BUZBEE LAW FIRM - Key Persons
Biography
Bret Griffin, a former State District Judge for 212th District Court and State prosecutor, is commonly commended for an analytical, reasoned and tempered view from the bench. Bret was born and raised on the Texas Gulf Coast, where his grandfather built ships at Todd's Shipyard; and, his father practiced medicine for over 40 years. Bret attended college at the University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas, and Law School at the University of Tulsa School of Law. He has practiced law since 1997, now focused on plaintiff personal injury litigation.
Education
University of Tulsa College of Law, Tulsa, Oklahoma
J.D. - 1997
University of St. Thomas, Houston, Texas
B.A. - 1993
Biography
Caroline currently handles all aspects of civil litigation at the Buzbee Law firm, including personal injury, wrongful death, eighteen wheeler accidents, commercial litigation disputes and maritime cases. Caroline has resolved claims for thousands of victims for personal injury and economic losses.
Prior to joining the firm, Caroline clerked for the Honorable Joe J. Fisher for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. Caroline also interned for the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals and worked for U.S. Congressman Jack Brooks while he served as the Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee.
Caroline is licensed in Texas and admitted to practice in the Fifth Circuit and the Southern and Eastern Districts of Texas. Caroline is a member of Texas Trial Lawyers and the Houston Bar Association.
Education
South Texas College of Law Houston, Houston, Texas
Biography
Cheryl Bayley is an Associate Attorney at The Buzbee Law Firm. Cheryl handles all aspects of civil litigation concentrating on maritime personal injury and motor vehicle accidents.
Cheryl was born and raised in Houston, Texas. She attended Texas Tech University where she obtained two undergraduate degrees, a B.B.A. in Business and a B.A. in Spanish. Cheryl worked full-time while attending South Texas College of Law Houston (STCL) where she earned her Doctor of Jurisprudence degree. While attending STCL, she advocated for clients as part of her participation in the Domestic Violence clinic. She is committed to defending the rights of her clients and providing the best possible outcome for them.
Cheryl is licensed to practice law in the State of Texas and is also admitted to practice in The Southern District of Texas and Eastern District of Texas.
Education
South Texas College of Law Houston, Houston, Texas
Biography
Chris Leavitt received his undergraduate degree with Honors from the University of Texas in 2002 and is a 2005 graduate of the University of Houston Law Center. During his time in law school, Chris completed clerkships for the Harris County District Attorney, The Buzbee Law Firm, and the Honorable Lynn H. Hughes, United States District Judge, Southern District of Texas.
Chris handles a range of cases from personal injury and wrongful death matters to defending one of the largest grocery store chains in Texas. He is also heavily involved in several of the Firm's largest commercial litigation cases. Chris has represented hundreds of Jones Act seaman, small businesses, industrial workers, and policy holders in first party insurance cases. Chris also frequently represents clients in suits against dredging contractors across the United States. Chris, and The Buzbee Law Firm, are particularly proud of their representation of multiple churches in various lawsuits, and children injured by others' negligence.
Chris is licensed to practice in Texas.
Education
University of Houston Law Center, Houston, Texas
J.D. - 2005
University of Texas
B.A. - 2002
Biography
Colby Holler was born in Houston, Texas. He graduated from Baylor university where he obtained a Bachelor's degree in Economics while also studying Real Estate and French. Upon graduating from Baylor, Colby came back to Houston where he obtained his Juris Doctor from South Texas College of Law.
For three years during his law school career, Colby worked for a prominent Houston personal injury firm, specializing in car accidents and workplace injuries. Colby also worked full time as a political aide for Tony Buzbee during his 2018-2019 Mayoral campaign. Additionally, Colby participated in the Real Estate and Construction Law Society at his law school and ran for President
Colby works on multiple aspects of civil litigations at the Buzbee Law Firm, including personal injury, wrongful death, eighteen-wheeler accidents, and maritime cases.
Biography
Crystal Del Toro has been an attorney at The Buzbee Law Firm since June 2014 and she currently handles all aspects of civil litigation. Having a father who sustained a near-fatal injury at a jobsite when she was a young child, Ms. Del Toro has first-hand knowledge of the extreme personal and professional toll that an accident can take on hardworking people and their families. It is because of this that she takes great pride in her commitment to help families recover after serious, often fatal accidents resulting from the negligence of corporations that regularly place profits over people.
During her tenure at the University of Houston Law Center, Crystal clerked for the Hidalgo County District Attorney's Office, the Honorable Judge Rudy Delgado at the 93rd District Court for Hidalgo County, as well as a prominent personal injury law firm. Crystal also participated as a student attorney in the UHLC Immigration Clinic which specializes in handling applications for asylum for immigrants who have been the victims of torture and persecution, domestic violence, human trafficking and crime, children and those fleeing civil war, genocide or political repression.
Ms. Del Toro has assisted clients involved in every category of catastrophic personal injury litigation. Through diligent and aggressive representation, she has successfully handled cases involving commercial vehicle accidents, construction site accidents, oilfield and maritime injuries, wrongful death, premises liability, sexual abuse, defective pharmaceutical drugs, medical devices, home explosions, and complex commercial and contractual disputes.
Ms. Del Toro was born and raised in McAllen, Texas, which is in the heart of the Rio Grande Valley. She graduated from the University of Texas-Pan American, magna cum laude, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology in 2010. Ms. Del Toro subsequently obtained her law degree at the University of Houston Law Center in 2013.
Crystal is licensed to practice in Texas.
Education
University of Houston Law Center, Houston, Texas
J.D. - 2013
Biography
David is an accomplished trial lawyer and has represented individuals and companies across Texas and around the country, resulting in the recovery of hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for his clients. David has tried numerous cases to verdict as lead counsel across Texas. He has served as liaison counsel in numerous court-appointed MDL proceedings involving thousands of injured Plaintiffs. David has been named a SuperLawyers Texas Rising Star every year since 2019, a distinction reserved for less than 2.5% of the attorneys in Texas.
David's practice focuses on all aspects of civil litigation, including catastrophic injury cases, wrongful death cases, eighteen-wheeler wrecks, maritime injury cases, plant explosion cases, first party insurance disputes, and complex commercial litigation matters.
Originally from the island of Oahu, David initially attended law school at the William S. Richardson School of Law at the University of Hawaii and later at the University of Houston Law Center. During law school, David clerked for Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald of the Hawaii Supreme Court and world class trial attorneys Rusty Hardin and Michael Jay Green.
Prior to attending law school, David taught high school English and coached football with Teach For America in a Title I public school in the poorest region of the country, the Mississippi Delta. Prior to joining the Buzbee Law Firm, David worked for two well-respected commercial litigation boutiques in Houston.
David is licensed in Texas and admitted to practice before the Fifth Circuit and the Southern, Western, Eastern, and Northern Districts of Texas.
Job Titles:
- United States District Judge, Southern District of Texas, Clerk
Biography
Jessica Dent graduated cum laude from the South Texas College of Law. She subsequently worked for a prominent California law firm representing victims of sexual assault and discrimination, and in 2023 she joined the Buzbee Law Firm where she continues to represent victims of sexual harassment, discrimination, and assault.
During law school she participated in moot court, and her advocacy commendations include: Speaker Award at the National Criminal Procedure Tournament; Brief Award and Quarterfinalist at the Andrews-Kurth National Tournament; Dean's Advocacy Service Award; Order of Barristers; Order of Scribes. She also was a member of Amicus, the LGBTQ Law Society, and a Presidential Fellow. She served as a Judicial Intern for the Honorable Nancy Johnson, worked on a local congressional campaign, and worked as a clerk for a plaintiff's firm in Houston. It was Jessica's work and experience throughout law school that inspired her to dedicate her career to seeking justice for victims.
Prior to law school, she interned for a law firm that specialized in insurance litigation and volunteered at the humane society while earning her Bachelor of Arts in International Politics and Diplomacy from Texas A&M. She currently coaches moot court and continues to volunteer in the community.
Biography
Mr. Sims is a trial lawyer whose prior practice focused on defense work in first and third-party insurance litigation, insurance coverage issues, and bad faith claims. Mr. Sims also handled civil and commercial litigation matters ranging from contract disputes to personal injury. Mr. Sims joins The Buzbee Law Firm with an abundance of business and litigation experience, ready to help Plaintiffs navigate the complex issues of their individual claims.
Mr. Sims earned his undergraduate degree from Cornell University before attending South Texas College of Law as the recipient of an academic merit scholarship. It was at South Texas where Mr. Sims became a certified mediator under the Texas Civil Practices and Remedies Code and competed on behalf of South Texas at advocacy competitions across the country, even taking home first place distinction at the ABA Securities Triathlon in New York City.
Practice Areas
Personal Injury Litigation (Catastrophic Injury and Wrongful Death)
Biography
Maria has devoted her career to helping those that need a strong legal advocate through some of their worst times. She has represented injured plaintiffs in courts across Texas, resulting in favorable outcomes for her clients. Along with her personal injury background, she has zealously represented clients on a wide spectrum of legal matters, most notably in family litigation and criminal defense. As a result of her industrious legal advocacy, Maria has been recognized as a 2019 - 2020 Super Lawyers' Texas Rising Star by Thomson Reuters, a designation bestowed on less than 2.5% of attorneys under the age of 40.
Prior to joining The Buzbee Law Firm, Ms. Holmes led the family and business litigation department at a prominent firm in the Houston Metroplex area where she appeared regularly in state and federal courts. Ms. Holmes has first chair trial experience in cases with high amounts in controversy ranging from a few hundred-thousand dollars into the millions. Prior to that, Maria was a solo practitioner at the Law Office of Maria Elena Holmes.
Maria is a native Houstonian and is fluent in English and Spanish. She attended Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts where she majored in African-American Studies and minored in Government. During her time as an undergraduate, she played basketball for the Smith College Pioneers and delved into learning Mandarin.
Maria went on to receive her juris doctor from St. Mary's University School of Law in San Antonio where she was the President of the Black Law Students Association and served on the board of the Hispanic Law Student Association. As an avid mock trial competitor, she competed in the Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial, placing as a Quarter-Finalist in the Rocky Mountain Region Black Law Students Association which afforded her the opportunity to compete in the 2013 National Black Law Students Association competition in Washington, D.C. Additionally, Maria served as Co-Coordinator of the law school's Rio Grande Valley Alternative Spring Break Program in which she recruited participating law students, organized legal clinics and community service projects with Proyecto Azteca and Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, earning her the St. Mary's Pro Bono Award for her commitment to serving the community through her public interest and pro bono services. Maria also clerked for the Honorable Judge Jason Pulliam in the Bexar County Court of Law No. 5 Court and worked at Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (TRLA) to support her way through school.
Maria is licensed to practice in Texas.
Education
St. Mary's University School of Law, San Antonio, Texas
J.D. - 2013
Biography
Mauricio was born in Cali Colombia and at a very young age immigrated to New Jersey and then moved to Texas. Mauricio grew up in Houston's very diverse Alief area. After graduating High School Mauricio studied at Houston's Catholic University, the University of St. Thomas. At UST Mauricio committed himself to the religious, ethical and intellectual traditions of Catholic higher education.
After UST, Mauricio gained practical experience at a small law office and afterwards gained more experience at a prominent Plaintiff's law firm in Houston. At that prominent firm Mauricio developed a strong interest for legal technology and legal analytics. Afterwards, Mauricio pursued that interest by studying law at a law school that is part of a science and technology university.At the Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago-Kent College of Law Mauricio studied in an environment that recognized a need for a partnership between science, technology and legal education in order to prepare lawyers like Mauricio for the challenges of the future. At Chicago-Kent Mauricio blended his passion for legal technology and trial advocacy and was one of a handful of students invited to join Chicago-Kent's nationally recognized trial advocacy team.Outside of work Mauricio enjoys spending time with his family and visiting Italy.
Education
Illinois Institute of Technology Chicago-Kent College of Law, Chicago, Illinois
Biography
Michael Eddington is an associate attorney at the Buzbee Law firm. Mr. Eddington zealously represents clients in a wide variety of personal injury and commercial litigation cases. His primary area of practice is maritime personal injury (including Jones Act) cases across the country, including Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama.
Mr. Eddington grew up in Louisiana and attended Louisiana State University. He then moved to New Orleans, Louisiana where he attended law school at Tulane University.
During his law school career, Mr. Eddington gained valuable experience clerking for the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas. Mr. Eddington also worked in the Tulane Civil Litigation Clinic and interned with the New Orleans City Attorney's Office and Southeast Louisiana Legal Services.
Prior to joining the Buzbee Law Firm, Mr. Eddington practiced at a local Houston law firm specializing in real estate and commercial litigation.
Biography
Ryan Kennedy knew when he was in seventh grade that he wanted to be a lawyer. "I knew mainly because of my drive and desire to help others in need, especially when they are in a tough position and are unable to help themselves," Ryan says. "I've always enjoyed standing up and fighting for people who need help and who cannot fight for themselves. I take pride in that."
Biography
As a senior lawyer of The Buzbee Law Firm, Ryan Pigg is one of Houston's most sought after and highly ranked personal injury lawyers, having been named a Super Lawyer Rising Star for 2018-2023 and a Houstonia Magazine Top Lawyer for 2019-2022. Ryan's success comes from his desire to win and to help those who need it most.
Ryan's philosophy is "there is no such thing as a small case, just small lawyers."
Ryan has handled hundreds of cases while working for the Buzbee Law Firm. Many of these cases resulted in nationally recognized and record-setting verdicts and settlements. In summary, Ryan has secured over $400 million in cases tried to verdict with Tony Buzbee and confidential settlements for his clients.
Expertise
Ryan specializes in FELA lawsuits brought by railroad workers against ARI, Burlington Northern, Amtrak, CSX, Kansas City Southern, Santa Fe, New Orleans Public Belt, Union Pacific and Watco.
Ryan and Tony Buzbee have handled hundreds of FELA cases and recovered millions of dollars for railroad workers. The Buzbee Law firm is considered the preeminent law firm in the United States for representing railroad workers.
Ryan also specializes in incidents involving 18-wheelers and commercial vehicles who negligently cause accidents and injure innocent motorists. Ryan Pigg and Tony Buzbee have handled thousands of commercial vehicle cases and recovered tens of millions of dollars for motorists and their families injured by commercial vehicles. Ryan Pigg has helped families across Texas and the United States who suffered injuries.
Education
University of Houston Law Center, Houston, Texas
There are thousands of nameless, faceless attorneys who fill the top floors of many of the office buildings in every major city in the United States - there is no one like Tony Buzbee.
Buzbee is a leader in his field and at the top of his profession. The Texas Lawyer agrees, naming Tony Buzbee "Attorney of the Year" for 2015.
The New York Times Magazine described Buzbee as: "One of the most successful trial lawyers in the country."
Texas Monthly said of Buzbee: "Buzbee has made his name going after corporations, and he usually wins big."
Tony Buzbee is a former Recon Marine officer. His mettle has been tested time and again through some of the most demanding training in the armed services and due to his involvement in some of the most intense Marine operations in various countries. Buzbee didn't just survive or endure as a Marine officer, he excelled. In the Marine Corps, officers are taught to lead from the front, to do more with less, to work smart, to hit fast and exploit weaknesses, and to be creative. Tony Buzbee, and the firm he has built, use these same principles and attitudes in the practice of law.
Tony Buzbee is a nationwide figure who is sought out in every kind of case all over the country. He believes in the wisdom of juries. He deeply respects the practice of law and the system as a whole. Tony Buzbee has earned the luxury of selecting the cases upon which he personally chooses to work.
Tony Buzbee is the son of a butcher and high school cafeteria worker. After earning an ROTC scholarship, Buzbee attended Texas A&M University. While there, he served as a Battalion Commander in the Corps of Cadets. Upon graduation, Buzbee was named a Distinguished Naval Graduate and Distinguished Student, and was recognized as the Outstanding NROTC Senior in the Corps of Cadets, as well as the Outstanding Commander in the Corps of Cadets. Buzbee now has the honor of having the Buzbee Leadership Learning Center named after him.
After college, Buzbee entered the United States Marine Corps. In his initial Marine Corps training, Buzbee was recognized as an Honor Graduate, receiving the top leadership score out of more than 200 other Marine Lieutenants. Buzbee then continued his service as a Marine Corps infantry officer, serving in the Persian Gulf and Somalian conflicts, where he commanded various Marine special operations capable (SOC) infantry units. After rigorous physical and mental screening, Buzbee was selected by the Marines to become a Recon officer, commanding the elite Recon Company of the historic First Marine Regiment. While serving as a Recon officer, Buzbee received various awards, including top leadership awards from the rigorous Navy Dive School and the daunting Amphibious Reconnaissance Course. Ultimately, Buzbee earned the rank of Captain and, for his Marine Corps service, was awarded the prestigious Navy Commendation Medal.
After leaving the Marine Corps, Buzbee entered law school at the University of Houston Law Center. While there, Buzbee was the managing editor of the Houston Law Review, was elected Class Captain by his peers, and was also a member of the Order of the Coif, Order of the Barristers and Order of the Barons. Buzbee was also the state and regional mock trial champion and was voted best advocate in every competition in which he competed. Buzbee ultimately graduated summa cum laude, second in his class.
After graduation, Buzbee was selected to serve as a briefing attorney for a federal district judge in the Southern District of Texas, Galveston Division. Upon completing that assignment, he was hired by one of the most prestigious litigation boutiques in the country. He then founded his own firm.
Tony Buzbee has been recognized as a Texas "Super Lawyer" by Thomson Reuters in 2004 and 2008 - 2022. Buzbee has been profiled in a biography, "Tony Buzbee: Defining Moments" by Michael Lee Lanning and has appeared on the cover of The New York Times Magazine. In 2015, he was named Texas Lawyer's Attorney of the Year and in 2017, The Texas Aggie Bar Association selected him as Aggie Lawyer of the Year.
Tony Buzbee is frequently sought out for his courtroom skill and oratory talent. Buzbee is also a frequent commentator on national news programs. Due to his skill set, he has been retained to help a U.S Senate candidate prepare himself for a series of televised debates and even was called upon to assist a presidential candidate in multiple, nationally-televised presidential debates.
Tony Buzbee became the trial lawyer he is today by applying the skills he learned in the Marines: comprehensive preparation and ruthless execution. Buzbee believes that the only way to reach a fair settlement for his clients is to prepare each case as if it will be tried. There is a real difference between those who "litigate" cases and those who try cases to verdict in a court of law. Tony Buzbee has a proven track record of trying and winning cases, period.