GRIFFITH DAVISON, P.C. - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Executive Editor
- Articles Editor
- Research Editor
Brad Smith is an accomplished construction and business litigation attorney with experience representing clients in commercial construction disputes, complex business litigation, contract disputes, and large-loss subrogation matters. Clients appreciate Brad's aggressive but strategic approach to litigation and his focus on finding both effective and efficient ways to resolve cases. Brad's ability to communicate and simplify complex legal issues allows him to advise clients with thoughtful and concise legal solutions, risk analysis, and litigation strategy.
Brad has represented both plaintiff and defendant in state and federal courts across the country, providing him with the depth of knowledge and experience that make him a reliable and trusted advisor to his clients. Brad has successfully represented clients in matters varying from small to bet-the-company litigation and has recovered in excess of $13 million for his clients in large-loss subrogation matters throughout the United States.
Outside of work Brad likes to restore old cars, tackle home improvement projects, attend live music concerts, and spend quality time with his family.
Brad is an experienced business litigator with extensive motion practice and courtroom experience.
Brian is a Partner in the Austin office; his practice is focused on business litigation as well as construction matters.
Brian O'Toole is a Partner in the Austin office. His practice is focused on business litigation, as well as construction matters. He regularly handles cases involving issues such as shareholder or partner disputes, real estate matters, and contract disputes. Brian has represented clients in the Austin business community for over twenty-five years.
In addition to being Board Certified in Civil Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, Brian is also a former Certified Public Accountant. This unique combination of skills and expertise has positioned him well to serve clients in litigation matters involving complex accounting and financial transactions.
Brian has also participated as lead litigation and counsel in contested administrative proceedings with The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, The Texas Lottery Commission, The Racing Commission, The Texas Department of Banking, and The Texas Public Utility Commission.
When he's not in the office, Brian enjoys spending time with family and riding his bicycle. An avid road cyclist, he often commutes to and from the office on his bike.
Caleb Johnston is an associate attorney in the firm's Dallas office. His practice focuses on representing commercial construction contractors, real estate developers and general business owners in a wide variety of contract work, mergers & acquisitions, corporate agreements, financing documentation, and other transactional matters. Caleb enjoys working alongside clients, going the extra mile to understand their business and build relationships, and he is adept at identifying potential risks inherent in these types of transactions. His ability to understand the business side of commercial construction and real estate, and the legal challenges within these industries, makes him an ideal advisor to clients.
Caleb obtained his Juris Doctor from South Texas College of Law Houston, where he served as a member of the CURRENTS: Journal of International Economic Law and was named to The Order of Barristers for his participation in the South Texas Advocacy Program. Caleb received his Bachelor of Business Administration, cum laude, from Stephen F. Austin State University, where he also played NCAA Division I basketball.
In his spare time, Caleb enjoys golfing, hunting, fishing, and keeping up with SFA basketball.
Caleb Johnston focuses on representing contractors, developers and owners in a wide variety of business and transactional matters.
Chris Atwell is a partner in the firm's Austin office. His practice spans over thirty years and focuses on complex transactional and commercial real estate matters. Chris has extensive experience representing financial institutions, large and small companies, and high-wealth individuals.
He frequently handles probate, trust and estate issues, the formation of real estate investment entities, commercial loan documentation, and a variety of real estate and corporate transactions. Chris believes in cost-effective representation and the ethical pursuit of achieving client objectives.
Chris grew up in Dallas and has practiced there, Steamboat Springs, Colorado, and Austin. Chris obtained his Juris Doctor from Southern Methodist University School of Law in 1991 and began his practice at a boutique litigation firm in Dallas. In addition to being licensed in Texas, Chris is also licensed and regularly represents clients in the State of Colorado.
Chris Atwell is a partner in the Austin office, his practice focuses on complex transactional and commercial real estate matters.
Job Titles:
- Lawyers Association - Member
Erin Fry is an experienced attorney and mediator with a strong background in litigation; she is licensed in California, Michigan, and Texas.
Erin Fry is an experienced attorney and mediator with a strong background in litigation. Her primary area of focus within the firm is representing commercial construction and real estate clients in connection with disputes, including litigation and arbitration proceedings.
Erin has practiced law for over fifteen years and is known for her client-centric focus, and her ability to efficiently handle client matters. She has appeared in both State and Federal courts throughout the country; and has handled all aspects of litigation including discovery, expert depositions, motions, negotiations, mediations, settlements, trials and appeals.
Her extensive background and experience as a strong litigator have positioned Erin well to assist contractors and owners/developers with matters arising from complex construction and development issues.
Erin is licensed to practice law in Texas, Michigan and California, making her ideally suited to assist clients with matters in multiple states.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Is Promoted to Partner
Grant Jordan is an experienced construction attorney who is well-versed in the business of commercial construction. He has spent nearly two decades working in the construction industry - including time as in-house counsel, private counsel, and in various roles in business and construction operations. Grant's practice at Griffith Davison centers on the drafting and negotiation of construction contracts, claim analysis and preparation, and lien and bond claims, all with an emphasis on risk avoidance strategy.
His well-rounded career provides Grant with unique perspective and positions him well to serve the firm's construction clients from a place of experience and understanding. Grant is one of only a handful of construction attorneys in Texas who have personally managed a commercial construction project as a Project Manager and Project Executive. He has been in the field and in the office. He has bid for work, managed the work, and delivered projects on time and under budget. And most importantly, Grant has provided valuable counsel, resolved disputes, and managed the legal department for a commercial construction firm. He understands the business of construction.
Grant is licensed to practice law in Texas and is active in the Tarrant County Bar Association, Dallas Bar Association, and Denton County Bar Association. He is active in the Fort Worth business community and also serves on the Board of Directors and Building Committee at Holy Cross Christian Academy. Outside of the office, Grant enjoys spending time with family, playing golf, trail riding, and watching Sooner football.
Grant is a Fort Worth based transactional attorney with prior in-house counsel and construction industry experience.
Job Titles:
- Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors
- Building Committee Chairman
Hunter Taylor is known for his ability to understand client needs, be adaptable to changing circumstances, and to remain poised under pressure. As an associate attorney at Griffith Davison, Hunter's primary focus is to serve the firm's clients in corporate and transactional matters.
His analytical nature and his corporate law experience position Hunter well to handle complex business matters and uncover relevant insights to help clients see the big picture. Additionally, he is board certified in Commercial Real Estate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
Hunter received his Juris Doctorate in 2017 from the Louisiana State University. As a law student Hunter concentrated his legal studies in and around the transactional and real estate practice, and wrote articles including "TDR Programs: A pragmatists approach to implementation and maintenance" during his tenure at LSU's Paul M. Hebert Law Center.
Outside of the office, Hunter's interests include woodworking and spending time outdoors.
Hunter is part of the transactional team and regularly handles a variety of business, corporate and financial matters.
J.P. is well-versed in a wide range of commercial construction and real estate transactions and is proud to be a Dallas native. View Profile
James Hicks is a civil litigator and business lawyer based in the firm's Austin office. His practice focuses on the representation of clients in a wide variety of construction, real estate, and commercial disputes. He also has experience in local land-use matters, as well as state and federal environmental law.
James has been litigating in state and federal courts for more than ten years, achieving successful results for clients on dispositive motions, trials, and appeals. He has extensive experience with public projects and government agencies, including eminent domain, bond claims, False Claims Act litigation, and administrative proceedings. He also enjoys working on construction defect cases, liens and payment issues, delay claims, property damage and injury, insurance coverage, fraud, employment matters, and general counseling.
James is involved with the Construction Law Section of the Austin Bar Association and is a member of the Austin Chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America. He is currently licensed to practice law in Texas and New York.
Outside of the office, James enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife and three sons, and he is a volunteer with the Cub Scouts of America.
James Hicks is a civil litigator and business lawyer based in the firm's Austin office; James is licensed in Texas and New York.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Moderator
- Named Partner
- Recent Developments in Construction Law, Presentation to the Dallas Bar Association Real - Property Section ( June 2016 )
Jason is Board Certified in Construction Law and regularly represents clients in complex litigation cases in both State and Federal court.
Jason Cagle focuses his practice on litigation and arbitration proceedings involving disputes over commercial construction projects and real-estate acquisitions. He works to help his clients solve complex problems arising from projects and properties all over the country.
Jason works with his clients to develop innovative strategies to accomplish their objectives. Examples of such strategies include developing counterclaims or third-party claims against opponents, insurance carriers, and other responsible parties; conducting targeted investigations to establish critical facts; preparing motions to help the client win before trial; negotiating agreements to resolve disputes on terms advantageous to clients; and helping clients tell their story at trial.
Jason has extensive experience in the investigation and analysis of electronically stored information. He has assisted many clients to utilize such information to achieve their goals whether in the courtroom or at the negotiating table. Jason's background in computer programming has helped him to develop efficient and effective methods to analyze electronic information to support his clients' needs.
Jonah Fritz is an associate attorney in the firm's Dallas office. His areas of practice include commercial litigation as well as transactional matters for the firm's construction, business, and real estate clients. What sets Jonah apart from other attorneys is his unique perspective of growing up in a family of general contractors, where he developed a passion for understanding and working with construction and real estate development issues.
Prior to joining Griffith Davison, Jonah worked as a Fall Extern for The Beck Group supporting their In-House General Counsel with various construction-related matters. While finishing his Juris Doctor degree, Jonah completed multiple intern and externships including a Judicial Externship for Chief Justice Bonnie Sudderth in the Texas 2nd District Court of Appeals.
Jonah received his Juris Doctor from Texas A&M University School of Law, where graduated cum laude and served as Senior Staff on the Texas A&M Journal of Property Law. Prior to law school, he received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Texas A&M University. Outside the office, Jonah's interests include playing men's softball and watching Texas A&M football. He is also an avid fan of the outdoors where he enjoys hunting, fishing, and hiking.
Jonah Fritz grew up in a family of general contractors, and enjoys working with construction and real estate development issues.
Joshua's practice is focused on representing contractors, developers, and owners in construction, real estate, and general business disputes. He has extensive deposition and trial experience, as well as motion practice.
An experienced trial lawyer, Joshua has successfully represented clients in state and federal courts across the country. He has handled all aspects of litigation-from pre-litigation counseling and initiation of a lawsuit to giving opening and closing statements before a jury. Joshua excels at telling his client's story in clear and persuasive terms.
Recognizing that client goals can vary, Joshua places an emphasis on tailoring his approach to each client's specific needs. This approach allows him to achieve the stated objectives in a cost-effective manner while also minimizing disruption to their business.
Joshua believes in service to the community as well as his clients. He enlisted and served with the Texas Army National Guard after high school and was later deployed to Egypt as part of a multi-national peacekeeping force. After graduating from college, he served with Teach for America for two years, where he taught social studies in a low-income and high-needs public school in Denver, Colorado. He is an active member of his church and continues to serve in the community.
A native Texan, Joshua grew up in Wichita Falls, Texas, and is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Texas School of Law. Outside of the office, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two boys, cooking, working on home renovation projects, and reading.
Joshua Michaels represents contractors, developers, and owners in construction, real estate, and general business disputes.
Job Titles:
- Selected As General Counsel for TEXO
Job Titles:
- Selected As General Counsel for TEXO
Job Titles:
- Managing Shareholder & Vice President
Kimberly ("Kimber") Davison serves as Managing Shareholder & Vice President for Griffith Davison, P.C., where she has spent more than twenty-years representing clients in real estate development and commercial construction. Her practice focuses on the drafting and negotiation of construction contracts, including guidance on industry promulgated forms such as AIA documents, EJCDC forms, and ConsensusDocs.
She is highly regarded for transactional and contracts work; and holds the distinct advantage of being dual board certified in both Commercial Real Estate and Construction Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Kimber's clients look to her on all aspects of real estate matters, including acquisitions and dispositions, land use issues, financing and lending documents and corporate matters related thereto.
Her dedication to the Construction & Real Estate community extends beyond just client engagements. She is actively involved in several professional and industry associations and has authored multiple publications on construction law.
Kimberly Davison has widely recognized expertise in construction-related transactional and contractual matters, especially in the commercial and residential development sectors. One client said, "She's a great negotiator who always looks out for our best interests."
Kimberly Davison is recognized for her transactional practice, negotiating design and construction contracts involving entertainment facilities, retail developments and mixed-use high rises. Commentators describe her as a "great negotiator" and "responsive, thoughtful and immensely qualified in construction and real estate law."
Job Titles:
- Attorney
- Member in Good Standing With the State Bar of Texas
Kylie works closely with the partners and is highly regarded for contract drafting and lien & bond claim knowledge.
Kylie is passionate about helping clients understand and navigate the legal process and enjoys advocating on their behalf. Her practice currently focuses on the drafting and negotiation of commercial construction contracts.
A member in good standing with the State Bar of Texas, Kylie received her Juris Doctorate from UNT Dallas College of Law in 2019. While completing her degree, she worked as part of the Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program and she was also a volunteer at the Community Lawyering Center in Dallas.
In her spare time, Kylie enjoys horseback riding, gardening, watching movies, working out, and spending time with friends and family.
Job Titles:
- of Counsel
- Named Partner
- Quality Transactional Legal Counsel
Michael Lilly takes pride in being responsive and creative, two attributes he believes to be essential for a good draftsman of contracts. The other is attention to detail; Michael says forgetting the big picture can be a major pitfall for a lawyer who specializes in transactional law.
Michael provides high-quality transactional legal counsel for business, corporate and financial matters, and is proud to be an Aggie.
Job Titles:
- Insurance Law - Co - Author - "Amount Recoverable in Subrogation"
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Construction Lawyer
- Member of the American Bar Association Forum
Patrick ("Pat") Mulry handles a broad array of matters involving construction defect litigation and arbitration. His clients include owners, architects, suppliers, and contractors throughout the State of Texas. Pat specializes in high-stakes construction defect cases with complex questions of liability, typically involving multiple parties and deeply interwoven issues of causality and responsibility.
Clients appreciate Pat's deep understanding of construction law and the related building practices and processes. He is known for his ability to expose key technical facts during examination. On any given day, it is likely that Pat will be either persuading a court of his client's position, taking or defending a deposition, attending a site inspection, or collaborating with subject matter experts to uncover what is causing a particular construction defect allegation, and then determining how to minimize any negative effect on his client. Pat is also a trained mediator, a skill set he frequently employs on behalf of clients, and at home among his three-daughters.
His interests outside of the office include being the owner of an automotive racing team and being a certified open water diver-hobbies which he hopes never intersect. Pat is also a certified welder and enjoys a variety of building projects. He was privileged to help build dozens of houses through his work with Habitat for Humanity. And to his continuing bewilderment, he once turned down an opportunity to become a roadie for U2 in order to attend law school.
Pat is a member of the American Bar Association Forum on Construction Law, State Bar of Texas Construction Law Section, Dallas Bar Association Construction Law Section, TEXO, and is a Fellow with the Construction Lawyers Society of America. He is also a member of the inaugural class of attorneys who are Board Certified in Construction Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
Pat Mulry has been a great support for our company. We have slept better at night knowing our case was in his hands. - Scott Lee, General Counsel, Jayco Hawaii, Inc.
Pat is an accomplished litigator, and a member of the inaugural class of attorneys who are Board Certified in Construction Law. View Profile
Ryan Mathis is an associate attorney at Griffith Davison. His practice focuses on commercial litigation as well as transactional matters for clients. A lifelong learner, Ryan enjoys continuous education and is a student of his environment. He is always looking at new methods to solve issues and develop creative solutions.
A recent graduate of The University of Texas School of Law, Ryan received his Juris Doctor in May 2022. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government from The University of Texas at Austin. While finishing his Juris Doctor at UT, Ryan completed an internship at the United States Bankruptcy Court of the Southern District of Texas, and also interned with three Texas-based law firms, gaining a variety of experience and understanding.
As a dedicated Texas sports fan, Ryan enjoys cheering on the Dallas Mavericks, Dallas Cowboys, and of course the Texas Longhorns! Ryan is a licensed attorney and a member of the State Bar of Texas.
Ryan, a recent graduate of the University of Texas, is based in Dallas and focuses on litigation and transactional matters for clients.
Ryan W. Lione is a partner in the Austin office. His practice focuses on business and civil litigation, and he serves as General Counsel for clients.
Ryan W. Lione is an experienced attorney, and a partner in the firm's Austin business litigation group. His practice focuses on business and civil litigation, corporate law, complex business transactions, business formation, real estate law, construction law and construction litigation.
Prior to joining Griffith Davison, Ryan was a partner in a local full-service law firm; and he serves as general counsel to a number of businesses in the Austin area. In addition to being licensed in the State of Texas, Ryan is also licensed in Colorado where he previously worked in-house at a large nonprofit, advising primarily on business and administrative matters and prior thereto, working in tax law providing legal and tax advice on a broad array of federal, state, and local tax matters to business clients nationwide.
Outside of work, Ryan enjoys spending time with his girlfriend, his two dogs, and his family, all of whom live in Austin. He also has a passion for fitness and martial arts training, and enjoys working out, training Muay Thai, and doing anything active.
Job Titles:
- Founder
- President
- Advisor and Business Partner
- President & Founding Shareholder
Scott specializes in complex, high-stakes litigation and dispute resolution and is the firm's President and Founding Shareholder.
Scott Griffith is President and Founding Shareholder at Griffith Davison. His practice focuses on complex litigation and dispute resolution for contractors, owners, and developers. Scott is recognized and valued among peers and clients for his professional approach, expansive knowledge in construction and real estate, and exceptional skills in the courtroom.
His experience and understanding of the construction industry position him to advise clients through complex, high-stakes disputes. Scott has a record of success prosecuting and defending a broad range of construction-based disputes before state courts, federal courts, and arbitrators. Scott has extensive experience with claims resulting from delays, disputed scope, construction defects, and design errors.
Scott stays abreast of evolving legal and commercial implications for his clients through active involvement with various associations including the American Bar Association, State Bar of Texas, and TEXO. He is Board Certified in Construction Law with the Texas Board of Legal Specialization; a former chair of the Construction Law Section of the Dallas Bar Association; an Associate Member in the Construction Owners Association of America; and a Fellow with the Construction Lawyers Society of America.
He has received several recognitions and rankings and often speaks on complex legal matters within the construction industry.
Scott Griffith has a "quality reputation and is well thought of as a litigator," according to market sources. He frequently acts in complex litigation and dispute resolution proceedings on behalf of contractors, owners and developers.
Job Titles:
- of Counsel
- Attorney at the Firm 's Austin Office, Represents Clients in a Broad Range of Commercial Real Estate Matters
Sheena Duke, an attorney at the Firm's Austin office, represents clients in a broad range of commercial real estate matters.
Sheena Duke, an attorney at the Firm's Austin office, represents clients in a broad range of commercial construction and real estate transactions. For nearly ten years, Sheena's practice has focused primarily on commercial real estate matters.
Clients appreciate Sheena's responsive nature and attention to detail in the drafting and negotiating real estate documents, including purchase and sale, easement, escrow, development and lease agreements as well as deeds and other conveyance documents. In addition, she also reviews title commitments and surveys, and analyzes due diligence materials.
Sheena received her J.D. from Texas A&M University School of Law, and her B.A. from the University of Texas at Dallas. During law school she interned for a federal magistrate. Outside of work, Sheena enjoys spending time with her family and boating on Lake Travis.
Tatianna Brannen is passionate about delivering client-centric service and taking a personal approach to counseling clients. She says it is one of the main reasons she chose to start her law career at the Griffith Davison firm.
Because of her strong interest in matters relevant to the construction industry, Tatianna's practice will focus on commercial litigation serving the firm's construction clients.
Tatianna graduated from Baylor University School of Law in 2019. While completing her Juris Doctor degree, Tatianna served as a Law Clerk at two different firms and completed an internship under Managing Counsel at Balfour Beatty Construction. She is also a Certified Mediator.
Outside of the firm, Tatianna enjoys being outdoors, working out, and traveling.
Tatianna focuses her practice on complex discovery and critical motions, and is an important part of the firm's litigation team.