WKPZ.COM - Key Persons
Abby K. Newton is an associate attorney practicing in the areas of estate planning and administration, and non-profit law. She considers it a distinct privilege to work in these practice areas, believing that each one affords her the opportunity to act out a key tenet of the legal profession: the service of others. To that end, she is also currently serving as the firm's Pro-Bono Coordinator.
With respect to estate planning, Abby engages in detailed discussions with her clients in order to prepare comprehensive estate plans tailored to their unique needs, whether complex or straightforward. She regularly drafts wills, trusts, deeds, powers of attorney, and related documents. She also guides clients through the intricacies of corporate formation and addresses associated concerns thereto. Further, she is well-versed in estate administration, and routinely assists her clients by navigating them through both court procedure and beyond.
Abby's non-profit practice predominantly involves drafting or fine-tuning non-profit organizations' internal policies, handbooks, and governance documents to ensure compliance with applicable law. She is likewise practiced in addressing various other typical concerns that non-profit organizations face, including but not limited to, those related to real property or tax exemption.
Abby's experience prior to joining the firm includes work alongside a faith-based non-profit in Niger, Africa, a human rights non-profit in Washington D.C., and the Metropolitan Public Defender's Office in Nashville, TN.
When not in the office, Abby is an active member of her church and local community. Though she is a Houstonian, born and raised, she is consistently surprised by all that the city has to offer, and enjoys exploring it further when she can do so.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Coach for the University of Houston Law Center 's Alternative Dispute Resolution Team
Anya Bolshakov is a dynamic and enthusiastic attorney who brings her passion for client service and legal acumen to WKPZ's Litigation and Construction Practice Groups. With a commitment to excellence, she efficiently and effectively defends clients' interests in a wide range of legal matters. She seamlessly navigates between complex business litigation cases and intricate construction disputes. She handles a diverse caseload, ranging from contract negotiations to dispute resolution. Her dedication to her clients and the practice of law is evident in her meticulous approach to every matter.
Anya's genuine desire to help her clients shines through in her work. Known for her approachable demeanor, Anya builds strong relationships with her clients. She listens attentively, understands their needs, and implements legal strategies accordingly.
Anya is not only dedicated to her legal practice but also actively contributes to the community. Anya proudly serves as a coach for the University of Houston Law Center's Alternative Dispute Resolution Team and serves on the Law Center's Young Alumni Committee. Prior to joining Weycer Kaplan, she completed summer clerkships with the Honorable Gray Miller and the Honorable Nancy Johnson, gaining valuable insights into the legal system.
Anya shares her home with a devoted husband, a playful dog, and a delightful group of cats. Their cozy abode resonates with the comforting sounds of paws padding across the floor, gentle purring, and the occasional woof of excitement. She is an avid Rice Athletics, Houston Texans, Houston Dynamo and Houston Astros supporter (she also a Houston Coogs fan-but only when they aren't playing the Owls).
Caleb Edwards is a WKPZ associate attorney with over five years of experience representing clients on both sides of the market-buyers and sellers, corporations and individuals, manufacturers and consumers, tenants and landlords. His diverse background equips him to provide in-depth strategic counsel and legal services to individuals and businesses alike.
Caleb takes a strictly pragmatic approach in his litigation practice. He advises his clients on obtaining the best possible outcome while realistically assessing risks. He represents clients in litigation and arbitration concerning corporate and shareholder disputes, commercial and residential landlord-tenant disputes, real estate and construction disputes, and contract disputes.
He is also experienced in real estate and corporate transactions, including contract drafting and negotiation, and corporate formation and compliance issues (including Title VII employment matters and age, sex, and racial discrimination and harassment claims). Caleb is also well-versed in registering and maintaining securities and securities-backed assets, enforcement of liens and secured transactions, and insurance and personal injury disputes.
When not working, Caleb travels with his wife and their dogs hiking, camping, hunting, and fishing throughout Texas and the mountain states. He and his wife are also animal fosters and have successfully placed over 200 animals into their forever homes.
Darla Carlisle is a shareholder at WKPZ and specializes in the acquisition and sale of real estate, including unimproved and improved properties. She also provides assistance with the development and re-development of real estate, including platting, replatting, and amending a plat of different types of properties. Whether it's a project worth $100,000 or tens of millions of dollars, Darla helps clients secure financing for their real estate projects. In fact, she has finalized over $200 million in acquisitions and sales, signifying her proficiency in navigating the complex real estate landscape and achieving success for her clients.
Darla has extensive experience representing both landlords and tenants in matters related to leases, license agreements, service agreements, and equipment leases. To this end, she negotiates and drafts leases, licenses, service agreements, contracts for the sale and purchase of commercial and residential properties, construction contracts, and loan documents. Her work includes title and survey reviews, easements, foreclosures, deed restrictions, development, construction contracts, and creating and forming condominium developments and homeowner's associations.
Darla represents a wide variety of clients, including landlords, tenants, real estate investors, homeowner's associations, retailers, restaurants, banks, brokers, manufacturers, dentists, real estate developers, and real estate management companies. She routinely assists clients in business formation, including partnerships, corporations, and limited liability companies.
Prior to obtaining her law degree, Darla worked for the Texas Department of Human Services and the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services. She possesses significant experience in issues related to residential and childcare licensing, as well as investigations of complaints related to children. Darla received her Mediation Certification from the Dispute Resolution Center.
Drew Weitzel's real estate practice is distinguished by a blend of practicality and meticulousness. Committed to realizing the business objectives of a diverse clientele, including small businesses, mid-market investors, developers, and participants in institutional-grade transactions, Drew ensures robust protection for his clients at every turn. Proficient in navigating the intricacies of real estate purchases-and-sales, financing, and leasing across a broad array of asset classes, Drew adeptly addresses the distinctive challenges inherent in each transaction. Embracing the dynamic nature of real estate markets, he views shifting landscapes as opportunities to identify and incorporate value, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to his clients' success.
Job Titles:
- Shareholder
- Legal Representative
Duke Keller is a legal representative who specializes in real estate, construction, and business and commercial law. In his real estate law practice, Duke provides legal assistance to clients in the acquisition, sale, development, leasing, investment, and financing of real estate. He also helps negotiate and prepare purchase and sale contracts for different types of properties, such as undeveloped land, commercial property, office-warehouse projects, restaurants, condominiums, townhomes, and single-family residences. Duke offers advice on developing residential subdivisions, condominium complexes, and townhomes. He represents both landlords and tenants in complicated lease negotiations for various types of properties. Duke also offers legal advice on foreclosures, title issues, boundary disputes, survey examinations, easements, and other real property matters and agreements. He has extensive experience closing real estate transactions as an Escrow Officer licensed by the Texas Department of Insurance.
In his construction law practice, Duke represents builders, remodelers, general contractors, subcontractors, materialmen, vendors, and property owners in all facets of construction transactions and disputes, including lien practice and construction defect matters.
In his commercial law practice, Duke represents clients with contracts and other commercial and transactional documentation, resolves business, commercial, and contract disputes, and advises businesses on a wide variety of legal matters affecting their operations and commercial transactions.
Education
J.D., South Texas College of Law
B.G.S. / Pre-Law, University of Houston
Ethan Hughes is an associate attorney in WKPZ's real estate practice group. His practice includes advising and representing clients on various real estate and business transactions. He assists clients in purchasing, selling, financing, leasing, and developing commercial and residential properties, including retail, multi-family, office, industrial, condominiums, and mixed-use projects. Ethan helps clients form and structure business entities associated with real estate development and ownership, such as partnerships, joint ventures, LLCs, and corporations. In addition to advising on real estate and business deals, he assists with financing transactions for both lenders and borrowers. Ethan also performs title and survey reviews, cures title defects, and assists in drafting and negotiating easements and deed restrictions.
Before joining WKPZ, Ethan practiced at Jackson Walker, LLP in their Banking and Finance practice group, representing lenders and borrowers in complex Real Estate, Commercial, and Industrial financing transactions. During law school, he served as a research assistant, a trademark and copyright clinician, an honor student at the SEC's Division of Enforcement, a legal extern for a building materials distributor and eye care company, and a clerk at the Texas Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division.
Ethan serves on the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo School Art Auction Committee in his free time, underscoring his commitment to supporting local talent and fostering creativity and curiosity among the next generation of leaders. When the rodeo dust settles, Ethan embarks on adventures with his pup, Poppy, exploring all of Houston's hidden gems.
Job Titles:
- Lawyers Association, Member
Ian is a shareholder in the real estate group at WKPZ, focusing on real estate and business transactions. Ian's experience includes ‘conventional' real estate work-representing clients in the acquisition, divestiture, financing, and leasing of projects in the multi-family, office, industrial, hotel, self-storage, condominiums, and mixed-use spaces-as well as more ‘modern' real estate deals, including sale/leasebacks, lease negotiation for cryptocurrency mining operations, and leases and easement rights related to renewable energy projects.
Ian is the youngest and newest shareholder at WKPZ, evidencing his tenacity and work ethic as an attorney. Ian brings a unique background to the firm, having previously handled internal compliance for a Tier I public university and in the general counsel's office for a real estate investment trust. This background allows him to service his clients' real estate needs, his primary work focus, and provide general counsel advisory services where needed.
Ian prides himself on his accountability and reliability, and ensures clients meet their internal timelines and budgets. His diverse experience, ranging from the launch of a client's first business to national corporations involved in multimillion-dollar deals, demonstrates his consistent ability to meet his client's needs regardless of scope.
Ian is a deal maker, exploring all opportunities for parties to feel like they are ‘sitting on the same side of the table,' while never losing sight of his clients' best interests. With an educational foundation built in economics, Ian centers his practice around an ‘expand the pie' approach to transactions. His creative, collaborative approach ensures that no opportunities are missed for clients to maximize the value of their deals, and often adds value in places previously unknown. Ian's representative deal matters aggregate more than $1 billion in value, illustrating the success of his approach.
Ian is a former conference champion NCAA, Division I golfer, and when he is not attending to clients' needs, he can be found on the golf course or spending time with his family, friends, and menagerie of pets.
Jason Johns brings a wealth of expertise in construction law, transactional matters, and dispute resolution to WKPZ. With a successful track record of deftly handling complex construction matters, Jason is committed to achieving favorable outcomes for his clients. His pragmatic approach and deep understanding of business operations make him an excellent strategic partner for his clients.
Jason advises clients on all construction phases, from contract drafting and negotiation to preconstruction, dispute avoidance, project recovery, and dispute resolution. By forging personal connections with his clients, Jason implements legal solutions tailored to their specific circumstances. He understands his clients' business models and needs, and his dedication to client success is unwavering. Jason values responsiveness, first and foremost, and his result-oriented mindset drives his case-specific strategies. His practice primarily focuses on representing owners and developers. He has extensive experience handling multifamily construction defect claims, resulting in multiple multimillion-dollar recoveries for his clients, and has negotiated countless construction transactions of $50,000,000 or more. Jason has significant experience representing developers and equity partners in build-to-suit transactions. He also represents lenders, general contractors, and subcontractors in various construction law issues, including contract negotiation, payment issues, and mechanic's liens.
Before joining WKPZ in 2019, Jason was a partner at Jackson Walker, LLP in Houston, Texas. He also served in the active-duty Air Force from 1992-2000, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant. During this time, Jason worked primarily on F-15, A-10, C-130, and F-16 fighters, where his responsibilities included aircraft maintenance and non-destructive inspection. His service in the military instilled discipline and attention to detail.
In addition to his legal prowess, Jason Johns leads a rich and fulfilling personal life. He is a devoted family man, sharing his days with his wife, two sons, a daughter, and three delightful Yorkies-Fiona, Clarabelle, and Peppa. Jason has a unique passion for old-school horror films. So, when he's not drafting contracts or advocating for his clients, Jason can be found huddled on the couch, popcorn in hand, ready to watch a thriller with his pups by his side.
Jeff Carruth has extensive experience representing financial institutions, creditors, landlords, debtors, committees, trustees, and other constituencies in bankruptcy matters. His diverse practice encompasses bankruptcy litigation, reorganization, and related transactions ranging from complex reorganizations to small business cases, including under Subchapter V of Chapter 11 and the Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019.
Representing financial institutions and creditors, Jeff typically acts on behalf of asset-based lenders and secured creditors in workouts, DIP financing, §362 lift stay proceedings, cash collateral disputes, valuation contests, lien priority disputes, §363 asset sales, inter-creditor agreements, plan negotiations, plan confirmation objections, and Chapter 7 trustee elections.
Jeff concentrates on liquidations, restructurings, and reorganizations of exploration and production (E&P) companies and other energy industry segments. His representations include drilling companies, service companies, suppliers, working interest owners, royalty owners, and stakeholders. He is highly experienced in preparing, protecting, and challenging oil/gas liens and mechanics and materialmen (M&M) liens, litigating mineral lease disputes, and enforcing operator duties and investor rights under joint operating agreements (JOAs) and similar arrangements.
John Garza is an associate attorney in WKPZ's litigation practice group. He is intensely passionate about his practice area, encompassing all aspects of civil litigation, from trial to appeals. John's expertise lies in skillfully guiding clients through the often stressful realities of litigation, whether they are individuals or large corporations.
He s experienced in handling matters involving breach of contract, trade secret misappropriation, employment disputes, complex business torts, personal injury defense, real estate conflicts, and many other litigation areas. John manages cases from pre-suit through to final resolution, and he effectively assists his clients in pursuing or defending their interests as either plaintiff or defendant.
Prior to joining WKPZ, John worked at several large Houston firms, affording him a wide range of knowledge and proficiencies that he leverages in his current role as a skilled and passionate litigator.
Jordan Marin is an associate attorney in the firm's estate planning and probate group. Before joining WKPZ, Jordan was an Associate at a boutique law firm specializing in estate planning and probate in The Woodlands, Texas. Jordan's experience there included preparing wills, revocable trusts, and more advanced tax planning instruments, as well as assisting in the probate and administration of clients' estates. While in law school at Syracuse University, she was an Editorial Member and Form & Accuracy Editor for the Syracuse Law Review.
Jordan enjoys assisting clients through the creation and ultimate administration of their estate plans. She strives to make the process seamless and hassle-free for clients and their families during their times of difficulty, often assisting in a multitude of potential issues, guiding uncertain fiduciaries and beneficiaries, and the transfer and conveyance of assets.
Outside of the office, Jordan enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with her family.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Community Member
Joe Bryant is an accomplished attorney with a passion for assisting clients in construction disputes, commercial disputes, and various other business matters. He brings years of experience representing clients worldwide in litigation and transactional matters to the team at WKPZ. Joe's hard science background equips him with specialized knowledge and helps him to navigate the complex construction issues that can arise. His commitment to excellence and genuine concern for his clients ensure that every issue is managed with the care and attention to detail that his clients deserve.
Before joining WKPZ, Joe worked for a small Houston-based firm representing owners, general contractors, and subcontractors in construction-related disputes and transactions. Before attending law school, Joe worked for years as a software developer, and he believes that using the same meticulous and efficient approach to legal issues that he used for software problems results in the best possible outcome for his clients.
Joe works with clients throughout a construction project, from the initial negotiations and contract drafting to post-construction disputes. Joe has both first- and second-chair trial experience and is a zealous advocate for his clients during settlement negotiations and trials. Joe's extensive courtroom experience not only ensures that his clients are protected in the event of a dispute but also allows him to efficiently counsel them in dispute avoidance before problems arise.
Joe Bryant is a valuable asset to the WKPZ team with experience representing domestic and international clients from the Cayman Islands, Great Britain, Brazil, and Mexico in various litigation and transactional matters. He has extensive experience representing both government and private clients in various construction disputes as plaintiffs and defendants. He also assists with transactions and advises clients on other business matters.
In addition to his legal work, Joe is an active community member and is involved in local government. Joe currently serves on the board for the Marion Trails #2 MUD, a local government subdivision in Montgomery, Texas. He enjoys volunteering at the Star of Hope Mission in downtown Houston and providing pro-bono services to clients who can't afford legal representation. In his free time, Joe enjoys drawing and creating digital art, playing guitar, and spending time outdoors with his wife and daughter.
Job Titles:
- Shareholder
- Life Member of the Texas State Bar Foundation
- Member of the University of Houston Law Center
Marilyn Sims is Shareholder of WKPZ, practicing in the firm's transactional section with a concentration on estate planning and business structuring, wealth preservation and the facilitation of transfer of wealth among family members or to charities. She is licensed as a certified public accountant and counsels on every aspect of structing business plans, formation of business entities, acquisition and exit strategies all with the consideration of the tax implications and the effects on wealth preservation for the client.
Ms. Sims is AV Peer-Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell and receives highest ratings from her peers and the highest Judicial ratings from her practice in the probate courts where she handles for her clients the probate of Wills, administration of trusts and estates, guardianship proceedings and fiduciary and beneficiary representation. She holds a Guardian and Ad Litem certificate and represents clients as guardians, serves as a Court appointed ad litem and has been appointed by Harris County Probate Courts to serve in the role of estate administrator, temporary guardian and as ad litem in the administration of estates.
In representation of her business clients, Ms. Sims assists in formulating management, operating and reviewing and advising on franchise agreements, ownership structures and buy-out agreements and all aspects of operation of businesses, including franchised restaurants, convenience stores, engineering, industry and service business operations. She advises on all aspects of optimum entity choices, business arrangement structuring, real estate leasing and acquisitions, management agreements and ultimately coordinates with the client's advisor team, creating an estate plan for the client using planning tools such as trusts, Wills, powers of attorney and other measures to streamline the transfer of the clients' assets in a tax efficient manner.
Active in her alma maters, Ms. Sims is a supporting member of the University of Houston Law Center, the University of Houston-Clear Lake and San Jacinto College, having served for the institutions on Alumni executive councils, as chair of the Alumni Association and on strategic planning and selection and advisory committees and serves on the UHCL President's Executive Council. She received the UHCL Distinguished Alumni Award, Leadership Awards and remains an active participant in paying forward to the current students of all of her alma maters through funding of scholarships, mentorship and leadership and engagement programs.
Ms. Sims is a Life Member of the Texas State Bar Foundation, the Houston Bar Foundation and a Chartered Honored Endowment Fund Scholar of the College of the State Bar of Texas. She serves on boards of local education foundations, various community and non-profit organizations and private foundations and is a strong supporter of local and national non-profit health organizations.
While not serving her clients in the legal profession and supporting her community, Ms. Sims enjoys relaxing on the beach, cooking and treasures time spent with her husband Charles and her family.
Education
J.D., University of Houston Law Center
B.S., University of Houston-Clear Lake, summa cum laude
Murphy Klasing has extensive trial and appellate experience in successfully handling numerous litigation matters, including commercial litigation, government contracts litigation, personal injury defense, employment litigation and arbitration, banking, construction litigation, premises liability, white collar crime, and toxic tort defense. He has significant courtroom experience, having tried over 15 arbitrations and 95 jury trials across numerous Texas courts. Murphy has appeared in over 35 Texas counties for various national clients and handled cases in Ohio, Oklahoma, California, Pennsylvania, Louisiana, and West Virginia. He serves as primary Texas and Oklahoma counsel for Public Storage, Corey Construction, and Cody Pools. He is also an invited member of ABOTA (American Board of Trial Advocates).
Murphy began his career as an Assistant District Attorney at the Harris County District Attorney's Office for three years. Before joining WKPZ, he was a partner at Ogden, Gibson, Broocks, Longoria & Hall, LLP, and McGinnis, Lochridge & Kilgore, LLP in Houston. He is now a member of WKPZ's Construction Litigation Practice and provides comprehensive litigation and transactional services to clients involved in residential, commercial and industrial construction businesses. Murphy has represented state-wide construction contractors in commercial and residential roofing, HVAC, dry-wall and swimming pool installation and construction. He and other members of the practice provide legal services to the multifamily and large industrial construction industry representing owners, contractors and subcontractors. The practice's goal in first-party representation is to efficiently and effectively navigate large construction matters to minimize exposure and maximize results.
As part of WKPZ's Government Contracts Litigation practice, Murphy provides counseling and litigation services to clients involved in contracts with federal and state governmental agencies, as well as prime contractors. He assists subcontractors in claims against prime contractors related to payment and performance. Murphy also works with contractors who provide DFAC (dining facilities) services to troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, and represents these clients in state and federal court litigation before the American Arbitration Association, the International Chamber of Commerce, and the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA). In addition, he provides guidance to multinational companies based in Kuwait, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia. Murphy is committed to providing excellent service through maximizing clients' recovery and utilizing resources efficiently.
Paul Strug is a seasoned attorney specializing in estate planning, trust and estate administration, and business succession planning. With a deep commitment to his clients' needs, Paul navigates a diverse range of probate, trust, and estate and gift tax issues with precision and care.
In estate and gift planning, Paul takes a comprehensive approach that offers tailored solutions for tax-planned wills, trusts, and advanced planning techniques. Leveraging tools such as family limited partnerships, charitable remainder trusts, grantor retained annuity trusts, and partition and property agreements, he addresses clients' objectives. Where clients have displayed an interest in philanthropy, Paul helps with structuring an efficient plan to carry out such charitable interest-whether the creation of a private foundation, use of a donor-advised fund, or direction of assets that can be more efficiently contributed to charity as part of the client's comprehensive estate plan
In probate and trust administration, Paul and his team oversee all facets of estate and trust management, from probate initiation to collection and division of assets to elections to be made on a federal estate tax return. He guides families through the complexities of the probate process from start to finish.
In the realm of business planning, Paul's practice spans the spectrum, from entity establishment to facilitating the acquisition or sale of small-to-midsize businesses. He combines his years of experience with a client-first approach in every aspect of his practice. With a commitment to excellence, Paul is a trusted advisor for individuals and business-owners navigating the complexities of estate planning, probate and trust administration.
Paul is a frequent speaker, offering presentation on Estate Planning, Probate, Asset Protection and Charitable Planning topics.
Richard Kaplan, a founding shareholder of WKPZ, is a powerhouse lawyer with 45 years of legal representation across myriad business transactions. His ranging experience is a defining quality of his career; he has assisted major corporations, small businesses, and individuals in navigating significant commercial transactions throughout real estate, banking, and corporate arenas. With a keen focus on real estate, he has represented clients from both sides of the market-sellers, buyers, landlords, and tenants-in drafting contracts and resolving disputes skillfully and equitably.
Richard embodies a rare passion and proficiency for mediation. A certified mediator since 1998 and holder of a board certification in Civil Trial Law since 1995, Richard has successfully resolved countless disputes. His exceptional abilities and commitment to upholding the highest ethical standards are recognized with an "AV" rating by Martindale-Hubbell, the highest possible through peer review. Through his legal acumen, extensive knowledge, and steadfast character, he sets a standard for excellence that others aspire to achieve.
Richard has been featured in Texas Monthly's annual publication, Texas Super Lawyers, for his expertise in civil trial law every year from 2008 to 2023. When not working, he is an active community volunteer. He has served on the boards of several local non-profits, including Congregation Beth Israel where he currently serves as President of the Board of Trustees. Previously, he served on the Board and Executive Committee of Seven Acres Jewish Geriatric Center and was the foreperson of a Harris County Grand Jury. With such an energetic and dynamic life, Richard treasures quality time spent with his wife, Sherrie, and his children and grandchildren.
Robert Beasley brings over 35 years of experience in providing counsel and advice to a wide array of clients. Robert specializes in mergers and acquisitions, corporate law, corporate finance, lending, and real estate. His practice is multifaceted, covering a spectrum of services to meet the diverse needs of his clients.
In the realm of mergers and acquisitions, Robert adeptly represents both sellers and buyers and provides strategic guidance throughout business sales, mergers, and acquisitions. He also excels in advising on entity selection and formation, meticulously drafting LLC or partnership agreements, buy-sell ownership control agreements, and related documentation.
Robert is a seasoned professional in handling private placement of equity or debt securities and offers comprehensive support for financing, reclassification, or recapitalization of business entities. His proficiency extends to contract drafting and review, encompassing Master Service Agreements and various other business agreements. His adept negotiation skills are evident in the drafting and negotiation of general corporate documents.
Sanford "Sandy" Cohen has been with WKPZ since 1981. He began as an associate and became a shareholder in under six years. Every year, Sandy receives the "AV" Preeminent rating, the highest peer review by Martindale-Hubbell.
His practice focuses on business transactions with an emphasis on real estate, including all aspects of residential and commercial acquisitions, sales, leases (particularly complex long-term ground leases), easements, financing, and development. Transactions range from straightforward to highly complex, with deal sizes from hundreds of thousands to hundreds of millions of dollars. In representing clients, Sandy is known for his compassionate and affable rapport, direct accessibility, decades of experience, deal-making abilities, and prompt responsiveness.
Spencer J. Salvador is an associate in WKPZ's construction and litigation divisions. He combines his previous construction experience as a project manager at a large higher education campus with his experience in the Trial Bureau at the Harris County District Attorney's office to navigate the complexities of construction and litigation matters.
As part of the firm's litigation team, Spencer assists with pre-litigation negotiations, trials, arbitrations, and appeals. He provides counsel in matters involving breach of contract, trade secrets, employment issues, complex business torts, real estate disputes, and many other areas.
On the construction side, Spencer advises clients through all project stages-from pre-development through completion. He is experienced in drafting strategic agreements, representing clients in complex construction litigation over issues like defects and delays, and guiding clients through various construction transactions.
Stephanie Garcia is an associate attorney of WKPZ who advises clients on an array of real estate and business transactions. Stephanie routinely assists clients with the acquisition, disposition, and development of commercial properties by drafting and negotiating purchase and sale agreements, easements, and deed restrictions and by performing title and survey reviews. In addition, she has significant experience representing landlords and tenants in drafting and negotiating retail, office, and industrial leases. Stephanie navigates complex matters with a practical approach; she focuses on getting deals done effectively and efficiently.
Before joining WKPZ, Stephanie worked at a boutique law firm in the Houston area, where she assisted with various corporate transactions and worked with high-growth companies facing complex business and regulatory issues.
Stephanie enjoys traveling with her husband, Daniel, and cheering on the Houston Astros.
Tracey Reisman Gerber is a seasoned attorney and shareholder in WKPZ's real estate division. With her extensive expertise in the field, Tracey adeptly facilitates leasing, acquisitions, development, and other related matters, including lease disputes, for a variety of individual and corporate entity clients. Her diverse clientele includes large-scale real estate developers, individuals, and entities in complex commercial transactions. With a focus on acquiring, leasing, managing, and developing high-end and mixed-use office and retail developments, Tracey provides her clients with comprehensive services as well as astute general counseling on real estate matters. Additionally, she represents landlords and tenants in negotiating, preparing, and maintaining all types of commercial real estate leases, including office, shopping center, restaurant, and retail leases in Texas and across the country.
Zachary I. Rosenberg is an experienced attorney and shareholder at WKPZ with a profound focus on advocating for clients in a diverse array of real estate and business transactions. With an extensive background in real estate law, Zachary excels in guiding clients through the intricacies of property acquisition, sales, financing, and development. His expertise extends to the comprehensive representation of landlords and tenants in drafting and negotiating retail, office, and industrial leases, as well as the structuring of joint ventures and other business organizations associated with business development and ownership.
Zachary distinguishes himself not only through his depth of legal knowledge, but also in his unwavering dedication to achieving successful outcomes for his clients. Central to Zachary's approach is his steadfast commitment to closing transactions efficiently while safeguarding his clients' interests. With a keen eye for detail and a proactive mindset, he navigates complex negotiations with precision and secures favorable terms while minimizing potential risks. Whether facilitating a property acquisition or structuring a joint venture, Zachary prioritizes the seamless execution of transactions without compromising on the protection of his clients' rights and objectives. His ability to strike a balance between expediency and thoroughness underscores his effectiveness as a trusted advisor.
Before joining WKPZ, Zachary refined his skills at Steeg Law Firm, L.L.C. in New Orleans, Louisiana. The firm, which consistently ranks as one of the top real estate law firms in New Orleans and Louisiana, provided Zachary with invaluable experience and an established track record of success.
Zachary is currently licensed to practice law in Texas and Louisiana.