GERMER - Key Persons
Adam Daigle is originally from Houston, received a B.S. and J.D. from University of Houston, and joined Germer in 2022. While at UHLC, he served as an editor for the Houston Journal of International Law and was a member of the Civil Practice Clinic. He also interned for a federal judge in the Eastern District of Texas-Beaumont Division.
Adam is licensed in Texas, and is a member of the State Bar of Texas. He practices primarily in the areas of personal injury defense and civil litigation.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Firm
- Senior Trial Counsel
Adrian Ciechanowicz joined Germer in 2020. As a member of the firm's litigation section, Adrian represents clients in all stages of the litigation process in state and federal courts.
Adrian earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees from Texas State University. He earned his law degree from St. Mary's University School of Law.
After law school, Adrian spent two years working as a law clerk to the Honorable James R. Nowlin, U.S. District Court Judge, Western District of Texas. He then went into private practice, working for several Austin-based law firms where he specialized in commercial and civil litigation.
Adrian is a member of the State Bar of Texas. He is also admitted to practice in the United States District Courts for the Western, Northern, Southern, and Eastern Districts of Texas.
Adrian Senyszyn is a principal at Germer PLLC, and he practices in the areas of construction, cybersecurity, health care law, HIPAA, administrative law, and personal injury. Mr. Senyszyn represents clients throughout Texas. Much of his construction practice involves large, multiparty construction defect litigation. Mr. Senyszyn represents both general contractors and subcontractors, and he has represented many scopes of work to include HVAC, swimming pools, electrical, roofing, waterproofing, masonry, framing, window manufacturers, concrete, and ornamental steel. He also advises about mechanic's and materialman's liens and other issues that affect the general business of contractors.
Mr. Senyszyn's cyber security practice includes the health care sector where he routinely advises health care practices about privacy and security rules. Mr. Senyszyn has extensive experience managing claims through the breach notification process, and he has advised many practices suffering catastrophic breaches. Mr. Senyszyn also defends clients before courts and administrative agencies such as the Office of Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Texas Medical Board. Mr. Senyszyn has experience defending class action claims related to cybersecurity breaches. Mr. Senyszyn often speaks about health care issues, cybersecurity, and HIPAA rules.
He was recognized as a "Texas Super Lawyer"®, a Thompson Reuters publication, for 2021-2023. He has been recognized by Best Lawyers® since 2002.
Alexis M. Vigilante-Filley is an attorney in the Austin office of Germer, where she focuses on health law, representing hospitals, physicians, and healthcare providers. Prior to joining Germer in 2019, Alexis practiced medical malpractice defense in New York City, most recently with Aaronson Rappaport Feinstein & Deutsch, LLP. Alexis began her career as a general litigation attorney and has almost ten years' experience practicing health law/medical malpractice defense.
Alexis graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Law & Paralegal Studies from The City University of New York in 2006 and received her Juris Doctorate from Hofstra University School of Law in 2011. Prior to and throughout law school, Alexis was a paralegal for a general litigation firm in New York. During law school, she also served as a judicial intern to the Honorable Jack M. Battaglia of the New York State Supreme Court, Kings County.
Alexis is admitted to practice law in the states of Texas, New York, and New Jersey, as well as the United States District Courts for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York. She is a member of the Austin Bar Association, the Brooklyn Bar Association, the Brooklyn Barrister Editorial Board, the Columbian Lawyers Association, and the Richmond County Bar Association.
For six years - 2014 to 2019 - Alexis has been recognized by Super Lawyers, a Thompson Reuters publication, as a New York Metro "Rising Star" in the area of medical malpractice defense and as a Texas "Rising Star" for 2022.
Prior to joining Germer in 2019, Barbara Jordan spent over twelve years serving as a prosecutor on behalf of Texas regulatory agencies, including the Texas Medical Board, Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, and State Board of Dental Examiners.
Ben Zinnecker was born and raised in Austin, Texas. He attended Texas A&M University, where he received a B.A. in Philosophy in 2005. In 2008, Ben earned his J.D. from Baylor University School of Law, where he enjoyed success in pretrial, mock trial, and moot court competitions. After law school, Ben spent 9 years practicing law at firms in Amarillo and Houston, handling a variety of civil litigation matters. Ben then returned to Austin when he joined Germer in 2018.
Ben currently represents national and global clients in a variety of state and federal litigation matters. His practice focuses on product liability defense, general tort, and complex commercial disputes. He has significant trial experience, having tried cases to verdict involving product liability, commercial, personal injury defense, real estate, and employment disputes. He is involved in all aspects of discovery planning and execution, preparation of trial strategy, and trial advocacy.
C. Scott Mann, Jr. is a business lawyer with over 25 years of experience in representing developers, lenders and business enterprises in complex real estate transactions, business acquisitions, sales, and in advising clients on the formation, operation, and dissolution of various business entities. He has extensive experience in representing both developers and lenders in the financing, acquisition, leasing, and development of business and residential subdivisions, shopping centers, and office buildings. Scott has also represented a major hospital system for over 16 years with regard to business transactions, including transactions involving health care entities and physicians and other health care professionals, medical office buildings, acquisitions and divestiture of hospital facilities, and the formation of and dissolution of not-for-profit and for-profit organizations related to various health care transactions. Scott has been involved in large commercial litigation matters arising from real estate and other business transactions, including representation of creditors in bankruptcy proceedings and foreclosures. Scott graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a B.B.A. in Finance in 1973 and from The University of Texas School of Law with honors in 1977, where he was a member of the Phi Delta Phi honorary legal society and the Legal Research Board. He began his practice with the law firm of Crutchfield, DeCordova, Brocato & Heartfield, P.C. in Beaumont, Texas in 1977, extensive experience in real estate and business matters where he became a shareholder before leaving to become a partner with Benckenstein, Oxford, Radford & Johnson in Beaumont in 1986. He has been certified in Commercial Real Estate Law and Residential Real Estate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 1984. In 1992, Scott and several other lawyers formed the firm of Bernsen, Jamail & Goodson, L.L.P., whose successor joined with Germer in March, 2000, of which Scott is now a principal. Scott is a principal of the Real Estate, Probate and Trust Law, Business Law, Tax Law, and Health Law sections of the State Bar of Texas and is licensed to practice in all courts in the State of Texas, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.
Carmen Jo Rejda-Ponce ("CJ") focuses on a broad range of labor and employment litigation, including, discrimination, harassment, hostile work environment, retaliation, disability accommodation, wage and hour laws, and unemployment benefits…
Job Titles:
- Principal
- Principal in the Houston Office
Chad Castille is a Principal in the Houston office of Germer and concentrates his practice on complex civil litigation. Chad has represented individuals, small businesses, and Fortune 500 corporations in a diverse array of civil litigation matters including, but not limited to, cases involving medical negligence, business disputes and commercial litigation, commercial and residential construction, product liability, premises liability, professional liability, oil and gas, and wrongful death and personal injury.
Chad's experience handling wrongful death and catastrophic personal injury matters includes numerous cases involving medical malpractice, product liability, and premises accidents. Chad's commercial litigation experience includes cases involving construction litigation, tortious interference, royalty litigation, lease termination cases, disputes arising under operating agreements and breach of contract. Chad also routinely advises and assists his corporate clients on a variety of matters including contract negotiations, joint ventures, and employment.
Chad has extensive trial experience involving complex high exposure cases relating to product defect, construction, and medical malpractice. He also practices extensively in New Mexico and has handled cases in nearly every county in that state. In addition, Chad has tried more than a dozen cases before the American Arbitration Association ("AAA").
When Chad is not pursuing outstanding results on behalf of clients, he invests time in service of his community helping with several charitable organizations including UNICEF and Project 88.
He also enjoys spending his free time with his wife, Kristin, son, Graham and daughter, Olivia.
Chad Castille is a Principal in the Houston office of Germer and concentrates his practice on complex civil litigation. Chad has tried more than a dozen cases before the American Arbitration Association ("AAA").
Charles W. Goehringer, Jr. joined Germer in 2001. Charlie graduated from Lamar University in Beaumont with a Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering degree in 1980. He received a Masters of Business Administration from Colorado University in Boulder in 1983 and his J.D. from South Texas College of Law in 1995. Charlie began his career with Gulf States Utilities Co. as an engineer in 1981 and became a Unit Superintendent responsible for the operation and maintenance of a 488 MW oil and gas fired electrical generating unit at Sabine Station. In 1988, he was hired by Quantum Chemical Company as a project engineer and became a Maintenance Superintendent in 1991.
Charlie began his legal career at the law firm of MehaffyWeber, P.C. in 1995. He is general counsel for a publicly traded company on the NYSE responsible for litigation matters, contract negotiations and SEC compliance. He has extensive experience in business law, construction litigation and patent infringement litigation. He routinely represents employers in OSHA investigations and gross negligence claims. Charlie also represents governmental entities in a variety of matters including business transactions and litigation. He is a member of the Business Law and Construction Law sections of the State Bar of Texas, and Jefferson County Bar Association. He is licensed to practice in all courts in the State of Texas and the United States District Court for the Eastern and Southern Districts of Texas. Charlie has been a registered professional engineer in the State of Texas since 1986. He serves as an arbitrator for the Better Business Bureau and is a member of the Texas Water Conservation Association.
Charles W. "Charlie" Goehringer, Jr. joined GERMER in 2001. Charlie graduated from Lamar University in Beaumont with a Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering degree in 1980. He received a Masters of Business Administration…
Job Titles:
- Attorney
- Senior Trial Counsel
Chelsie Ramos is an Attorney in the Houston and Beaumont offices of Germer. Prior to joining the firm, she served as Associate Judge for the 246th District Court, and she has worked as an attorney handling complex litigation matters for nearly 20 years.
Chelsie practices in the area of Family Law which includes divorce, child custody, child support, property division, prenuptial agreements, protective orders, termination and adoption, paternity, visitation, and name change. Throughout her legal career, Chelsie has regularly served as a family law mediator having obtained her mediation certification from Resolution Forum, Inc. while in law school.
Chelsie holds a juris doctorate degree from South Texas College of Law. Her academic record includes being named on the Dean's Honor List, and she has the distinct honor of being the youngest graduate from South Texas College of Law since its inception. During law school, she first began representing clients in family law matters through the legal externship program at South Texas College of Law's Legal Clinic. It was through this experience that she discovered her true passion and began dedicating her legal profession to caring and advocating for families.
Chelsie's strong family ties kept her close to her childhood home while she attended McNeese State University on academic and dance scholarships. She graduated Cum Laude from McNeese State University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Government and a minor in Sociology.
When Chelsie is not buried in her work, she invests her time in community service by training Child Advocates courtroom volunteers and volunteering for the Houston Food Bank.
Chelsie maintains a personal and professional commitment to helping families. She is a proud, devoted mother to her two daughters, and she enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.
Chris A. Blackerby is a successful trial lawyer with 30 years of experience in a wide range of matters focusing principally on product liability and personal injury litigation as well as commercial and patent litigation. He has tried complex cases throughout Texas and elsewhere totaling over $2 billion in controversy. After graduating law school, Chris served as a Briefing Attorney to the Honorable James R. Nowlin in the United States District Court, Western District of Texas. After a successful practice at a large law firm in Austin, Chris joined Germer in 2008. Chris is a "Texas Super Lawyer" and is rated an AV Preeminent Attorney by Martindale-Hubbell.
Chris routinely handles complex product liability lawsuits for manufacturers. His clients include tire, automotive, agricultural and construction equipment manufacturers. He has defended cases involving tires, air bags, seatbelts, roof/vehicle structures, rollovers, fires, seats and seat backs and general crashworthiness.
Chris Pearson is a principal at Germer in Austin, Texas. Chris is licensed to practice in Texas and Oklahoma and has over 30 years of experience as a trial attorney. A significant portion of his practice involves defending car and truck manufacturers in products liability cases in Texas and Oklahoma. He is also regularly called on to defend manufacturers in suits filed under the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act, and to represent manufacturers of motor vehicles and recreational vehicles in disputes brought before the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. Pearson Chris graduated from Lamar University in 1980 and received his J.D. in 1984 from Texas Tech University School of Law. Chris was initially admitted to practice law in Oklahoma in 1984, then Texas in 1988. Chris is actively engaged in numerous law-related organizations and over the past 30 years has published articles in various law reviews and bar journals. He also frequently speaks at seminars and other legal meetings on various topics related to his litigation practice. Chris resides with his wife Annette in Austin, Texas.
His litigation practice most often involves the defense of automotive and commercial truck manufacturers, but also includes the representation of clients who manufacture household appliances, power and hand tools, recreational vehicles, heavy equipment, and various other products. In matters before the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, Chris routinely represents manufacturers of motor vehicles, large trucks, and recreational vehicles in "Lemon Law" administrative proceedings, as well as in manufacturer/dealer disputes.
Chris Pearson is a principal at GERMER in Austin, Texas. Chris has over 25 years of experience as a trial attorney with special emphasis in products liability defense, the defense of manufacturers in suits filed under the Texas…
Christen St. Denis was born and raised in California. Following her graduation from the University of Washington, Christen moved to Austin, Texas in 2016. She worked in government relations at the University of Texas before receiving her J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law. Prior to joining Germer,
Christen worked at an Austin law firm where she handled general litigation matters.
Christen's practice areas include personal injury defense, civil litigation, construction law, and insurance defense.
Christine D. Burkhart is a principal in the San Antonio office. She has over 19 years of experience in civil litigation primarily focusing her practice on construction defect litigation, representing general contractors and subcontractors, premises liability, product liability and trucking/transportation matters. Most of her cases concern highly complex matters with substantial damages. While a talented and skilled litigator, Christine has successfully achieved highly desirable settlements in multimillion dollar cases.
Prior to pursuing her career in the law, Christine worked in mortgage lending for 13 years in Northern Ohio and Las Vegas. During that time, she handled loan originations, loan closings and became an underwriter. Thereafter, she moved into management and oversaw loan operations and sales for branch offices in the region. Her knowledge of the business and ability to understand the relationships and impact of the laws and regulations give Christine's clients added value beyond her legal knowledge.
Job Titles:
- Principal
- Principal and Member at Our Beaumont
Christopher D. Leavins is a Principal and Member at our Beaumont office and has been with Germer PLLC since 2008. He graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in Economics prior to receiving his Doctor of Jurisprudence at South Texas College of Law. Chris is Board Certified in Commercial Real Estate Law and Residential Real Estate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
Chris has extensive experience in representing real estate developers, lenders, and businesses, as well as individuals in complex real estate transactions, financing, leasing, development, subdivisions, shopping centers and office buildings. In addition, he also has experience in estate planning, probate, business acquisitions, commercial litigation, and advising clients on the formation, operation and dissolution of various business entities. Chris has significant public entity representation, including acting as City Attorney and City Prosecutor for local municipalities, as well as representing economic development corporations and emergency service providers. He has been recognized as a Texas Super Lawyer Rising Star, a Thompson Reuters publication, from 2018 - 2022.
Christy Amuny is an experienced trial lawyer who has tried over 100 cases to verdict. She received her undergraduate degree from The University of Texas (B.A. 1986) and attended Texas Tech School of Law (J.D. 1990). Christy is a native of Southeast Texas. She is licensed in both Texas and Louisiana, and is a member of the State Bar of Texas and the Louisiana State Bar. She is admitted to practice in both state and federal courts in Texas and Louisiana and in the United States Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit. She is Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and is a Diplomate in the American Board of Trial Advocates. She has served as President of the Jefferson County Bar Association (2006-2007), Chair of the Litigation Section of the State Bar of Texas (2013-2014), District 3 Representative on the State Bar Board of Directors and is currently the President of the Texas Association of Defense Counsel. Christy was recognized as a Texas Super Lawyer, a Thompson Reuters publication, in 2004 and from 2006 to 2023.
Claire Gravell was born and raised in Dripping Springs, Texas. She graduated with Highest Honors from Texas Tech University with a Bachelor of Arts in History and a minor in Legal Studies. She earned her JD from the University of Mississippi School of Law where she graduated cum laude. While in law school, Claire was a member of the Dean's Leadership Council. Her current practice areas include insurance defense, personal injury defense, and medical malpractice defense.
Collin D. Shellenberger was born and raised in Beaumont, Texas. He has spent his entire legal career with Germer, PLLC in its Beaumont office defending businesses and individuals in civil litigation matters.
Practice Areas and Experience:
Collin has successfully tried cases involving serious injuries and death to verdict as lead counsel throughout the state and federal courts of Southeast Texas and East Texas. He has consistently maintained a dynamic docket of high exposure litigation matters-often involving catastrophic injuries and death, commercial trucking and transportation litigation cases, first-party and third-party insurance defense cases, ATV and boating accidents, and premises liability cases.
A significant portion of Collin's practice is also devoted to advising insurance companies regarding the best strategies for addressing complex insurance issues, such as bad faith allegations, Stower's allegations, and extra-contractual claims. Collin also defends insurance companies when these claims are asserted in a lawsuit. Additionally, Collin provides coverage opinions to insurance companies and prosecutes declaratory judgment actions on coverage matters when necessary.
Experience with Unique Issues and Claims:
Collin's experience handling insurance defense work over the years has provided him with the knowledge and skill to assist with certain matters that can often be difficult to resolve, such as complicated minor settlements, settlements of death claims with limited liability limits and numerous claimants, and disputes over liens/subrogation interests.
Collin has experience representing local businesses and individuals in unique matters; he has successfully defended funeral homes in lawsuits alleging improper burial claims, nail salons in lawsuits alleging personal injuries following manicures and pedicures, fraternity members and officers in lawsuits relating to fraternity operations/injuries, pharmacies and pharmacists sued for negligence in medication distribution, homeowners sued for sexual misconduct, homeowners sued by contractors who claim to have been injured on their premises, restaurants for injuries allegedly caused by staff or property conditions, and plumbing companies facing mold claims by customers. He has also successfully defended claims involving dog bites, placement of bollards outside businesses, and slip and falls.
Cristina Gadangi Cristina Gadangi was born and raised in Houston, Texas. Cristina graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Development and earned her Doctor of Jurisprudence from Baylor University.
Daniel C. Ducote has been a mediator since 1994 and his practice has been limited to Alternative Dispute Resolution since 2000. He has mediated approximately 7,000 cases and has also served as an arbitrator, special master, and umpire. Dan brings a trial lawyer's perspective to the ADR process. He became Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in 1984 and enjoyed an active trial practice through 1999. Dan has acquired the reputation of a "straight talking - no nonsense" mediator, who quickly identifies the pivotal issues in the case. Dan is not bashful about playing the role of the "devil's advocate" and believes an effective mediator is much more than a messenger. As a result, attorneys on both sides of the docket request that Dan mediate their cases. He receives judicial appointments on a regular basis at the state and federal levels. Daniel was recognized as a Texas Super Lawyer, a Thompson Reuters publication, in 2023.
Daniel Schick earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Texas A&M University and graduated with highest honors from the University of Mississippi School of Law. While in law school, Daniel was a member of the St. Thomas More Legal Society and served as an executive board officer for the Mississippi Law Journal. Daniel also authored two separate scholarly papers that were published while he was still a student in law school.
Prior to joining Germer and moving back home to San Antonio in the Spring of 2021, Daniel practiced civil defense in Houston, Texas for over five years, where he represented clients in the energy and construction industries involved in construction defect and personal injury lawsuits.
Job Titles:
- Professional Business Fraternity, President
Deondrey R. Russell has the traits that make it inevitable that he will be a national first chair trial lawyer. He is cutting his teeth early in his career with participation in high stakes litigation and has found success in trial and appellate courts across the nation.
Dominique Banda's legal career began in the Rio Grande Valley where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Law & Justice Studies with a concentration in Clinical Psychology. She served as a Legal Assistant in one of the largest full-service civil defense firms in the region prior to matriculating into St. Mary's University School of Law.
Emily Davenport brings over 20 years of legal experience to Germer. Emily represents a wide variety of health care providers in medical malpractice, employment, administrative, and business litigation. She also provides health regulatory and risk management counseling services.
Eric Robertson was raised in Port Neches, Texas, before he moved away for school and work. He attended Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas, for his undergraduate studies. Then, he attended Texas A&M University School of Law in Fort Worth, Texas. Eric spent his first years as a practicing attorney in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex from 2014 to 2017. Next, Eric served the State of Texas as an Administrative Law Judge in Houston from 2017 to 2022. As he started a family, Eric wanted to be closer to his hometown area and the values he grew up with, and he joined Germer PLLC's Beaumont office in 2022.
Evan Weltge is a civil litigator with significant experience representing individuals and entities in all stages of litigation in state and federal courts. Evan has successfully obtained jury verdicts on behalf of his clients in federal court and has represented clients before the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit and state courts of appeals. Prior to joining Germer, Evan practiced as an Assistant Attorney General defending state agencies and individuals in cases involving constitutional claims, statutory interpretation, and personal injury torts.
Evan practices in the areas of civil litigation, commercial litigation, products liability, premises liability, construction litigation, personal injury litigation, insurance law, constitutional law/civil rights, and medical malpractice.
Evan is licensed to practice in Texas courts, as well as the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, and United States district courts in Texas.
Board Certified in Administrative Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, Franklin represents an array of professional licensees, including physicians before the Texas Medical Board, where he previously worked as a Staff Attorney. That experience gives Franklin insight into the way the Board views its responsibilities and the posture they take in various enforcement actions. This allows Franklin as a Medical Board Attorney to provide highly individualized advice to his physician clients.
As a primarily administrative law practitioner, Franklin defends numerous types of professional licensees before their respective licensing agency. Franklin is experienced in agency/board/commission/department informal settlement conferences ("ISC"), defending temporary suspension and revocation hearings, along with mediations and contested case hearings at the State Office of Administrative Hearings ("SOAH"), including appealing final agency orders to district court.
Before joining the private sector, Franklin worked as a Staff Attorney at the Texas Medical Board, where he maintained a heavy docket of ISC's and SOAH cases. Franklin also worked at the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation ("TLDR") where he prosecuted licensees for numerous occupations, including electrical and air conditioning contractors.
Prior to practicing law in Austin, Franklin served his country in the United States Army JAG Corps. Stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, Baghdad, Iraq, and Fort Sam Houston, Texas, Franklin prosecuted numerous felony cases as a Trial Counsel, Senior Prosecutor, and Chief of Military Justice. Franklin was Awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Medal for trying the most cases in Iraq in 2010, and prior to that was Awarded the Army Commendation Medal for being recognized as the top prosecutor at Fort Hood, Texas, which is the busiest criminal law jurisdiction in the United States Army.
Today, when not representing Texas Physicians, Franklin continues to serve by defending those who defend America. As a Major and Defense Attorney in the Texas Army National Guard, Franklin proudly defends Texas Veterans before administrative separations boards and non-judicial punishments.
Board Certified in Administrative Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, Franklin represents physicians before the Texas Medical Board, where he previously worked as a Staff Attorney. That experience gives Franklin insight into the…
G. Robert Sonnier has significant experience representing clients in litigation throughout Texas and other states in both state and federal courts with an emphasis in products liability, premises liability, toxic tort, trucking, and general civil litigation. He has handled hundreds of product defect cases and served as national and regional counsel for a major automotive manufacturer. His litigation practice has included matters involving fires and explosions, fuel systems, automobiles, heavy equipment, exposure to asbestos and other chemicals, and other catastrophic injury claims. He has tried numerous cases including automotive product liability, premises liability, asbestos, trucking, railroad, and general negligence cases.
Robert received his undergraduate degree in Finance from The University of Texas in 1986 and his J.D. from Texas Tech University School of Law in 1990. He is a member of the State Bar of Texas and State Bar of Oklahoma. Robert is also a member of the Texas Association of Defense Counsel (Board of Directors 2009-2017), Defense Research Institute, and Austin Bar Association. He is a regular speaker at various legal seminars and meetings and addresses a variety of topics related to litigation. He has also published articles in several bar journals and CLE publications related to litigation. Robert is "AV" rated by Martindale-Hubbell legal directory.
G. Robert Sonnier has significant experience representing clients in litigation throughout several states in both state and federal courts with an emphasis in products liability, premises liability, toxic tort, trucking, and general civil…
Gary W. Coker, a principal with the firm, is a native of Jasper, Texas. For more than 35 years, Gary has represented financial institutions, businesses and individuals primarily in the areas of business organizations and transactions, bankruptcy and creditors' rights, real estate, health law and estate planning and probate. Gary is rated AV Preeminent by Martindale Hubbell Peer Review Ratings and is licensed to practice in Texas state courts and the United States District Court for the Eastern, Southern, Western and Northern Districts of Texas, as well as the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. He is a member of the State Bar of Texas, Jefferson County Bar Association, Texas Association of Bank Council, and is a Life Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation. He is Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas and is an active member of Beaumont's First Baptist Church. Gary is also a certified mediator.
Job Titles:
- Principal
- Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers
Gregg R. Brown, a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, is an accomplished trial lawyer with over 30 years of experience in a wide range of matters, focusing principally on construction defect, personal injury, and wrongful death litigation, as well as business disputes and commercial litigation. He has tried complex cases throughout the state of Texas and elsewhere and regularly practices in courts in other states throughout the country. In addition to his ACTL Fellowship, Gregg is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates and has been recognized as a "Texas Super Lawyer," a Thomson Reuters publication, from 2008-2011 and 2013-2023. He is a member of the State Bar of Texas, the Texas Association of Defense Counsel and the Austin Bar Association. Gregg attended undergraduate school and law school at Southern Illinois University, graduating with a degree in Finance in 1984, and with his law degree, magna cum laude, in 1987. While in law school, Gregg was selected as Lead Articles Editor for the Southern Illinois University Law Journal and was twice published. After a successful practice at a large firm in Austin, Gregg co-established the law firm of Germer in 1998, where he has practiced since.
Gregg is licensed in Texas and Arkansas state courts, as well as the United States Supreme Court, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth and Fifth Circuit, and United States district courts in Texas and Arkansas. He has tried complex cases throughout the state of Texas and regularly practices in courts in other states throughout the country.
Gregg R. Brown is an accomplished trial lawyer with over 25 years of experience in a wide range of matters, focusing principally on construction litigation, product liability, long term exposure claims and wrongful death claims, as well as…
Gregory Howard is a litigation attorney with Germer PLLC. Greg is a proud native Houstonian, with undergraduate and graduate business degrees from Texas A&M University and a law degree from the University of Houston Law Center. Since graduating law school in 2005, Greg has spent the better part of his legal career as a litigator and advocate in such areas as commercial litigation, real estate, personal injury, and insurance defense, while consistently maintaining a broad exposure to many other facets of business law, property, and contracts. As a highly motivated individual, Greg takes great pride in performing high-quality work and appreciates practicing in a dynamic legal environment.
Guy Neil Goodson graduated with honors from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 1973, and then attended law school at Southern Methodist University, graduating in 1976. Guy began his legal career at the law firm of Shannon, Gracey, Ratliff & Miller in Fort Worth, Texas specializing in tax practice, and moved to Beaumont in 1978 as regulatory counsel for Gulf States Utilities Co. Guy is admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of Texas, Texas courts, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. Guy is active in the legal community having been President of the Jefferson County Bar Association in 1991-1992, and President of the Young Lawyers Association in 1984. He represented Ward II on the Beaumont City Council from 1990 - 2003, and served as Mayor for the City of Beaumont, Texas, 2005 - 2007. Guy is also active in state municipal affairs and served as President of the Texas Municipal League in 2001 - 2002. Guy is a member of the State Bar of Texas, Texas Bar Foundation, and a member of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church.
Guy N. Goodson concentrates and has extensive experience in public entity and administrative law with a strong emphasis on municipal bond and special project financing while representing local government units including cities, counties, port and navigation districts, river and water authorities, special districts, economic development corporations, and emergency service districts. Additionally, his practice includes corporate and environmental law and litigation.
J. Mitchell Smith has been a principal with Germer since January 2002. Mitch graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1988 from The University of Texas at Austin. He received a Juris Doctor from Baylor University School of Law in 1991. He was recognized as a "Texas Super Lawyer", a Thompson Reuters publication, in 2005-2023.
Stephen Dillawn, a principal with the firm, graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Chemical Engineering in 1979, and worked as a petroleum engineer until 1986. He received his law degree from the University of Houston in 1989, at which time he joined the law firm Small, Craig & Werkenthin where his practice included general litigation, administrative and bankruptcy work. He has also handled a variety of appellate cases at the courts of appeals and the Texas Supreme Court.
He joined Germer in 2004, focusing on medical malpractice defense and administrative law. He is admitted to practice in Texas state courts and is licensed to practice in the United States District Court for the Northern and Western Districts of Texas as well as the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. He is a member of the State Bar of Texas and Austin Bar Association.
Steve Dillawn, a principal with the firm, graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Chemical Engineering in 1979, and worked as a petroleum engineer until 1986. He received his law degree from the University of…
James A. Tatem is a graduate of the University of Texas where he received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 1989. He received his Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from South Texas College of Law in 1992. Tatem James A. is admitted to practice before Texas state courts and the United States District Court for the Northern, Southern and Eastern Districts of Texas. Jim has served as a first-chair trial lawyer in a variety of personal injury and property damage cases as well commercial cases.
Jim has extensive experience in products liability, premises liability, toxic torts, superfund and environmental litigation, construction litigation, real estate, civil litigation, class and collective actions, commercial litigation, insurance law, mediation/arbitration, and personal injury defense.
James A. Tatem, senior trial counsel with the firm, is a graduate of the University of Texas where he received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 1989. He received his Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from South Texas…
After graduating from law school in Michigan, Jamie returned to Austin, Texas and joined Germer in 2021. Prior to earning her law degree, Jamie received a Bachelor of Arts in both English Literature and Journalism from The University of Texas at Austin.
Jamie Giron focuses her practice primarily on civil litigation matters including insurance defense, transportation matters, premises liability, construction cases, and personal injury litigation.
While attending Michigan State University College of Law, Jamie was class representative for the Student Bar Association, served on the executive board for the Latino Law Society, and participated in the First Amendment Law Clinic. Jamie also competed in the Hispanic National Bar Association Moot Court Competition as a brief-writer and oralist, was awarded the title of "Best Brief" by Michigan State Law Review, and was recognized on the Dean's Honor List.
While attending the University of Texas, she was an editorial intern at Austin Woman Magazine, was a brand ambassador for Kendra Scott, and was also recognized on the Dean's Honor List.
Janice M. Byington is a litigation attorney with over 24 years of experience. Her practice focuses on representing hospitals, physicians and a wide range of allied healthcare professionals in connection with health care liability claims, and professional licensing and regulatory matters. Janice was previously licensed and employed as a registered nurse in Central and South Texas hospitals in the intensive care units, coronary care units and neonatal intensive care units.
Jason L. Hughes earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Lamar University in 1993. Jason started his career as an Officer with the Beaumont, Texas Police Department and was promoted to Detective, assigned to the Special Crimes Unit in 1998. Jason's extensive background in criminal investigations affords him unique expertise in case investigation and development. Jason earned his Doctor of Jurisprudence from South Texas College of Law Houston in 2006. Jason was on the Dean's Honor List and received the Phi Delta Phi Highest Grade Awards in Civil Procedure, Evidence and Criminal Trial Advocacy. He also received the Judge Bert Tunks Scholarship Award and the Garland Walker Alumni Association Scholarship Award. Upon graduation from law school, Jason began his legal career with Germer in 2007. Jason is admitted to practice in courts in the State of Texas, the United States District Courts for the Eastern, Southern, Northern, and Western Districts of Texas, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, and the Supreme Court of the United States. He has been recognized as a Texas Super Lawyers Rising Star, a Thompson Reuters publication, from 2012 - 2017. He was also recognized as "Appellate Lawyer of the Week" by Texas Lawyer Magazine in September 2011. Hughes Jason L. is a member of the State Bar of Texas, Jefferson County Bar Association, Texas Association of Defense Counsel and Family Law Sections of the State Bar of Texas and Jefferson County Bar Association. Jason also served on the State Bar of Texas Standing Committee on Child Abuse and Neglect from 2009 - 2015. Jason served on the Board of Directors for the Jefferson County Bar Association from 2019-2021. Jason became a member of the Michelle F. Mehaffy Inn of Court in 2019 and a Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation in 2021.
Jason L. Hughes is a native of Beaumont, Texas. He graduated from Lamar University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice in 1993. After graduation, Jason started his career as a patrolman, then detective with the…
Jason McDonald is a native of Orange, Texas, and joined Germer in 2023. Jason graduated from Rice University in 2000 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. He earned his JD from the Texas Tech School of Law in 2005. He began his legal career as an associate in a general practice firm in the Fort Worth area, and in 2007 he pivoted into the Oil and Gas Industry as a landman, assembling runsheets and conducting curative research primarily in Southeast Texas and Southwest Louisiana. Jason began rendering Title Opinions in 2008, and as a title attorney he drafted numerous documents and agreements related to oil and gas and real property law. He has rendered hundreds of title opinions on various types of issues, including division order analysis, mineral and lease acquisition, mineral and leasehold ownership of acreage throughout numerous counties in the State of Texas, as well as many other states. Prior to returning home to southeast Texas and joining Germer, Jason practiced in the Houston area for over 15 years.
Javier T. Duran is a Principal with the firm, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from Rice University in 1995, and his Doctor of Jurisprudence from The University of Texas School of Law in 1999. Prior to law school, Javier worked in residential construction repairing and remodeling homes in low-income neighborhoods.
During his 20-year career, Javier T. Duran has first-chaired felony jury trials as a Bexar County Criminal Assistant District Attorney. Javier's legal expertise also spans an impressive array of substantive areas. He has worked with complex, multi-party, and multi-district litigations, and his practice areas emphasize representing businesses and individuals in employment, business litigation, personal injury, and products liability. Javier also has experience representing the transportation industry and major retailers.
Jeff is a proud alumnus of both Texas A&M University and The University of Texas. Prior to joining Germer in 2017, he practiced law in San Antonio for 33 years, most of that time with the firm of Prichard, Hawkins and Young.
Joshua B. Mullin is a lifelong resident of Southeast Texas, and he joined Germer in 2022. Joshua graduated from Oral Roberts University with a Bachelor of Science in Biblical Literature and from Liberty University
Julie DeWeese Curtis is a summa cum laude graduate of St. Edward's University in Austin, Texas where she received a Bachelor of Arts in English Writing and Rhetoric in 2009.
Juvie Cruz Cardenas is an efficient, proactive, and hardworking attorney and legal strategist with over 13 years of civil litigation experience in state and federal courts.
Kaitlin L. Carrillo is a principal at GERMER in the Austin office with over 10 years of litigation experience. She joined GERMER as an associate in 2017 and has been a principal since 2021.
Karen Landinger is a highly experienced appellate attorney who has spent 30 years successfully representing public and private clients in state and federal courts.
Karen R. Bennett, managing principal with the firm, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1988 from the University of Texas at Arlington. She received her Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from Texas Tech University, where she…
Kate K. Leverett concentrates in public entity and administrative law and represents local government units including cities, counties, port and navigation districts...
Kelli B. Smith earned her Doctor of Jurisprudence degree, with honors, from the University of Texas School of Law in 1998. While attending law school, she was a Teaching Quizmaster, an associate editor of the Texas Journal of Women and The Law, and excelled in Moot Court competitions.
Kendra L. Watson graduated from Texas A&M University in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science in Sociology. She earned her Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from South Texas College of Law Houston.
Lansford Ireson has thirty-four years of trial and litigation experience in state and federal courts across Texas. Areas include oil field accidents, trucking, products liability, and premise liability involving personal injury and property damage.
Larry J. Simmons, Jr., a principal in the firm, has tried dozens of cases as lead attorney in a variety of commercial, employment, civil rights and personal injury lawsuits. Larry is one of only seven Texas attorneys double Board Certified as a…
Laura O'Toole was born and raised in Beaumont, Texas. She earned her law degree from the University of Texas School of Law in 1991 and has practiced in Austin since 1994. Laura is the co-author of Betting Booze & Brothels, Vice, Corruption and Justice in Jefferson County, Texas from Spindletop to the 1960s published by...
Larry Germer is a trial lawyer who has defended clients in major cases in all areas of litigation. He graduated from the University of Texas in 1963 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. In 1966, he received his law degree from the…
Mark D. Lambert is a trial attorney with experience litigating across Texas in both state and federal court. He is certified and often appointed by courts as an Attorney Ad Litem. In 1999, he graduated from the University of Texas at Tyler with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance with a Minor in...
Mark T. Beaman is an experienced trial attorney and administrative lawyer. He has been with the Firm since 1998. He is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates. Since 2005...
Mark Zamora is a native of San Antonio, Texas. Mark graduated from Texas A&M University in 2011 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and earned his Juris Doctor from St. Mary's School of Law in 2015.
Matt McCracken is licensed to practice law in Texas and New Mexico. He has more than twenty-five years of trial, appellate and administrative law experience representing medical, legal, insurance and other professionals as well as product...
Matthew Sinclair
Matthew Sinclair is a litigation attorney for Germer PLLC. Born and raised in Houston, Texas. Matthew was a Division II baseball player
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Michael Bridwell has been practicing since graduating from University of Texas School of Law in 1985.
Job Titles:
- Principal in the Austin Office
Missy K. Atwood is a principal in the Austin office at Germer, PLLC. She has over 25 years of experience in civil litigation, healthcare law and administrative law. She has tried more than 60 cases to verdict as first-chair trial counsel in State District Courts and Federal Courts. She represents clients in a wide variety of complex civil litigation, as both lead counsel and local...
Nadine Ona is originally from Houston, graduated from Texas Tech, and joined Germer in 2017. While at Tech, she served as editor for the Business & Bankruptcy Law Journal and the Texas Bank...
Paul Byron Starr, a principal with the firm, was born and raised in San Antonio and graduated cum laude from Baylor University in 1995 with a double major in Marketing and Business Statistics. He received his J.D. from Baylor School…
Paula H. Blazek, has been Board Certified in both Civil Trial Law and Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 1990 and is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates. An…
Preston Meyers is a native Houstonian and joined Germer in 2022. Preston attended University of Houston where he graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in 2014. Preston later returned to attend University of Houston Law Center where he graduated in 2021.
Job Titles:
- Principal
- Principal in the Austin Office
Chad Geisler is a principal in the Austin office at Germer, PLLC, having joined Germer in 2004. He is a trial lawyer with 25 years of experience in civil litigation and has tried over three dozen cases to verdict in state and federal courts across Texas. He defends clients in a wide variety of matters, including medical malpractice, construction, insurance coverage, employment, personal injury and Stark/FCA/Anti-Kickback claims. Chad is a former Assistant United States Attorney in the Western District of Texas, he is a Member of the American Board of Trial Advocates and he is Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
Chad graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 1991 with History and English degrees. He received his law degree, with honors, in 1995 from Texas Tech University Law School. While in law school, Chad was an active member of the Board of Barristers, and he won both the intra-school moot court and negotiations competitions. He received the American Jurisprudence Award for moot court, as well. He is a member of the State Bar of Texas, the Texas Association of Defense Counsel, the Austin Bar Association, and he is a Lifetime Member of TexasExes. He is a frequent speaker at the annual Texas State Bar Advanced Medical Malpractice CLE. Chad is licensed to practice in the Supreme Court of Texas, Texas Courts of Appeals, Texas trial courts, the United States District Courts for the Western, Eastern, Northern and Southern Districts of Texas, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Chad was selected as a "Texas Rising Star," a Thompson Reuters publication, from 2005 - 2008. He has numerous published cases in the Southwestern and federal reporters.
Chad's practice includes medical negligence defense, STARK/Anti-Kickback Statute/Medicare and Medicaid fraud defense, employment defense, personal injury defense, construction law, insurance coverage and first party defense.
Rachel G. Crutchfield graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Baylor University in 1994. She received her Doctor of Jurisprudence from Texas Tech University School of Law and was licensed in 1999.
Rett Holidy has been a principal with the firm since 2003. Rett is a native of Navasota, Texas. He graduated from Texas A&M University in 1992 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree and then from Baylor University…
Richard H. Grafton has extensive experience in products liability, personal injury, property damage, breach of contract, and construction defect litigation. For over 20 years, Rich has defended and tried cases in both federal and state courts throughout the…
Rick Gibson has been practicing trial law for over 30 years for a wide variety of clients in areas such as trucking, retail, security, manufacturing, apartment complexes, and construction.
Robert Horn is a civil trial and appellate attorney with wide-ranging experience resolving routine to complex matters for his clients. Mr. Horn appears on behalf of his clients in state and federal courts throughout Texas and across the country.
Robert Root is a native of Southeast Texas and joined Germer in 2021. Robert attended Lamar University where he graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in 2018.
Robin represents a wide variety of clients and companies who are based locally, nationally, and internationally, and whose industries include retailers (premises liability, general negligence, premises security, products, DTPA), oil and gas…
Roland F. Gonzales is a San Antonio native with a business background. Roland helped run his family's roofing company of 50 years by estimating projects, negotiating contracts with publicly traded companies, and staging complex retrofit roof projects throughout central Texas.
Roy A. Spezia has focused his practice in the area of products liability for over twenty years. Roy is regional counsel for an automobile manufacturer for all of its products liability matters in Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico. Additionally,…
Ryan Bueche graduated from Trinity University in 2003, where he earned a B.A. with a dual major in Political Science and Philosophy. Ryan earned his J.D. from Baylor University School of Law in 2008. While in law school, he excelled in moot court…
Samantha C. Jeffers is an Attorney in the Austin office of Germer. Samantha graduated Magna Cum Laude from Texas Woman's University with a degree in Business Management.
Sandra C. Howard is a Golden Triangle native who graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Lamar University in 1993. She received her Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from South Texas College of Law in…
Sarah Shumate-Connor was born and raised in Denver, Colorado. She graduated with Highest Honors from Metropolitan State University of Denver with a B.A. in Economics and a minor in Political Science.
Scott C. Crutchfield is a principal in the firm's business section, and his practice includes: Representation of developers, lenders and business enterprises in commercial transactions, and in advising clients on the formation,…
Serena D. Harmon is a trial attorney with experience litigating in both state and federal courts. In 1992, Serena earned her law school degree from South Texas College of Law. Prior to attending law school, Serena worked several years working in city government and earned a Master in Science from Carnegie Mellon University. Since law school, Serena has practiced several...
Shaunté M. Collins is a native Austinite and first joined Germer in 2020. She graduated from Duke University with a degree in Political Science and certificate in Politics, Philosophy & Economics. She then received her Doctor of Jurisprudence, with honors, from St. Mary's University School of Law.
Shawn M. Figari is a native of Beaumont, Texas who began his legal career at Germer in 2022. He graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics and a Minor in Business Administration in 2018.
Thomas M. Bullion III graduated with honors from the University of Texas at Austin in 1978 with a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering. After working for several years as an engineer, he went to law school at the Southern Methodist…
Tiffany Pham is a native and proud Houstonian who wanted to return to Houston after graduating from Texas Tech School of Law in 2017.
Toby F. Nash is a native of Beaumont, Texas who began his legal career at GERMER in 2005. He graduated magna cum laude from Lamar University with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting in 2002. Toby graduated in…
Troy A. Williams represents a wide variety of clients and companies who are based locally, nationally, and internationally, and whose industries include retailers (premises liability, general negligence, premises security, products, DTPA), oil and gas…
Valerie Lewis is a Beaumont, Texas native. After graduating from Rice University in 2008, she taught English in two high schools in rural France for a year...
Born in Houston, Texas, Valerie Ly graduated from Southern Methodist University in 2004 with a degree in Finance. She then received her J.D. from SMU in 2007. While at SMU, Valerie received First Place at the National Entertainment…
W. Paul Miller graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Arts in Government and a minor in Mathematics. Paul graduated magna cum laude from Texas Tech University School of Law, and also briefly studied law at…
Job Titles:
- Member of the Finance Committee
- Administrative Board Committee Member
William is a seasoned trial attorney with over 30 years of experience litigating claims involving personal injury, medical malpractice, professional negligence, products liability, motor vehicle collisions, deceptive trade practices, premises liability, property/casualty losses and insurance coverage.
Wylie Kumler attended New Mexico State University, where he received a B.A. in English in 1998. After graduating from NMSU, Wylie worked as a case manager serving at-risk and homeless adolescents.
Zaid Husain was born and raised in Houston Texas. He graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 2009 with a degree in Government.