Before beginning his legal career, Malachi Bravo served honorably in the United States Marine Corps and worked his way through college as a Branch Manager for one of San Antonio’s largest credit unions, a financial institution with more than $13 billion in assets. In that leadership role, he oversaw daily branch operations, managed staff, ensured regulatory compliance, and guided employee development.
While attending St. Mary’s University School of Law, Malachi was actively involved in several organizations – serving as a Staff Writer for The Scholar: St. Mary’s Law Review on Race and Social Justice, Vice President of the Student Veterans Organization, and a member of the Board of Advocates. He also gained hands-on experience as a Student Attorney with the St. Mary’s Center for Legal and Social Justice Real Estate Clinic, providing legal assistance to low-income clients on matters such as title clearance, estate planning, and homestead exemptions. Working under the supervision of a licensed attorney, Malachi drafted Affidavits of Heirship, Gift Deeds, and Legal Memoranda, and advised clients on probate-avoidance strategies and solutions for complex title issues.
During law school, he also clerked for firms handling commercial litigation, tax, and real estate matters. In these roles, Malachi conducted legal research, drafted pleadings, discovery requests, and demand letters, and assisted with deposition preparation by analyzing expert reports and testimony.
Grounded in service, leadership, and a steadfast commitment to helping others, Malachi approaches his legal practice with discipline, integrity, and a client-first mindset.
Education
St. Mary’s University School of Law – J.D., 2025
University of Texas at San Antonio – B.B.A. Business Administration and Management, cum laude, 2021
Northwest Vista College – A.B.A. Business Administration and Management, 2017
Representative Experience
Represent insurance companies in statewide first and third-party cases.
Represent business owners regarding insurance claims related to catastrophic torts.
Filed mechanics and materialman liens for contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers throughout Texas.
Represent Individuals regarding real property easement disputes.
Represent lien claimant in foreclosure and collection proceedings.
Represented multiple commercial owners in $100M+ property tax litigation.
Represented corporations regarding employment law matters.
Marcelo Garcia is an attorney in the San Antonio office of Cokinos | Young, where his practice focuses on construction law, commercial litigation, and personal injury defense throughout Texas. Dedicated to results-driven representation, he works closely with clients to evaluate risk, develop effective solutions to complex issues, and pursue favorable outcomes in and out of the courtroom. Marcelo draws from a strong litigation background, including pre-trial evaluations, strategic motion practice, effective depositions, mediation and settlement negotiations, and arbitration and trial preparation.
Marcelo earned his Juris Doctor from St. Mary’s University School of Law. While in law school, he served as a judicial intern for the Fourth Court of Appeals of Texas and as a Senior Associate Editor (Vol. 48) and Staff Writer (Vol. 47) for the St. Mary’s Law Journal. Marcelo holds a Master of Science in Accounting and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting, both from the University of the Incarnate Word.
A native of San Antonio, Marcelo enjoys staying active outdoors, making meaningful memories with his family, traveling, and supporting the San Antonio Spurs.
Education
St. Mary’s University School of Law – J.D., 2017
University of the Incarnate Word – M.S. Accounting, 2014
University of the Incarnate Word – B.B.A. Accounting, 2014
Speaking Engagements & Presentations
Speaker, “Nailed It: Digging Up Defenses for Builders and the Trades,” 29th Annual Ultimate Claims Handling Seminar (Dallas, Texas), October 10, 2025
Speaker, “Analyzing Liability for Worksite Injuries,” 29th Annual Ultimate Claims Handling Seminar (Dallas, Texas), October 10, 2025
Lander B. Baiamonte is an attorney in the San Antonio office of Cokinos | Young. Prior to joining the firm, she served as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of Texas, representing federal agencies and employees. During her six and a half years as an AUSA, Lander successfully handled a wide variety of cases from initial complaint to trial and appeal. Her experience includes defending against negligence, employment, administrative, immigration, and FOIA claims; prosecuting affirmative civil rights and civil penalty claims; handling criminal prosecutions; and protecting federal government interests in bankruptcy proceedings. Lander has first- and second-chair trial experience and has taken cases to verdict in state and federal courts on behalf of plaintiffs and defendants. Before her federal service, Lander practiced at a plaintiff’s personal injury firm and served as a municipal prosecutor for the City of Corpus Christi.
Lander earned her J.D. from Notre Dame Law School, where she was a Senior Staff Editor for the Journal of Legislation, served three terms as her class representative to the Student Bar Association, and was recognized as a Top Ten Litigator. While in law school, she served as a Legal Fellow to U.S. Representative Filemon Vela on Capitol Hill, analyzing and drafting legislation affecting small businesses nationwide. After graduation, she clerked for the Honorable Nelva Gonzales Ramos of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas. In 2021, she was elected a Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the legal profession and her commitment to the community.
Education
Notre Dame Law School – J.D., 2015
University of Texas at Austin – B.S. Communication Studies and B.A. English, both with Honors, 2012
Recognitions & Distinctions
Texas Bar Foundation Fellow
Leadership Corpus Christi, Class 53
American Heart Association Woman of Impact, 2023
Judicial Experience
Judicial Clerk to the Honorable Nelva Gonzales Ramos, S.D.T.X. (2015–2016)
Judicial Intern to the Honorable Nelva Gonzales Ramos, S.D.T.X. (2014)
Representative Experience
Negotiated favorable settlement terms in numerous lawsuits involving personal injury and related claims
Litigated as second chair on a wrongful death suit, resulting in a $32.1 million jury verdict
Obtained Fifth Circuit affirmance of a favorable defensive ruling in an employment discrimination suit
Litigated as first chair in a negligence suit wherein the jury returned a verdict for the plaintiff below what the client had offered at mediation
Represented various creditor clients’ interests in bankruptcy proceedings
Speaking Engagements & Presentations
Visiting Professor, Notre Dame Law School, Intensive Trial Advocacy- Fall 2021; Spring 2020
Memberships & Affiliations
Texas Bar Association
Texas Women Lawyers
Texas Exes
Texas Young Lawyers Association
Admissions
State Bar of Texas
United States District Court
United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
Community Involvement
Junior League of Corpus Christi, Board of Directors
Coastal Bend Women Lawyers Association, Board of Directors
An experienced and results-driven litigator, Justin focuses on high-stakes commercial and construction litigation for businesses and individuals across Texas. With an extensive background in government, private, and nonprofit positions, he brings a unique perspective to complex legal disputes involving intricate litigation and transaction issues. Justin thrives in high-pressure cases, utilizing a strategic, aggressive approach to achieve efficient and favorable outcomes for clients. Whether dealing with construction defects, title disputes, or general commercial matters, he is dedicated to providing clients with bold and effective representation.
Education
St. Mary’s University School of Law – J.D., 2023
Pepperdine University – B.A. Sport Business Administration, 2020
Representative Experience
Represent general contractors in complex litigation in the Texas Business Court.
Represent general contractors throughout Texas on construction defect claims.
Represent insurance companies in statewide first and third-party cases.
Determined the validity and priority of liens in a large construction dispute between owner, general contractor, and subcontractors.
Filed mechanics and materialman liens for contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers throughout Texas. Represent lien claimant in foreclosure and collection proceedings.
Successfully mediated a construction dispute regarding nonpayment of labor and materials.
Represented an investor in a Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act (DTPA) claim for over $1m.
Represented a commercial owner in $10m+ property tax litigation.
Represented a large corporation regarding employment law matters.
Represent general contractors in complex disputes under the American Arbitration Association (AAA) Construction Rules.
Publications
“Jurisdictional Breakthrough: Texas Business Court Upholds Aggregation of Claims in Construction Disputes,” Construction News, March 2026
Memberships & Affiliations
Federalist Society
Texas Young Lawyers Association
Admissions
State Bar of Texas
United States Courts of Appeals of the Fifth Circuit
United States District Court: Western District of Texas
Community Involvement
Go Rodeo Roundup Committee Member, San Antonio Rodeo
Amanda Ornelas Arreguin earned her B.B.A. in Business Management from Mays Business School at Texas A&M University in 2017. She went on to receive her J.D. from St. Mary’s University School of Law in 2020, where she was an active member of the Hispanic Law Student Association, the Women’s Law Association, and the Society of Oil and Gas Law Students.
Amanda represents clients throughout South Texas in a broad range of matters, including real estate, oil and gas, estate planning, landlord-tenant disputes, construction litigation, and commercial litigation. Her practice is focused on providing practical, results-driven solutions tailored to each client’s needs.
Education
St. Mary University School of Law – J.D., 2020
Texas A&M University, May’s Business School – B.B.A. Business Management, 2017
Recognitions & Distinctions
Scene in S.A. Magazine Rising Star (2023)
Representative Experience
Real Estate – Transactional and Litigation
Estate Planning and Probate
Landlord/Tenant Disputes
Commercial Litigation
Construction Litigation
Memberships & Affiliations
San Antonio Bar Association
Bexar County Women’s Bar Association
Admissions
State Bar of Texas (2020)
United States District Court: Western District of Texas
Marshall Swanson is a San Antonio native and Senior Counsel in the San Antonio office of Cokinos | Young. Since 2015, his practice has focused on complex civil litigation, general business disputes, and construction-related matters.
Marshall partners with businesses at every stage—from formation and operational setup to navigating day-to-day disputes and, when necessary, pursuing claims and enforcing their rights when deals go sideways. His practice includes contract and payment disputes, mechanic’s liens, construction defect and delay claims, partnership conflicts, and post-judgment collections, with a focus on protecting his clients’ interests and recovering what they’re owed.
He has particular experience representing clients in the construction and maritime industries, where he regularly negotiates industry-specific contracts and resolves high-stakes disputes. Whether helping a business get off the ground, negotiating an agreement, or stepping in when problems arise, Marshall brings a practical, results driven, and cost-effective approach to every matter he handles.
Education
University of Houston – J.D., 2015
Texas State University – B.A. History & Political Science, 2012
Memberships & Affiliations
Texas Bar Association
San Antonio Bar Association
Admissions
State Bar of Texas 2015
United States District Courts: Northern, Southern, and Western Districts of Texas
Community Involvement
Jewish Community Center of San Antonio, Board of Directors
Jade Misenhimer is a commercial litigation associate in the San Antonio office of Cokinos | Young. Jade regularly handles complex commercial construction defect disputes and has experience defending against the work performed by both general contractors and subcontractors in the same. Jade employs a detail-oriented analysis to understand the intricate and vast details often at play in multi-million-dollar commercial construction defect disputes to fuel her aggressive litigation tactics and thoroughly defend her clients’ work. Jade also has extensive experience in both prosecuting and defending residential construction defect claims, both new build and renovation work. Jade has operated as general counsel to contractors throughout the construction process, assisting her clients’ de-escalation of potential disputes before they result in litigation. Jade has further had great success in settling nonpayment disputes and works diligently to get clients efficient results.
Jade graduated cum laude from St. Mary’s University School of Law. During law school, Jade served as an Associate Editor for The Scholar: St. Mary’s Law Review on Race and Social Justice, in which she was also published. Jade also competed on St. Mary’s National Moot Court Team, where she and her team won the Mack Kidd Administrative Law Moot Court Competition and she was named Best Oralist. Jade also won various brief writing awards in her time on the team. During law school, Jade also served as President of the Juvenile Jurisprudence Association, a Peer Court program that focuses on reformative justice for underprivileged teens through constructive sentencing.
Education
St. Mary’s University School of Law – J.D., cum laude, 2023
Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi – B.A. Political Science, 2019
Recognitions & Distinctions
Graduated Cum Laude from St. Mary’s University School of Law.
Mack Kidd Administrative Law Moot Court Competition, Champion (2021)
Mack Kidd Administrative Law Moot Court Competition, Best Oralist (2021)
National Online Moot Court Competition, Best Runner-Up Brief (2022)
Representative Experience
Successfully represented structural subcontractor on multi-million dollar breach of contract claim against general contractor on a major hotel, public-project in San Antonio.
Successfully defended a general contractor’s lien against a homeowner’s aggressive and repeated attempts to summarily remove lien from a residential property in a residential construction dispute.
Obtained favorable settlements for subcontractors in nonpayment disputes in Texas state court.
Obtained favorable settlement for cyber-security subcontractor against government contractor on a public project.
Obtained favorable settlement for property owner in a highly-contentious boundary dispute in Bexar County, Texas.
Represented general contractors in complex litigation in the Texas Business Court.
Defended general contractors in complex commercial construction disputes across the State of Texas.
Filed mechanics and materialman liens for contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers throughout Texas.
Judicial Experience
Judicial Intern to the Honorable David S. Morales, U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas
Speaking Engagements & Presentations
Presenter, Texas Construction Law: Advanced Issues and Answers – Determining Who is Insured Under Commercial General Liability Policies, National Business Institute, July 24, 2024
Presenter, Texas Construction Law: Advanced Issues and Answers – Coverage for Construction Defects Under CGL Policies, National Business Institute, July 24, 2024
Publications
Innocent Until Proven Incompetent, 25 Scholar: St. Mary’s L. Rev. on Rac. & Soc. Just. 197 (2023).
Memberships & Affiliations
State Bar of Texas
Construction Section
Bexar County Women’s Bar Association
Bexar County Women’s Bar Association LEAD Academy 2026 Class Member
Admissions
State Bar of Texas
Western District of Texas
Community Involvement
San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, Go Rodeo Committee Volunteer
Rachel Moreau-Davila is a seasoned civil litigation attorney with broad experience handling complex disputes across a range of industries. Her practice encompasses large-scale contract litigation, construction law, federal government projects, and general liability matters. She is a valued member of Cokinos | Young, bringing a diverse legal background shaped by her work with governmental entities, private businesses, and individuals at both the trial and appellate levels.
Rachel’s experience spans all phases of litigation and a variety of substantive areas, including lien and bond claims, contract and payment disputes, partnership litigation, and business formation. A significant portion of her practice focuses on construction claims. She regularly advises clients in the construction industry on contract negotiation and risk management and has extensive experience representing general contractors and subcontractors on commercial, private, and public works projects at both the state and federal levels.
Prior to joining Cokinos | Young, Rachel represented companies and individuals before federal government agencies. She advised multinational and domestic companies on international employment and talent acquisition matters, including employment and consular processing and residency issues. Her practice also included counseling clients on compliance with the U.S. Department of Labor, as well as representing companies in matters involving the U.S. Department of Labor and the U.S. Department of State. Rachel brings a practical, solutions-oriented approach to helping clients navigate their legal and business challenges.
Additionally, Rachel has lived and worked abroad, including working directly with leading international human rights attorney Jia Ping, the Chief Executive Director and Founder of China Global Fund Watch Initiative. She has conducted extensive legal research in international law, specifically referencing Non-Governmental Organizations worldwide (NGOs). She has previously collaborated on drug reform policy for China and has met with international leaders in China’s NGO community.
Education
St. Mary’s University School of Law – J.D., 2014
University of the Incarnate Word – B.A. Psychology of Organizational Development, summa cum laude, 2005
Recognitions & Distinctions
Alumnus of Gerry Spence National Trial Lawyers College
Elected Honorary Member of Alpha Chi National College Honor Scholarship Society
Institute on World Legal Problems at the University of Innsbruck, Austria, 2012; with Distinguished Jurist: United States Supreme Court Justice Antonio Scalia
Institute on Chinese Law and Business at Beihang University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China, 2013
Recognized in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America for Commercial Litigation, Construction Law, and Litigation – Construction (2026)
Speaking Engagements & Presentations
E2 Business Visa & Entrepreneur Investments webinar – October 2021
Principal Speaker for MCLE Conference for SABLA, Introduction to Immigration Concepts – July 2022
Memberships & Affiliation
Member of the American Bar Association
Member of the Federal Bar Association
Member of the San Antonio Black Lawyers Association
Member of Texas Bar College
Admissions
State Bar of Texas
United States District Courts: Northern, Eastern, and Western Districts of Texas
United States District Court: District of Colorado
Community Involvement
THRU Project Nonprofit Organization, Former Board Member and Committee chair
San Antonio Bar Association, Community Justice Program’s Veterans Clinic, volunteer
Johnathan Bailey is a former name and founding partner in the firm Bailey & Bailey, P.C., where, over 30 years of practice, he built a reputation for knowledge and excellence in representation of construction, service, IT, and manufacturing companies seeking to do business with the numerous agencies of the federal government and the State of Texas. Now, Johnathan has brought those 25 years of knowledge and experience to Cokinos | Young.
Johnathan has litigated more than 250 bid protests involving billions of dollars in federal contracts before the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) and the United States Court of Federal Claims. Johnathan has also prepared, negotiated, and litigated hundreds of Contract Disputes Act claims with dozens of federal contracting agencies and litigated before all existing (and previously existing) Boards of Contract Appeals and the FAA’s Office of Dispute Resolution.
Coming from a small firm environment, Johnathan has extensive experience representing small-business federal contractors, especially in socio-economic programs administered by the US Small Business Administration, including the 8(a) Business Development, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business, Woman-Owned Small Business, and HUBZone programs.
The wide range of challenges faced by federal contractors has also given Johnathan many years of experience in a range of federal contracting matters, including Department of Labor (Service Contract Act and Davis-Bacon Act) compliance, suspension and debarment proceedings, and qui tam litigation under the federal False Claims Act.
Education
St. Mary’s University – J.D., 1996
University of Texas at Austin – B.A. Government, 1991
Recognitions & Distinctions
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® for Construction Law (2026)
Speaking Engagements & Presentations
First Organizer and Presenter, FBA National Government Contracts Symposium 2014
Presenter, SBT 2021 Annual CLE for Board Certified Construction Lawyers
Memberships & Affiliations
Phi Delta Phi Legal Honor Society
Federal Bar Association
Public Contracts Law Section
San Antonio Bar Association
Construction Law Section
Admissions
State Bar of Texas
United States Court of Federal Claims
United States District Courts: Northern, Southern, and Western Districts of Texas
United States District Court: Northern District of Florida
United States Courts of Appeals for the Fifth and Federal Circuits
Kristin Zachman is a government contracts lawyer and litigator with over a decade of experience providing legal advice and representation to commercial businesses operating in the federal procurement arena. Kristin counsels government contractors on Small Business Administration certification programs and compliance, including the SDVOSB, WOSB, 8(a), and HubZone programs, Native Alaskan and Native Hawaiian programs, and the All Small Mentor Protégé program. She provides guidance on solicitation reviews and represents clients in bid protests before GAO and the United States Court of Federal Claims. Kristin is adept at handling Request for Equitable Adjustment (REA) and Contract Dispute Act (CDA) claims, as well as appeals. She also handles ancillary matters such as Miller Act claims between prime and subcontractors, as well as EEOC, DOL, and NLRB proceedings.
Education
Baylor University School of Law – J.D., 2011
Trinity University – B.A., 2008
Recognitions & Distinctions
Named a Texas Super Lawyers® Rising Star in Government Contracts by Thomson Reuters (2021–2022)
The top 2.5% of attorneys in the state who are 40 or younger, or in practice for 10 years or less
Representative Experience
Successfully represented protesters before GAO resulting in re-evaluation of proposals and award of attorney fees.
Successfully defended client’s $104 million contract award from protest by unsuccessful offeror before GAO and thereafter the U.S. Court of Federal Claims.
Successfully defended client’s $100 million aircraft refueling contract from protest by unsuccessful offeror before GAO.
Areas of Industry Represented in Protests and Government Contract Disputes: Healthcare Services, IT Services, Food Vendor and Cafeteria Service, Waste Disposal, Aircraft Refueling, Aircraft Washing, Base Operations Services, Custodial and O&M for Federal Buildings, Grounds Maintenance, Ambulance Services, Design-Build Construction, Construction and Construction Repairs
Memberships & Affiliations
State Bar of Texas
San Antonio Bar Association
Federal Bar Association
Admissions
State Bar of Texas
United States District Courts: Northern, Southern, and Western Districts of Texas
United States Court of Federal Claims
Practice Before
United States Comptroller General (GAO)
Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals
Civilian Board of Contract Appeals
Small Business Administration Office of Hearings and Appeals
Federal Aviation Administration Office of Dispute Resolution for Acquisition
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