Merit Lawyers

David Swaim is a Board-Certified Attorney in Immigration and Nationality Law and has been the Managing Partner of David Swaim & Associates, formerly Tidwell, Swaim & Associates, since 1991. The firm has represented over 45,000 cases with a 95% success rate on behalf of individuals, employers, companies, and families that covered all areas of immigration law. He has developed many of the most innovative techniques for H-1 and labor certification cases, as well as created immigration procedures at dozens of companies throughout the United States.

Mr. Swaim pursued Immigration Law because, “it is a practice in U.S. law that deals...

WE OFFER PAYMENT PLANS & PRICE MATCH, WHEN POSSIBLE. 214-445-6336 My clients rely on me to be approachable, responsive, efficient & effective. My goal is to get your life back to normal with an emphasis on getting the charge you’re facing off your record. You deserve aggressive, vigorous & experienced advocacy. Call me at 214-445-6336 or send me an email, kgt@kgtlaw.com.

Darlina Crowder is president of The Crowder Law Firm in Plano, Texas, practicing primarily in criminal defense since 2000. She received her J.D. in 1998 from Texas Wesleyan University School of Law, where she was chosen by classmates to speak at their Hooding Ceremony. She received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, with a minor in General Science, from Texas Woman’s University in 1995. Admitted to the Texas bar in 1999 and Admitted to The United States Court of Appeals for The Fifth Circuit. Ms. Crowder has also been licensed to practice law in the U.S. District Court’s Northern and...

Ryan is a skilled litigator and negotiator who regularly obtains favorable settlements without ever stepping foot in the courthouse. Ryan brings extensive experience and sincere compassion to situations involving contested custody, special needs, mental health issues, and substance abuse. He has a successful record in advocating for co-parenting rights and securing equal parenting time or unique possession arrangements. Board-Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Family Law, Ryan has been recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star, 2020-2022, and named a Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch, 2020-2023.

Jonathan represents business owners, professionals, and parents who want to resolve complex family law matters in the least destructive manner possible. Whether in the courtroom or through out-of-court settlement, Jonathan has proven strength with cases involving complicated property and challenging real estate investments, contested custody disputes and modifications, and pre-marital and post-marital agreements.

Attorney Liset Lefebvre has over 13 years of experience exclusively practicing Immigration and Nationality law. She has personally handled hundreds of cases in her career.

Mrs. Lefebvre is a Board Certified Immigration Attorney by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization serving the Dallas, Fort Worth, Collin and Denton counties.

Her practice includes Removal Defense, Family Based Immigration, Citizenship and Naturalization, Motions to Reopen and Reconsider and Appeals before the EOIR and the Board of Immigration Appeals, Business and Investor Visas, and I-9 Compliance.

Mrs. Lefebvre received her Juris Doctor from the University of Denver, Sturm College of Law. While...

During a summer college internship with personal injury attorney and story-teller extraordinaire, Cecil “Cas” Casterline, Scott Snellings discovered his passion for helping injury victims and their families – specifically a multiple fatality crash involving an 18-wheeler truck that left two young girls without their parents.

Born in Lubbock where his father was a Texas Tech Red Raider, Scott moved to Plano, Texas, when he was three years old. He attended Plano schools and played football for Plano East Senior High School. Although Scott originally had intentions of becoming a medical doctor as a student at Baylor University, the internship helped Scott...

John T. Kirtley, III, is a trial attorney, and he has practiced law since 1988. He is Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and in Civil Trial Law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. Texas attorneys have given him the highest professional and ethical rating (AV®Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated), and he was selected for inclusion in Thomson Reuters’ Texas Super Lawyers® for 2006, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021. John has litigated thousands of cases involving automobile and trucking collisions, premises liability, wrongful death, pharmaceutical drugs and...

Nicholas Gibson is the founder and managing partner of Gibson Law Group, a distinguished litigation and business law firm, and My Estate Law Group, an estate planning law firm. With an impressive track record spanning over a decade as a top-rated attorney, Nick is committed to delivering unrivaled client-centric solutions through meticulous legal strategies tailored to each unique case. Having honed his skills at prestigious large-scale law firms, Nick’s passion for building enduring client relationships led him to establish his own practices. Through his personalized and attentive approach, Nick ensures that every client receives unparalleled attention and guidance throughout their...

J. Spencer Young is a Senior Associate Attorney at Sul Lee Law Firm. In assisting clients to obtain the best possible result, Spencer takes pride in working with clients and not just for them. Spencer combines his past work experience, an empathetic understanding, and an outside-the-box, yet practical approach to attack problems head-on. Born and raised in the heart of West Texas, Spencer attended the University of Texas at Austin for his undergraduate studies where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in government. Thereafter, Spencer attended Texas Tech School of Law, where he graduated in 2019. Spencer served as...

A native of Dallas, Tim O'Hare attended R.L. Turner High School in Carrollton. He received his BBA in Finance from The University of Texas at Austin, where he lettered on the Longhorn football team. After college, he attended Southern Methodist University School of Law. Tim and his wife, Christen, have four children and are active in their community. Tim and Christen are members of First Baptist Church of Grapevine where Tim serves as a Deacon. They also teach Sunday School to children. Tim is the former President of Christian Legal Society - Dallas and served on the CLS National Board...

Ray Hindieh has dedicated his legal career to helping Hispanic & Latino families in the community whose loved ones face criminal prosecution, crimmigration, DWI, and family violence. He is known for aggressively litigating on behalf of his clients to achieve a prompt resolution of their case with the very best outcome. Using advanced trial presentation strategies, Ray is very effective at educating and persuading a jury of the merits of his client’s case.

The Law Office of Emem O. Akpabio, PLLC is a full service law firm offering clients a wide range of legal services, including family law, personal injury, immigration, wills, guardianship, and business law. We are focused on providing effective, efficient, and accurate results for our clients.

Our firm differentiates from other law firms by putting our clients first. We take on few cases at a time so we can focus on our clients and be available to meet their needs.

To us, a client is not just a voice on the phone, but a life-long relationship.

Not just a lawyer, Madalína is a counselor at law. She knows the law, but she makes a particular effort to know her clients. Clients facing criminal charges often feel distraught, angry, or vulnerable– they need a source of strength and guidance. Madalína is client-oriented and prides herself on being accessible and responsive, treating every client as though they are her only client. Diablita Criminal Defense clients engage with the Attorney herself, not an endless cycle of assistants and paralegals. When clients call, Madalína answers. While Madalína is accommodating with clients, she’s unflinching with the State. Her powerful courtroom presence and...

When Kurt Arnold represents someone, he’s all in. He’s won billions for his clients. In fact, he has recovered more than $1 billion in a single year multiple times and shattered records with his historic verdicts and settlements. He has helped clients recover losses after major maritime disasters such as the Deepwater Horizon and the El Faro. For Kurt, no fight is too difficult or complicated. He refuses to take “no” for an answer. When something bad happens, Kurt fights for his clients, no matter what. He never backs down, no matter how big the challenge. Kurt co-founded Arnold & Itkin...

A 4th generation Texas lawyer with over 35 years of experience, I serve clients in throughout Texas. I have extensive experience in real estate, tax, and business formation, start-up, and operation. I have litigated well over 500 cases to completion, including trying to verdict or judgment over 100 cases. I was named Texas Lawyer Litigator of the Week for a Bexar County tax trial I won after only twenty-three minutes of jury deliberation. On the transactional front, I have closed over 200 LIHTC projects in eight (8) different states, and more than 150 other affordable and market rate transactions....

Robert J. Wiley is dedicated to advocating for employees in Employment Law disputes across the State of Texas. Rob represents clients before administrative agencies in addition to state and federal courts. Recognized for his experience, knowledge and skill, Rob is a Board Certified Specialist in Labor and Employment Law.

Rob received his B.S. from Vanderbilt University, and earned his J.D. from Tulane University School of Law. He has been honored as a Texas Super Lawyer and Rising Star since 2012.

Mr. Mickelsen is "AV" rated by Martindale Hubbell, an independent evaluation which identifies a lawyer with "very high to preeminent legal ability". He was also voted by his peers as a "Super Lawyer" in criminal defense in 2004 - 2014. In his six years at the Federal Public Defender's Office, Mr. Mickelsen acquired extensive experience in virtually every kind of federal criminal case, including numerous high profile "white-collar" cases. In 1998, Mr. Mickelsen left the public defender's office to form the partnership of Broden & Mickelsen. Broden & Mickelsen represents clients in federal courts throughout...

Personal Injury and Social Security Disability Claims. Are you looking for solutions to your legal problems without having to resort to calling a law firm running tasteless television commercials or big Yellow Page ads? If you want an established and professional law firm with friendly lawyers and staff who are easy to talk to, you've come to the right place. Please, call us now. Contact us at Kraft & Associates for a consultation if you have questions about any legal situation. Whatever legal problem you have, our Dallas, Texas attorneys want to help.

Walker Fults represents a select clientele of individuals who have been charged with crimes in Dallas, Texas, and the surrounding metroplex areas. He treats every case as if it will go to trial. Taking an aggressive approach at the outset allows him to uncover every detail that could contribute to a positive outcome for his clients’ cases. Whereas some lawyers settle on the prosecutor’s terms, Walker Fults has successfully obtained Not Guilty verdicts at trial and had cases dismissed outright. Walker Fults doesn’t stop working for his client until he’s gotten the absolute best result.

Before opening his own law...

Raised and educated in Dallas, Texas, Attorney Lindsey McKay was an All-American Cheerleader and notable scholarship candidate for a top women’s college soccer program. Prior to attending law school, Ms. McKay devoted herself to intellectual pursuits and travel while attending college at the University of Colorado, Boulder. Ms. McKay graduated college in three years earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics and a minor in Spanish. During her college career, she lived with international families in Cuernavaca, Mexico, and Costa Rica learning Spanish and immersing herself in the Latin culture. Ms. McKay also lived in Southern Germany with a...

Jeff Rasansky is an attorney passionate about giving a voice to those who have been personally injured or harmed by the negligence or wrong-doing of others. Relying on over 20 years of courtroom experience, Jeff represent clients in significant civil lawsuits across the country from business disputes, birth injuries, trucking accidents to injuries caused by dangerous products. Texas educated, Jeff earned his law degree at Southern Methodist University – Dedman School of Law in 1990 after receiving his undergraduate Bachelors in Business Administration degree from the University of Texas at Austin in 1987.

Shahzeen Karim is an accomplished litigator, well-known for her fervent support of her clients and her authoritative presence in courtrooms. Her deep experience in immigration law and her passion for impactful advocacy shape her proactive approach to legal practice. Her journey began in Chicago, where Shahzeen made her mark by handling various criminal cases, ranging from misdemeanors to felonies, in the courts of Cook County. Upon her move to Texas, Shahzeen honed her focus on immigration law. She initially worked with family-related immigration cases, helping clients with VAWA benefits, U Visas, hardship waivers, adjustment of status, and naturalization processes. Subsequently, she transitioned...

Richard Y. Cheng has an extensive healthcare law practice, with particular concentration representing skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, home health agencies, community hospitals, hospices, and rehabilitation providers. Mr. Cheng counsels clients with respect to corporate transactions, healthcare regulatory and compliance matters, and administrative appeals. He has considerable experience representing clients involving Stark Law, Anti-kickback, HIPAA, HITECH Act, Medicare related transactions (e.g. CHOWs) licensure surveys, provider appeals before administrative law judges with the Office of Medicare Hearings and Appeals, Departmental Appeals Board, Civil Remedies Division and State Office of Administrative Appeals. Previously, Mr. Cheng was a shareholder at a...

“With more than thirty years of experience in family law, including eleven years as a judge in the family courts, my primary goal is to help clients embrace realistic expectations, then move toward the best possible outcome.” — Paula Larsen

CREDITORS’ RIGHTS/RESTRUCTURING: protected the interests of secured and unsecured creditors and maximized their recovery from the debtor's estate during the development of reorganization plans; structured and obtained creditor and court approval of plans of reorganization for businesses involved in the ownership and operation of real property, industrial, and service companies. BUSINESS LITIGATION: prosecuted and defended loans; secured transactions; contracts involving real estate, equipment, and commissions; placement and removal of materialman’s and mechanic's liens upon real property; government seizure of property; and commercial leases. BUSINESS: guided businesses and individuals regarding matters arising out of operations, review, negotiation, and drafting of leases,...

EXPERIENCE: For nearly 13 years, I have focused on representing clients in a variety of complex cases involving immigration law, criminal defense and family law. I have successfully helped thousands of clients over the years with extremely difficult cases.

RESULTS DRIVEN: Our goal is always to get you the best result possible. We don't make guarantees of a particular outcome, but what we do guarantee is that we will aggressively pursue every legal avenue possible as we fight for you.

OUR DIFFERENCE: I take pride in every person that entrusts me with their legal matter. For that...

Barrett Thomas is a family law and criminal law attorney in Waco, Texas. He practices with his partner, Kristy Blanchard, in courthouses across Texas. They have offices in Dallas, Waco, Temple, and Abilene. Barrett is a former police officer and assistant district attorney. He honed his skills as a litigator in the criminal courts. He has a knack for finding the truth, even when it has been intentionally concealed. He uses his investigative prowess to benefit his clients and see that they have the advantage in both settlement negotiations and trial. He is a past president of...

Jeff Springer has more than two decades of experience serving as an advocate for individuals, families and businesses. He was an honors program graduate of Baylor University, and obtained his Juris Doctorate at Baylor Law School. Jeff is board certified in civil trial law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and is a member of the American Bar Association and the State Bar of Texas. He is a past President of the Denton County Bar Association. A former Adjunct Professor of Law at Texas Woman's University, Mr. Springer has published a number of articles covering topics ranging from tort...

I was born and raised in Denton, Texas and graduated from Denton High School in 1998. My mother is and has been a physician in Denton since 1980. I feel that my educational background in science, business, and law gives me a unique perspective on any dispute including those involving complex business structures. Additionally, due to my experience with small businesses, I understands the issues and potential obstacles that affect them as well.

I received my law degree from Texas Wesleyan University School of Law in 2008. Prior to law school, I received an undergraduate degree in Mechanical...

Javier Perez is an award-winning bilingual attorney and community leader who has dedicated his professional life to helping people in their time of need. His practice is focused on Employment Law and Personal Injury cases. A seasoned litigator and passionate advocate for equality and social justice, Javier represents his clients with an unrivaled combination of determination, compassion, and ability. Mr. Perez provides his clients – who come from all walks of life – with the high caliber representation they deserve. Javier is a two-time president of the Dallas Hispanic Bar Association, founded its Judicial Diversity Committee, and has been...

Since 1997 S. Michael Graham's law office has been devoted to zealously representing and protecting the legal rights of injured workers throughout the State of Texas. Mr. Graham became board by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in the area of workers' compensation law in 2005. His office handles workers compensation cases from the administrative level all the way through trial by jury. Mr. Graham received his undergraduate degree from the University of Texas at Austin in 1987 and went on to receive his law degree from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville in...

I believe that my clients and their families deserve a lawyer who listens closely, asks the right questions, and works tirelessly to exceed expectations. The high road is the best place to respectfully resolve family law disputes; it is my privilege to guide clients who want to walk this path. My clients and I set realistic goals, and use restraint and good judgment. We focus on interests rather than positions, considering all the options before moving forward. We also utilize the collaborative process whenever possible, including in divorce, modification, and premarital agreements. It allows for customized co-parenting plans, transparent...

John has been representing businesses and business people in the North Texas area for more than thirty years. He has tried numerous cases at various levels of the judicial system, including federal district court and state district court. He has presented appeals to the Supreme Court of Texas, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, and ten of the fourteen intermediate courts of appeal in Texas. He has arbitrated cases before the American Arbitration Association and JAMS, Inc. In addition to his trial practice, John is a trained mediator and summary jury trial...

I have over 40 years of experience in cases involving business law, intellectual property, employment and labor law, healthcare law, civil litigation, personal injury defense and probate matters. I am licensed in Texas and Louisiana, admitted to all federal courts in Texas, the ED La., Federal Circuit, 5th Circuit and 11th Circuit Court of Appeals and US Supreme Court. I am a Texas SuperLawyer, AV-rated by Martindale Hubbell, and Lead Counsel rated in Business law. I am a Bet the Company Litigator.

As a designated Personal Family Lawyer, my firm handles things differently. We will explain more during your free 15-minute Discovery call Zoom meeting, which you can book on my website by selecting "Book meeting" in the upper right corner. First, I chose to bill flat fees; nothing is billed hourly so that my clients know exactly what they are paying upfront, with no hidden costs for calls or emails. During our initial Life and Legacy planning session, the client will choose what they want and know the total cost. Second, lawyers often have a reputation for poor communication, a...

Chris M. Kirker is a Texas trial lawyer handling highly contested divorce and custody matters. Chris has been successfully handling divorce and custody cases for years and places intense focus and attention on every client he works with. While most cases do not go to trial, Chris knows the importance of being ready for trial should it become necessary. After successfully handling many divorce and custody matters Chris has received numerous awards related to his prior clients’ satisfaction with his work. He has been named a Top 100 Trial Lawyer in the State of Texas by the National Trial Lawyers (2014-2023)....

Myles Porter is a trial lawyer in northeast Texas. A 6th generation native of Fannin County, he is the former District and County Attorney whose main areas of practice are criminal defense, personal injury and corporate representation.

James T. Chiles has dedicated his career exclusively to criminal defense here in the Lone Star State. He has several years of experience defending felonies including murder, family violence and domestic assaults, aggravated assault with deadly weapon, sexual assaults and crimes against children, drug crimes, gun charges, and all variety of misdemeanors. Mr. Chiles has handled hundreds of cases in at least 20 counties throughout the State of Texas, primarily the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and surrounding counties. He takes particular pride in an extremely high rate of dismissals. Mr. Chiles graduated with a Juris Doctorate from Southern Methodist University (SMU) Dedman School...

Mark A. Walsh is a business litigation attorney in McKinney, TX, who has litigated hundreds of construction and business disputes throughout the State of Texas since 1997. He has extensive experience and has counseled clients in all manner of construction and business disputes, commercial contract drafting and litigation, public procurement law, partner/shareholder dispute litigation, and governmental entity representation.