipient, “Best Brief Writing” Award, Dunmore Moot Court Competition
Society of Human Resources Management, Austin Chapter (“AHRMA”); Board of Directors (2015, 2019-2020); Vice President Legal and Legislative Affairs Committee (2014-2015, 2018-2019)
Robert W. Calvert American Inn of Court, Barrister
Texas Bar Foundation, Life Fellow
Fairfax Bar Association, Vice Chair, Labor & Employment Section (2008-2009)
Federal Bar Association, Labor and Employment Division.
Austin Bar Association, Labor & Employment Section.
New York State Bar Association, Labor & Employment Section.
Virginia Bar Association, Labor & Employment Section
Admissions
State Bar of Texas
State Bar of New York
Bar of Commonwealth of Virginia
United States Courts of Appeals, Fifth & Eleventh Circuits
United States District Court: Southern & Western Districts of Texas
United States District Court: Eastern & Western Districts of Virginia
United States District Court: Western District of New York
United States District Court: District of Colorado
United States District Court: Eastern District of Michigan
Community Involvement
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (“LLS”); Board of Trustees (2019-present)
Stephanie Cook has extensive experience with a wide range of business disputes, having successfully represented 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 actively served in its leadership committee before moving back to Austin to work in a litigation boutique handling civil and appellate litigation in state and federal courts for insurers, national lending institutions, and construction clients. Stephanie has settled, tried or appealed a broad range of commercial cases in state and federal courts in Texas, from fraud, construction defects, commercial leases, subcontractor and general contractor disputes, director and officer liability, to lender liability and partnership disputes. She continues to represent international and national lending institutions relating to workout, debt restructuring, asset protection, and defaults. Her knowledge of lending practices translates into her ability to assess and protect clients, including contractors, in projects that are financially distressed.
Her devotion to the construction industry includes representing contractors before the Texas Legislature on matters important to continued construction 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 on best practices and developing law to understand business risks within the construction industry. Her experience also earned her acceptance into the American Arbitration Association roster for complex commercial and construction litigation.
Stephanie also gives back to the community through leadership in Scouts, USA (formerly, Boy Scouts of America). She currently serves as the District Chair for the Bee Cave District and has held a variety of leadership positions in the scouting programs in elementary, middle, and high school since 2010. She also participates in the Women’s Symphony League of Austin, a community outreach program designed to provide education on the arts and music to children.
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
America’s Top 100 Bet-the-Company Litigators (2019-2020)
“Texas Rising Star,” Texas Monthly (2004)
2021 Edition of Texas’ Best Lawyers® for Construction Law & Litigation – Construction
Best Lawyers in America 2021 – 2023: Construction Law & Litigation – Construction
Speaking Engagements & Presentations
Adjunct Professor – Fall 2021 – School of Law University of Texas at Austin
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
“Texas Legislative Update,” TCEL / Geoprofessionals Serving Texas, February 2020
Guest Lecturer, Texas State University, Construction Science and Management 2020- present
“COVID–Where Are We Today?” – TEXO Association, October 2020
“Managing Engineering Liability and Risk,” HalfMoon Seminar, January 2019
Guest Lecturer, Texas A&M University, Graduate Program in Engineering 2019- present
“The Successful Use and Presentation of Experts,” The Basics in Construction Law Annual Seminar, December 2018 & December 2019
“Concrete and Contracting Issues,” American Concrete Institute, July 2018
“Meeting the A/E’s Standard of Care,” Houston Engineering Society, February 2018
“Navigating Risks for Geoprofessionals,” TCEL / Geoprofessionals Serving Texas, January 2018
“The Toll of Litigation,” Moderator, Geoprofessional Business Association, October 2017
“Contract Clauses,” National Association of Women in Construction, April 2017
“The Toll of Litigation,” TCEL/Geoprofessionals Serving Texas, Geoprofessionals Case Histories Seminar, February 2017
“You Won! Ten things you did not know when collecting a judgment,” NACM Southwest Credit Exchange, August 2015
Publications
“An Antidote for Construction Defects? The Right to Cure in Public Works and Buildings” – 34th Annual Construction Law Conference, March 2021
“Negotiating a Contract, Clauses, Changes, and Delays,” Construction Executive, July 2017
“Case History Reviews,” Editorial Board, Geoprofessional Business Association, April 2017 – December 2019 (Assist with legal content and editing)
“Texas Groundwater: Reconciling the Rule of Capture with Environmental and Community Demands,” 30 St. Mary’s L.J. 305 (1998)
Memberships & Affiliations
DBIA Southwest Legislative and Legal Affairs Committee
ACE Mentor (Austin) Legal Chair
American Arbitration Association – Roster
Construction and Civil Law Sections, State Bar of Texas
American Bar Association
Austin Bar Association
Travis County Women Lawyers Association
Associated General Contractors (“AGC”)
– AGC-TBB Legal Affairs Committee
– AGC Austin Diversity and Inclusion Committee Chair
CREW Austin Chapter, Past –Committee Member
National Association of Women in Construction, Austin Chapter, Board of Director 2017-2018, Past –Committee Member
Admissions
State Bar of Texas (1999)
United States District Court: Northern, Eastern, Southern & Western Districts of Texas
United States Bankruptcy Court: Northern, Eastern, Southern & Western Districts of Texas
Community Involvement
Women’s Symphony League – Austin
Community Involvement with Scouts USA, formerly, Boy Scouts of America
– Bee Cave District Chair (2020-Present)
– Bee Cave District Vice-Chair (2019-2020)
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