Texas Lawyer Unveils 2025 Texas Legal Awards Finalists and Honorees
Dallas, July 28, 2025 – Texas Lawyer and Law.com have announced the finalists and honorees for the 2025 Texas Legal Awards, recognizing the state’s most exceptional legal professionals and firms for their leadership, innovation, and impact. The winners in categories with finalists will be revealed at a celebratory awards dinner on September 25, 2025, at the Arts District Mansion in Dallas. Below is a detailed look at the standout finalists and honorees across key categories, showcasing the trailblazers shaping Texas’ legal landscape.
Law Firm of the Year Finalists
These firms were recognized for their cumulative excellence across practice areas, demonstrating depth, innovation, and significant outcomes for clients:
- Baker Botts: Known for its robust energy and litigation practices, Baker Botts continues to set benchmarks in Texas and beyond.
- Kirkland & Ellis: A powerhouse in corporate and litigation, with a strong presence in high-stakes deals and disputes.
- Latham & Watkins: Noted for its dynamic Austin and Houston offices, excelling in energy, infrastructure, and corporate law.
- Reed Smith: Celebrated for its diverse practice areas and commitment to client success.
- Sidley Austin: Recognized for its litigation prowess and strategic growth in Texas.
Lifetime Achievement Winners
This prestigious award honors attorneys with decades of exemplary service:
- David J. Beck (Beck Redden): A titan in litigation, known for landmark cases and mentorship.
- Randy Johnston (Johnston Tobey Baruch): Renowned for his trial expertise and contributions to the legal community.
- David Keltner (Kelly Hart & Hallman): A respected appellate lawyer with a lasting legacy.
- Mary-Olga “Mo” Lovett (Mo Lovett Law): Celebrated for her leadership and advocacy in Texas law.
Litigation Department of the Year Finalists
These firms showcased outstanding litigation results from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024:
- Baker Botts: Excelled in high-profile trials and appeals.
- Gibson Dunn: Known for handling complex, cross-border disputes.
- Kirkland & Ellis: Delivered exceptional outcomes in commercial litigation.
- Reid Collins & Tsai: A boutique firm making waves in financial litigation.
- Sidley Austin: Noted for its strategic litigation approach.
- Susman Godfrey: A go-to for high-stakes disputes with a track record of success.
Managing Partner of the Year Finalists
These leaders have driven their firms to new heights through vision and innovation:
- Jeff Cody (Norton Rose Fulbright): Guided the firm’s strategic expansion.
- Ed Cavazos (Pillsbury): A technology law expert leading the Austin office.
- Danny Daniel (Daniel Stark Injury Lawyers): Built a client-focused personal injury practice.
- Paul Genender (Paul Hastings): Strengthened the firm’s Texas presence.
- Amanda Halter (Pillsbury): A national authority on environmental law, leading Houston’s office.
- Kevin Henderson (SMB Law Group): Recognized for innovative leadership.
- Grant Schmidt (Hilgers Graben): Noted for fostering growth and diversity.
In-House Impact Award Finalists
These in-house counsels made significant contributions in 2024:
- Anna Alvarado (Texas Workforce Commission Office of General Counsel): Drove impactful legal strategies.
- Brady Long (Transocean): Excelled in navigating complex regulatory challenges.
- Texas Capital Bank Legal Team: Recognized for innovative in-house leadership.
On the Rise Winners
This category honors Texas’ most promising lawyers under 40, recognized for innovation, leadership, and pro bono work:
- Amber Carson (Gray Reed)
- Sara Clark (Quinn Emanuel)
- Chris Cottrell (Seyfarth Shaw)
- Katherine Drews (Susman Godfrey)
- Joseph Fore (DLA Piper)
- Shahmeer Halepota (Ahmad Zavitsanos)
- John Kappell (Fox Rothschild)
- Nishi Kathari (Brasher Law Firm)
- Claudia Lai (Weil, Gotshal & Manges)
- Olivia Lee (Disability Rights Texas)
- Ryan Lynch (Latham & Watkins): Houston’s Local Corporate Department Chair, lauded for corporate expertise.
- Billy Marsh (A&O Shearman)
- Andrew Monk (Bracewell)
- Anne Peetz (Reed Smith)
- Nandini Sane (Cozen O’Connor)
- Kartik Singapura (Bell Nunnally)
- Amanda Stephens (Orrick)
- Brent Stewart (Baker McKenzie)
- Casey Weaver (Morgan Lewis)
- Natali Wyson (Sidley Austin)
- Baile Xie (Fish & Richardson)
Most Promising Newcomer Finalists
These emerging attorneys have made significant early-career impacts:
- Sergio Cavazos (Greenberg Traurig): Recognized for corporate work.
- Natalie Daniel (Modern Family Law)
- Landon Francois (Wright Close & Barger)
- Curtis Fuller (Romano Law)
- Olivia Lee (Disability Rights Texas): Also an On the Rise winner, noted for advocacy.
- Bryce Pilawski (Akerman)
- Bradley Potts (Haynes Boone)
Intellectual Property Attorney of the Year Finalists
These attorneys excelled in IP law in 2024:
- Jeannie Heffernan (Kirkland & Ellis)
- John Keville (Sheppard Mullin)
- Domingo LLagostera (Blank Rome)
- Paul Morico (Baker Botts)
- Brian C. Nash (Morrison Foerster)
- Trey Peacock (Sheppard Mullin)
- Douglas Wilson (Armond Wilson)
Maritime Attorney of the Year Finalists
Pro Bono Attorney of the Year Finalists
These attorneys demonstrated exceptional commitment to pro bono work:
- Lauren Brogdon (Haynes Boone)
- Caitlin Halpern (Gibbs & Bruns): Also a 2024 Influential Women finalist.
- Stan Perry (Reed Smith)
- Eric Muñoz (Akin)
Real Estate Attorney of the Year Finalists
- Rocío Cristina Garcia Espinoza (Rosewood Property Company)
- Charles McFarland (McFarland)
- Adam Weaver (Pillsbury): Houston-based partner recognized for real estate leadership.
Other Notable Recognitions
Additional finalists in categories like Influential Woman of the Year and Energy Attorney of the Year include:
- Lauren Anderson and Mollie Duckworth (Latham & Watkins): Shortlisted for Influential Woman of the Year for their advocacy and leadership in energy and corporate law.
- Justin Stolte (Latham & Watkins): Finalist for Energy Attorney of the Year, serving as Global Chair of the Energy & Infrastructure Group.
- Zina Bash (Keller Postman), Trey Cox (Gibson Dunn), and Ryan Maierson (Latham & Watkins): Recognized for litigation excellence.
Context and Significance
The 2025 Texas Legal Awards celebrate attorneys and firms for their measurable outcomes, innovation, and diversity across Texas’ legal community. Finalists were selected through a rigorous review process by Texas Lawyer’s editorial team, with some categories judged by external experts. The awards highlight the state’s finest legal minds, from established leaders to rising stars under 40, who are shaping the profession through litigation, corporate work, pro bono service, and mentorship.
The September 25 awards dinner at the Arts District Mansion will not only honor these achievements but also foster networking among Texas’ legal elite. For ticket and sponsorship details, contact sales director Andre Sutton or visit the event website.
Looking Ahead
As Texas continues to be a hub for legal innovation, these awards underscore the state’s role in national and global legal landscapes. From energy and IP to pro bono and diversity initiatives, the 2025 honorees reflect the dynamic contributions of Texas lawyers. Stay tuned for the winners’ announcement at the upcoming gala, where the legal community will celebrate excellence and look forward to another year of impactful work.
Sources: Texas Lawyer, Law.com, Latham & Watkins, Pillsbury, Greenberg Traurig, Gibbs & Bruns