Fort Worth

Stephen Howell

Stephen Howell’s practice focuses on aviation litigation, products liability and personal injury litigation. As an expert in aviation litigation, Mr. Howell has represented clients all over the country in federal and state court. Mr. Howell is also a certified mediator and a member of the Defense Research Institute.

Aviation
Personal Injury, Wrongful Death
Commercial Litigation

showell@canteyhanger.com

817-877-2832
817-877-2807

600 West 6th Street, Suite 300
Fort Worth, Texas 76102

State Bar of Texas, 1975

Honored as a Texas Super Lawyer, by Thomson Rueters, 2006-Present
Top Attorney, by Fort Worth Texas Magazine

University of Texas, J.D., 1975
Texas Christian University, B.A., History, 1972

Stephen Howell Read More »

Cailin M. Ringelman

Cailin Ringelman’s practice focuses on civil litigation with an emphasis on aviation litigation. She represents original equipment manufacturers, pilots and operators in various litigation matters. Ms. Ringelman also represents railroads in matters including FELA, grade crossing, freight claims and real estate. Part of Ms. Ringelman’s practice also represents entities, individuals and financial institutions in bankruptcy matters and related adversary proceedings.

Ms. Ringelman served, while in law school, as an Articles Editor for the Washburn Law Journal and was the first recipient of the John D. Ensley Memorial Writing Award. She served on the Washburn Law School Alumni Association Board of Governors from 2008 to 2014.

Aviation
Commercial Litigation
Bankruptcy

Washburn University School of Law, Topeka, Kansas, J.D., cum laude, 2002
Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, B.S., Biology, 1999
Alpha Phi
cringelman@canteyhanger.com
817-877-2802
817-877-2807
600 West 6th Street, Suite 300
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
Cailin Ringelman’s practice focuses on civil litigation with an emphasis on aviation litigation. She represents original equipment manufacturers, pilots and operators in various litigation matters. Ms. Ringelman also represents railroads in matters including FELA, grade crossing, freight claims and real estate. Part of Ms. Ringelman’s practice also represents entities, individuals and financial institutions in bankruptcy matters and related adversary proceedings.
State Bar of Texas, 2007
United States District Court for the Eastern, Northern, and Western Districts of Texas
United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas
United States District Court for the District of Kansas, 2002
United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Kansas
United Stated District Court for the Western District of Missouri, 2003

Cailin M. Ringelman Read More »

Brian Brisco

Brian Brisco is a partner in the firm’s litigation section. He enjoys assisting individual and corporate clients resolve complicated disputes, whether through negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or trial. His experience includes complex commercial matters, construction, real estate, probate, and health care litigation. He also offers outside general counsel services to Fort Worth businesses and non-profits.

Commercial Litigation
Litigation

Baylor University School of Law (J.D., 2010)
– Law Review – Senior Executive Editor, Associate Editor
– Brian J. Sett Excellence in Appellate Advocacy Award, 2008-2009, 2009-2010
– Dean’s List
The University of Chicago (ABD, M.A. Near Eastern Archaeology 2005)
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (M.A. Theology 2003)
Baylor University (B.A. Religion 2000)
bbrisco@canteyhanger.com
817-877-2830
817-877-2807
600 West 6th Street, Suite 300
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
Brian Brisco is a partner in the firm’s litigation section. He enjoys assisting individual and corporate clients resolve complicated disputes, whether through negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or trial. His experience includes complex commercial matters, construction, real estate, probate, and health care litigation. He also offers outside general counsel services to Fort Worth businesses and non-profits.
Licensed to practice in Texas
Admitted to U.S. District Court Northern District of Texas
Admitted to U.S. District Court Eastern District of Texas
Tarrant County Bar Foundation, Fellow
Tarrant Couty Business Litigation Section, Chair (2024-2025)
Tarrant Volunteer Attorney Services, Co-Chair (2016-2017)

Brian Brisco Read More »

Maddie Royal

Maddie Royal received her B.S. in Political Science from Texas A&M University. Ms. Royal graduated from Texas Tech University School of Law, where she served on the Board of Barristers and the Estate Planning and Community Property Law Journal. Prior to joining the firm, Ms. Royal clerked for Cantey Hanger for one summer and for the 48th District Court in Tarrant County.

Appellate
Commercial Litigation
Eminent Domain/Property Rights
Public & Regulatory

Texas Tech University School of Law, J.D., May 2024
– National Moot Court: Elon Constitutional Law, Gaming Law
– National Mock Trial: ABA Arbitration
– Estate Planning and Community Property Law Journal
– Dean’s Ambassador
– Board of Barristers
Texas A&M University, May 2021
– B.S. in Political Science
– Minor in History
– Chief of Staff, Legislative Relations, Student Government Association

mroyal@canteyhanger.com
817-877-2804
817-877-2807
600 West 6th Street, Suite 300
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
Maddie Royal received her B.S. in Political Science from Texas A&M University. Ms. Royal graduated from Texas Tech University School of Law, where she served on the Board of Barristers and the Estate Planning and Community Property Law Journal. Prior to joining the firm, Ms. Royal clerked for Cantey Hanger for one summer and for the 48th District Court in Tarrant County.
State Bar of Texas, 2024
U.S. District Court for the Northern, Eastern and Southern Districts of Texas, 2024
Tarrant County Young Lawyer’s Association, Member
Tarrant County Bar Association, Member
“Homeless, Hopeless, and Helpless: How Attorneys Ad Litem Can Help Foster Youth Aging Out of the System”, 16 Est. Plan. & Cmty. Prop. L. J. 303 (2024)

Maddie Royal Read More »

Ethan Lennon

Ethan graduated with a B.S. in Computer Science from Texas A&M University and received his law degree from SMU Dedman School of Law. During law school, Ethan served as Chief of the SMU Small Business and Trademark Clinic, where he assisted small business owners in LLC formation and trademark registration. Ethan has joined Cantey Hanger’s Business Transactions group and will focus his practice on business formation, mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, and other business transactions.

Business Law
SMU Dedman School of Law, J.D., 2024
Texas A&M University, B.S.
elennon@canteyhanger.com
817-877-2835
817-877-2807
600 West 6th Street, Suite 300
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
Ethan graduated with a B.S. in Computer Science from Texas A&M University and received his law degree from SMU Dedman School of Law. During law school, Ethan served as Chief of the SMU Small Business and Trademark Clinic, where he assisted small business owners in LLC formation and trademark registration. Ethan has joined Cantey Hanger’s Business Transactions group and will focus his practice on business formation, mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, and other business transactions.
State Bar of Texas, 2024

Ethan Lennon Read More »

Caroline Garcia

Caroline Garcia earned her B.A. in English and Plan II Honors from The University of Texas at Austin, where she graduated magna cum laude and with special honors.
Ms. Garcia graduated from Pepperdine Caruso School of Law and earned a certificate in Entertainment, Intellectual Property, and Technology from the Palmer Center for Entrepreneurship and the Law. While at Pepperdine, she served as the Managing Editor of the Dispute Resolution Law Journal and as a Research Assistant for Professor Peter Wendel.
Before joining the firm, Ms. Garcia interned for the National Society of Entertainment and Arts Lawyers and clerked for civil litigation firms in Austin, Texas and San Diego.

Commercial Litigation
Litigation
Family Law
Intellectual Property
Pepperdine Caruso School of Law, J.D., 2024

The University of Texas at Austin, B.A., 2021
– English, and Plan II Honors
cgarcia@canteyhanger.com
817-877-2852
817-877-2807
600 West 6th Street, Suite 300
Fort Worth, Texas 76102

Caroline Garcia earned her B.A. in English and Plan II Honors from The University of Texas at Austin, where she graduated magna cum laude and with special honors.

Ms. Garcia graduated from Pepperdine Caruso School of Law and earned a certificate in Entertainment, Intellectual Property, and Technology from the Palmer Center for Entrepreneurship and the Law. While at Pepperdine, she served as the Managing Editor of the Dispute Resolution Law Journal and as a Research Assistant for Professor Peter Wendel.

Before joining the firm, Ms. Garcia interned for the National Society of Entertainment and Arts Lawyers and clerked for civil litigation firms in Austin, Texas and San Diego.

Caroline Garcia Read More »

Sara Norman

Sara Norman maintains a transactional practice with an emphasis on mergers and acquisitions, corporation and business  entity formation and reorganization, estate planning, asset protection, wills, trusts, probate, taxation, real estate transactions and financing, commercial lending, home owners association representations, mineral lease negotiation and management, easement and contract drafting, and assorted oil and gas issues.
Ms. Norman is Board Certified in Commercial Real Estate by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. She previously practiced law in Beaumont, Texas.

Real Estate
Mergers and Acquisitions
Business Law
Estate Planning
Probate Litigation
Trusts & Estates
Banking
Energy
Texas Tech University School of Law, J.D., 2014
– National Order of the Barrister
– Energy Law Concentration
– Corporate Law Concentration
Lubbock Christian University, B.A., Organizational Communications, Cum Laude, 2008
– President, Kappa Phi Kappa
– Honors: Cum Laude
snorman@canteyhanger.com
817-877-2811
817-877-2807
600 West 6th Street, Suite 300
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
Ms. Norman focuses on the representation of small- and medium-sized, privately held businesses. She provides in-depth knowledge in estate planning, succession planning, corporate and real estate transactions, and business contracts. By integrating these various areas, Sara is able to provide a unique perspective to clients, including handling of the design and implementation of family limited partnerships for use in wealth preservation, and utilizing her design and preparation of shareholder agreements and other buy-sell agreements.

Additionally, Ms. Norman has extensive experience representing landowners, developers, and property owners associations in their planning and implementation of planned development communities, as well as drafting and enforcement of restrictive covenants.
Licensed to Practice in Texas, 2014
Board Certified in Commercial Real Estate by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, 2022
Named the 2022 Outstanding Young Lawyer by the Jefferson County Bar Association
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch (2021 -2024 Edition): selected for Real Estate Law and Trusts & Estates
Recognized as a “Rising Star” in the 2023 and 2024 editions of Super Lawyers magazine
Appointed to Texas Bar Local Bar Services Committee, 2018-present
Southeast Texas “40 under 40” Honoree, 2018, Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce
President, The Junior League of Beaumont, 2023-2024
President, Southeast Texas Estate Planning Council, 2020-2024
President, The Jefferson County Young Lawyers Association, 2020-2021
Board Member, Southeast Texas Estate Planning Council, 2018-present
Innovator’s Award Recipient, 2022, Outstanding Community Impact Award Recipient, 2017, The Junior League of Beaumont
President, The Junior League of Beaumont, 2023-2024
National Order of the Barrister, 2014

Sara Norman Read More »

Greg Westfall

Greg’s practice focuses on White Collar Criminal Defense and Civil Litigation. He has practiced criminal defense in Texas and nationally for 30 years, specializing in complex criminal litigation in State and Federal courts.  He has tried more than 100 criminal cases, many of them “high profile,” and handled more than 50 criminal appeals at all levels.
In 2010, Greg added commercial litigation case work and has several civil trials and appeals among his experiences.  Greg has represented many individuals through federal investigations into, among others, alleged violations of EPA regulations, hiring undocumented aliens, health care fraud, anti-kickback and import/export violations, and government contractor fraud.

Government Investigations and Criminal Defense
Commercial Litigation
White Collar Criminal Defense

Texas Tech University School of Law, J.D., 1993
-Summa Cum Laude
University of Texas at Arlington (with highest honors), B.B.A., 1990
gwestfall@canteyhanger.com
817-877-2827
817-877-2807
600 West 6th Street, Suite 300
Fort Worth, Texas 76102

During a 30-year career, Greg has handled many kinds of criminal cases, including capital murder, material support of terrorism, defending a Navy Seal against charges of war crimes and police officers accused of criminal civil rights violations.  In the civil arena, Greg’s experience is also varied, ranging from First Amendment to Fiduciary Litigation.
State Bar of Texas (1993)
U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas (1994)
U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit (1995)
U.S. Supreme Court (1999)
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Texas (2000)

Board Certified, Criminal Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization, 2000
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
National Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (Board of Directors)
Tarrant County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (Past President)
Eldon B. Mahon Inn of Court (Barrister, 2008-2012)
Tarrant County Bar Association
Tarrant County Bar Foundation (Life Fellow)
Texas Bar Foundation (Fellow)
Bar Association of the Fifth Federal Circuit
College of the State Bar of Texas
Member of All Saints’ Episcopal Church (Vestry).

HONORS:

Best Lawyers in America (Criminal Defense: White Collar)(2021-present)
Thomson/Reuters “Super Lawyer” (2003-present)
Fort Worth Business Press “Attorney of Excellence” (2003-2005)
Tarrant County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association “Roland Hill Award” (2012)
AV® Rated, Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review
Martindale-Hubbell Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers.

Greg Westfall Read More »

Bryan Berens

Bryan Berens received his law degree from Texas A&M University in 2022 and joined Cantey Hanger’s Litigation practice group in 2024.  Bryan represents clients throughout all stages of litigation in a variety of practice areas, including family law, insurance defense, commercial litigation, and real estate and construction disputes.  While at Texas A&M, Bryan completed a concentration in Alternative Dispute Resolution and competed as a member of the Alternative Dispute Resolution advocacy team.  When he is not representing clients, Bryan enjoys spending time outdoors and supporting the Dallas sports teams, especially his Dallas Cowboys.

Litigation
Texas A&M University School of Law (J.D., 2022)
Grand View University (B.A., 2018)
bberens@canteyhanger.com
817-877-2837
817-877-2807
600 West 6th Street, Suite 300
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
Bryan Berens received his law degree from Texas A&M University in 2022 and joined Cantey Hanger’s Litigation practice group in 2024.  Bryan represents clients throughout all stages of litigation in a variety of practice areas, including family law, insurance defense, commercial litigation, and real estate and construction disputes.  While at Texas A&M, Bryan completed a concentration in Alternative Dispute Resolution and competed as a member of the Alternative Dispute Resolution advocacy team.
Licensed in Texas in 2022
Licensed in Northern District of Texas, admission pending in Southern District of Texas

Bryan Berens Read More »

Devon Davis

Devon Davis received her B.A. in Politics from Sewanee: The University of the South. Ms. Davis graduated from Washington and Lee School of Law, where she served as president of the Staples Chapter of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International. During her time at Washington and Lee, she worked as a law clerk for the Honorable Robert M.D. Turk of the Montgomery Circuit Court of Virginia. Prior to joining the firm, Ms. Davis clerked at Cantey Hanger for two summers and was a legislative assistant for the Tennessee House of Representatives.

Commercial Litigation
Health Law
Litigation

Washington and Lee School of Law, Lexington, VA, J.D. May 2023
Sewanee: The University of the South, Sewanee, TN, May 2019
• B.A. in Politics: Concentrations in Law & Justice and Citizenship & Political Action
• Minor in Humanities
• The Order of the Gown: Sewanee’s academic honor society
ddavis@canteyhanger.com
817-877-2887
817-877-2807
600 West 6th Street, Suite 300
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
Devon Davis received her B.A. in Politics from Sewanee: The University of the South. Ms. Davis graduated from Washington and Lee School of Law, where she served as president of the Staples Chapter of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International. During her time at Washington and Lee, she worked as a law clerk for the Honorable Robert M.D. Turk of the Montgomery Circuit Court of Virginia. Prior to joining the firm, Ms. Davis clerked at Cantey Hanger for two summers and was a legislative assistant for the Tennessee House of Representatives.
State Bar of Texas, 2024

Devon Davis Read More »

Tiereney Bowman

Tiereney Bowman received her law degree from SMU Dedman School of Law, where she served as Senior Articles Director for the SMU Science and Technology Law Review and Co-President of the Black Law Students Association. Tiereney also represented neglected and abused children as a student attorney through the W.W. Caruth. Jr. Child Advocacy Clinic at Dedman School of Law. Her passion for cultivating meaningful relationships and delivering excellent client results led her to Cantey Hanger’s litigation section in 2023.

Litigation
SMU Dedman School of Law, J.D., 2023
The University of Texas at Austin, B.S. Public Relations, 2019
tbowman@canteyhanger.com
817-877-2831
817-877-2807
600 West 6th Street, Suite 300
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
Tiereney Bowman received her law degree from SMU Dedman School of Law, where she served as Senior Articles Director for the SMU Science and Technology Law Review and Co-President of the Black Law Students Association. Tiereney also represented neglected and abused children as a student attorney through the W.W. Caruth. Jr. Child Advocacy Clinic at Dedman School of Law. Her passion for cultivating meaningful relationships and delivering excellent client results led her to Cantey Hanger’s litigation section in 2023.
State Bar of Texas, 2023
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
U.S. District Court for the Northern and Eastern Districts of Texas, 2024
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Texas, Bankruptcy Division

Tiereney Bowman Read More »

Mollee Westfall

Mollee Westfall, retired Judge of the 371st District Court and former felony prosecutor, brings 27 years of litigation experience to Cantey Hanger where her practice focuses on civil and commercial litigation federal white collar defense.
During her 15 years as Judge of the 371st District Court. Judge Westfall presided over 250 jury trials, including many serious and complex cases, such as capital murder death penalty cases, adult sexual assault, arson, kidnapping, child sexual abuse and white collar and insurance fraud.
Judge Westfall’s court was one of four selected in the nation by the National Institute of Justice to study a novel approach to probation. She also led several innovative programs to support probation success and increase community safety while running the most efficient criminal district court in Tarrant County. The Texas Supreme Court and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice tapped Judge Westfall to provide judicial input for statewide committees studying remote proceedings and jail population issues.

Commercial Litigation
White Collar Criminal Defense

Texas Tech University School of Law, J.D.
University of Texas, B.A.
mwestfall@canteyhanger.com
817-877-2818
817-877-2807
600 West 6th Street, Suite 300
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
During her 15 years as Judge of the 371st District Court. Judge Westfall presided over 250 jury trials, including many serious and complex cases, such as capital murder death penalty cases, adult sexual assault, arson, kidnapping, child sexual abuse and white collar and insurance fraud.

Judge Westfall’s court was one of four selected in the nation by the National Institute of Justice to study a novel approach to probation. She also led several innovative programs to support probation success and increase community safety while running the most efficient criminal district court in Tarrant County. The Texas Supreme Court and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice tapped Judge Westfall to provide judicial input for statewide committees studying remote proceedings and jail population issues.
State Bar of Texas

Mollee Westfall Read More »

Sean Looney

Mr. Looney comes to Cantey Hanger with experience in various practice areas including commercial litigation and business transactions.  He has significant experience guiding business clients through a variety of legal issues.

Commercial Litigation
Southern Methodist University, Dedman School of Law, J.D., 2005
Austin College, B.A., 2002, cum laude
slooney@canteyhanger.com
(817) 877-2848
(817) 877-2807
600 West Sixth Street, Suite 300
Fort Worth, Texas 76102

Representative Litigation Matters

Represented car dealer in dispute with debt cancellation agreement provider concerning underpayment of GAP insurance claims.
Pursued claims on behalf of small business owner against former employees who owner alleged violated non-competition agreements by soliciting customers obtaining favorable settlement.
Assisted shareholders in appointing receiver to sell multimillion-dollar aerospace company over objection of minority shareholder.
Represented co-owner of an oil field service business in action against fellow co-owner who misrepresented financial information to disguise true profitability of business.
Obtained summary judgment for RV dealer in suit filed by consumer for breach of contract and negligence.
Represented clients in various probate matters and probate litigation, including will contests, claims against fiduciaries, and beneficiary disputes.
Participated in all aspects of litigation and alternative
dispute resolution, managing case files from the inception
of litigation through settlement or trial.

Representative Transactional Matters

Negotiated, drafted, reviewed and advised on various commercial contracts between businesses including NDA agreements, contracts for the sale of goods, software development and  service contracts.
Drafted internal agreements for clients including non- solicitation and non-competition agreements, employee confidentiality agreements, and independent contractor arrangements.
Advised clients on human resources and employment law concerns.
Consulted with clients on corporate formation, governance, restructuring and exit strategies.
State Bar of Texas, 2005
U.S. District Court for the Northern and Southern Districts of Texas
Tarrant County Bar Association
Texas Bar Foundation Fellow
Texas Young Lawyers Association
United Community Centers, Board Member and Golf Committee Chair
Lost Creek Neighborhood Association, Former Treasurer

Sean Looney Read More »

Chad W. Robbins

Chad Robbins received his law degree from Texas A&M University in Fort Worth, Texas. While there he interned with the Honorable Reed O’Connor of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas. While at Texas A&M he worked in the Entrepreneurship Law Clinic assisting his clients in starting their businesses and in the Tax Dispute Resolution Clinic advocating for his clients with the IRS. He joined the Cantey Hanger Litigation section in 2022.

Litigation
Insurance Defense

Texas A&M University School of Law, 2022
Columbia College, B.S., summa cum laude, 2018
crobbins@canteyhanger.com
(817) 877-2821
(817) 877-2807
600 West 6th Street, Suite 300
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
Chad Robbins received his law degree from Texas A&M University in Fort Worth, Texas. While there he interned with the Honorable Reed O’Connor of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas. While at Texas A&M he worked in the Entrepreneurship Law Clinic assisting his clients in starting their businesses and in the Tax Dispute Resolution Clinic advocating for his clients with the IRS. He joined the Cantey Hanger Litigation section in 2022.
State Bar of Texas, 2022

Chad W. Robbins Read More »

Tyler Craig

Tyler graduated with a degree in Music Education from Baylor University in 2013, and later received his J.D. from Texas A&M University School of Law in 2017. While in law school, he received a specialized certificate in estate planning and clerked for the Honorable Judge Ingrid Warren in Dallas County Probate Court No. 2. After graduating from law school, his practice focused on contested and uncontested probate, estate planning, and fiduciary litigation. He joined Cantey Hanger’s business section in 2022. When he’s not working, Tyler enjoys spending time with his wife, Alexis, and their two corgis, Willow and Granger.

Probate Litigation
Estate Planning
Fiduciary Litigation
Banking

Texas A&M University School of Law (J.D., 2017)
Baylor University (B.M.E., 2013)
tcraig@canteyhanger.com
(817) 877-2843
(817) 877-2807
600 West 6th Street, Suite 300
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
Tyler graduated with a degree in Music Education from Baylor University in 2013, and later received his J.D. from Texas A&M University School of Law in 2017. While in law school, he received a specialized certificate in estate planning and clerked for the Honorable Judge Ingrid Warren in Dallas County Probate Court No. 2. After graduating from law school, his practice focused on contested and uncontested probate, estate planning, and fiduciary litigation. He joined Cantey Hanger’s business section in 2022. When he’s not working, Tyler enjoys spending time with his wife, Alexis, and their two corgis, Willow and Granger.
State Bar of Texas, 2017

Tyler Craig Read More »

April F. Robbins

April Robbins has practiced in the area of insurance defense litigation for over 30 years.  She represents clients in personal injury, premises liability, products liability, subrogation, general tort liability, employment, construction defects and commercial litigation.  She has successfully handled numerous lawsuits representing individuals, product manufacturers, pilots, aircraft leasing companies, aviation instructors and commercial businesses.  She has significant trial experience in federal and state district courts throughout Texas.
Ms. Robbins has represented domestic and international insurers, including Underwriters participating in the Lloyd’s of London insurance market.  She handles both first-party and third-party insurance claims as well as coverage issues.
Ms. Robbins is a frequent speaker on the topic of insurance litigation and multi-district litigation for state and national insurance organizations.
She has been recognized by his peers and elected as a Life Fellow with the Texas Bar Foundation.  She has also been recognized as a “Top Attorney” by Fort Worth Magazine.

Litigation
Insurance Defense
Construction
Labor & Employment

Baylor University School of Law, J.D., 1990, Order of Barristers
Tarleton State University, B.B.A, 1987, summa cum laude

arobbins@canteyhanger.com
(817) 877-2856
(817) 877-2807
600 West Sixth Street, Suite 300
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
Amicus Brief for Baptist General Convention in First Baptist Church of San Antonio vs. Bexar County Appraisal Review Board, 833 S.W.2d 108 (Tex. 1992)
Draper v. KK Ford, 2006 U.S. App. LEXIS 21464 (5th Cir. 2006)
Successfully defended employee’s claim for discrimination claiming wrongful termination under the disabilities law.
Lizette Leyva v. Ranchers & Farmers Mutual Inc. Co (2018)
Successfully defended fraudulent theft claim.
Blessing Solomon v. Assurant, Inc., Ranchers & Farmers Mutual Ins. Co, Cause no 2013-59493; (2015)
Successfully defended first party claim for fire damage with defense of fraud.
Deemer v. Bontz, 2007 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 79253 (N.D. Tex. 2007)
Successfully challenged personal jurisdiction in case involving Nebraska airplane repair company and its president.
Stone v. CAC Vi, LP, 2006 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 67042 (N.D. Tex. 2006)
Successfully obtained summary judgment for apartment complex in wrongful death claim concerning negligent security.
Draper v. KK Ford, L.P., 2005 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 16979 (N.D. Tex. 2005)
Successfully defended summary judgment for employer on FMLA claim.
Buenrostro v. Flight Safety Int’l, Inc., 2001 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 13871 (W.D. Tex. 2001)
Obtained summary judgment that was affirmed on appeal for employer on sexual harassment claim.
Ranchers & Farmers Mutual Ins. Co. v. Stahlecker, 2010 Tex. App. LEXIS 8797 (Tex. App.—Beaumont 2010, no writ)
Successfully defended challenge to arbitration agreement.
Central Freight Lines, Inc. v. Smith, No. CC-07-16351-D County Court at Law No. 4, Dallas County, Texas
Obtained favorable jury verdict in age discrimination case.
Diaz v. DTC West Tidwell Corp., 2009 Tex. App. LEXIS 7845 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2009, no writ)
Successful defended property owner on wrongful death claim for the criminal conduct of third parties.
Bobora v. Unitrin Insurance Services., 255 S.W.3d 331 (Tex. App.—Dallas 2008, no writ)
Won jury verdict for indemnity company in breach of guaranty case and affirmed on appeal.
In Re: Delta Lloyds Insurance Co. of Houston, Texas 339 S.W.3d 384 (Multidistrict Litigation Panel of Texas 2008)
Successfully obtained transfer of venue of Hurricane Rita cases to MDL court.
Decrescentis v. Metro Basements & Waterproofing, 2004 Tex. App. LEXIS 10904 (Tex. App.-Fort Worth 2004)
Won summary judgment for target defendant in construction defect case.
Wellington Insurance Company v. Standard Guaranty Insurance Company.
Successfully obtained arbitration verdict of reimbursement for carrier on coverage issues.
Cervantes v. Home State & County Mutual.
Successfully defended carrier in first party bad faith arbitration.
Hilton v. Central Freight,
Successfully obtained plaintiff’s verdict in age discrimination suit.
State of Texas, 1990
State of Oklahoma, 2008
U.S. Supreme Court
U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit
U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Texas
U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
U.S. District Court, Western District of Texas
State Bar of Oklahoma
State Bar of Texas
Tarrant County Bar Association
Tarrant County Bar Foundation
Claims and Litigation Management Alliance
Active volunteer –Tabernacle Baptist Church; VBS/Praise team/ women’s ministry
Sustaining Life Fellow, Texas Bar Foundation
Fort Worth Women Who Care 2019-2021
Volunteer – Aviation Insurance Association Education Committee
Recognized as a “Top Attorney” by Fort Worth Magazine
“The Texas MDL Statute and Insurance Litigation,” Journal of Texas Insurance Law (Winter 2008)
“Y2K and Aviation: What’s the Big Deal?” SMU Air Journal (1999)
“It’s August: Does My GPS Work?” Women in Aviation (Winter 1998)
“Are Service Bulletins Mandatory?” Women in Aviation (Fall 1997)
Liability for Criminal Acts of Third Parties, National Association of Insurance Women and Texas Independent Insurance Adjusters
Legal Update for Insurance Personnel, Texas Independent Insurance Adjusters
Bad Faith in the Lone Star State, Texas Department of Insurance and HomeFirst Agency Adjusters
Changing Legal Landscape in Texas, Texas Independent Insurance Adjusters
MDL and Consolidation: Tools to Use to Aid in Case Management, State Bar of Texas, Advanced Personal Injury Seminar
You’re Going to Be Sued, National Association of Insurance Women
Former Instructor, National Real Estate and Right of Way Seminar
Frequent CE lecturer for TIIAA

April F. Robbins Read More »

Preston Polk

Preston Polk joined Cantey Hanger’s Business Transactions practice group in 2021. Polk’s practice focuses on mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, banking, real estate and other business transactions.

Corporate/Securities
Business Law
Mergers and Acquisitions
Banking
Real Estate
Baylor Law School (J.D., 2021)
Texas A&M University (B.S., 2018)
ppolk@canteyhanger.com
(817) 877-2814
(817) 877-2807
600 West 6th Street, Suite 300
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
Preston Polk joined Cantey Hanger’s Business Transactions practice group in 2021.  Polk’s practice focuses on mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, banking, real estate and other business transactions.
State Bar of Texas

Preston Polk Read More »

Jermaine Watson

Mr. Watson’s practice focuses primarily on chapter 11 business bankruptcy reorganizations, chapter 7 business bankruptcy proceedings, creditors’ rights, and commercial litigation.
Mr. Watson has participated in chapter 11 and chapter 7 proceedings in bankruptcy courts throughout Texas, and also in the Northern District of Ohio, Western District of Arkansas, District of Delaware and the Southern District of New York.  Mr. Watson has assisted chapter 7 and chapter 11 business debtor clients and creditors in the Northern, Southern, Eastern, and Western Districts of Texas.  He has confirmed chapter 11 plans for e-commerce, healthcare, energy, and construction companies in chapter 11 bankruptcy cases in the Northern, Southern and Western Districts of Texas.  He has also handled distressed transactions for debtor entities outside of bankruptcy.
He has also successfully assisted entrepreneurs and companies with filing business chapter 7 cases in bankruptcy courts in the Northern and Eastern Districts of Texas.  Mr. Watson has also represented trustees and liquidating trustees in bankruptcy proceedings.  Aside from representing distressed companies and trustees, Mr. Watson has represented lending institutions, a regulator, trade creditors, a creditors’ committee, and ad hoc committees in chapter 11 bankruptcy cases.  Most recently, Mr. Watson served as counsel for the creditors’ committee in the Fore Machine, LLC, et. al chapter 11 bankruptcy case. He has also handled adversary proceedings in bankruptcy cases as well as commercial litigation in state and federal courts.
Mr. Watson began his legal career as a law clerk to Chief Bankruptcy Judge, Kathy A. Surratt-States of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Missouri in St. Louis, Missouri.  After completing his four-year clerkship, Mr. Watson joined the Dallas office of a large law firm for nearly five years where he concentrated his practice on restructuring troubled companies, creditors’ rights and bankruptcy related litigation.  Mr. Watson later became the founding shareholder of his own law firm where he continued to focus his practice primarily on restructuring troubled businesses and creditors’ rights.  Prior to joining Cantey Hanger LLP, Mr. Watson was a partner at another law firm in Fort Worth.
Mr. Watson served as a council member of the State Bar of Texas, Bankruptcy Section for eight years prior to stepping down in 2021.  Mr. Watson is also a member of the Dallas Bar Association, J. L. Turner Legal Association, Tarrant County Bar Association, American Bankruptcy Institute and the Dallas Business Club.  Besides his professional affiliations, Mr. Watson serves as a board member of the Metropolitan YMCA of Fort Worth.  He is also an active member of Scouts B.S.A. (formerly Boy Scouts of America) where he serves as an adult leader.  Mr. Watson is a member of the Arlington/Grand Prairie Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and the Arlington Seventh-Day Adventist Church.

Bankruptcy
Creditors’ Rights
Corporate Restructuring
Commercial Litigation

University of Tennessee at Knoxville, J.D., 2003
University of Tennessee at Knoxville, M.B.A. (in Finance), 2003
Elon University (NC), B.A., 1999
jwatson@canteyhanger.com
(817) 877-2861
(817) 877-2807
600 West 6th Street, Suite 300
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
500 N. Akard Street, Suite 2940
Dallas, Texas 75201
Mr. Watson has participated in chapter 11 and chapter 7 proceedings in bankruptcy courts throughout Texas, and also in the Northern District of Ohio, Western District of Arkansas, District of Delaware and the Southern District of New York. Mr. Watson has assisted chapter 7 and chapter 11 business debtor clients and creditors in the Northern, Southern, Eastern, and Western Districts of Texas. He has confirmed chapter 11 plans for e-commerce, healthcare, energy, and construction companies in chapter 11 bankruptcy cases in the Northern, Southern and Western Districts of Texas. He has also handled distressed transactions for debtor entities outside of bankruptcy.

He has also successfully assisted entrepreneurs and companies with filing business chapter 7 cases in bankruptcy courts in the Northern and Eastern Districts of Texas. Mr. Watson has also represented trustees and liquidating trustees in bankruptcy proceedings. Aside from representing distressed companies and trustees, Mr. Watson has represented lending institutions, a regulator, trade creditors, and ad hoc committees in chapter 11 bankruptcy cases. Most recently, Mr. Watson served as counsel for the ad hoc board members in the National Rifle Association chapter 11 bankruptcy case seeking the appointment of an examiner. He has also handled adversary proceedings in bankruptcy cases as well as commercial litigation in state and federal courts.

Mr. Watson served as a council member of the State Bar of Texas, Bankruptcy Section for eight years prior to stepping down in 2021. Mr. Watson is also a member of the Dallas Bar Association, J. L. Turner Legal Association, Tarrant County Bar Association, American Bankruptcy Institute and the Dallas Business Club. Besides his professional affiliations, Mr. Watson serves as a board member of the Metropolitan YMCA of Fort Worth. He is also an active member of Scouts B.S.A. (formerly Boy Scouts of America) where he serves as an adult leader. Mr. Watson is a member of the Arlington/Grand Prairie Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and the Arlington Seventh-Day Adventist Church.
State Bar of Texas, Bankruptcy Section, Business Law Section
Missouri Bar
Tarrant County Bar Association
Dallas Bar Association
J.L. Turner Legal Association
U.S. Federal District Courts for the Northern, Southern, Eastern, and Western Districts of Texas
U.S. Federal District Courts for the Eastern and Western Districts of Arkansas
Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals
Federal Circuit Court of Appeals
The YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth, Board Member
The University of Tennessee Dallas-Fort Worth Alumni Chapter, Board Member
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated, Arlington-Grand Prairie Graduate Chapter
Scouts B.S.A. (formerly Boy Scouts of America), Assistant Scoutmaster for Boys’ Troop 498
Leadership Fort Worth, Leader Prime Class of 2021
Fort Worth Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce
The Dallas Business Club

Jermaine Watson Read More »

Lyndsay A. Newell

Ms. Newell has experience working day in and day out helping people deal with all areas of family law matters.  Her practice includes areas such as divorce, paternity cases, etc.

Family Law
Commercial Litigation
Texas Wesleyan University School of Law, 2012, J.D.
University of Tennessee, 2009, M.S.
University of Tennessee, 2008, B.S.
lnewell@canteyhanger.com
(817) 877-2872
(817) 877-2807
600 West 6th Street, Suite 300
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
Ms. Newell has experience working day in and day out helping people deal with all areas of family law matters.  Her practice includes areas such as divorce, paternity cases, etc.
Licensed to Practice Law in Texas, November 2012
State Bar of Texas
Tarrant County Bar Association
Tarrant County Family Law Bar Association
Tarrant County Young Lawyers Association
Eldon B. Mahon Inns of Court
Recognized as a “Rising Star” by Texas Super Lawyers, 2017-2021
Recognized as a “Top Attorney” by 360 West Magazine, 2017-2021

Lyndsay A. Newell Read More »

Michael Ackerman

Michael Ackerman’s practice primarily focuses on commercial litigation.  He has broad experience in both state and federal court with litigation involving general business disputes, contract disputes, fiduciary litigation, covenants not to compete, and fraud, as well as personal injury and wrongful death cases.
Michael graduated from the University of Georgia School of Law, where he served on the Law Review editorial board and worked with the Federal Appellate Litigation Clinic, in which he represented clients seeking asylum in the United States.  Before joining the firm, he served as a law clerk to the Honorable John H. McBryde of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas.  He joined Cantey Hanger’s litigation section in 2020.

Litigation
Commercial Litigation
University of Georgia School of Law, J.D., cum laude, 2019
University of Georgia, B.A., magna cum laude, B.S.Ed., magna cum laude, 2014
mackerman@canteyhanger.com
(817) 877-2853
(817) 877-2807
600 West 6th Street, Suite 300
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
Served as federal law clerk.
Researched and drafted numerous pleadings and motions in state and federal court, including successful dispositive motions.
Negotiated favorable settlements for variety of clients.
Drafted writ of mandamus that was granted by state court of appeals.
Competed in several international moot court competitions.
Licensed to practice in the States of Georgia and Texas
Admitted to practice in the U.S. District Courts for the Northern, Southern, Eastern, and Western Districts of Texas
U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit
Prepared and taught two CLE classes: Overview of NIL (Name, Image & Likeness) in September 2022 and Changes to the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct in August 2021.
Represented low-income client pro bono in uncontested divorce case through Tarrant County Volunteer Attorney Services.
Helped coordinate networking and community service events through United Way’s Emerging Leaders United program.

Michael Ackerman Read More »