product

Mr. Barkhurst has extensive litigation experience in business and real estate disputes. He has developed a special concentration in the area of eminent domain, representing landowners as well as governmental entities in numerous such lawsuits, involving millions of dollars. Paul has successfully represented numerous owners in ranch power line takings, pipeline cases, and highway construction cases. Paul also represents governmental entities in construction disputes, and has represented contractors and subcontractors in private disputes. He also has extensive experience handling complex business dissolution and injunction cases. 

Mr. Flack has earned his designations, among select thousands in the world, as a Certified Professional in Erosion & Sediment Controls (CPESC) as well as his designation as a Certified Erosion, Sediment and Storm Water Inspector (CESSWI), lending his experience and training to his customers to consult them in all their stormwater needs. He has also earned his status as a Qualified Compliance Inspector of Stormwater (QCIS) and as a Qualified Preparer of Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans (QPSWPPP.) He also earned the Certified Erosion and Sediment Control Lead (CESCL), which is a 17.5-hour certificate program as required by Washington State for all construction stormwater management. He is a subject matter expert and lead instructor for StormwaterONE, which has established itself as the leader in stormwater management training and credentialing, the school’s mission is to provide their students with the most comprehensive and up to date training of individual stormwater permits, online or in-person.

Brad has been invited to speak in-person on storm water and erosion control issues in many locations, including California, Texas, Tennessee, Louisiana, Wyoming, Oregon, Colorado, Ohio and New Mexico, as well as internationally in Antigua, Guatemala, and in San Jose, Costa Rica. Furthermore, he has provided virtual online training for a wide variety of  organizations across the country, including the Army Corps of Engineers, Maryland Stadium Authority, and more.

Additionally, he served as president and administrative vice president for the South-Central Chapter of the International Erosion Control Association. Furthermore, he directed the IECA Region 1 Education Committee: Stormwater Management Track as co-chair, which encompasses North America, South America and Europe. Brad also sat as the Region 6 Chapter President for EnviroCert International (ECI) and was a member of the Policies and Procedures Committee for ECI. He has served as the Region 7 representative for the CPESC, Inc., group as well as the technical vice-chair for the Council. He has been an IECA Mentor and served as a TCEQ EnviroMentor.

Brad has been involved with Stormwater Quality Management since 2004 where he learned about permitting, turf establishment, erosion control and detention pond maintenance and has continued to be a student of the industry throughout his career. His attention to detail and depth of knowledge about structural control devices, vegetative stabilization and best management practices are a valuable asset to his clients and students.

His wife is his high school sweetheart, and they have been married for over 20 years and have three sons. Brad has also actively served at his church and has ventured on over a dozen mission trips, from drilling for water in rural villages in Honduras to assisting in hurricane recovery efforts in Puerto Rico. Brad was the Director of Hands and Feet Honduras/Puerto Rico, a 501(c)3 organization for over eight years.

Mr. Barkhurst has extensive litigation experience in business and real estate disputes. He has developed a special concentration in the area of eminent domain, representing landowners as well as governmental entities in numerous such lawsuits, involving millions of dollars. Paul has successfully represented numerous owners in ranch power line takings, pipeline cases, and highway construction cases. Paul also represents governmental entities in construction disputes, and has represented contractors and subcontractors in private disputes. He also has extensive experience handling complex business dissolution and injunction cases. 

Mr. Cooney focuses his practice on land use and development. He clerked with Wilson Cribbs + Goren throughout his entire time in law school, where he was able to gain valuable knowledge and skills in the land use, zoning, and development areas so that he could hit the ground running once starting as a full-time attorney. Mr. Cooney brings a creative and detail-oriented approach to his work, shaped by his early interests in architecture and photography. He received a B.S. in Political Science from Texas A&M University and went on to receive a J.D. from South Texas College of Law Houston, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude and was his class’s valedictorian. During his time at South Texas, Mr. Cooney served as an Associate Editor of the South Texas Law Review, an Editor on the Construction Law Journal, and was actively involved in the Real Estate & Construction Law Society.

Mr. Guarino’s work with the firm focuses on identifying, assessing and resolving a wide variety of land use and traditional commercial real estate matters across all asset types. Mr. Guarino earned his B.A. degree from Southern Methodist University and his J.D. degree from the University of Huston Law Center.

Mr. Izfar represents private land owners and developers in navigating land use and zoning issues in connection with local regulation of commercial and industrial developments as well as master-planned communities. Previously, he was Assistant City Attorney for the City of Houston where his practice focused on land development regulations within the City of Houston and public-private partnerships. Mr. Izfar earned his B.A. degree from Emory University and his J.D. degree from the Rutgers-Camden School of Law.

Mr. Pruitt has exclusively represented cities in the Texas Panhandle and the Houston Metro Region on all matters of municipal law with an emphasis in land use and economic development. He has been the lead counsel for all land use issues in roles with cities and in private practice. Mr. Pruitt has been lead counsel for the creation and operation of tax increment reinvestment zones, public improvement districts, and economic development corporations. He has been directly involved with downtown revitalization initiatives in several cities and has provided guidance on the legal implications of such initiatives. Mr. Pruitt has an undergraduate degree from Texas Tech University, a master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Texas at Arlington, and a law degree from Texas A&M University School of Law.

Mr. Wilson is recognized as a preeminent Texas real estate and land use attorney. A Fellow of the American College of Real Estate Lawyers (ACREL), he is one of few practicing Texas real estate attorneys holding the Counselors of Real Estate (CRE) designation. Board-certified in commercial real estate law and property owners association law, he brings to his practice a long history of relationships and reputation with governmental and POA lawyers and officials throughout southeast Texas. As the chairman of Wilson Cribbs + Goren, he led the firm to become one of the go-to real estate boutiques in Texas. An adept critical thinker, problem-solver and creative strategist, as well as a skilled negotiator, Mr. Wilson advocates for the interests of a wide array of private and institutional clients, including residential, commercial and industrial developers, property owners, Fortune 500 companies, and other owners and operators. He also has unique knowledge of the laws on land use rights of religious organizations; specifically, the constitutional and statutory exceptions granted to them under state and federal law. Mr. Wilson’s practice involves a broad array of work related to both public and private land use regulations, such as deed restrictions (restrictive covenants), easements, development agreements, platting, economic development incentives, permitting and denial of permits, zoning, statutory vested rights, and traditional land use matters. As a trusted partner to his clients, he also counsels businesses proactively on land use and real estate matters to help avoid costly missteps before they occur. Mr. Wilson is past chair of the Real Estate, Probate and Trust Law (REPTL) Section of the State Bar of Texas, the second-oldest and largest section of the State Bar of Texas, with more than 9,200 members. He is a director of the Texas Real Estate and Probate Institute (T-REP), which reviews and lobbies changes to real estate and probate laws to keep them current and effective. A former District Council Chair of the Urban Land Institute’s Houston chapter, he has been a long-term contributor to the growth of that Council and is a long time full ULI member. Mr. Wilson has held the position of adjunct professor at the Jones Graduate School of Business at Rice University, teaching Real Estate and the Law and Best Practices in Real Estate Development. Recently, Texas Lawyer magazine selected him to receive its Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognizes lawyers who have made their mark on the state’s legal profession, and RED News named him a Real Estate Icon. As a leader of Wilson Cribbs + Goren, he leverages his extensive experience in land use and real estate law to mentor the firm’s attorneys.

Mr. Barkhurst has extensive litigation experience in business and real estate disputes. He has developed a special concentration in the area of eminent domain, representing landowners as well as governmental entities in numerous such lawsuits, involving millions of dollars. Paul has successfully represented numerous owners in ranch power line takings, pipeline cases, and highway construction cases. Paul also represents governmental entities in construction disputes, and has represented contractors and subcontractors in private disputes. He also has extensive experience handling complex business dissolution and injunction cases. 

Mr. Cooney focuses his practice on land use and development. He clerked with Wilson Cribbs + Goren throughout his entire time in law school, where he was able to gain valuable knowledge and skills in the land use, zoning, and development areas so that he could hit the ground running once starting as a full-time attorney. Mr. Cooney brings a creative and detail-oriented approach to his work, shaped by his early interests in architecture and photography. He received a B.S. in Political Science from Texas A&M University and went on to receive a J.D. from South Texas College of Law Houston, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude and was his class’s valedictorian. During his time at South Texas, Mr. Cooney served as an Associate Editor of the South Texas Law Review, an Editor on the Construction Law Journal, and was actively involved in the Real Estate & Construction Law Society.

Mr. Guarino’s work with the firm focuses on identifying, assessing and resolving a wide variety of land use and traditional commercial real estate matters across all asset types. Mr. Guarino earned his B.A. degree from Southern Methodist University and his J.D. degree from the University of Huston Law Center.

Mr. Izfar represents private land owners and developers in navigating land use and zoning issues in connection with local regulation of commercial and industrial developments as well as master-planned communities. Previously, he was Assistant City Attorney for the City of Houston where his practice focused on land development regulations within the City of Houston and public-private partnerships. Mr. Izfar earned his B.A. degree from Emory University and his J.D. degree from the Rutgers-Camden School of Law.

Mr. Pruitt has exclusively represented cities in the Texas Panhandle and the Houston Metro Region on all matters of municipal law with an emphasis in land use and economic development. He has been the lead counsel for all land use issues in roles with cities and in private practice. Mr. Pruitt has been lead counsel for the creation and operation of tax increment reinvestment zones, public improvement districts, and economic development corporations. He has been directly involved with downtown revitalization initiatives in several cities and has provided guidance on the legal implications of such initiatives. Mr. Pruitt has an undergraduate degree from Texas Tech University, a master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Texas at Arlington, and a law degree from Texas A&M University School of Law.

Mr. Wilson is recognized as a preeminent Texas real estate and land use attorney. A Fellow of the American College of Real Estate Lawyers (ACREL), he is one of few practicing Texas real estate attorneys holding the Counselors of Real Estate (CRE) designation. Board-certified in commercial real estate law and property owners association law, he brings to his practice a long history of relationships and reputation with governmental and POA lawyers and officials throughout southeast Texas. As the chairman of Wilson Cribbs + Goren, he led the firm to become one of the go-to real estate boutiques in Texas. An adept critical thinker, problem-solver and creative strategist, as well as a skilled negotiator, Mr. Wilson advocates for the interests of a wide array of private and institutional clients, including residential, commercial and industrial developers, property owners, Fortune 500 companies, and other owners and operators. He also has unique knowledge of the laws on land use rights of religious organizations; specifically, the constitutional and statutory exceptions granted to them under state and federal law. Mr. Wilson’s practice involves a broad array of work related to both public and private land use regulations, such as deed restrictions (restrictive covenants), easements, development agreements, platting, economic development incentives, permitting and denial of permits, zoning, statutory vested rights, and traditional land use matters. As a trusted partner to his clients, he also counsels businesses proactively on land use and real estate matters to help avoid costly missteps before they occur. Mr. Wilson is past chair of the Real Estate, Probate and Trust Law (REPTL) Section of the State Bar of Texas, the second-oldest and largest section of the State Bar of Texas, with more than 9,200 members. He is a director of the Texas Real Estate and Probate Institute (T-REP), which reviews and lobbies changes to real estate and probate laws to keep them current and effective. A former District Council Chair of the Urban Land Institute’s Houston chapter, he has been a long-term contributor to the growth of that Council and is a long time full ULI member. Mr. Wilson has held the position of adjunct professor at the Jones Graduate School of Business at Rice University, teaching Real Estate and the Law and Best Practices in Real Estate Development. Recently, Texas Lawyer magazine selected him to receive its Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognizes lawyers who have made their mark on the state’s legal profession, and RED News named him a Real Estate Icon. As a leader of Wilson Cribbs + Goren, he leverages his extensive experience in land use and real estate law to mentor the firm’s attorneys.

Mr. Izfar represents private land owners and developers in navigating land use and zoning issues in connection with local regulation of commercial and industrial developments as well as master-planned communities. Previously, he was Assistant City Attorney for the City of Houston where his practice focused on land development regulations within the City of Houston and public-private partnerships. Mr. Izfar earned his B.A. degree from Emory University and his J.D. degree from the Rutgers-Camden School of Law.

Mr. Barkhurst has extensive litigation experience in business and real estate disputes. He has developed a special concentration in the area of eminent domain, representing landowners as well as governmental entities in numerous such lawsuits, involving millions of dollars. Paul has successfully represented numerous owners in ranch power line takings, pipeline cases, and highway construction cases. Paul also represents governmental entities in construction disputes, and has represented contractors and subcontractors in private disputes. He also has extensive experience handling complex business dissolution and injunction cases. 

Mr. Cooney focuses his practice on land use and development. He clerked with Wilson Cribbs + Goren throughout his entire time in law school, where he was able to gain valuable knowledge and skills in the land use, zoning, and development areas so that he could hit the ground running once starting as a full-time attorney. Mr. Cooney brings a creative and detail-oriented approach to his work, shaped by his early interests in architecture and photography. He received a B.S. in Political Science from Texas A&M University and went on to receive a J.D. from South Texas College of Law Houston, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude and was his class’s valedictorian. During his time at South Texas, Mr. Cooney served as an Associate Editor of the South Texas Law Review, an Editor on the Construction Law Journal, and was actively involved in the Real Estate & Construction Law Society.

Mr. Guarino’s work with the firm focuses on identifying, assessing and resolving a wide variety of land use and traditional commercial real estate matters across all asset types. Mr. Guarino earned his B.A. degree from Southern Methodist University and his J.D. degree from the University of Huston Law Center.

Mr. Izfar represents private land owners and developers in navigating land use and zoning issues in connection with local regulation of commercial and industrial developments as well as master-planned communities. Previously, he was Assistant City Attorney for the City of Houston where his practice focused on land development regulations within the City of Houston and public-private partnerships. Mr. Izfar earned his B.A. degree from Emory University and his J.D. degree from the Rutgers-Camden School of Law.

Mr. Joeckel is a member of Winstead’s Business Litigation Practice Group. Mr. Joeckel has experience in a range of civil and commercial matters in state and federal courts, including industry experience in real estate, construction, technology, and financial services. He earned his B.B.A. degree from Texas A & M University, his M.L.A degree from Texas Christina University and his J.D. degree from Texas Tech University School of Law.

Mr. Pruitt has exclusively represented cities in the Texas Panhandle and the Houston Metro Region on all matters of municipal law with an emphasis in land use and economic development. He has been the lead counsel for all land use issues in roles with cities and in private practice. Mr. Pruitt has been lead counsel for the creation and operation of tax increment reinvestment zones, public improvement districts, and economic development corporations. He has been directly involved with downtown revitalization initiatives in several cities and has provided guidance on the legal implications of such initiatives. Mr. Pruitt has an undergraduate degree from Texas Tech University, a master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Texas at Arlington, and a law degree from Texas A&M University School of Law.

Mr. Wilson is recognized as a preeminent Texas real estate and land use attorney. A Fellow of the American College of Real Estate Lawyers (ACREL), he is one of few practicing Texas real estate attorneys holding the Counselors of Real Estate (CRE) designation. Board-certified in commercial real estate law and property owners association law, he brings to his practice a long history of relationships and reputation with governmental and POA lawyers and officials throughout southeast Texas. As the chairman of Wilson Cribbs + Goren, he led the firm to become one of the go-to real estate boutiques in Texas. An adept critical thinker, problem-solver and creative strategist, as well as a skilled negotiator, Mr. Wilson advocates for the interests of a wide array of private and institutional clients, including residential, commercial and industrial developers, property owners, Fortune 500 companies, and other owners and operators. He also has unique knowledge of the laws on land use rights of religious organizations; specifically, the constitutional and statutory exceptions granted to them under state and federal law. Mr. Wilson’s practice involves a broad array of work related to both public and private land use regulations, such as deed restrictions (restrictive covenants), easements, development agreements, platting, economic development incentives, permitting and denial of permits, zoning, statutory vested rights, and traditional land use matters. As a trusted partner to his clients, he also counsels businesses proactively on land use and real estate matters to help avoid costly missteps before they occur. Mr. Wilson is past chair of the Real Estate, Probate and Trust Law (REPTL) Section of the State Bar of Texas, the second-oldest and largest section of the State Bar of Texas, with more than 9,200 members. He is a director of the Texas Real Estate and Probate Institute (T-REP), which reviews and lobbies changes to real estate and probate laws to keep them current and effective. A former District Council Chair of the Urban Land Institute’s Houston chapter, he has been a long-term contributor to the growth of that Council and is a long time full ULI member. Mr. Wilson has held the position of adjunct professor at the Jones Graduate School of Business at Rice University, teaching Real Estate and the Law and Best Practices in Real Estate Development. Recently, Texas Lawyer magazine selected him to receive its Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognizes lawyers who have made their mark on the state’s legal profession, and RED News named him a Real Estate Icon. As a leader of Wilson Cribbs + Goren, he leverages his extensive experience in land use and real estate law to mentor the firm’s attorneys.

Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP 
Casey Erick is a partner in the Dallas office of Lewis Brisbois. He focuses his practice on labor and employment matters and commercial litigation. He has represented clients in both litigation and transactional matters that span across commercial law, labor and employment, real estate, consumer protection, and general litigation including, but not limited to breach of contract, corporate trade secret theft, tortious interference, defamation, personal injury, fraud, and various other kinds of civil litigation.  He has represented high-profile clients as well as defended against high-profile national and global entities in matters related to commercial litigation, defamation, privacy, negligence, the Stored Communications Act, the Texas Harmful Access by Computer Act, Texas identity Theft Enforcement and Protection Act, and the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act.  

https://www.linkedin.com/in/casey-erick  

With a robust legal career spanning across litigation in various legal areas, probate, estate planning, and in-house counsel roles, Ms. An offers a wealth of experience and practical expertise. She has previously represented numerous clients in high-stakes commercial disputes, personal injury cases, complex probate cases and estate planning matters, and she now focuses her practice in probate and estate planning. Ms. An received her J.D. degree in 2017 from the University of Houston Law Center. She also received her B.S. degree in Psychology, summa cum laude, from the University of Houston in 2011. She is a current member of the State Bar of Texas, the Houston Bar Association, and the Asian American Bar Association in Houston. She is admitted to practice before all Texas State Courts.

Ms. Barr founded Barr Law, PLLC, after serving as managing attorney of RMO LLP’s Houston office for almost two years. After seeing how she could run a satellite office of another firm, she decided to venture out on her own and hang her shingle. As a seasoned litigator, her areas of practice include defending and prosecuting causes of action against fiduciaries in probate, trust, guardianship, and power of attorney proceedings. Ms. Barr also handles guardianship, probate, and trust administrations to stay abreast of any statutory changes and court requirements. As a part of this type of litigation, she has experience handling several commercial real estate transactions (including acreage), commercial and dram shop liability litigation, equitable and statutory bill of review proceedings, and appeals. Ms. Barr defends fiduciaries wrongfully accused but she also prosecutes fiduciaries who have abused their positions. Her extensive experience in discovery disputes, either defending privilege and objections to prevent production of certain documents and compelling documents, allows her to advise clients on the pitfalls of discovery. Ms. Barr earned her J.D. degree from the University of Houston Law Center.

Mr. Coufal is a Texas licensed attorney and his areas of practice are elder law, estate planning, and Medicaid planning. His goal in practicing law is to make complex legal challenges easier to understand and provide the support and education his clients need to relieve the financial and emotional stress associated with long-term care expenses. Mr. Coufal is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA). He is also a member of the Elder Counsel, a group of attorneys dedicated to the elder law practice. In addition, Mr. Coufal is a full member of the Texas Bar College, an honorary society of lawyers who are among the best trained attorneys in Texas. Members are qualified attorneys who are interested in both high ethical standards and improved training for all Texas attorneys. He has a J.D. degree and an LL.M. degree from the Duke University School of Law. He is also a graduate of Texas A&M University Mays Business School and Dallas Baptist University. He and his family are actively involved in church ministry in north Texas.

Ms. Hoggatt concentrates her practice in estate planning and probate law, business planning and tax law. Her practice includes estate planning, providing estate administration and probate services to executors, trustees, heirs and beneficiaries in matters involving probate, estates, and trusts, general business matters, formation and financing of business ventures, entity choice and formation considerations for business entities, asset protection, and tax planning for businesses and their owners. Ms. Hoggatt received her LL.M. degree in Taxation in 2012 and her J.D. degree in 2008, both from the University of Houston Law Center. She received a B.A. degree in Government from The University of Texas at Austin in 2005.

Ms. Pierson’s main areas of practice are estate planning and probate. She realizes that a well-planned estate can mitigate a lot of the burdens families face when they lose someone they love. Ms. Pierson believes her clients deserve a plan that goes beyond the legal documents and ties up both legal and non-legal loose ends in order to give her clients’ families a path forward through their grief. She helps her clients create estate plans that do not just transfer assets. The wills and trusts she creates take a load off the survivors, prevent familial conflict, and protect future generations. Whether clients need a will, a trust, or a vehicle to protect their assets, Ms. Pierson can prepare a customized plan that will help them to achieve their goals. She enjoys counseling her clients on how to use their estate plan to protect their legacy and provide for loved ones in the event of death or incapacity. Ms. Pierson graduated with honors from the University of Texas School of Law.

Ms. Sarah E. Sibley joined Ford + Bergner in 2024. Prior to joining the firm, Ms. Sibley was with the Office of Chief Counsel for the Texas Health and Human Services Commission where she primarily focused on guardianship law. Ms. Sibley has also represented mortgage lenders and servicers in mortgage-related litigation on both the plaintiff and defense side. Ms. Sibley has gained wide ranging experience in the areas of real estate, probate, mortgage litigation, and creditor bankruptcy over the course of her career. Ms. Sibley graduated with a B.S. degree from Texas A&M University in 1999 and received her Juris Doctorate from South Texas College of Law in 2002. She is a member of the State Bar of Texas and is licensed in the United States District Courts and the United States Bankruptcy Courts for the Northern, Eastern, Southern, and Western Districts of Texas. Ms. Sibley also has her guardianship certification from the State Bar of Texas.

Mr. Hayes is board certified in Estate Planning and Probate by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Founded in 2007, the firm has grown to be one of the recognized small firms focusing on Estate Planning, Probate, Guardianship and Special Needs. Mr. Hayes is a frequent speaker on Estate Planning, Wills, Trusts, Probate, Charitable Gifting, Disability Planning, Elder Law, and Medicaid. In 2004, William received the HBA President’s Award. He has served the Houston Bar Association as co-chair of the Elder Law Committee and as chair of the Fee Dispute Committee. Currently, he is a member of the Texas Bar Association, the Houston and Texas Bar Foundations, the Houston Estate and Financial Forum, the Houston Business and Estate Planning Council, Attorneys in Tax and Probate (ATP), and the Disability and Elder Law Attorneys Association (DELAA).

Ms. Adair is an associate in the real estate department of Branscomb Law, where she primarily practices in the areas of real estate and water law. She has experience in representing individuals and businesses in a variety of real estate and water rights transactions.

Mr. Buck received a B.A. in Music and Sociology from Austin College in 2007 and a J.D. from Texas Tech University School of Law in 2011. He has practiced law in a variety of fields since his admission to the State Bar of Texas in 2011 and is currently a member in the litigation department of Branscomb Law in San Antonio, Texas. Mr. Buck centers his practice on real estate litigation and has represented clients in title and boundary disputes, groundwater rights matters, rate-change cases at the PUC, and breach of contract and fraud cases involving sales of real estate. 

Jackson Walker, LLP
Mr. Dougal represents a diverse group of clients in complex permitting and water matters, including data centers and other technology companies, power generation companies, real estate developers and special districts. He is also active in water quality and wetlands issues where he represents energy companies, developers and agricultural operators in Clean Water Act permit and compliance matters. As a recognized authority on emerging water law issues, Mr. Dougal is frequently sought after to speak at bar and continuing legal education seminars. He is the author of two chapters in the treatise on Texas water law, The Essentials of Texas Water Resources. Mr. Dougal has a special interest in solving water supply issues for clients, including permitting of groundwater, contracting with others for new water supplies, conveying or reserving water rights, or reusing treated wastewater. Mr. Dougal is board certified in Administrative Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. He is also a Texas licensed Professional Engineer (inactive).

Fancher Legal, PLLC, in Frisco
Ms. Fancher has extensive experience in representing clients on water and other legal matters across the State of Texas. She represents a diverse array of clients – from water districts to landowners and private companies – and therefore has a broad perspective that benefits her clients. After practicing in Austin for a number of years, Ms. Fancher simultaneously founded Fancher Legal, PLLC, and relocated with her family to the North Texas area where she was raised. She is a sixth generation Texan and is fortunate to have the opportunity to represent clients with interests and values similar to those that she was raised with.

Justin Hodge – Marrs Ellis & Hodge LLP
Mr. Hodge is a trial lawyer who represents Texas landowners in condemnation, eminent-domain, and real-estate lawsuits.  He has handled complex condemnation and eminent-domain cases throughout the State of Texas.  Mr. Hodge has appeared in condemnation and eminent-domain lawsuits and he has defended landowners against the Texas Attorney General’s office, pipeline companies, electric transmission line companies, school districts, cities, and counties.  He is passionate about Texas property rights.  Mr. Hodge has testified on Texas condemnation and eminent domain reform on behalf of Texas landowners in front of both the Texas House of Representatives and the Texas Senate.  He also writes a weekly blog at TexasCondemnation.com.  Mr. Hodge is currently an adjunct professor at University of Houston School of Law where he teaches a course on eminent domain. 

Mr. Porter has been named an expert in over 700 court and arbitration cases that have taken place since 1987. He recently served as chair of the Texas Real Estate Commission’s Education Standards Advisory Committee and serves as chair of the Advisory Council of the Briscoe Center for American History of the University of Texas at Austin. Over the past 15 years, he has taught as a visiting professor at St. Edward’s University in Austin. His most recent college text (his fourth) is Water Rights in the United States: A Guide Through the Maze.

Lloyd Gosselink Attorneys at Law
Mr. Ruiz’s practice focuses on guiding clients through a myriad of governmental and water-related legal and policy issues, including certificates of convenience and necessity, statutory and regulatory compliance, various transactions, permitting, water rights, water resource management and development, and governmental relations. As a member of the University of Texas Environmental Science Institute’s Advisory Council, Mr. Ruiz’s practice focuses on the nexus of science, law, and public policy. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Ruiz cut his teeth in regional water planning at the San Antonio River Authority, while serving as project manager for the South Texas Regional Water Planning Group (Region L) and the Regional Water Alliance. While at the River Authority, Mr. Ruiz also helped steer the agency’s Legislative Program, while developing strategic partnerships with other local and state political subdivisions, elected officials, and staff. During his time at the River Authority, Mr. Ruiz filled the role as program leader, overseeing the implementation of various sustainability projects, which focused on low-impact develop and flood planning needs. Mr. Ruiz served as Legislative Intern for then, State Representative Doug Miller during the 83rd legislative session. Prior to that, Mr. Ruiz spent summers working on his grandfather’s drilling rig, providing water well services across South Texas.

Mr. Taylor is an attorney who represents clients in trials and litigation throughout Texas. Graham’s practice primarily involves the protection of property rights for clients whose properties are being impacted by condemning authorities in eminent domain.Mr. Taylor has represented his clients in court and at special commissioners’ hearings. He has also successfully mediated and settled dozens of cases outside of trial. Mr. Taylor’s passion for constitutional rights does not end in the courtroom. In addition to representing clients full-time, he is an adjunct professor at the University of St. Thomas where he teaches Constitutional Law and Environmental Law. Mr. Taylor is also coach of the University of St. Thomas Mock Trial Team.

Ms. Adair is an associate in the real estate department of Branscomb Law, where she primarily practices in the areas of real estate and water law. She has experience in representing individuals and businesses in a variety of real estate and water rights transactions.

Ms. Adams represents a diverse set of clients, including commercial and residential real estate developers, electric utilities and cooperatives, and water utility districts. She is experienced in advising clients on regulatory matters and complex environmental litigation matters in both state and federal courts and in arbitration proceedings, including identification and mitigation of environmental risks, navigating the permitting processes, and defending clients in administrative enforcement actions. More specifically, Ms. Adams frequently assists land development and construction clients on policy, compliance, and enforcement aspects of state and federal programs, such as regulating stormwater discharges, wetlands, and jurisdictional waters, and protected species and resources. Additionally, she routinely counsels clients on administrative, transactional, and regulatory issues before the Public Utility Commission of Texas and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, including energy project transactions, regulatory proceedings, contested cases, rate cases, transmission line projects, and compliance matters. She is also experienced in analyzing environmental issues for renewable energy projects. Prior to joining Jackson Walker, Ms. Adams served as a Judicial Law Clerk for Justice Don Willet at the Supreme Court of Texas.

Ms. Binger as a member of the Water, Districts, and Energy and Utility Practice Groups, She assists clients with matters relating to certificates of convenience and necessity, water supply, water quality, and water rights, in addition to providing general counsel services to political subdivisions in Texas. Ms. Binger received her B.A. in Psychology from Texas Tech University in 2016 and a J.D. from the University of Notre Dame in 2020. Prior to joining Lloyd Gosselink, she practiced general
litigation in various positions in Central Indiana.

Mr. Buck received a B.A. in Music and Sociology from Austin College in 2007 and a J.D. from Texas Tech University School of Law in 2011. He has practiced law in a variety of fields since his admission to the State Bar of Texas in 2011 and is currently a member in the litigation department of Branscomb Law in San Antonio, Texas. Mr. Buck centers his practice on real estate litigation and has represented clients in title and boundary disputes, groundwater rights matters, rate-change cases at the PUC, and breach of contract and fraud cases involving sales of real estate. 

Dr. Mace in addition to his position at the Meadows Center, he is also a Professor of Practice in the Department of Geography at Texas State University. Dr. Mace has over 30 years of experience in hydrology, hydrogeology, stakeholder processes and water policy, mostly in Texas. Before joining Texas State University in 2017, Mace worked at the Texas Water Development Board for 17 years ending his career there as the Deputy Executive Administrator for the Water Science and Conservation Office. While at the Board, he worked on understanding groundwater and surface water resources in Texas; advancing water conservation and innovative water technologies such as desalination, aquifer storage and recovery, reuse, and rainwater harvesting; and protecting Texans from floods.

Mr. Porter has been named an expert in over 700 court and arbitration cases that have taken place since 1987. He recently served as chair of the Texas Real Estate Commission’s Education Standards Advisory Committee and serves as chair of the Advisory Council of the Briscoe Center for American History of the University of Texas at Austin. Over the past 15 years, he has taught as a visiting professor at St. Edward’s University in Austin. His most recent college text (his fourth) is Water Rights in the United States: A Guide Through the Maze.

Mr. Kent is in his 40th year with Schneider Geomatics in Indianapolis – having transitioned to part-time status in 2020. He also provides training, consulting and expert witness services as manager and owner of Meridian Land Consulting, LLC. He served as chair of the Joint ALTA/NSPS Committee responsible for the ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey standards from 1995 to 2021. He also served on the Indiana State Board of Registration for Professional Surveyors from 2004-2025 and is a past-president of both ACSM and the Indiana Society of Professional Land Surveyors. Mr. Kent has presented programs on boundary law, easements and rights of way, surveying standards and practice, and leadership multiple times in all 50 states.

Mr. Kent is in his 40th year with Schneider Geomatics in Indianapolis – having transitioned to part-time status in 2020. He also provides training, consulting and expert witness services as manager and owner of Meridian Land Consulting, LLC. He served as chair of the Joint ALTA/NSPS Committee responsible for the ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey standards from 1995 to 2021. He also served on the Indiana State Board of Registration for Professional Surveyors from 2004-2025 and is a past-president of both ACSM and the Indiana Society of Professional Land Surveyors. Mr. Kent has presented programs on boundary law, easements and rights of way, surveying standards and practice, and leadership multiple times in all 50 states.

Mr. Kent is in his 40th year with Schneider Geomatics in Indianapolis – having transitioned to part-time status in 2020. He also provides training, consulting and expert witness services as manager and owner of Meridian Land Consulting, LLC. He served as chair of the Joint ALTA/NSPS Committee responsible for the ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey standards from 1995 to 2021. He also served on the Indiana State Board of Registration for Professional Surveyors from 2004-2025 and is a past-president of both ACSM and the Indiana Society of Professional Land Surveyors. Mr. Kent has presented programs on boundary law, easements and rights of way, surveying standards and practice, and leadership multiple times in all 50 states.

Cann Law, PC 
Amy M. Cann is the founder of Cann Law, P.C., where she practices business, employment, and technology law. Before becoming an attorney, Amy owned a consulting firm serving businesses throughout New England and worked extensively in business operations, organizational leadership, and human resources. She previously practiced at McLane Middleton, P.C. 

In addition to her JD degree, she earned an MBA and certifications in data privacy and cybersecurity, and has a particular interest in the practical and ethical use of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies in legal practice. 

Amy serves as co-chair of the NHBA Solo/Small Firm Practice Section and as a volunteer mediator for the New Hampshire Commission for Human Rights. She regularly presents continuing legal education and professional training programs on employment law, workplace investigations, technology, and the use of AI in legal practice for UNH and several national organizations. 

 https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-cann/  

Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP 
Casey Erick is a partner in the Dallas office of Lewis Brisbois. He focuses his practice on labor and employment matters and commercial litigation. He has represented clients in both litigation and transactional matters that span across commercial law, labor and employment, real estate, consumer protection, and general litigation including, but not limited to breach of contract, corporate trade secret theft, tortious interference, defamation, personal injury, fraud, and various other kinds of civil litigation.  He has represented high-profile clients as well as defended against high-profile national and global entities in matters related to commercial litigation, defamation, privacy, negligence, the Stored Communications Act, the Texas Harmful Access by Computer Act, Texas identity Theft Enforcement and Protection Act, and the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act.  

https://www.linkedin.com/in/casey-erick  

Chair and Professor at City University of New York (CUNY)
Marissa J. Moran is an attorney admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court, the courts of New York and New Jersey, and the United States District Courts. She is currently Chair and Professor in the Department of Law and Paralegal Studies at New York City College of Technology (City Tech), CUNY, where she teaches Legal Technology, Forensic Science and The Legal Process, Legal Ethics and Professional Responsibilities, and Theatre of Law. Professor Moran is a member of the New York State Bar Association Task Force on Artificial Intelligence, where she served as one of the principal drafters and contributors of the task force’s published report, including sections on the legal profession’s impact and the evolution of AI and generative AI. She has spoken extensively at NYSBA CLEs and national paralegal educator conferences on topics including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, legal technology, and forensic science and law. Her article on biometrics and facial recognition technology was featured as the cover article in the May/June 2023 New York State Bar Association Journal.

Cari L. Sheehan is an assistant general counsel with Taft Stettinius & Hollister, LLP. With over 15 years of legal experience in civil litigation, conflicts of interest, and professional responsibility, she serves as the firm’s assistant general counsel with Taft Stettinius & Hollister, LLP. In this role, she advises firm attorneys with respect to ethics compliance, risk prevention, and conflicts of interest. In addition, she assists in the review and negotiation of outside counsel guidelines, conflict waivers and engagement letters, and other items with ethical implications. She also assists in providing ethical training and education within the firm to its attorneys and staff. Ms. Sheehan is an adjunct professor at the IU Robert H. McKinney School where she teaches Professional Responsibility. She is also a former assistant clinical professor of Business Law and Ethics at the Kelley School of Business. She is passionate about promoting ethical awareness, integrity, and professionalism in the legal and business fields and contributing to the advancement of knowledge and practice in these domains. Ms. Sheehan is a frequent presenter and author on ethics and professionalism in the legal industry. She is a recurring author with the Res Gestae regarding the ethics curbstone and has been quoted in publications for her knowledge on ethical topics. Ms. Sheehan is also an avid speaker, having given over 200 seminars on ethics and professionalism for various local and national platforms. Her primary area of research is regarding the ethics of AI and how it affects the legal and business community.

Mr. Suits is the Chief Executive Officer of Suits Litigation, Inc., a plaintiff personal injury firm based in San Jose, California, which he founded in 2012. With 22 years of legal experience, he focuses his practice on advocating for individuals who have sustained serious injuries in motor vehicle accidents, including those involving cars, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians. Mr. Suits earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 1997 before obtaining his law degree from the University of Southern California Law School in 2003. Prior to establishing his own practice, he worked as a litigation attorney for the firms of Tharpe & Howell, LLP and Robinson & Wood, Inc.

Mr. Palmer is a Board Certified Master Arborist® and Tree Risk Assessment Qualified by the International Society of Arboriculture, and a Consulting Arborist. He was the owner of a premium services landscaping company for 20 years. Mr. Palmer’s focus is on trees in urban and construction environments, soil deficiencies and the importance of soils for sustainable mature trees, increasing urban tree canopies by ensuring trees live to maturity, and unsustainable landscape designs. He does tree assessments for individuals, commercial clients, law firms, insurance companies, municipalities, landscape architecture firms, parks and woodland management agencies, and he has assessed and evaluated thousands of individual trees in the past decade.

Here’s what past attendees had to say about the program and presenter John Palmer:

“Very good. Very useful. I will change some of what I have been doing based on what I have learned from this webinar.” – Civil Engineer

“John is one of two presenters in the last 30 years who has held my interest throughout an entire all day program.” – Architect

“Excellent presentation and content. I especially appreciated all of the references in the material.” – Civil Engineer

Mr. Palmer is a Board Certified Master Arborist® and Tree Risk Assessment Qualified by the International Society of Arboriculture, and a Consulting Arborist. He was the owner of a premium services landscaping company for 20 years. Mr. Palmer’s focus is on trees in urban and construction environments, soil deficiencies and the importance of soils for sustainable mature trees, increasing urban tree canopies by ensuring trees live to maturity, and unsustainable landscape designs. He does tree assessments for individuals, commercial clients, law firms, insurance companies, municipalities, landscape architecture firms, parks and woodland management agencies, and he has assessed and evaluated thousands of individual trees in the past decade.

Here’s what past attendees had to say about the program and presenter John Palmer:

“Very good. Very useful. I will change some of what I have been doing based on what I have learned from this webinar.” – Civil Engineer

“John is one of two presenters in the last 30 years who has held my interest throughout an entire all day program.” – Architect

“Excellent presentation and content. I especially appreciated all of the references in the material.” – Civil Engineer

Mr. Palmer is a Board Certified Master Arborist® and Tree Risk Assessment Qualified by the International Society of Arboriculture, and a Consulting Arborist. He was the owner of a premium services landscaping company for 20 years. Mr. Palmer’s focus is on trees in urban and construction environments, soil deficiencies and the importance of soils for sustainable mature trees, increasing urban tree canopies by ensuring trees live to maturity, and unsustainable landscape designs. He does tree assessments for individuals, commercial clients, law firms, insurance companies, municipalities, landscape architecture firms, parks and woodland management agencies, and he has assessed and evaluated thousands of individual trees in the past decade.

Here’s what past attendees had to say about the program and presenter John Palmer:

“Very good. Very useful. I will change some of what I have been doing based on what I have learned from this webinar.” – Civil Engineer

“John is one of two presenters in the last 30 years who has held my interest throughout an entire all day program.” – Architect

“Excellent presentation and content. I especially appreciated all of the references in the material.” – Civil Engineer

Mr. Palmer is a Board Certified Master Arborist® and Tree Risk Assessment Qualified by the International Society of Arboriculture, and a Consulting Arborist. He was the owner of a premium services landscaping company for 20 years. Mr. Palmer’s focus is on trees in urban and construction environments, soil deficiencies and the importance of soils for sustainable mature trees, increasing urban tree canopies by ensuring trees live to maturity, and unsustainable landscape designs. He does tree assessments for individuals, commercial clients, law firms, insurance companies, municipalities, landscape architecture firms, parks and woodland management agencies, and he has assessed and evaluated thousands of individual trees in the past decade.

Here’s what past attendees had to say about the program and presenter John Palmer:

“Very good. Very useful. I will change some of what I have been doing based on what I have learned from this webinar.” – Civil Engineer

“John is one of two presenters in the last 30 years who has held my interest throughout an entire all day program.” – Architect

“Excellent presentation and content. I especially appreciated all of the references in the material.” – Civil Engineer