Branson Rogers is an attorney in the Austin office of Cokinos | Young. His practice primarily focuses on construction law and commercial litigation. Prior to joining the firm, he gained significant litigation experience representing numerous clients in personal injury cases, including premises liability, product liability, dangerous-animal litigation, trucking, and motor-vehicle collisions. He has experience walking clients through all phases of litigation from filing, through discovery, depositions, mediations, and ultimately trial. Additionally, he has negotiated numerous settlements for countless satisfied clients.
Branson received his J.D. from Baylor Law School, where he graduated in the Top 10 Percent of his class. During law school, he stayed involved as an Articles Editor for the Law Review and a member of Baylor’s Barrister Society. Additionally, he already began exercising his passion for client representation, becoming a Finalist in the ABA Regional Client Counseling Competition.
Education
Baylor Law School – J.D., cum laude, 2017
Law Review, Articles Editor
Joseph Milton Nance Presidential Full-Tuition Scholarship Recipient
Texas A&M University – B.A. Political Science & Philosophy, summa cum laude, 2014
Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society Inductee
Class of 1956 Student Employee Endowed Award Recipient
Recognitions & Distinctions
Recognized in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America for Commercial Litigation, Construction Law, and Litigation – Construction (2024 – 2026)
Speaking Engagements & Presentations
“Forewarning: The New Era of Owner-Contractor Claim Disputes,” Construction Super Conference, Hollywood, Florida, November 29, 2023
“Moles, Sandhogs, & Tribunals,” Construction Super Conference, Las Vegas, Nevada, December 6, 2022
Marc A. Young is a Founding Principal, and he is at the helm of the firm’s Austin, Texas office. Marc heads the firm’s Tort Litigation Section, which deals principally with the defense of corporations and individuals sued for claims involving personal injury and property damage. Marc handles a wide variety of claims ranging from product liability, construction defects, premises liability, commercial disputes, and professional liability. Marc is Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law, and he has tried over 100 cases in state and federal court, arbitrated 12 construction cases, and continues to try and arbitrate a significant number of cases each year while remaining active within the defense bar by writing, speaking, and chairing important committees and subcommittees. Marc is knowledgeable and well-practiced in matters relating to Construction, Trucking, and Transportation Law, including many cases involving deaths and serious injuries.
Education
South Texas College of Law – J.D., 1982
Texas A&M University – B.A., 1979
Certifications
Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization
Recognitions & Distinctions
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® for Commercial Litigation, Construction Law, and Litigation – Construction (2024–2026)
Named a Texas Super Lawyer in Construction Litigation by Thomson Reuters (2004–2025)
Fewer than 5% of attorneys in the state are selected annually
Named a Best Lawyer in Construction Litigation by SA Scene Magazine (2010–2014)
AV Preeminent® Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell, the highest rating possible
Elected Director to the FDCC Board of Directors (2019–2021)
Representative Experience
Represented a subcontractor who was wrongfully terminated by a regional general contractor from a public construction project. Prevailed in a jury trial and recouped all lost profits and attorney’s fees for the subcontractor.
Represented a national developer of high-end multi-family complexes. A partially occupied 18-building complex in Colorado was determined to have roofing issues and events of water intrusion. Retained experts and found that the entire tile roof had to be removed and reinstalled without interfering with a newly issued certificate of occupancy. Prevailed in arbitration against the roofing contractor, and client was awarded damages and attorney’s fees.
Represented a national general contractor sued by a subcontractor’s employee who fell from a ladder, resulting in back injury. Tried to a verdict and the jury found no liability on the part of the general contractor.
Represented a national general contractor sued by a Texas school district for the alleged defective construction of a high school. The complex, multi-party case involved 54 subcontractors and their insurance companies. Obtained significant contributions from the subcontractors and their insurance companies in settlement.
Represented a national electrical contractor in a lawsuit involving the prevailing wage rate on an airport project.
Represented a national general contractor at both the informal and formal OSHA hearings for work safety citations related to a serious personal injury on the job. Obtained reduced penalties and fines.
Represented a national bank and a national commercial real estate developer against claims brought by numerous subcontractors and a general contractor claiming money was owed on banks they had constructed throughout Texas.
Represented a contractor who unknowingly purchased mislabeled and defective pipe, which was subsequently used on a gas pipeline gathering system. Settlement was obtained from the reseller and manufacturer.
In a complex, multi-party litigation involving general contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers for a Florida hotel, Cokinos | Young was enlisted 2 weeks before arbitration when original counsel passed away suddenly. Prevailed in defending the arbitration as well as the counter-claim.
Represented a building owner whose insurance carrier contacted the firm on a Friday before a Monday trial in a matter of workplace injury involving the electrocution of an electrical worker. With very little information and time, Cokinos | Young tried the case to a verdict in favor of the client.
Represented a general contractor who constructed a 22-story condo that leaked. The general contractor received demand letter providing notice of intent to file suit. The general contractor asked me to keep suit from being filed. I worked with the general contractor’s project team to evaluate and price the needed repairs. I worked with the general contractor’s primary and excess carriers to evaluate the liability and damages 120 days from receipt of the demand letter. We were able to resolve the claim without suit ever being filed.
Currently representing broker of an agricultural commodity that exploded after the building where the commodity was stored was set ablaze by an unknown arsonist. Fifteen people died and hundreds were injured. Property damage claims exceed $400 million.
Currently representing a general contractor who constructed a four-story building and remodeled an existing facility. Contract with owner was terminated by the general contractor due to owner’s inability to provide adequate funds to complete the project. Owner sued for alleged defects. General contractor suing for breach of contract and for significant project delays caused by owner and its architect.
Speaking Engagements & Presentations
SCOTUS Swings the Pendulum Back in Favor of Arbitration
Presented to the Construction Super Conference
This Used To Be So Easy – Taking on the Plaintiff’s Attempts to Kill the IME Process
Presented to the Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel – Summer Meeting
Construction Defect Litigation: How to Try and Win the Case
Presented to the State Bar of Texas Construction Law Conference
Indemnity: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Presented to the State Bar of Texas Construction Law Conference
Construction Litigation, Part III: Trying a Construction Defect Case
San Antonio Construction Law Section
Ethical Problems with Joint Representation
State Bar of Texas
Basics in Texas Construction Law Conference
Contingent Payment Clauses on Law Points
San Antonio Construction Law Section
Adjusting the Construction Claim
Allstate Insurance Company
OSHA Inspections
Houston Bar Association Construction Law Section
Defending Construction Arbitration Claims
CNA Insurance Company
Publications
Putting Arbitration Back in Its Place: How to Make Arbitration Work as Intended by the Contracting Parties
Memberships & Affiliations
ABOTA (American Board of Trial Advocates)
Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel
Austin Bar Association
Houston Bar Foundation, Fellow
State Bar of Texas
Construction Law Section
Litigation Section
San Antonio Bar Association
Construction Law Section
Litigation Section
Lawyers for Civil Justice
Admissions
State Bar of Texas
United States District Courts: Northern, Eastern, Southern, and Western Districts of Texas
Luis Vallejo has more than 30 years of criminal law experience and dedicates his practice to the defense of individuals accused of criminal acts under state and federal law. After earning three degrees from the University of Texas, Luis began his legal career as an Assistant District Attorney with Harris County and was responsible for the prosecution of all levels of criminal offenses. In addition to Houston, Luis worked for the Special Crimes Unit of Bexar County, and ultimately for the Texas Attorney General prosecuting criminal cases across Texas. After 6 years of government service, Luis focused his attention on the defense of individuals accused of criminal acts and has aggressively defended his clients in state and federal courts. Luis is Board Certified in Criminal Law by Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
Education
University of Texas at Austin – J.D., 1980
University of Texas at Austin – M.P.A., 1977
University of Texas at Austin – B.J., 1975
Certifications
Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization
Memberships & Affiliations
Harris County Criminal Law Association
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
State Bar of Texas
Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
Admissions
State Bar of Texas (1980)
United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
United States District Courts: Northern, Eastern, Southern, and Western Districts of Texas
Shelly Masters is a senior trial lawyer with over 25 years of experience defending and prosecuting high-stakes claims in construction, commercial, product liability, aviation, trucking and transportation, employment, and personal injury litigation. In her deep-rooted construction practice, Shelly handles the full spectrum of disputes common to the industry — including breach of contract, delay and acceleration claims, nonpayment, defective construction and design, warranty claims, mechanic’s lien and bond disputes, and owner-contractor-subcontractor conflicts at every tier. She has built a career on results — securing favorable verdicts, summary judgments, arbitration awards, and settlements in complex, multi-party disputes across state and federal courts nationwide. Whether defending a Fortune 500 manufacturer against mass tort exposure, obtaining summary judgment for an international aviation client, or prosecuting multimillion-dollar claims for a property owner, Shelly combines deep industry knowledge with tenacious courtroom advocacy to deliver outcomes that matter.
Shelly is a seasoned defense lawyer who also brings value on the plaintiff side when the matter calls for it. An equity partner, former member of the firm’s Executive Committee, and Co-Managing Partner of the Austin office, Shelly’s leadership extends beyond client work — she is invested in the strategic growth of the firm and the success of the local team and the clients they serve. Beyond the courtroom, she is a recognized thought leader who regularly speaks and publishes on construction law, employment compliance, risk mitigation, and emerging litigation trends for professional, legal, and trade organizations. She also partners with clients to develop proactive strategies — from contract risk assessments to workforce compliance training — that help them avoid disputes before they start. Clients value Shelly not just for her ability to win in court, but for her commitment to helping them stay out of it.
Shelly and her husband recently celebrated 20 years of marriage. They are the proud parents of two daughters who keep them busy with competitive sports and the theater arts. A sixth-generation Texan, Shelly enjoys traveling, spending time with family on the lake, and cheering on her girls from the stands and the audience. She is also excited to have been recently selected to serve on the Board of Directors of the Dyslexia Center of Austin — a cause close to her heart and an opportunity to give back to the community that has given her so much.
Education
University of Houston Law School – J.D., 1998
University of Texas School of Law (1997)
University of Texas at Austin – B.A., 1995
Recognitions & Distinctions
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® for Commercial Litigation, Construction Law, and Litigation – Construction (2019–2026)
Andrew C. Hecker Award (2025)
Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel (FDCC) (By nomination only)
FDCC Ladder Down National Class of 2022
Life Fellow – Texas Bar Foundation (2019)
Outstanding Service Award for 10 Years on Board of Directors of Associated Builders and Contractors (2018)
Terry Scholar – University of Texas at Austin
Representative Experience
Construction Litigation
Obtained favorable arbitration award on behalf of an owner against a builder involving claims of breach of contract, breach of warranty, negligence, and fraud, including recovery of all actual damages, costs, and prejudgment interest.
Defended a large national general contractor in a $250 million construction defect lawsuit arising from the renovation and expansion of a continuing care retirement facility. After managing extensive discovery, depositions, appeals, and dispositive motions practice, achieved a complete resolution of all claims.
Intervened and negotiated favorable terms in a proposed $43.5 million national class action settlement on behalf of several large subcontractors across multiple states involving defective plumbing pipe installed in thousands of residential homes.
Served as lead litigation counsel in high-damage, multiparty construction products liability litigation against a national production manufacturer, component manufacturers, and product suppliers across multiple states, with alleged damages exceeding $20 million.
Represented a property owner against its design team, general contractor, and a dozen subcontractors in a $5+ million faulty workmanship dispute, securing a favorable pre-trial settlement.
Defended against over $40 million in claims involving premature corrosion and failure of complex energy pipelines, driving the matter to a favorable defense settlement following extensive discovery and dispositive motions.
Commercial & Government Disputes
Defended a national general contractor in a combined nonpayment and construction defect matter involving $12 million in alleged property damage.
Prosecuted and settled a design defect claim against a project architect on behalf of a property owner in a $1.5 million construction project.
Secured a $2.2 million recovery in a nonpayment and breach of contract action on behalf of a general contractor involving a retirement community construction project.
Obtained favorable settlement in multiple delay and nonpayment claims on behalf of a general contractor against the City of Austin.
Perfected, enforced, and foreclosed on millions of dollars in mechanic’s lien and bond claims on behalf of contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers across the construction industry.
Obtained multiple summary judgments as lead defense counsel for an international manufacturer of airplane engines, including on the statutory General Aviation Revitalization Act (GARA) defenses in complex aviation litigation.
Selected as national and state trial counsel for over a decade for a major product manufacturer in widespread products liability and toxic tort litigation involving thousands of plaintiffs and defendants.
Served as national trial and coordinating counsel on behalf of multiple international product manufacturers across Texas, Illinois, Pennsylvania, New York, Delaware, Montana, and other jurisdictions.
Obtained multiple favorable defense outcomes in personal injury and wrongful death litigation arising from trucking and transportation incidents, including cases involving catastrophic injuries and complex liability theories.
Employment Law
Advises and defends employers across the construction, manufacturing, and transportation industries in a range of employment disputes, including wrongful termination, discrimination and harassment claims, non-competition and non-solicitation enforcement, wage and hour claims, and workplace policy compliance.
Counsels clients on workforce compliance matters including drug-testing policies, return-to-work protocols, union avoidance strategies, and “ban the box” hiring regulations.
Speaking Engagements & Presentations
Moderator, “Behind the Bench: A Candid Look at What Federal Judges Expect from Lawyers,” FDCC Winter Meeting (Charleston), February 24, 2025
Speaker, “New Frontiers of Risk: Is Risk Mitigation Overtaking Risk Management in an Unpredictable World?” FDCC Insurance Industry Institute (New York), November 5, 2025
Speaker/Panelist, “The Pros and Cons of ADR, including International Arbitration,” FDCC Corporate Counsel Symposium (Chicago), September 15, 2025
Moderator, “Legal Operations: Getting it Done Whether You’re an Army of one or One Hundred,” FDCC Corporate Counsel Symposium (Chicago), September 15, 2025
Moderator, “Haunted Venues and Legal Voodoo,” FDCC Corporate Counsel Symposium, September 15, 2024
Speaker/Presenter, “Expert Witnesses: Real-Life HEROES or VILLAINS,” FDCC Winter Meeting, February 21, 2023
Speaker, “Combatting, Cutting and Defending Against Fee Shifting Claims,” FDCC Annual Meeting (Seattle), July 26, 2022
Speaker, “Price Escalation Issues and Smart Business Practices,” Central Texas Subcontractors Association, April 12, 2022
Speaker, “Marijuana in the Workplace: It’s Complicated,” ABC Safety Forum Panel, ABC Central Texas Chapter, February 15, 2022
Speaker, “City, State and Federal Update: COVID Protocols,” Central Texas Subcontractors Association, February 8, 2022
Speaker, “Avoiding Unions: Employer Do’s and Don’ts,” Associated Builders & Contractors Central Texas Chapter, May 12, 2021
Speaker, “Texas Legal Update: Subcontractor Nonpayment Claims and Mechanic’s Liens,” CTSA, April 13, 2021
Speaker, “COVID Impacts – Return to Work, Paid Leave & Vaccination Policies,” Independent Electrical Contractors Member Forum, Independent Electrical Contractors Association, January 21, 2021
Speaker, “Legal Impacts of COVID-19,” Central Texas Subcontractors Association, September 2020
Speaker, “Dealing with Delays, Disruptions and Lost Dollars,” 2019 Annual CTSA Construction Law Conference
Speaker, “Avoiding Legal / HR Pitfalls – Why a Leadership Culture is Important,” 2019 ABC Leadership Conference
Speaker, “Emerging Trends on Limiting Liability with or without the Spearin’ Doctrine,” 2019 FDCC Winter Conference
Presenter, “The Subcontractor’s Legal Toolbox,” CTSA, December 2018
Presenter, “Perfecting and Enforcing Lien Claims,” “Litigating Construction Claims,” “Pay Me – No ‘Ifs Ands or Buts about Its’,” and “Construction Mistakes to Laugh & Cry About It,” 2018 Annual CTSA Construction Law Conference
Presenter, “Ban the Box,” Associated Builders & Contractors Lunch & Learn, ABC Central Texas Chapter, March 2017
Moderator/Speaker, “Getting Ahead: Strategies for Achieving and Sustaining Growth,” ABC Program Series, ABC Central Texas Chapter, March 28, 2015
Presenter, “Expedited Actions,” 27th Annual Construction Law Conference, Construction Law Foundation of Texas, February 27 & 28, 2014
Publications
“Tariff Whiplash: A Contractor’s Playbook,” Construction News, November 2025
“Perspectives of Corporate and Defense Counsel: Mitigating the Risk of Disruption from Tariffs and Government Action on the Construction Industry, FDCC Construction Section, Friday “5” Things to Know for December 16, 2024
“Delegated Designs Surprise Unsuspecting Contractors,” Construction News, February 2022
“Contractual Risk Mitigation: Three Tips for Solving PROBLEM$ in 2021,” Construction News, January 2021
“Mission Impossible – When Coronavirus Threatens Performances,” Insights, Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel, July 2020
“Mitigating Contractual COVID-19 Risk for Contractors,” Construction News, May 2020
“Contractors Embrace Legal Tools to Limit Poaching of Key Employees,” NSA Today, Issue 11, 2019
“Change Orders: When Change Isn’t a Good Thing,” NSA Today, Issue 10, October 2018
“Design Defects Threaten Texas Contractors,” Construction News, November 2018
“How Does ‘Ban the Box’ Affect You,” Construction News, October 2016
“Employers use Non-competition & Non-solicitation Agreements to Limit Poaching of Key Employees,” Construction News, April 2015
“Wrongful termination: Can terminating an employee before the filing of a Worker’s Compensation claim be unlawful?” Construction News, October 2012
“Retainage; the Texas Two-Step,” Construction News, February 2011
“Default Termination Clauses: A Lethal but Potentially Pricey Weapon,” Construction News, April 2010
Memberships & Affiliations
The Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel (FDCC) — A premier invitation-only organization of leaders in the defense bar and insurance industry
Board of Directors (2024-Present)
Chair of the Membership Development Committee (2025 – Present)
Chair of the Construction Law Section 2022-2024
Chair of the Central Division of the FDCC State Representative Program
Associated Builders & Contractors Central Texas Chapter
Board of Directors (2020-Present)
Past Chair of Board of Directors (2008-2018)
Central Texas Subcontractors Association (CTSA), Chapter Attorney — Providing ongoing legal guidance and education to association members
Associated General Contractors of America
Defense Research Institute (DRI), Construction Law Committee, past co-editor of Critical Path
Construction Financial Management Association
National Association of Women in Construction
International Electrical Contractors Association
Austin Bar Association
State Bar of Texas
Construction Law Section
Litigation Law Section
Board of Directors of the Dyslexia Center of Austin
Admissions
State Bar of Texas
Illinois State Bar (inactive member)
United States District Courts: Northern, Eastern, Southern, and Western Districts of Texas
Prior to starting his legal career in 2003, John was heavily involved in the construction industry in New York and New Jersey. He started in the construction industry as a laborer, progressing to labor foreman, assistant superintendent, and ultimately superintendent on many heavy highway and heavy civil construction projects throughout the Northeast. John’s hands-on field experience includes bridges, piers, highways, airports, and underground construction. While working in the field, John attended the New Jersey Institute of Technology, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in 2000, with honors. John is a member of Chi Epsilon – the Civil Engineering Honors Society – and is also the recipient of the 1998 Robert Ridgeway Award, which recognized him as the top engineering student in New Jersey that year.
John received his Juris Doctor degree in 2003 from Widener University School of Law in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. His practice focuses primarily on heavy civil construction and commercial litigation. John remains actively involved in the construction industry, attending meetings and seminars with various construction associations nationwide. John is a member of the state and federal bars of New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Texas. When John is in Texas, he will be in the Austin office.
Education
Widener University School of Law – J.D., 2003
New Jersey Institute of Technology – B.S., 2000
Recognitions & Distinctions
AV Preeminent® Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell, the highest rating possible
Representative Experience
Assisted clients with claim preparation, document and damage tracking, and preserved the clients’ rights during actual construction of countless projects to obtain amicable resolutions and avoid litigation. These projects included bridges, tunnels, highways, tunneling, and sunken caissons across the country.
Ingerman Affordable Housing v. Langan Engineering & Environmental Services (American Arbitration Association, 2014). Successfully defended alleged breach of contract and professional malpractice claims arising out of the development of a Brownfield, located in Jersey City, NJ. The developer claimed that, because the contractor had needed to export more than 10,000 cy of contaminated material, Langan must have erroneously represented the site as generally balanced. Successfully proved that the developer’s construction arm knowingly subcontracted with its earthwork contractor to utilize and spread 10,000cy of recycled concrete aggregate on-site for surcharging material without any thought as to the impact and need to then export an equal volume of on-site contaminated material. Arbitration Panel ruled that Plaintiff’s claims were entirely without merit and frivolous, and awarded Langan its defense costs and fees.
Intercounty Paving Associates, LLP v. PennDOT, (Board of Claims, 2009). Recovered three-quarters of a million dollars on behalf of the contractor in delay damages caused by PennDOT’s active interference, misrepresentations, defective plans and specifications, and its failure to recognize the legitimate financial interests of the contractor. Overcame no-damage-for-delay exculpatory language in the contract as well as PennDOT’s defense that the contractor was required to “coordinate” utility relocations.
Schiavone Construction Co., Inc. v. MTA (DRB, 2008). Achieved multimillion-dollar recovery on behalf of the Design-Builder for chemical grouting work directed by the Authority’s Engineer on a new subway station located forty feet below sea level in Battery Park, New York. Proved that the Authority — despite its post-contractual spin of defective work and deficient notice defenses – prescribed the waterproofing materials and other material design requirements that the Design-Builder was mandated to follow and incorporate into the “final” design; knowingly structured the contract to reimburse the Design-Builder for actual costs incurred for chemical grouting as “extra work”; directed bidders to estimate a prescribed amount of chemical grouting for bidding purposes as a baseline to evaluate bids and to keep all bidders on a level playing field; and contemplated that the actual amount of chemical grouting required would be determined by the Authority’s Engineer based on actual field conditions. At trial, the Authority’s Engineer admitted that the aforementioned procedure was established because of the complexity and location of the new structure (sited between and under existing subways) and the unknowns associated with actual volumes required for injecting chemical grout in structures well below the water table of the adjacent Hudson River, Hudson Bay, and East River.
Speaking Engagements & Presentations
Yearly speaker at the American Bar Association Construction SuperConference on construction related issues, including government terminations for convenience, underground tunneling, and OSHA investigations.
Publications
“Terminating Government Contracts: Overcoming Challenges, in Aspatore’s Inside the Minds: Trends in Government Contracting,” Thomson Reuters/Aspatore, 2012
Memberships & Affiliations
American Society of Civil Engineers
Chi Epsilon – National Civil Engineering Honor Society
American Society of Military Engineers
American Bar Association
New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Texas
Construction Law Section
Organizations: UTCA (Utility and Transportation Contractors Association), CIAP (Construction Industry Advancement Program); AGC Various State Chapters, AGC of America, the Moles, the Beavers
Member of The Moles, an organization composed of individuals now or formally engaged in the construction of tunnel, subway, sewer, foundation, marine, sub-aqueous or other heavy construction projects
Admissions
New York State Bar
New Jersey State Bar
Pennsylvania Bar
State Bar of Texas
Various Federal Courts in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Texas
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