Partner in Charge
William B. Burford
“We are delighted Kelly Hart decided to be here in Midland and more than pleased to have been asked to join them."
Russell Cawyer Authors Blog on Paid Sick Leave Ordinances
Employers in Dallas and San Antonio must prepare for the implementation of the local paid sick leave laws that take effect August 1, 2019.
Henry Robinson Authors Article in the 2019 Employee Relations Law Journal
Henry Robinson penned an article, “How Employees May Minimize Current Fiduciary Risks under ERISA—Part II,” which was published in the Summer 2019 Employee Relations Law Journal.
James E.McClain Joins Kelly Hart
.James McClain joins Kelly Hart in the Fort Worth office’s Corporate and Securities section.J
Louis M. Phillips Featured Speaker at 13th Annual Texas Bankruptcy Bench Bar Conference
The 13th Annual Texas Bench Bar Conference provided current and informative advice on the issues most important to bankruptcy and insolvency practitioners.
Kelly Hart Partner David S. Morales Confirmed as United States District Judge for the Southern District of Texas
The United States Senate confirmed David S. Morales to a seat on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas.
Russell Cawyer Authors Blog on Arbitration Agreements of Interstate Truck Drivers
Transportation companies utilizing arbitration agreements should consider whether to implement and apply state law rather than the Federal Arbitration Act.
David W. Cook and Jody S. Sanders Earn Top Texas Rising Stars Honors
David Cook and Jody Sanders earned special recognition in the Texas Rising Stars 2019 Top 100 List.
Nineteen KH Attorneys Named Texas Rising Stars
Nineteen Kelly Hart attorneys have been selected as 2019 Texas Super Lawyers Rising Stars.
Katherine Hopkins Named St. Mary’s University School of Law 10 under 10 Honoree
St. Mary’s University School of Law has selected Katherine Hopkins as a 2019 10 Under 10 award recipient.
Taylor Spalla Featured Speaker at 2nd Annual Permian Basin Water In Energy Conference
Taylor Spalla recently spoke on the regulatory and legal panel of the 2nd Annual Permian Basin Water in Energy Conference (PBWIEC) in Midland, Texas, February 19–22, 2019.
Loulan Pitre Honored in Leadership in Law Hall of Fame; Rick Shelby Selected as 2019 Honoree
Loulan Pitre and Rick Shelby have been named to the New Orleans CityBusiness Leadership in Law class of 2019.
Russell Cawyer Authors Blog on the Legality of CBD Oil in Texas
The possession, use, or sale of CBD oil is a felony under state law—except for CBD oil that has a THC concentration of less than .5 percent and is prescribed for intractable seizures by a physician licensed and registered to prescribe the oil (and confirmed by a second physician).
Russell Cawyer Authors Blog on Transgender Title VII Case
In Wittmer v. Phillips 66 Company, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a trial court’s summary judgment in favor of an employer that had been sued for employment discrimination based on transgender status.
Alan Hegi and Michael McConnell Featured Speakers at American Railway Development Association Executive Forum
Alan Hegi and Michael McConnell recently spoke to the Executive Forum of the American Railway Development Association (ARDA) regarding issues and risks in tenant bankruptcy.
Louis Phillips Featured Speaker at the 14th Annual Bankruptcy, Insolvency, and Creditor Rights Retreat
The 14th Annual Bankruptcy, Insolvency, and Creditor Rights (BICR) Retreat will provide the most current and informative advice on the issues most important to bankruptcy and insolvency practitioners.
Kelly Hart Welcomes Meredith W. Knudsen
Meredith W. Knudsen joins the firm as an associate in the Litigation practice group.
Cheryl Leb Serves as Contributing Editor to Thomson Reuters Practical Law
Cheryl Leb authored the 2019 Right of Publicity Laws guide, an online resource produced by Thomson Reuters Practical Law, for Texas.
Kelly Hart Elects Five New Partners
Kelly Hart elected five new partners—Jonathan Cranz, Brian Garrett, Katherine Hopkins, Drew Neal, and Rick Shelby.
Kelly Hart Pitre Attorneys Named 2018 Top Lawyers by New Orleans Magazine
Lesli D. Harris and Aimee Hebert were selected by their peers for inclusion in New Orleans Magazine’s Top Lawyers list.
TCU Dedicates Expanded, Renovated Dee J. Kelly Alumni & Visitors Center
Texas Christian University held a dedication ceremony on December 7, 2018 to mark the completion of a major expansion and renovation of the Dee J. Kelly Alumni & Visitors Center.
Henry Robinson Authors Article in the Employee Relations Law Journal
Henry Robinson penned an article, “How Employers and Employees may Minimize Current Fiduciary Risks under ERISA,” to be published in the Spring 2019 Employee Relations Law Journal.
Sean Bryan Authors Column in Fort Worth Business Press
Sean Bryan authored an article addressing Qualified Opportunity Zones (QOZs) and the deferral of tax on capital gains that are invested in these QOZs.
Thirty-two Kelly Hart Attorneys Newly Selected Fellows of the Texas Bar Foundation
The Texas Bar Foundation has selected thirty-two Kelly Hart attorneys as Fellows of the Foundation. Fellows are selected for outstanding professional achievements and a demonstrated commitment to the improvement of the justice system throughout Texas.
Rachel Scarafia Appointed to South Louisiana Chapter of the Women’s Energy Network Board
Rachel Scarafia recently was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Women’s Energy Network (WEN) South Louisiana Chapter for a one year term.
Louis Phillips Featured Speaker at 24th Annual Bankruptcy Law Seminar
The 24th Annual Bankruptcy Law Seminar was held on November 8 and 9, 2018 at LSU Law Center.
Kelly Hart Receives Top Tier Rankings in U.S. News – Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms”
Kelly Hart earned high rankings in the 2019 U.S. News – Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” rankings, including 4 national rankings and 26 first-tier metropolitan rankings.
Cheryl Leb Honored as a 2018 Great Woman of Texas
The Fort Worth Business Press selected Cheryl Leb as a 2018 Great Woman of Texas.
Kelly Hart Hosts Nonprofit Leaders Luncheon Series
Together with JPMorgan Chase Bank and Whitley Penn, Kelly Hart hosted the fourth in a series of Lunch and Learns for Nonprofit Professionals at McDavid Studio on September 25, 2018.
Anna Brandl Featured Speaker at the Executive Women’s Club of Midland Luncheon Series
Anna Brandl recently spoke to the Executive Women’s Club of Midland on the fundamentals of intellectual property.
Kelly Hart Welcomes Three New Associates to Fort Worth Office
Kelly Hart welcomes associates Bailey Blaies, Taylor Cummins, and Grant Moore to the Fort Worth office.
Kelly Hart Welcomes Sven Stricker to Austin Office
Sven Stricker joins Kelly Hart as an associate in the Austin office’s Litigation section.
Kelly Hart Welcomes Lesli D. Harris
Lesli D. Harris joins Kelly Hart as Of Counsel in the New Orleans Office’s IP and Litigation sections.
Darren Keyes Elected Fellow of the Construction Lawyers Society of America
The Construction Lawyers Society of America has elected Darren Keyes to its Fellowship.
Heidi Angel Featured Speaker at the Down Syndrome Partnership of North Texas Speaker Series
Heidi Angel is scheduled to speak at the Down Syndrome Partnership of North Texas (DSPNT) educational speaker series on special needs planning and guardianship.
Jack S. Wilson Joins Kelly Hart
Jack S. Wilson joins Kelly Hart as an associate in the Midland office’s Oil & Gas/Energy Section.
Twenty-eight Kelly Hart Attorneys Recognized on 2018 Texas Super Lawyers List
Texas Super Lawyers named twenty-eight Kelly Hart attorneys to the 2018 list.
The George Washington University Law School Celebrates Dee J. Kelly, Sr. with a Building in his Honor
The George Washington University Law School (GW Law) renamed the Law School Learning Center as the Dee J. Kelly Law Learning Center.
Loulan Pitre Elected Fellow of the Construction Lawyers Society of America
The Construction Lawyers Society of America has elected Loulan J. Pitre Jr., to its Fellowship.
Leslie Darby Named 2018 Top 50 Woman in Law by National Diversity Council
The National Diversity Council selected Leslie Darby as a Top 50 Woman in Law in the Dallas region.
Kelly Hart Welcomes Elizabeth Spencer Berthiaume
Elizabeth Spencer Berthiaume joins Kelly Hart as an associate in the Fort Worth office's Corporate & Securities Section.
Kelly Hart Welcomes Hillary Hunter
Hillary Hunter joins Kelly Hart as an associate in the Midland office’s Oil & Gas/Energy Section.
Sharon Millians Elected to TCU AddRan College of Liberal Arts Board of Visitors Executive Committee
Sharon Millians recently was elected to the Executive Committee of the TCU AddRan College of Liberal Arts Board of Visitors for a two year term.
Russell Cawyer Authors Blog on San Antonio’s Paid Sick Leave Ordinance
In a 9-2 city council vote, San Antonio joined Austin to become the second city in Texas to require private employers to provide paid sick leave.
Russell Cawyer Authors Blog on Austin’s Sick Leave Ordinance
The Austin Court of Appeals has temporarily blocked implementation of Austin’s sick leave ordinance.
Forty-Three Kelly Hart Attorneys Named Among The Best Lawyers in America® 2019
The Best Lawyers in America© has named 43 Kelly Hart attorneys to its Best Lawyers® list which is published annually in U.S. News & World Reports.
Kelly Hart Welcomes Jonathan I. Heathman
Jonathan Heathman joins Kelly Hart as an associate in the Fort Worth office’s Corporate & Securities Section.
Kelly Hart Represents Appliance Distributors of Louisiana in Sale to Ferguson Enterprises, Inc.
Kelly Hart represented Appliance Dealers of Louisiana (ADL) in its sale to national plumbing retailer Ferguson Enterprises, Inc.
Kelly Hart Represents Mustang Energy Services in Sale to Extreme Plastics
Kelly Hart represented Mustang Energy Services in its sale to private equity-backed competitor Extreme Plastics Plus (EPP).
Kelly Hart Welcomes Elizabeth A. Cuneo
Elizabeth Cuneo joins Kelly Hart as an associate in the Fort Worth office’s Litigation Section.
David Keltner Named 2018 Chief Justice Jack Pope Professionalism Award Recipient
The Texas Center for Legal Ethics has selected David Keltner to receive the 2018 Pope Award for Integrity and Professionalism.
Rachel Scarafia Selected for Institute of Energy Law Inaugural Leadership Class
The Institute of Energy Law (IEL) has chosen Rachel Scarafia to participate in its inaugural Leadership Class.
Kelly Hart Welcomes Daniel Lichtl
Daniel Lichtl joins Kelly Hart as a partner in the New Orleans Office’s Corporate and Securities Section.
Cheryl Leb Elected Chair of Tarrant County Bar Association Intellectual Property Law Section
Cheryl Leb recently was elected to serve as Chair of the Tarrant County Bar Association (TCBA) Intellectual Property Law Section for a one year term beginning in July of 2018.
Kelly Hart Attorneys Named 2018 Top Attorneys by 360 West Magazine
The July issue of 360 West magazine recognizes 84 Kelly Hart lawyers selected by their peers for inclusion in the Top Attorneys list.
Jane Jackson Authors Column in Louisiana Oil & Gas Association (“LOGA”) Industry Report
Jane Jackson authored an article addressing the recent uptick in lawsuits filed under Louisiana’s environmental citizen suit statute.
Kelly Hart Represents Circus Property and Three Ring Remainder in Real Estate Transaction
Peter Kopfinger recently represented Circus Property I, LLC and Three Ring Remainder I, LLC in the sale of seven restaurant properties.
Alan Hegi Elected Vice Chair of Law Section of the American Railway Development Association
At the annual American Railway Development Association (ARDA) meeting in New York, Alan Hegi was elected to serve as Vice Chair of the Law Section of the ARDA.
David Keltner Featured in Texas Lawbook Story
The Texas Lawbook interviewed David Keltner for its story on his receipt of the Tarrant County Bar Association’s Blackstone Award.
Christopher R. Wilkes Joins Kelly Hart
Christopher R. Wilkes joins Kelly Hart as an associate in the Fort Worth Office’s Corporate and Securities Section.
Kelly Hart Welcomes Robert H. Baker
Robert H. Baker joins Kelly Hart as an associate in the Austin Office’s Corporate and Securities Section.
David Keltner Featured in Fort Worth Business Press Story
Fort Worth Business Press interviewed David Keltner on receiving the Tarrant County Bar Association’s Blackstone Award.
Chambers USA 2018 Recognizes 5 Kelly Hart Attorneys
Chambers USA has ranked 5 Kelly Hart lawyers for excellence in its 2018 edition. Two of the Firm’s lawyers have achieved Band 1 rankings in their respective practice area.
Kelly Hart Welcomes Orest B. Dachniwsky
Orest B. Dachniwsky joins Kelly Hart as Senior Counsel in the Fort Worth Office’s Litigation Section.
David Morales Nominated to Serve as United States District Judge
President Donald Trump has announced his nomination of Kelly Hart & Hallman partner David S. Morales to serve as a District Judge on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas.
Aimee Hebert Featured in New Orleans CityBusiness Story
New Orleans CityBusiness interviewed Aimee Hebert on how and why mineral royalties came to be classified as “rent” under the state mineral code.
Katherine Hopkins and Clark Rucker Elected to Tarrant County Young Lawyers Association Board
Katherine Hopkins and Clark Rucker recently were elected to serve as Tarrant County Young Lawyers Association (TCYLA) President and Treasurer, respectively. Each was elected to a six-month term beginning March 2018.
Monica Jacobs Featured Speaker at Permian Basin Petroleum Association’s Water Committee Meeting
Monica Jacobs recently spoke on water rights at the Permian Basin Petroleum Association's Water Committee meeting.
Jane Jackson Featured Speaker at Louisiana State University Mineral Law Institute
Jane Jackson recently spoke on “Citizen Suits Under Environmental Statutes” at the LSU Mineral Law Institute.
Russell Cawyer Authors Blog on Employee Fiduciary Duties
In Texas, absent a valid non-compete agreement, an at-will employee generally is free to compete with the former employer so long as the employee does not take or use the company’s confidential information or trade secrets. A recent case from the El Paso Court of Appeals helps define what constitutes preparing to compete versus actively competing.
Loulan Pitre Featured Panelist at Tulane Environmental Law & Policy Summit
Loulan J. Pitre Jr recently spoke on “Coastal Litigation” at the 23rd Annual Tulane Environmental Law & Policy Summit.
Seventeen Kelly Hart Attorneys Named 2018 Texas Rising Stars
Seventeen Kelly Hart attorneys have been selected as 2018 Texas Super Lawyers Rising Stars.
Cheryl Leb Contributing Editor to Thomson Reuters Practical Law
Cheryl Leb served as a contributing editor for Right of Publicity Laws: Texas, a Q&A resource published by Thomson Reuters.
Russell Cawyer Authors Blog on the Payroll Audit Independent Determination Program
The United States Department of Labor (DOL) launches the Payroll Audit Independent Determination (PAID) program, a wage violation self-reporting program.
Loulan J. Pitre Featured Speaker at Coastal Law Seminar
Loulan J. Pitre Jr was a featured speaker at the Coastal Law Seminar on March 1, 2018 on the topic, “Coastal Law in Louisiana—The Historical Perspective.”
Michael McConnell and Louis Phillips Featured Speakers at the Fifth Circuit Bankruptcy Bench-Bar Conference
The Fifth Circuit Bankruptcy Bench-Bar Conference, which was held February 21-23, 2018, provided plenary sessions featuring ethics, evidentiary issues, the aftermath of the most recent Supreme Court cases, and the state of the middle class.
David Keltner Receives Tarrant County Bar Association’s Blackstone Award
The Tarrant County Bar Association (TCBA) has selected David Keltner to receive the prestigious Blackstone Award.
Aimee Hebert Appointed by Louisiana State Law Institute
Aimee Hebert recently was appointed by the Louisiana State Law Institute to serve on its Mineral Law Committee.
Louis Phillips Featured Speaker at the 13th Annual Bankruptcy, Insolvency, and Creditor Rights Educational/Social Retreat
The 13th Annual Bankruptcy, Insolvency, and Crediror Rights (IBCR) Educational Seminar will provide the most current and informative advice on the issues most important to bankruptcy and insolvency practitioners.
Jane A. Jackson Named New Orleans CityBusiness 2018 Leadership in Law Recipient
New Orleans CityBusiness has selected Jane A. Jackson as a 2018 Leadership in Law honoree.
Russell Cawyer Posts Blog on Unpaid Intern Test
Russell Cawyer authors blog on the Labor Department's Revisions to the Unpaid Intern Test.
Tiffany Means Joins Kelly Hart Midland Office
Tiffany P. Means joins the firm as an associate in the Oil & Gas/Energy section.
Heidi Angel and Leslie Robnett Join Kelly Hart Fort Worth Office
Kelly Hart welcomes associates Heidi McClain Angel and Leslie Ritchie Robnett to the Fort Worth office.
Mary Baker Named 2018 Woman of Distinction
The Girl Scouts of the Desert Southwest selected Mary W. Baker a 2018 Woman of Distinction.
Kelly Hart Welcomes J. Austin Franklin to the Firm
J. Austin Franklin joins the firm as an associate in the Litigation Section.
Nancy Ribaudo and Shauna Wright Named 2017 Pro Bono Award Recipients
Nancy Ribaudo and Shauna Wright have been selected to receive the Tarrant County Volunteer Attorney Services (TVAS) Pro Bono Awards for Attorney Volunteer and Attorney Mentor, respectively.
Twelve Kelly Hart Attorneys Admitted to Pro Bono College
The State Bar of Texas has admitted twelve Kelly Hart attorneys to the 2017 Pro Bono College.
Louis M. Phillips Earns Top Super Lawyer Honors
Louis Phillips has been recognized as a Top 50 Lawyer by Louisiana Super Lawyers.
Rick Shelby Named 2018 Louisiana Super Lawyers Rising Star
Rick Shelby has been selected as a 2018 Louisiana Super Lawyers Rising Star.
Aimee W. Hebert, Louis M. Phillips, Loulan J. Pitre Jr. Named 2018 Louisiana Super Lawyers
Aimee Hebert, Louis Phillips, and Loulan Pitre have been selected as 2018 Louisiana Super Lawyers.
Russell Cawyer Authors Blog on Deducting Payouts on Sexual Harassment Settlements
Russell Cawyer's blog post—entitled “New Tax Law Limits Deductibility of Sexual Harassment and Abuse Settlements Containing Nondisclosure Provisions” and published on the Texas Employment Law Update—addresses provisions of the new tax reform law signed by President Trump on December 20, 2017.
Russell Cawyer Authors Blog on Age Discrimination in Facebook Job Ads
Russell Cawyer's blog post—entitled “New Lawsuit Claims Companies Discriminate Against Older Workers in Facebook Job Placement Advertising” and published on the Texas Employment Law Update—addresses a recent lawsuit filed by three workers and the Communication Workers of America against T-Mobile, Amazon, Cox Communications, and Cox Media Group.
Krystin Frazier Featured in CityBusiness “Ones to Watch”
Krystin Frazier is included in the New Orleans CityBusiness “Ones to Watch” feature that focuses on up and coming professionals in their respective fields.
Kelly Hart Represents Pegasus Resources in $300 Million Private Equity Commitment
The Kelly Hart team of Tom Hegi, David Cook, Todd Spake, and Drew Neill represented Texas-based royalty acquisition company Pegasus Resources in connection with a $300 million equity commitment from EnCap Investments LP.
Kelly Hart Serves as Bond Counsel for Southwest Region Deal of the Year
The Bond Buyer selected Kelly Hart’s client, The Fort Worth Transportation Authority, for the Southwest Region Municipal Bond Deal of the Year.
Kelly Hart Welcomes Kyle N. Harter to the Firm
Kyle Harter joins the firm as an associate in the Fort Worth office’s Corporate & Securities practice group.
Kelly Hart Earns Top Tier Rankings from U.S. News – Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms”
Kelly Hart receives high rankings in the 2018 U.S. News – Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” rankings, including 6 national rankings and 26 first-tier metropolitan rankings.
Kelly Hart Pitre Wins in United States and Louisiana Supreme Courts
Kelly Hart Pitre prevails in the United States and Louisiana Supreme Courts for client South Lafourche Levee District.
Aimee Hebert Featured Speaker at Institute for Energy Law (IEL) Energy Litigation Conference
At the 16th Annual Energy Litigation Conference on November 9, Aimee Hebert will be speaking on key oil and gas issues in Appalachia and Texas/Louisiana.
Jeff Whitfield Chosen 2017 Community Champion Award Finalist
Presbyterian Night Shelter has selected Jeff Whitfield as a finalist for the Community Champion Award based on his service to our country and our community.
Dana Stayton Honored as a 2017 Great Woman of Texas
The Fort Worth Business Press has named Dana Stayton a 2017 Great Woman of Texas in recognition of her significant business, civic, and social contributions.
Ronak Patel Featured Speaker at Practising Law Institute (PLI) Webcast
At a recent PLI webcast on Broker/Dealer Regulation and Enforcement, Ronak Patel participated in a panel discussion addressing state enforcement initiatives, developments, and priorities.More Articles...
Forty-One Kelly Hart attorneys named among The Best Lawyers In America® 2018