BRACKETT & ELLIS - Key Persons

Angélique McCall Ditty is a registered patent attorney. She has experience representing clients in matters involving complex commercial litigation in the oil and gas industry, patent law and representing insurers in matters involving coverage and bad faith. Ms. McCall has worked as a Patent Examiner Extern at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). She also has wide-ranging experience in domestic and international corporate administration. She served as a project manager for scientific microbiological research in cooperation with the United States Department of Agriculture. Education J.D. Syracuse University College of Law M.B.A Marymount University B.A. Virginia Tech, Biological Sciences

Job Titles:

• Master

Reed Loftis has been practicing since 2018 and focuses his practice on commercial litigation and professional liability defense in both state and federal court. He assists his clients in a wide variety of litigation matters, including researching and preparing pre-trial motions, briefs, and other pleadings in both state and federal courts. Mr. Loftis is also involved in all manners of litigation including discovery, depositions, hearings, mediation, and trial. Education J.D. University of Tulsa College of Law, with highest honors, 2018 Managing Editor - Energy Law Journal B.S. Texas A&M University, 2015

Carter Ferguson has practiced for over 40 years in the area of corporate law, real estate, insurance coverage and litigation, and commercial litigation. He has extensive experience in general corporate matters and business transactions, including corporate governance, commercial contracts, compliance, restructuring, mergers and acquisitions, and dissolution. He also advises clients regarding entity selection and formation. Mr. Ferguson has successfully represented public corporations, private entities, and individuals in a wide variety of commercial litigation. He has represented domestic and international insurers, including Underwriters participating in the Lloyd's of London insurance market, in federal and state courts throughout the State of Texas. Mr. Ferguson also serves as coverage counsel for domestic and international insurers. Mr. Ferguson is rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review, signifying the highest level of professional excellence and adherence to the highest ethical standards - a distinction achieved by fewer than 5% of attorneys nationwide. Mr. Ferguson is also recognized as a Best Lawyer in the field of insurance. Mr. Ferguson previously served as Vice President and General Counsel for a Fort Worth-based American Stock Exchange Company. Education J.D. Texas Tech School of Law, 1976, with honors, Order of Barristers B.A. Louisiana State University, 1971

Coby Smith has practiced over 20 years representing clients in state district and appellate courts in a broad range of legal issues. He has appeared before the Texas Supreme Court, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals and courts of appeal throughout Texas. As an appellate attorney, he works closely with trial counsel on summary judgment motions, expert witness challenges, jury charges, post-trial motions, writs of mandamus and prohibition, direct and interlocutory appeals, writs of certiorari, superseding and enforcing judgments, and requests for attorneys' fees.

Job Titles:

• Director

Dillon Minick practices primarily in the areas of commercial litigation and general litigation. He assists clients in various litigation matters, including research and preparing motions, briefs, and other pleadings. Mr. Minick is also involved in all manners of litigation, including discovery, depositions, hearings, mediation, and trial. Before joining Brackett & Ellis, Mr. Minick served as a Briefing Attorney with the Eleventh Court of Appeals in Eastland, Texas. During his time as a Briefing Attorney, Mr. Minick aided in the research and drafting of appellate decisions. Education J.D. Texas Tech School of Law, summa cum laude, 2021. Texas Tech Law Review Articles Editor. B.S. Abilene Christian University, summa cum laude, 2018.

Dr. Sarah S. Flournoy began practicing in the area of school law following six years as a secondary social studies teacher in a Title I school district and five years as a corporate attorney. She works primarily with both public and private K-12 educational entities on a broad range of legal issues including employment, student discipline, special education, contracts, procurement, policy development, elections, and open government. In addition to special education due process hearing, she has defended educational entities before state and federal agencies as well as before federal and state courts. Prior to joining the firm, Dr. Flournoy served at Irving ISD as their in-house attorney for three years. Education J.D. Dedman School Law Southern Methodist University, 2002 Ed.D. University of Houston, 2012 B.A. Wellesley College, 1997

Elaine Morris has substantial experience representing insurance companies in insurance coverage opinions and related litigation. She researches, analyzes and prepares coverage opinions for both domestic and international insurers, including Underwriters participating in the Lloyd's of London insurance market. Ms. Morris analyzes both the legal and practical ramifications of policy language development, claims handling procedures and insurance coverage issues. She advises clients on a variety of insurance policies including property, liability, casualty, motor truck cargo, commercial property, residential homeowner's, mobile homeowner's, commercial general liability, flood, business income loss, motor vehicle, directors and officers liability, reinsurance, and errors and omissions. Education J.D. Texas Tech School of Law, 1992 B.A. Southern Methodist University, 1988

Job Titles:

• Barrister
• Inn of Court, Associate Member

Job Titles:

• President

Henri Dussault has practiced for over 35 years as a litigator, with a primary emphasis on insurance defense. He has significant experience representing individuals, businesses, and professionals in a wide range of lawsuits including medical and healthcare claims, products liability, professional liability, construction defect, premises liability, general tort liability, and non-subscriber claims. He has successfully tried numerous lawsuits in Texas courts involving medical and professional negligence, products liability and general tort liability. Mr. Dussault has represented domestic and international insurers, including Underwriters participating in the Lloyd's of London insurance market, in federal and state courts throughout the State of Texas. Mr. Dussault is Board Certified in Civil Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization - a mark of excellence and distinguishing accomplishment achieved by fewer than 10% of practicing attorneys in Texas. To achieve board certification, Mr. Dussault was required to pass a rigorous examination and demonstrate extensive expertise and knowledge in his specialty area. He must also engage in a continuous course of study in his specialty. Mr. Dussault is rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review, signifying the highest level of professional excellence and adherence to the highest ethical standards - a distinction achieved by fewer than 5% of attorneys nationwide. He was recognized by Thomson Reuters in Texas Monthly from 2005-2022 as a Super Lawyer in Personal Injury Defense -signifying a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement in his practice area. He was also recognized by The Best Lawyers in America as a Best Lawyer in Litigation from (2020-2023). Mr. Dussault is the past President of Brackett & Ellis. Education J.D. Texas Tech School of Law, 1985 B.A. Niagara University, 1979

Andrew Norman practices in the areas of commercial litigation, insurance defense, corporate governance, and business transactions. He represents a wide range of businesses and individuals on matters related to commercial transactions, real estate, oil and gas, and banking and commercial lending, including the formation of business entities, asset sales and acquisitions, and general contract negotiation, preparation and enforcement. Additionally, Mr. Norman has experience representing insurance clients in first-party and third-party claims, including property damage and personal injury. Mr. Norman also represents clients in commercial litigation in federal and state courts. He has experience in advising individuals and families in matters involving estate planning and probate. Mr. Norman was chosen by his peers for inclusion in the List of Top Attorneys in 2013 for Civil Litigation and in 2012 and 2014-2020 for Business and Commercial Law in Fort Worth, Texas Magazine. Mr. Norman's peers also chose him as a top attorney for Business Law in 360 West Magazine in 2020. Education J.D. University of Houston Law Center, 2008 B.S. Texas Christian University, 2005, cum laude

Heath Coffman has significant experience representing a wide range of clients from individuals and small businesses to large publicly-traded companies in a variety of business and commercial cases and arbitrations. His practice includes representing attorneys and accountants in professional liability cases and in grievance. He frequently handles complex commercial litigation involving intellectual property, trade secrets, fraud, breach of contract, breach of employment agreement, and oil and gas cases in both federal and state district and appellate courts, including the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. In addition, he works with a variety of creditors and agencies in collections disputes and litigation. Mr. Coffman also assists clients in protecting intellectual property rights before the United States Patent and Trademark Office, Trademark Trial and Appeal Board, and the United States Copyright Office. Mr. Coffman was a member of the Texas Uniform Trade Secrets Act Working Group of the State Bar of Texas Intellectual Property and Business Law Sections. He was instrumental in researching and drafting the proposed legislation and preparing the bill analysis in support of the adoption of the Texas Uniform Trade Secrets Act. In 2016, Mr. Coffman was named Chair of the Trade Secrets Committee of the Intellectual Property Section of the State Bar of Texas. As part of his work on that Committee, he helped draft the 2017 amendments to the Texas Uniform Trade Secrets Act.

Jim Creel has practiced in the area of tax law and estate planning and probate for over 40 years. He routinely advises individuals as well as corporations and other business entities concerning the tax implications of business transactions. He also works with individuals and families in estate planning matters. Mr. Creel is Board Certified in Tax Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization - a mark of excellence and distinguishing accomplishment achieved by fewer than 10% of practicing attorneys in Texas. To achieve board certification, Mr. Creel was required to pass a rigorous examination and demonstrate extensive expertise and knowledge in his specialty area. He must also engage in a continuous course of study in his specialty. Mr. Creel is a Certified Public Accountant. Mr. Creel is rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review, signifying the highest level of professional excellence and adherence to the highest ethical standards - a distinction achieved by fewer than 5% of attorneys nationwide. He was chosen by his peers for inclusion in the List of Top Attorneys from 2011-2018 for Tax Law in Fort Worth, Texas Magazine. He was also recognized by Five Star Professionals in Texas Monthly from 2012-2013 as a Five Star Taxation Attorney for providing quality service to clients. Education J.D. The University of Texas School of Law, 1972 B.B.A. Texas A&M University, 1969

Jim Whitton has practiced school law for over 35 years, representing boards of numerous independent school districts and private and independent schools throughout Texas. He advises public and private educational entities in all aspects of school and public law, including employment, student discipline, competitive purchasing, real estate, policy development, elections and open government. He has experience defending educational entities before the Office for Civil Rights of the U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and other state and federal agencies. He is also a frequent speaker at state education conferences and regularly provides training for boards, school administrators and staff. Mr. Whitton is rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review, signifying the highest level of professional excellence and adherence to the highest ethical standards - a distinction achieved by fewer than 5% of attorneys nationwide. Education J.D. University of Houston Law Center, 1979 B.A. University of Texas, 1976

Jane Doe Lago Vista et.al. v. Lago Vista ISD, et. al., Civil No. 1:21-CV-862-LY in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, Austin Division.

Jennifer Covington has been defending employers for over 20 years. She represents clients in administrative agency proceedings including matters involving the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Department of Labor, the Texas Workforce Commission, and the Fort Worth Human Relations Commission.

Jerrod Rinehart represents both domestic and international insurers, including Underwriters participating in the Lloyd's of London insurance market. He defends clients in first-party and third-party litigation claims, including property damage, products liability, professional liability and personal injury. Over the years, he has successfully resolved large, catastrophic property cases. Additionally, he has represented secured creditors in bankruptcy litigation. Mr. Rinehart was selected by one of the largest Underwriters in the Lloyd's of London insurance market to participate in a secondment. During his three-month assignment in London, he received advanced training and substantial work experience in the international insurance market. Mr. Rinehart was recognized by Thomson Reuters in Texas Monthly as a Rising Star in the area of Business Litigation and Insurance Coverage - signifying a high degree of peer recognition and achievement in his practice area. He was also chosen by his peers for inclusion in the List of Top Attorneys from 2012-2014 for Civil Litigation in Fort Worth, Texas Magazine. Education J.D. Texas Wesleyan University School of Law, 2007 B.B.A. Texas A&M University, 2002

Joe Tolbert has represented businesses and individuals for over 31 years. He counsels clients on a variety of business issues and has an active trial practice in the areas of commercial litigation and construction law. Throughout his career, he has protected his clients' interests when negotiating contracts and in resolving legal disputes that his individual and corporate clients experience. As part of his trial practice, he has been the lead attorney in numerous mediations, trials, and arbitrations related to business and construction disputes. Mr. Tolbert also represents homeowners' associations assisting with compliance, governance, and litigation issues. Mr. Tolbert is board Certified in Construction Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization- a mark of excellence and distinguishing accomplishment achieved by fewer than 100 practicing attorneys in the state of Texas. Board Certified attorneys in Construction Law are specialists in transactions and relationships among contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, owners, architects, engineers, governmental entities, insurers, sureties and lenders regarding development, design and construction on public and private projects. To achieve board certification, Mr. Tolbert was required to pass a rigorous examination and demonstrate extensive expertise and knowledge in his specialty area. He must also engage in a continuous course of study in his specialty. Mr. Tolbert is rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review signifying the highest level of professional excellence and adherence to the highest ethical standards - a distinction achieved by fewer than 5% of attorneys nationwide. Education J.D. Texas Tech University School of Law, 1990, cum laude, Order of the Coif B.S. Texas A&M University, 1983, cum laude

Joe Cleveland has practiced in the area of commercial and intellectual property litigation for over 30 years. He has extensive trial and appellate experience representing entrepreneurs, inventors, and private and publicly-traded companies. His practice includes a broad range of complex commercial litigation involving patent, copyright, trademark, trade secrets, antitrust, contracts, employment, oil and gas, securities, and other commercial matters. He has tried cases in both state and federal courts and has successfully handled appeals before the United States Supreme Court and various federal courts of appeals. He also assists clients in protecting intellectual property rights before the United States Patent and Trademark Office, Trademark Trial and Appeal Board, and the United States Copyright Office. Mr. Cleveland is Board Certified in Civil Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization-a mark of excellence and distinguishing accomplishment achieved by fewer than 10% of practicing attorneys in Texas. Board Certified attorneys in Civil Trial Law are specialists in civil litigation involving contracts, businesses, and business owners. To achieve board certification, Mr. Cleveland was required to pass a rigorous examination and demonstrate extensive expertise and knowledge in his specialty area. He must also engage in a continuous course of study in his specialty. Mr. Cleveland was instrumental in drafting the proposed legislation, preparing the bill analysis and testifying before Senate and House Committees of the 83rd and the 85th Texas Legislatures in support of the adoption of the Texas Uniform Trade Secrets Act and amendments thereto. As Chair of the Trade Secrets Committee of the Intellectual Property Law Section of the State Bar of Texas, Mr. Cleveland helped draft the Texas Pattern Jury Charges for Misappropriation of Trade Secrets published in the Texas Pattern Jury Charges, which is used by state and federal courts throughout Texas. In the preface to the 2016 edition of the Texas Pattern Jury Charges, it was noted that "the Texas Pattern Jury Charge Committee was indebted to the Trade Secrets Committee for its work on the pattern jury charges for trade-secret misappropriation. Under the leadership of Joseph F. Cleveland, Jr., the Trade Secrets Committee reviewed and provided significant feedback on the committee's jury charges on misappropriation of trade secrets. The Trade Secrets Committee's input was invaluable and helpful to ensure the accuracy of those questions and instructions." In 2018, Mr. Cleveland received the Chair's Award for outstanding service to the Intellectual Property Law Section of the State Bar of Texas. From 2022-2023, Mr. Cleveland served as Chair of the Intellectual Property Law Section. In 2019, Mr. Cleveland was appointed by the Supreme Court of Texas to serve on the Texas Board of Disciplinary Appeals for a three-year term. In 2020, Mr. Cleveland authored the book Fredrick Garland "Fritz" Lanham - Father of American Trademark Protection (BookHouse Group 2020) for which he received the Fritz G. Lanham Trademark Award from the Intellectual Property Law Section of the State Bar of Texas. Since 2011, Mr. Cleveland has been continuously selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America for Commercial and Intellectual Property Litigation. He is listed as Top 100 Dallas/Fort Worth Super Lawyers by Texas Monthly (2016, 2020, 2021). He is rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review, signifying the highest level of professional excellence and adherence to the highest ethical standards - a distinction achieved by fewer than 5% of attorneys nationwide. Since 2005, Mr. Cleveland has been continuously recognized by Texas Monthly as a Super Lawyer in Business Litigation - signifying a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement in his practice area. Since 2011, he has been chosen by his peers for inclusion in the List of Top Attorneys for Intellectual Property in Fort Worth, Texas Magazine. In 2002, he was named the Outstanding Young Lawyer of Tarrant County by the Fort Worth - Tarrant County Young Lawyers Association. Mr. Cleveland is a frequent speaker on the topic of intellectual property and trade secrets at seminars throughout the region. Education J.D. Mississippi College School of Law, 1990, with special distinction B.A. Texas Christian University, 1987, cum laude

Landon Young practices primarily in the areas of insurance defense and general litigation. He assists clients in a broad range of litigation matters, including researching and preparing pre-trial motions, briefs, and other pleadings in both state and federal courts. Mr. Young is also involved in all manners of litigation including discovery, depositions, hearings, mediation, and trial. Mr. Young has extensive trial experience in both District and County courts of Texas. Mr. Young has experience representing insurance companies and their insureds in both first - and third-party insurance disputes involving tort claims, breach of contract, and bad faith claims. He also has experience handling misdemeanor, felony, and juvenile matters in Texas. Education J.D. Baylor Law School, 2015 B.A. University of Texas at Austin

Logan Cochran primarily practices in the areas of professional liability defense, insurance defense, and litigation. He assists clients in a broad range of litigation matters, including researching and preparing motions, briefs, and other pleadings. Mr. Cochran is also involved in all manners of litigation, including discovery, depositions, hearings, mediation and trial. As part of his professional liability practice, Mr. Cochran represents real estate agents and brokers in defense of claims involving the Texas Real Estate License Act, the Deceptive Trade Practices Act, and other common law claims such as fraud, negligence and negligent misrepresentation. Mr. Cochran also represents real estate professionals in administrative proceedings before the Texas Real Estate Commission and Texas Association of Realtors. Mr. Cochran also has experience in representing insurance companies in insurance coverage opinions and related litigation. He researches, analyzes, and prepares coverage opinions for both domestic and international insurers, including Underwriters participating in the Lloyd's of London insurance market. Mr. Cochran analyzes both the legal and practical ramifications of policy language development, claims handling procedures and insurance coverage issues.

Alejandra Conoley practices primarily in insurance defense. She represents insurers and their policyholders in a variety of circumstances including automobile third party liability and premise liability claims. Ms. Conoley is involved in all manners of litigation including discovery, witness preparation, depositions, and other pre-trial matters. Education J.D. UNT Dallas College Law, 2019 B.A. University of Texas at Arlington, 2016

Madison Kuczynski practices primarily in the area of estate planning and probate. She guides individuals and families as they develop their estate plan - from simple wills and powers of attorney to complex trusts and the formation of business entities. She represents executors and administrators as they navigate the intricate estate administration process. Ms. Kuczynski also represents businesses and individuals in a wide range of commercial transactions. Education J.D. Texas A&M University School of Law, cum laude, 2021. Journal of Property Law, Phi Delta Phi, The Order of Barristers, National Order of Scribes B.S. Texas A&M University, 2018

Mr. Ramos was recognized by Thomson Reuters in Texas Monthly for 2019 - 2022 as a Rising Star in the area of Civil Litigation - signifying a high degree of peer recognition and achievement. He was also chosen by his peers for inclusion in the list of Top Attorneys in 2018 for Civil Law and Litigation in Fort Worth, Texas Magazine. Education J.D. Texas A&M University School of Law, 2015 B.A. St. Edwards University, 2011

Michael Raeder practices primarily in the areas of general litigation and insurance defense. He assists clients in a broad range of litigation matters. He has represented numerous corporations, insurance companies, and their insureds in Federal, District, County, and Administrative courts across Texas. Mr. Raeder has extensive successful trial experience in Texas Federal Courts, District Courts, County Courts, Justice of the Peace Courts and Administrative Courts. Mr. Raeder has experience representing and advising insurance companies and their insureds in first and third-party claims including both property and personal injury related claims. Mr. Raeder also has extensive experience representing clients in the field of Texas Workers' Compensation. Mr. Raeder is admitted in the Northern and Eastern Districts of Texas. Education J.D. Ave Maria School of Law 2009, Vice President Phi Alpha Delta, 2008 B.A. Thomas Aquinas College, 2004

Mike Sweet has substantial experience representing individuals, corporate trustees and executors, grantors, beneficiaries and heirs in a comprehensive range of legal services in estate planning, probate, trust and estate tax. He also advises business clients with their organizational, contractual and transactional needs. Mr. Sweet is Board Certified in Estate Planning and Probate by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization - a mark of excellence and distinguishing accomplishment achieved by fewer than 10% of practicing attorneys in Texas. To achieve board certification, Mr. Sweet was required to pass a rigorous examination and demonstrate extensive expertise and knowledge in his specialty area. He must also engage in a continuous course of study in his specialty. Mr. Sweet was recognized by Thomson Reuters in Texas Monthly in 2011 as a Rising Star in the area of Estate Planning and Probate - signifying a high degree of peer recognition and achievement in his practice area. Prior to practicing law, Mr. Sweet worked as a Certified Public Accountant with a multinational tax and consulting firm. Education J.D. University of Tulsa College of Law, 2000 M.B.A. Utah State University, 1996 B.A. Utah State University, 1994

Lynn Rossi Scott has practiced in the area of school law for over 35 years, representing boards of numerous independent school districts, charter schools, universities, community colleges, education foundations, and private and independent schools. She advises public and private educational entities in all aspects of school and public law, including employment, student discipline, special education, competitive purchasing, construction, real estate, policy development, elections, and open government. She has substantial experience defending educational entities before the Texas Commissioner of Education and other state and federal agencies as well as before federal and state courts. Ms. Rossi Scott was instrumental in drafting the model construction contract amendments used by school districts throughout the United States. She is also a frequent speaker at state and national education conferences and regularly provides training for school boards, school administrators, and staff. Ms. Rossi Scott served as chair of the State Bar of Texas School Law Section, as chair of the Texas Association of School Boards' Council of School Attorneys, and as President of the national Education Law Association. Ms. Rossi Scott was selected by her peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America by Woodward White from 2009-2023 for Education Law. In 2008, she was honored as one of thirty Extraordinary Women in Texas Law by Texas Lawyer. In 2019, she was awarded by the ELA the Marion A. McGhehey Award for outstanding service to the field of education law and to the ELA. She is rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review, signifying the highest level of professional excellence and adherence to the highest ethical standards - a distinction achieved by fewer than 5% of attorneys nationwide, and a distinction she has held for over a decade. Ms. Rossi Scott was recognized by Thomson Reuters in Texas Monthly in 2004 and from 2006-2023 as a Super Lawyer in Schools and Education Law - signifying a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement in her practice area. Education J.D. University of Texas School of Law, 1985 M.S. University of Houston, 1980, cum laude B.A. Texas A&M University, 1977, magna cum laude A.A. Alvin Community College, 1975, summa cum laude

Job Titles:

• Fellow

Job Titles:

• Managing Editor, Tulsa