Fort Worth

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.

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Tyler Goldthwaite

Tyler Goldthwaite has more than a decade of experience representing clients in complex business transactions, with a focus on the acquisition, financing, and disposition of commercial real estate properties.  Tyler advises a host of clients including business owners, land developers, and financial institutions. Tyler’s real estate practice covers multiple property classes, including office, industrial, retail, undeveloped land, and residential.
Prior to joining Cantey Hanger, Tyler served as an associate in a boutique business and commercial law firm focused on a practice including small business M&A, real estate transactions, construction and litigation. Tyler has also served as in house counsel for a Fort Worth-based energy company, where he specialized in oil & gas land titles and real estate acquisition and disposition.

Real Estate
Business Law
Construction
Energy
Banking
Texas Tech University School of Law, J.D., 2011
Texas Christian University, B.A., cum laude, 2007
tgoldthwaite@canteyhanger.com
(817) 877-2865
(817) 877-2807
600 West 6th Street, Suite 300
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
Mr. Goldthwaite has experience assisting clients in general corporate transactions, real estate, energy, and construction practice areas including corporate/LLC formations, shareholder/unitholder agreements, commercial lease agreements, real estate transaction & finance documents, negotiating and preparing construction contracts and liens, non-compete/non-disclosure agreements, and mineral title opinions in support of leasing and development activity.
Licensed to Practice in Texas, 2011
Admitted to U.S. District Court Northern District of Texas
State Bar of Texas

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Kate Hancock

Kate is a member of the firm’s litigation section where she focuses her practice on complex commercial litigation.  Her broad experience covers litigation and appeals involving general business disputes, contract disputes, fiduciary litigation, covenants not to compete, fraud, and construction disputes in federal and states courts.  Prior to joining Cantey Hanger, Kate was a law clerk to the Honorable John H. McBryde of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas.

Commercial Litigation
Health Law
Internal and Independent Investigations
Texas Tech University School of Law, Lubbock, Texas, J.D., 2017, cum laude
Abilene Christian University, Abilene, Texas, B.B.M., 2013, magna cum laude
khancock@canteyhanger.com
(817) 877-2842
(817) 877-2807
600 West 6th Street, Suite 300
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
Kate is a member of the firm’s litigation section where she focuses her practice on complex commercial litigation.  Her broad experience covers litigation and appeals involving general business disputes, contract disputes, fiduciary litigation, covenants not to compete, fraud, and construction disputes in federal and states courts.  Prior to joining Cantey Hanger, Kate was a law clerk to the Honorable John H. McBryde of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas.
State Bar of Texas
Tarrant County Bar Association
Tarrant County Young Lawyers Association

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J. Frank Kinsel, Jr.

J. Frank Kinsel, Jr. came to Cantey Hanger from a large law firm in Waco, in 1990. He practiced in Dallas for a period before that. As the son of an attorney for Texaco, Inc., Jeff lived in New York, South America and Belgium as a child. When younger, Mr. Kinsel’s first legal experience was as an oil and gas contract attorney for a Texas oil drilling company. In that capacity he lived, worked and traveled extensively in the Middle East negotiating contracts. He later evolved into an insurance litigation lawyer with clients such as medical care providers, bus companies, ambulance companies and manufacturers. Mr. Kinsel handles cases involving first party insurance coverage, employment litigation, medical malpractice, product liability, bad faith and legal malpractice. He has expertise in personal injury litigation including product liability, premises liability, toxic torts and environmental matters.
Commercial Litigation
Labor & Employment
Insurance Defense
Southern Methodist University School of Law, Dallas, Texas (J.D., 1974)
Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas (B.B.A. 1971)
jkinsel@canteyhanger.com
(817) 877-2816
(817) 877-2807
600 W. 6th St., Suite 300
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
Insurance Coverage
Employment Litigation
Commercial Litigation
Personal Injury Litigation
Product Liability
Toxic Torts
Legal malpractice, bad faith
Medical malpractice (defense of hospitals, doctors, nurses and nursing homes against negligence and liability)
Licensed to practice in Texas, 1974
Admitted to the U.S. District Court Northern District of Texas
Admitted to the U.S. District Court Eastern District of Texas
Admitted to the U.S. District Court Western District of Texas
Admitted to the U.S. District Court Southern District of Texas
Admitted to the U.S. Court of Appeals 5th
Personal Injury Trial Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization
Civil Trial Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization Circuit
American Board of Trial Advocates
Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel
Association of Defense Trial Attorneys
Texas Association of Defense Counsel (1995-2004 Director)
Tarrant County Bar Association- LegalLine
Member, Regional Affairs Committee of the United States Golf Association
Selected as a Texas Super Lawyer in Civil Defense Litigation by Super Lawyers, a Thomson Reuters rating service, 2005-2017
Recognized as a “Texas Super Lawyer” in Civil Litigation-Defense by Texas Monthly Magazine in the special September/October issue, 2018 & 2019.

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Susan E. Lane

Susan obtained her J.D. from the University of Texas at Austin. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa from The University of Oklahoma with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Letters, with highest honors. Since being licensed in Texas in 1986, her practice has focused exclusively on Immigration and Nationality law including employment-based immigration, family-based immigration, and naturalization. Susan has a wealth of experience representing a wide range of client employers, large and small, including high tech companies, universities, manufacturers, banks, and churches in complex employment based immigration matters.  Cases include labor certifications, outstanding professor and researcher petitions, multinational executive and manager petitions, relative visa petitions, and fiancé petitions.  Nonimmigrant matters include H-1B, L-1, TN, E-3, R-1, and B-1/B-2.

Immigration
The University of Texas School of Law
Austin, Texas
J.D.
May, 1986
University Of Oklahoma
Norman, Oklahoma
Bachelor of Arts in Letters With Highest Honors
May, 1983
Phi Beta Kappa
slane@canteyhanger.com
(817) 877-2805
(817) 877-2807
600 W. 6th St., Suite 300
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
For more information regarding Susan Lane’s practice, please go to Immigrationattorneydfw.com

Susan obtained her J.D. from the University of Texas at Austin. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa from The University of Oklahoma with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Letters, with highest honors. Since being licensed in Texas in 1986, her practice has focused exclusively on Immigration and Nationality law including employment-based immigration, family-based immigration, and naturalization. Susan has a wealth of experience representing a wide range of client employers, large and small, including high tech companies, universities, manufacturers, banks, and churches in complex employment based immigration matters.  Cases include labor certifications, outstanding professor and researcher petitions, multinational executive and manager petitions, relative visa petitions, and fiancé petitions.  Nonimmigrant matters include H-1B, L-1, TN, E-3, R-1, and B-1/B-2.
State Bar of Texas
Tarrant County Bar Association
American Immigration Lawyers Association
Fellow of the Tarrant County Bar Foundation
Southlake Chamber of Commerce
Southlake Executive Forum
White’s Chapel United Methodist Church
Named Top Attorney by 360 West magazine, 2020

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Mary Colchin Johndroe

Mary Colchin Johndroe vigorously represents clients in civil litigation, including construction, contract, eminent domain, inverse condemnation, property rights, and government law cases. She has handled cases at all levels of the legal system; before commissions and administrative agencies, in trials and appeals within Texas state and federal courts, including the Texas and U.S. Supreme Courts. Ms. Johndroe joined Cantey Hanger in 1986 and was elected partner in 1992.
Eminent Domain/Property Rights
Construction
Baylor University School of Law, Waco, Texas (J.D., 1986)
University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas (B.A. Sociology, 1979)
– graduate work in Urban Affairs
mjohndroe@canteyhanger.com
(817) 877-2810
(817) 877-2807
600 W. 6th St., Suite 300
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
Represented municipality in eminent domain proceedings and negotiation of property interests to extend airport runway – involved relocation of rail and utilities on more than 50 parcels.
Counsel to international airport handling condemnations and risk avoidance in business disputes.
Lead attorney defending large hospital against condemnations by the State achieving lucrative settlements far in excess of award.
Attorney in charge representing river authority in substantial construction litigation resulting in favorable resolutions.
Obtained desirable judgments as lead counsel for river authority in eminent domain and inverse condemnation.
Represented municipality in defense of suit seeking to invalidate property tax resulting in summary judgment for client.
Represent landowners and condemnors in condemnations in Brown, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Hood, Johnson, Parker,  Polk, Tarrant and Wise counties.
Intermediary dispute resolution in eminent domain.
Lead attorney in complex multi-party construction litigation defending Canadian company. Obtained very favorable settlement in the midst of Daubert proceedings against plaintiff’s engineering experts.
Lead attorney defending utility companies in numerous personal injury, contract and property damage cases.
Adjunct Professor, Texas A&M University School of Law – Spring 2013 and 2014 (Construction Law)
Martindale Hubbell “AV Preeminent” Rating
The American Lawyer – Texas’ Top Rated Lawyers – Eminent Domain and Construction Law
Licensed to practice law in Texas in 1986
Admitted to practice before the United States District Court, Northern District of Texas
State Bar of Texas
– Litigation Section
– Construction Law Section
Tarrant County Bar Association
– Construction Law Section
– Real Estate Section
Women’s Bar Association, Board Member, 2012-2013
Certified Arbitrator (2007)
Texas Bar Foundation, Life Fellow
Tarrant County Bar Foundation, Fellow
Women Influencing Business – Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce
Arlington Chamber of Commerce – Business Development Advisory Council
Women’s Chamber of Commerce of Texas
International Right of Way Association
National Association of Women Business Owners, Supporting Member
The Women’s Center, Council of Honor
The Women’s Foundation of North Texas
First Texas Council of Camp Fire Blue Ribbon Award, 1996
YWCA Tribute to Women in Business Award, 1999
Great Women of Texas, 2007 Woman of Influence
Fort Worth Business Press Great Women of Texas Alumni Group
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tarrant County, Charter Member, Attorneys for Littles

“Appeals – Direct and Cross-Examination, CLE International’s 12th Annual Eminent Domain Conference, August 9-10, 2018.”
“It’s Good to be King – Sovereign Immunity and Inverse Condemnation for Flooding by Dam Operations,” Texas A&M University School of Law, February 2018
“Are Lost Profits for Obstruction of Access Lost in Texas Condemnation?”, TCAA Monthly Member News, October 2017
“Inverse Condemnation Litigation: Strategies for Municipal Attorneys for Avoiding and Defending Taking Claims,” Strafford Publications Webinar, July 18, 2017
“Appellate Dilemmas in Eminent Domain — Right-to-Take Challenges, Expert Methodology, and Damages,” 10th Annual CLE International Eminent Domain Conference, September 15-16, 2016
“Jurisdictional Issues Determined in Administrative Stage of Texas Condemnations,” July 18, 2016
“‘Something Much Simpler’ in Texas Condemnation – The Separate Economic Unit,” IRWA Chapter 36, Spring Seminar, April 29, 2016
“Survey Rights and Condemnation in Texas,” March 28, 2016
“Appellate Dilemmas in Eminent Domain — Right-to-Take Challenges, Expert Methodology, and Damages”, CLE International’s 10th Annual Eminent Domain Conference, September 15-16, 2016.
“’Something Much Simpler’ in Texas Condemnation – The Separate Economic Unit,” TCAA Monthly Member News, December 2015
“Hot Topics in Public/Private Partnerships,” State Bar of Texas, Minority Counsel, Austin, Texas, September 3-5, 2014
“The Eminent and Inverse Environment – The Interplay Between Environmental Issues and Condemnation,” Tarrant County Bar Association, CLE Seminar for the Environmental Law Section, February 27, 2014
“Pilot Program for Property Tax Appeals Begins in 2010,” Fort Worth Business Press, July 6-12, 2009
State v. Stockton Bend 100 Joint Venture, No. 02-14-00307-CV, 2016 WL 3198960 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth June 9, 2016, pet. denied) (mem. op.)
In re Stockton Bend 100 Relator Joint Venture, No. 02-13-00368-CV, 2013 WL 5874581 (Tex. App.–Fort Worth Oct. 31, 2013, orig. proceeding)
Boyer, Inc. v. Trinity River Authority of Texas, 279 S.W.3d 354 (Tex. App.— Fort Worth 2008, pet. denied)
Blackburne & Brown Mortgage Fund I v. Atmos Energy Corp., No. 02-06-00393-CV, 2007 WL 3408653 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth Nov. 15, 2007, pet. denied) (mem. op.)
Gregory Connolly v. Texas Utilities Co., et al., No. 02-01-00200-CV (Tex. App.—Fort Worth Sept. 27, 2001, no pet.)
Christopher Aaron v. TU Electric Co., et al., No. 02-00-00240-CV (Tex. App.—Fort Worth August 25, 2000, no pet.)
In re Jerry’s Chevrolet-Buick, Inc., 977 S.W.2d 565 (Tex. 1998)
Tarrant Appraisal District v. Moore, 845 S.W.2d 820 (Tex. 1993)
Bryant v. Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc., 786 S.W.2d 547 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 1990, pet. denied), cert. denied, 498 U.S. 1126, 112 L.Ed.2d 1194 (Feb. 25, 1991)
Tarrant Appraisal District, et al. v. Wilmington Trust Co., et al., No. 02-88-00139-CV (Tex. App.—Fort Worth August 31, 1989, no writ)
H. Wendorf & D. Schlueter, Supplement to Texas Rules of Evidence Manual, 1985

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Steve Madsen

Mr. Madsen is a litigator, primarily a defense litigator, although he has extensive experience in many areas of civil litigation. He is a career Cantey Hanger litigator, having come to the Fort Worth firm in 1976 shortly after his graduation from Baylor University School of Law and a stint as a briefing attorney for Court of Appeals of the Twelfth Supreme Judicial District of Texas.

Health Law
Commercial Litigation
Energy
Probate Litigation

J.D., Baylor University School of Law, Waco, TX, 1975
B.A., The University of Texas at Austin, 1972
Honors: Plan II Honors Program
smadsen@canteyhanger.com
(817) 877-2836
(817) 877-2807
600 W. 6th St. Suite 300
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
Healthcare Liability Defense (current representative clients are: Christus Health, Good Shepherd Medical Center – Longview, and United Regional Healthcare System of Wichita Falls)
Vast experience in all types of personal injury defense (premises liability, construction accidents, products liability, bad faith claims)
Defense of Oil and Gas operators
Various types of litigation involving probate, estates, and trusts
Licensed to practice in Texas, 1975
Admitted to U.S. District Court Northern District of Texas
American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) Member and Past- President 2001, Fort Worth Chapter
Texas Bar Foundation Member
Tarrant County Bar Association Member
Tarrant County Bar Foundation Member and Past Chairman of the Historical Preservation Committee
Named “Top Lawyers”, Fort Worth Business Press, 2013 – 2018.
Mr. Madsen was selected as a Super Lawyer by Super Lawyers, a Thomson Reuters rating service, 2005 – 2018
“AV” Rating – Martindale Hubbell
Fellow, Tarrant County Bar Foundation, 2018

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Kirk Manning

Mr. Manning is a member of the Taxation, Trust and Estates and Small Business Organizations Group. His practice is centered in the formation, organization and reorganization of business entities, the purchase and sale of business entities, real estate investment and development, income tax planning for individuals, corporations and partnerships, and representation in tax disputes. He additionally practices in the areas of health law and probate and estate planning.

Business Law
Estate Planning
Tax
Trusts & Estates
Georgetown University Law Center, Washington, DC, 1973 LL.M.
The University of Texas School of Law, Austin, TX, 1971 J.D.
Washington & Lee University, Lexington, VA, 1968 B.A.
kmanning@canteyhanger.com
(817) 877-2863
(817) 877-2807
600 W. 6th St., Suite 300
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
Oil & Gas Field Services; Nonresidential Building Construction; Pharmaceutical Drugs; Manufactured Commercial Plastic Products; Real Estate Operators & Lessors; Health & Allied Services
Accurate Medical Equipment & Supply
Fort Worth Brain & Spine Institute
The Gearhart Companies
Kimbell, Inc
J.C. Pace, Ltd.
Miles Production Company
Thermacor Process, L.P.
The Miles Foundation
Sale of mail order pharmacy
Licensed to practice in Texas, 1972
Admitted to U.S. Court of Appeals 5th Circuit, 1976
Admitted to U.S. District Court, 1976
Admitted to U.S. Court of Federal Claims, 1975
Admitted to U.S. Supreme Court, 1975
Admitted to U.S. Tax Court, 1975
First United Methodist Church, Former Member of Board of Stewards
Past President, United Cerebral Palsy of Tarrant County, Texas
U.S. Army, 1968 – 1974 1st Lieutenant

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Brian Newby

Brian Newby has extensive experience representing Fortune 500 companies, national insurance carriers, retail distributors, small businesses and political subdivisions, including school districts, water and transportation authorities in commercial litigation, administrative law and governmental affairs. In addition, he has served in numerous local, state and national leadership positions, including elected office, active duty and the Air Reserve Components of the United States Air Force. He currently holds the rank of Major General.
Public & Regulatory
Commercial Litigation
Texas Tech University, B.A, 1983
University of Texas School of Law, J.D., 1986
USAF Squadron Officer School, 1987
Air War College, 2007

bnewby@canteyhanger.com
(817) 877-2825
512-402-5014
(817) 877-2807
600 W. 6th St., Suite 300
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
502 W. 13th St.
Austin, Texas 78701
(by appointment only)
Brian Newby heads our Public/Regulatory practice. He has extensive experience in commercial litigation as well as regulatory matters. With over 30 years of courtroom and state administrative law experience, he specializes in assisting clients in resolving high-profile, complex issues. He counsels large and small businesses, as well as state and local governmental entities, on a wide variety of administrative law and legislative initiatives impacting their day to day business operations. His client base includes leaders in the fields of education, water, transportation and health care.

A courtroom advocate, Mr. Newby has taken to trial, arbitration and mediation hundreds of cases involving commercial business disputes, construction defects, public and private contract claims, personal injury and employment agreements. In addition, his practice includes representing clients before state and federal administrative hearing boards. A seasoned litigator, he has tried cases in state and federal courts throughout the state of Texas.

Experienced in state and local government, Mr. Newby served as the Chief of Staff and as the General Counsel to the Governor of Texas. He co-chaired the State of Texas’ hurricane recovery efforts following Hurricane Ike. He also has an extensive background in conducting independent investigations of sexual assault, sexual harassment, professional responsibility, violation of management standards/polices and violations of national, state and local codes of professional conduct. For a number of years, Mr. Newby served as the outside general counsel to the Houston General Insurance Company.

Mr. Newby began his legal career as an Air Forces lawyer (JAG), where he served as a felony courts-martial prosecutor, a defense attorney and conducted numerous commander directed investigations. Following active duty, he joined Cantey Hanger where he has been a partner in both the Fort Worth and Austin (Austin is by appointment only) offices. He now holds the position of Counsel in the Fort Worth office. He was named to Extraordinary Minorities in Texas Law (2010) by Texas Lawyer Magazine and to Power Attorneys (2012) by Fort Worth Business Press. A committed military officer and proven leader, he formerly managed over 450 military lawyers and paralegals nationwide in a reserve component of the U.S. Air Force. He retired at the rank of Major General.
State Bar of Texas (Litigation Section), (State Bar Mentor Committee), (Law Office Management Committee)
Texas Bar Foundation
Tarrant County Bar Association
Tarrant County Bar Foundation
Fort Worth-Tarrant County Black Bar Association (Past President)
U.S. Federal Districts Courts, Northern, Southern, and Western Districts of Texas
Tarrant County Bar Foundation (Charter Treasurer and Life member)
Texas Association of Defense Counsel
Texas General Counsel Forum
Board of Regents, Texas Tech University System, 1999 – 2005 (Vice Chairman)
Director, Tarrant Regional Water District, 1994-2004
Leadership Fort Worth
Texas Lyceum
Cook Children’s Foundation
United Way
Community Foundation of North Texas
Communities in Schools
Fort Worth Club
Fort Worth Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce
Selected as 400 Most Influential People by Fort Worth Inc. Magazine, 2020-2021
Recognized as a “Texas Super Lawyer” in Administrative Law by Texas Monthly Magazine in the special September/October issue, 2021
Boy Scouts of America, Longhorn Council, “Law Good Scout Award”, 2021

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Jordan Parker

Jordan M. Parker is a partner in the firm’s Litigation Section.  He defends physicians, hospitals, nurses, nursing homes, and other health care providers in medical negligence claims and lawsuits.  Mr. Parker represents health care providers and institutions in federal qui tam lawsuits filed under the False Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. § 3729-3733.  Mr. Parker also handles mass tort, drug liability, medical device liability, and catastrophic injury cases for a variety of defendants in civil litigation.  Mr. Parker represents physicians in contested proceedings and license revocation hearings before the Texas Medical Board, as well as nurses in adverse proceedings before the Texas Board of Nursing and other providers before their respective boards in Austin.  For complaints against health care providers that are not resolved at the agency level, Mr. Parker litigates at the State Office of Administrative Hearings (“SOAH”) in Austin.  In addition, Mr. Parker advises hospitals and other health care entities regarding credentialing matters.

Litigation
Health Law
Family Law
Medical Device/Pharma
Public & Regulatory
University of Texas at Arlington, B.A. in English and History, 1986
Texas Tech University School of Law, J.D., 1990
Order of the Coif
Note Editor, Texas Tech Law Review
jparker@canteyhanger.com
(817) 877-2858
(817) 333-2958
600 W. 6th St., Suite 300
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
Acclaim Physician Group
Adventist Health System
Baylor Scott & White Health
Cook Children’s Medical Center
Cook Children’s Physician Network
Tarrant County Hospital District d/b/a JPS Health Network
Texas Health Resources
Texas Medical Liability Trust
University of North Texas Health Science Center

Mr. Parker represents individuals and businesses in a variety of contractual and commercial disputes, including emergency relief from or response to Temporary Restraining Orders.

Mr. Parker represents husbands and wives in select divorce proceedings and handles select contested child custody and child support modification cases for fathers, mothers, grandparents, and guardians. When necessary, Mr. Parker obtains or responds to temporary and emergency Motions and Orders, including Temporary Restraining Orders.
Licensed to practice in Texas, 1990
Licensed to practice in Oklahoma, 2005
Admitted to U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, 1991
Admitted to U.S. District Court for the Southern, Eastern, and Western Districts of Texas, 1993
Admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Northern, Eastern, and Western Districts of Oklahoma, 2007
Admitted to Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, 2016
Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization, 2002
Alpha Chi, National Honor Society
Phi Alpha Theta, National History Honor Society
Order of the Coif
Note Editor, Texas Tech Law Review
Member, Texas Association of Defense Counsel
Sustaining Life Fellow, Texas Bar Foundation
Sustaining Life Fellow, Tarrant County Bar Foundation
Named “Super Lawyer” by Texas Monthly magazine, 2004-2024
Named “Top Attorney” by Fort Worth, Texas magazine, 2006-2024
Best Lawyers in America, Medical Malpractice-Defendants, 2024
AV rating, Martindale Hubbell
Parker and Hernandez, Use and Non-Use of Tangible Personal Property in Public Hospitals Under §101.021 of the Texas Tort Claims Act, 34 Tex. Tech L. Rev. 131 (1993)
Griffith and Parker, With Malice Toward None: The Metamorphosis of Statutory and Common Law Protections for Physicians and Hospitals in Negligent Credentialing Litigation, 22 Tex. Tech L. Rev. 157 (1991) *Outstanding Law Review Article in Texas, Texas Bar Foundation, 1991

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John Johndroe

S.G. Johndroe III, now retired concentrate his practice in litigation affecting real estate interests, including condemnation, real property valuations, transactional conflicts, and boundary disputes. He has tried many cases involving real estate issues and has been called upon to provide expert testimony with regard to land titles as well as to act as a mediator in the resolution of real property disputes. In addition to his trial work, Mr. Johndroe handled many cases at the appellate level, presenting oral arguments to appellate courts in over thirty cases. In addition to appearing before Texas Courts of Appeals, he has argued before the Supreme Court of Texas, the Fifth Circuit of the United States Court of Appeals, and is admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States.
Eminent Domain/Property Rights
B.A., Yale University – 1967
J.D., University of Texas School of Law – 1970
jjohndroe@canteyhanger.com
(817) 877-2871
(817) 877-2807
600 W. 6th St., Suite 300
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC v. El Halcon Investment LLC, No. 11-14-00164-CV, 2016 WL 4710445 (Tex. App.–Eastland July 29, 2016)
State v. Stockton Bend 100 Joint Venture, No. 02-14-00307-CV, 2016 WL 3198960 (Tex. App.- Fort Worth June 9, 2016)
Rischon Development Corp. v. City of Keller, 242 S.W.3d 161 (Tex. App.–Fort Worth 2007, pet. denied), cert. denied, 129 S.Ct. 501, 172 L.Ed.2d 359, 2008 LEXIS 8056, 77 U.S.L.W. 3265 (U.S. 2008)
Denton County v. Tarrant County, 139 S.W.3d 22 (Tex. App.- Fort Worth 2004, pet. denied)
Tarrant County v. Denton County, 87 S.W.3d 159 (Tex. App.- Fort Worth 2002, pet. denied)
In re Tarrant County, 16 S.W.3d 914 (Tex. App.-Fort Worth 2000, pet. denied)
Brown v. State, 984 S.W.2d 348 (Tex. App.-Fort Worth 1999, pet. denied)
MCI Telecomms. Corp. v. Texas Utils. Elec. Co., 995 S.W.2d 647 (Tex. 1999)
Gorrell v. Texas Utils. Elec. Co., 954 S.W.2d 767 (Tex. 1997)
Smith v. Armstrong, 383 F. Supp. 365 (N.D.Tex. 1974)
Estate of Wilson v. Wilson, 587 S.W.2d 674 (Tex. 1979)
Texas Electric Service Co. v. Wheeler, 551 S.W.2d 341 (Tex. 1977)
Texas Electric Service Co. v. Dyer, 680 S.W.2d 883 (Tex. App.—El Paso 1984, n.r.e.)
Texas Electric Service Co. v. Swaim, 590 S.W.2d 788 (Tex. App.—El Paso 1979, n.r.e.)
Texas Electric Service Co. v. Nix, 575 S.W.2d 304 (Tex. App.—El Paso 1978, n.r.e.)
Texas Electric Service Co. v. Ragle, 559 S.W.2d 454 (Tex. App.—El Paso 1977, n.r.e.)
Texas Electric Service Co. v. Nelon, 546 S.W.2d 864 (Tex. App.—El Paso 1977, n.r.e.)
Texas Electric Service Co. v. West, 560 S.W.2d 769 (Tex. App.—El Paso 1977, n.r.e.)
Represented landowners and obtained 1 million + jury verdict in Parker County case involving condemnation for electric transmission lines.
Obtained 1.5 million settlement in Parker County involving condemnation case for a gas pipeline.
Obtained 1.2 million jury verdict in Hood County involving condemnation case for a highway taking.
Obtained an over 1.1 million dollar jury verdict for landowner in an eminent domain jury trial against the State of Texas in Hood County.
Obtained $4.9 million settlement for landowners in condemnation case involving city airport
Obtained $3.6 million settlement for property owners in condemnation case involving shopping center
Board Certified Civil Trial Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 1980
Licensed to practice law in Texas in 1970
Admitted to U.S. Court of Appeals 5th Circuit – 1975
Admitted to U.S. District Court Northern District of Texas – 1970
Admitted to U.S. District Court Eastern District of Texas – 1975
Admitted to U.S. District Court Western District of Texas – 1980
Admitted to United States Supreme Court – 2008
Admitted to Guantanamo Bay Naval Bar Association – 1973
Texas Bar Foundation, Life Member
Tarrant County Bar Association, Life Member
Recognized as a “Texas Super Lawyer” in Eminent Domain by Texas Monthly Magazine in the special September/October issue, 2018-2020.
Named “Top Attorney in Texas”, Texas Monthly Magazine, 2012
Named “Super Lawyer in Eminent Domain” by Super Lawyers, a Thomson Reuters rating service, 2011 – 2016
Selected as a “Top Attorney” by Fort Worth Magazine, 2012
Martindale Hubbell “AV” Rating – For over 35 years, 1980 – 2016
Fort Worth Business Press – one of twelve “Power Attorneys in Tarrant County”, 2008
Served on Fort Worth Cancer Society and Fort Worth YMCA Metropolitan boards of directors
Served in the United States Marine Corps, active duty, 1970-1973
“2013 Texas Legislative Update” IRWA Seminar “Hot Topics in Real Estate and Eminent Domain”, April 26, 2013
“Senate Bill 18”, International Right of Way Seminar, Arlington, Texas 2011.
“Recent Developments in Texas Eminent Domain Law,” Lorman’s Eminent Domain for Attorneys, Dallas Texas, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011
“Texas Case Law Update”, 2008 Annual Program on Planning, Zoning and Eminent Domain by the Center for American and International Law, Plano Texas
“Recent Development in Texas Eminent Domain Law,” 2007 Lorman Eminent Domain Seminar
“Whittington and Public Purpose,” 2007 CLE International Eminent Domain Seminar
“Condemnation of Gas Pipeline Easements,” Fort Worth Business Press Barnett Shale Symposium (2006)
“Elements of Damage for a Property with Potential for Development: A Guide for Appraisers and Attorneys,” Chapter 13, Institute on Planning, Zoning and Eminent Domain (1993) Southwestern Legal Foundation

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Allan Howeth

Allan Howeth has represented clients in estate planning, probate, estate, gift and income tax practice since joining Cantey Hanger in 1963.
Mr. Howeth served as Managing Partner of the firm for twenty years, first serving as an interim Managing Partner, then as the elected Managing Partner from 1985 to 2004.

Estate Planning
Tax
Trusts & Estates
SMU School of Law (J.D., 1963, cum laude)
Texas Christian University (B.A., 1960)
Texas Tech University
thoweth@canteyhanger.com
(817) 877-2844
(817) 877-2807
600 W. 6th St., Suite 300
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
Mr. Howeth is the former managing partner of the firm and is a former section head of the Taxation, Trust and Estates, Small Business Organizations Group in the Fort Worth office. A native of Fort Worth, Mr. Howeth joined Cantey Hanger in 1963, after receiving his law degree from Southern Methodist University that year. As an undergraduate, he first attended Texas Tech University, and then transferred to Texas Christian University, earning his B.A. in 1960.

His legal expertise includes individual and business tax planning, purchase and sale of business organizations, estate planning, probate and trust related matters.
Licensed to practice, all courts in State of Texas, U. S, District Court N.D. Texas; U. S. Tax Court; U. S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
Board Certified, Estate Planning and Probate Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization
Fellow, American College of Trust and Estate Counsel
Fellow, Texas Bar Foundation
Past Director, Texas Board of Legal Specialization
Past President & Board Member, Texas Academy of Probate and Trust Lawyers
Past Director, State Bar of Texas
Past Chairman, Real Estate, Probate and Trust Law Section, State Bar of Texas
Past President, Tarrant County Bar Association
Past President, Fort Worth-Tarrant County Junior Bar Association
Member, Tarrant County Bar Foundation
Best Lawyers in America recognition by Woodward/White, Inc. 2014, 2019, 2020
Recognized as a “Super Lawyer”, by Super Lawyers, a Thomson Reuters rating service, 2003 – 2015
Former Chairman, Estate and Gift Tax Committee (Legislative), Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section, American Bar Association
Recognized as a “Texas Super Lawyer” in Estate Planning and Probate by Texas Monthly Magazine in the special September/October issue, 2018-2021
Recognized in Fort Worth Inc. Magazine for being a “Top Attorney” for 2018
How to Avoid Probate: An Answer from Texas, Texas Bar Journal (1966).
Chapter Author, The Impact of the TRA 2010 on Estate Planners and Their Clients, Inside the Minds: Estate Planning Client Strategies (2012 ed.)
Chapter Author, How to Live and Die with Texas Probate, Real Estate, Probate & Trust Law Section, State Bar of Texas.
Numerous Continuing Legal Education presentations with State Bar of Texas. Southwestern Legal Foundation, and American Bar Association.

Allan Howeth Read More »

Morton Herman

Mr. Herman is a graduate of St. Mary’s University School of Law, J.D. 1971. He was a founder and associate editor of The St. Mary’s Law Journal. Post-graduate studies include work on an LLM at George Washington School of Law in Washington, DC. Upon graduation from law school, he worked in Washington, D.C. in the Office of General Counsel Federal Communications Commission, from 1970-1972, during the tenuous times of the Watergate scandal. He was first licensed to practice law in Texas in 1971.

Business Law
Energy
Estate Planning
Trusts & Estates
B.A., The University of Texas, Austin, Texas
J.D., St. Mary’s University School of Law, San Antonio, TX
The George Washington University Law School, Washington, DC, Post Graduate Work
mherman@canteyhanger.com
(817) 877-2841
(817) 877-2807
600 W. 6th St., Suite 300
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
Fort Worth native and veteran attorney, Mr. Herman’s practice is centered in real estate law, business and commercial transactions, probate estate administration, and commercial law.

His undergraduate degree, a B.B.A. from The University of Texas at Austin in 1965, preceded a two-year stint in the U.S. Army serving in Japan and Vietnam as a first lieutenant during the Vietnamese Conflict.

He is a graduate of St. Mary’s University School of Law, J.D. 1971. He was a founder and associate editor of The St. Mary’s Law Journal. Post-graduate studies include work on an LLM at George Washington School of Law in Washington, DC.

Upon graduation from law school, he worked in Washington, D.C. in the Office of General Counsel Federal Communications Commission, from 1970-1972, during the tenuous times of the Watergate scandal. He was first licensed to practice law in Texas in 1971.
Licensed to practice law in Texas, 1971
Admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas
Tarrant County Bar Association Member
State Bar of Texas – Member Texas Bar Foundation
Federal Communications Bar Association Member
Carter Blood Care Board Member / Officer / Executive Committee
Fort Worth Club Board of Governors/Officer/Past President/Executive Committee
Fort Worth Symphony; Arts Organization; American Heart Association; Cancer Society; United Way; Women’s Center of Fort Worth
Phi Delta Phi Legal Fraternity
Officer, Director and Past President of Congregation Ahavath Sholom, Fort Worth, Texas
The University of Texas at Austin, Texas Cowboys Alumni Association Founding Member
The University of Texas at Austin, College of Liberal Arts Advisory Council Member / Executive Committee
The University of Texas at Austin, T Association Member
The University of Texas at Austin, The Century Club Member
The University of Texas at Austin, Ex-Students’ Association Member

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Bradley Poulos

Bradley C. Poulos has represented clients in complex personal injury cases involving motor vehicle accidents and premises accidents since joining Cantey Hanger in 1985. He is licensed to practice law in Texas and Arkansas.
Health Law
Transportation
Baylor University School of Law, Waco, Texas
Juris Doctorate, November 1978
Class Rank: Top 15%
Associate Editor, Baylor Law Review 1977-1978.
Moot Court, Order of Barristers.
Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas
B.A. in Political Science, 1976.
Dean’s List, Fall 1975 and Spring 1976.
bpoulos@canteyhanger.com
(817) 877-2800
(817) 877-2807
600 W. 6th St., Suite 300
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
Defended numerous insurance companies and their insureds in cases arising out of motor vehicle accidents.
Defended numerous insurance companies in cases involving uninsured and underinsured motorists coverage.
Defended numerous insurance companies in cases involving allegations of bad faith and other extra-contractual claims.
Defended grocery stores and other premises owners and occupiers in slip and fall cases and sexual assault cases.
Defended manufacturers in complex products liability cases.
Licensed to practice in Texas, 1979
Licensed to practice in Arkansas, 1979
Admitted to U.S. District Court Northern District of Texas
Admitted to U.S. District Court Eastern District of Texas
Admitted to U.S. District Court Western District of Arkansas
Member America Board of Trial Attorneys (ABOTA)
Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation
Admitted to the State Bar of Texas – May 1979
Admitted to Practice in the State of Arkansas – August 1979
Admitted to the United States District Court: Northern and Eastern Districts of Texas, and Western District of Arkansas
Member of Texas Association of Defense Counsel
Member of Tarrant County Bar Association
Recognized in Fort Worth Inc. Magazine for being a “Top Attorney” for 2018

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Pollard Rogers

Pollard Rogers is a Fort Worth native who joined the Firm in 1984 after practicing law in Houston and Washington, D.C. His primary areas of practice have been in real estate, including farm and ranch, finance and oil and gas.
Mr. Rogers served as Managing Partner of Cantey Hanger from 2004 to 2011.

Banking
Energy
St. Mary’s University School of Law, San Antonio, TX , J.D. Law Review: St. Mary’s University Law Review, Comments Editor
The University of Texas, Austin, B.A.
Colorado College, Colorado Springs
progers@canteyhanger.com
(817) 877-2851
(817) 877-2807
600 W. 6th St., Suite 300
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport Real Estate Development Projects
Fort Worth Independent School District Oil & Gas Leasing Project
Sale of 27,000 acre ranch
Baylor Health Care System
Bell Helicopter/Textron
Frost National Bank
Klein Tools
Private Landowners and Investors
Bank of Texas
Community Bank & Trust
Basic Energy Services, Inc.
Public-Private Partnerships
Licensed to practice in Texas, 1977
Commercial Real Estate Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization
Baylor All Saints Medical Center – Past Chairman
Modern Art Museum, Executive Committee
Member, Fort Worth Stockshow Syndicate
Davey O’Brien Foundation
YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth
Downtown Fort Worth, Inc.
Named Texas Super Lawyers in Real Estate by Texas Monthly magazine, 2014, 2015. 2018
Recognized in Fort Worth Inc. Magazine for being a “Top Attorney” for 2018

Pollard Rogers Read More »

Joshua D. Ross

Mr. Ross is an experienced litigator representing clients in civil, criminal, and administrative matters in both federal and state jurisdictions, with a general focus in defense of health care providers and in environmental regulation and enforcement. With over 70 trials to jury verdict, and prior service as a State Attorney with experience in white collar and organized crime investigation and litigation, Mr. Ross represents clients in malpractice and licensure matters, fraud and abuse investigations and litigation, and other civil and criminal disputes.

Health Law
Government Investigations and Criminal Defense
Administrative Law
Environmental Law
Public & Regulatory
White Collar Criminal Defense
St. Mary’s University School of Law, San Antonio, Texas, 2004
St. Mary’s University School of Law, Institute on World Legal Problems, Innsbruck, Austria, Summer, 2002
Studied Concepts of Foreign Legal Systems, The Internationalization of the Legal Profession, and issues relating to Comparative Constitutional Law under United States Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia
The University of Texas, B.S., May, 2001
jross@canteyhanger.com
(817) 877-2854
(817) 877-2807
600 W. 6th St., Suite 300
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
500 N. Akard Street, Suite 2940
Dallas, Texas 75201
Eleven years as an Assistant District Attorney in the Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office, with lead counsel trial experience in the office’s Misdemeanor Trial Division, Family Violence/Domestic Crimes Unit, Felony Trial Division, Juvenile Division, and the Gang/Homicide Unit.

Defense of clients against environmental criminal charges.

Over 70 trials to jury verdict.  Lead counsel on thousands of cases.

Many of Mr. Ross’ criminal trials garnered significant media attention in local, national and worldwide publications and media outlets, including the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, The New York Daily News, The Daily Mail, etc.

Mr. Ross’ prosecution and trial of an Aryan Brotherhood of Texas “kingpin” in 2015 was part of a state-wide law-enforcement crackdown by local, state and federal officials targeting the leadership of one of the most violent organized criminal enterprises in the nation.

State Bar of Texas, 2004
United States District Court – Northern District of Texas
U.S. District Court – Eastern District of Texas
Fellow, Texas Bar Foundation
Fellow, Tarrant County Bar Foundation
Regional Director, Texas Association of Defense Counsel
Tarrant County Bar Association Volunteer Attorney Services Committee Co-Chairperson
Vice Chair, Cantey Hanger Litigation
Partner-in-Charge, Cantey Hanger Dallas Office
Recognized in Fort Worth Inc. Magazine for being a “Top Attorney” for 2018

Joshua D. Ross Read More »

Laura Hilton Hallmon

Board Certified in Labor and Employment Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, rated “AV Preeminent” by Martindale-Hubbell, and Chair of Cantey Hanger’s Labor and Employment Law Practice Group, Laura Hallmon is a 1996 graduate of Baylor University and received her Juris Doctor degree from Baylor University School of Law in 1999.
A career-long employment law litigator, Laura strives to offer her clients practical solutions to the variety of challenges that arise in the modern workplace, specifically focusing her practice on the prosecution and defense of a variety of state and federal employment law matters, including discrimination/harassment, retaliation, wage and hour disputes and restrictive covenants prohibiting competition/solicitation/trade secret disclosure. In addition to litigation, Laura also represents clients in a wide range of administrative proceedings and investigations conducted by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Department of Labor, National Labor Relations Board, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, State Office of Administrative Hearings, and Texas Workforce Commission. Laura also counsels clients on litigation avoidance through effective employment practices and compliance, and regularly conducts independent, third-party investigations. Having completed the 40-Hour Mediation Training by The University of Texas at Austin School of Law’s Center for Public Policy Dispute Resolution, Laura likewise serves as a mediator in all varieties of civil disputes.
Laura was admitted to the State Bar of Texas in May of 1999 and is also admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, each of the U.S. District Courts for the four Districts of Texas, and the U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico. Laura is a Life Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation and a Fellow of the Tarrant County Bar Foundation.
Laura began her practice with the Law Offices of David Fielding in March 1999, becoming a partner in January 2005. In September 2015, after nearly 11 years of serving clients together as Fielding, Parker & Hallmon, Laura, David and Frank Parker brought their Labor and Employment Law practice to Cantey Hanger.

Labor & Employment
Internal and Independent Investigations
Wage & Hour
Restrictive Covenants
Commercial Litigation
Executive Compensation & Benefits
Insurance Defense
Public & Regulatory
Baylor University School of Law, J.D., 1999
Baylor University, B.A., 1996
lhallmon@canteyhanger.com
(817) 877-2839
(817) 877-2807
600 W. 6th St., Suite 300
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
Fielding, Parker & Hallmon, LLP (January 2005 – August 2015)
Law Offices of David Fielding, LLP (March 1999 – December 2004)
Board Certified in Labor and Employment Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization
Admitted to the U.S. Supreme Court
Admitted to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
Admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas
Admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas
Admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas
Admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas
Admitted to the U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico
Admitted to the State Bar of Texas
Texas Mediator Credentialed, The University of Texas School of Law, Center for Public Policy Dispute Resolution
Meritas Law Firms Worldwide
– Chair of U.S. Leadership Committee, September 2024 – Present
–Board of Directors, May 2021 – May 2024
–U.S. Leadership Committee, April 2019 – November 2022
–Litigation/Labor & Employment Group Steering Committee, July 2019 – June 2022
– Member Engagement Committee, May 2020 – April 2021
Baylor Line Foundation (originally the Baylor Alumni Association)
– Board of Directors, June 2016 – present
– Executive Committee, June 2016 – December 2022
– President, June 2019 – December 2021
Baylor Scott & White Health Research Institute, Institutional Review Board, 2014 – Present
Life Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation, 2007 – Present
Fellow of the Tarrant County Bar Foundation, 2018 – Present
National Charity League, Inc.
– Member/Patroness, 2018 – 2024
– Board of Directors, 2019 – 2020
Junior League of Arlington, 2009 – Present
Girls Inc. of Tarrant County’s Summer SMART Camps Facilitator, 2014
Leadership Fort Worth, 2007 – 2008
Associate Member of the Eldon B. Mahon American Inn of Court, 2002 – 2003
American Bar Association, 1999 – Present
Tarrant County Bar Association
Labor and Employment Law Section
– Board of Officers, 2002 – 2006
– Section Chair, 2005 – 2006
Women’s Section
– Board of Officers, 2001 – 2006
– Section Chair, 2005 – 2006
National Adoption Day Committee, 2002 – 2004
Member, 1999 – Present
“EEOC Guidance for Employers on impact of COVID-19” , March 19, 2020

Laura Hilton Hallmon Read More »

Scott Fredricks

Scott Fredricks is Chair of the firm’s Litigation Section.  Scott has represented clients in complex commercial cases including antitrust, copyright, patent, securities and trademark issues since joining Cantey Hanger in 1999.  He has also assisted civic and religious institutions conduct independent investigations, including investigations of child sexual abuse.  The Texas Supreme Court appointed Scott to serve on the Professional Ethics Committee from 2019 to 2024.  Scott currently serves on the Board of Disciplinary Appeals (“BODA”).  BODA is a judicial body consisting of twelve lawyers appointed by the Supreme Court of Texas to hear certain attorney discipline cases.

Commercial Litigation
Independent Investigations
Intellectual Property
The University of Texas School of Law (J.D., 1999)
–  Texas Review of Law & Politics (Editor-in-Chief)
–  Intern, Justice Raul Gonzalez, Texas Supreme Court
Emory University (M.T.S., – Social Ethics, 1996)
Biola University (B.S., 1991)
sfredricks@canteyhanger.com
(817) 877-2873
(817) 877-2807
600 W. 6th St., Suite 300
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
Conducted independent investigations for civic and religious institutions, including investigations of child sexual abuse.
Advised institutions on governance issues.
Appointed by federal judge to serve as attorney ad litem to represent interests of minor child in civil forfeiture matter adverse to the United States Government.
Defended Electronic Arts Inc. against claims of breach and fraud where plaintiff alleged $15 million in damages. Obtained summary judgment on all claims six weeks before trial.
Represented manufacturer of aftermarket diesel engine truck parts in federal court trial of trademark and unfair competition claims against infringers and defended counterclaims for cancellation of registered marks. Obtained favorable jury verdict and permanent injunction in Eastern District of Texas.
Represented church in Religious Freedom Restoration Act case seeking to require public school to allow church to hold bible club after school on campus. The parties settled after preliminary injunction hearing.
Defended global distribution system in antitrust lawsuits filed in the Northern District of Texas and Tarrant County, Texas by American Airlines. The cases settled during the second week of jury trial in Texas state court.
Represented investment trusts in litigation with insurance companies to enforce life insurance policies. Obtained judgment for clients by summary judgment.
Defended Fortune 500 internet company in trademark lawsuit filed in the Northern District of Texas by American Airlines. The case settled while dispositive motions were pending.
Defended regional fast food chain in architectural copyright lawsuit filed in the Northern District of Texas. The case settled while dispositive motions were pending.
Represented cable television device manufacturer in patent litigation filed in the Western District of Texas. The case settled prior to trial.
Defended management services provider in software license dispute filed in the Eastern District of Texas. Obtained summary judgment for client. RealPage, Inc. v. EPS, Inc., 560 F.Supp.2d (E.D. Tex. 2007).
Defended outside directors in securities fraud case arising after nationwide healthcare network filed bankruptcy. Obtained take-nothing summary judgment for clients. Turoff v. McCaslin, 222 S.W.3d 664 (Tex. App.–Waco 2007, no pet.)
Obtained affirmation on appeal of trial court judgment in favor of municipality against claim of regulatory taking. Rischon Dev. Corp. v. City of Keller, 242 S.W.3d 161 (Tex. App.–Fort Worth 2007, pet. denied). Petition for writ of certiorari to the United States Supreme Court was denied.
Represented Tarrant County in litigation with Denton County concerning the location of their common county boundary line. Obtained judgment for Tarrant County on appeal. In re Tarrant County, 16 S.W.3d 914 (Tex. App.- -Fort Worth 2000, orig. proceeding); Tarrant County v. Denton County, 87 S.W.3d 159 (Tex. App. – Fort Worth 2002, pet. denied); Denton County v. Tarrant County, 139 S.W.3d 22 (Tex. App.–Fort Worth 2004, pet. denied).
Licensed to practice in Texas
Admitted to Supreme Court of the United States
Admitted to U.S. Court of Appeals 5th Circuit
Admitted to U.S. District Court Northern District of Texas
Admitted to U.S. District Court Western District of Texas
Admitted to U.S. District Court Eastern District of Texas
Admitted to U.S. District Court Southern District of Texas
Licensed to practice in Michigan (inactive)
Appointed by the Texas Supreme Court to serve on the Board of Disciplinary Appeals, 2024-Present
Appointed by the Texas Supreme Court to serve on the Professional Ethics Committee for the State Bar of Texas, 2019-2024
“Texas Super Lawyer” in Intellectual Property Litigation, 2021, 2022
Leadership Fort Worth leadership class of 2014-2015
Tarrant County Bar Foundation, Life Fellow
Texas Bar Foundation, Fellow
Covenant Classical School Board of Directors  (2008-2023)
Fort Worth Presbyterian Church, member
“The Irresponsible Lawyer: Why We Have An Amoral Profession”, 11 Tex. Rev. L. & Politics 133 (2006).
“To Send or Not to Send – The $150,000 Question”, Fort Worth Business Press, Oct. 11-16, 2010.
“Eyes in the SKY, What drones are allowed to see in Texas”, Texas Research magazine, a publication by the Fort Worth Business Press, Spring 2014
“You’re Not from Texas But a Texas Court Wants You Anyway!”, a helpful primer for out-of-state lawyers who find themselves representing a client in a Texas state court, September 16, 2014.

Scott Fredricks Read More »

Ralph Duggins

Mr. Duggins began his legal career as a law clerk for the Chief United States District Judge in St. Louis before joining Cantey Hanger. After moving to Fort Worth, Mr. Duggins has worked on a wide variety of complex commercial cases, including mergers and hostile takeovers, contract disputes between public companies, claims for insurance coverage and oil and gas litigation.  Recently he has been appointed by federal and state courts to mediate a mix of business disputes.
Commercial Litigation
Energy Litigation
Insurance Defense
Probate Litigation
Mediation
Appellate
Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas, B.A., Political Science

University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, J.D.
rduggins@canteyhanger.com
(817) 877-2824
(817) 877-2807
600 W. 6th St., Suite 300
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
EXAMPLES OF CLIENTS MR. DUGGINS HAS REPRESENTED OR IS CURRENTLY REPRESENTING

Berkshire Hathaway Corporation
Exxon Mobil Corporation
Sabre Corporation
Moncrief Oil
Gloria Moncrief
Tom O. Moncrief
Six Flags Entertainment
6666 Ranch
Taylor Sheridan

EXAMPLES OF CASES ON WHICH MR. DUGGINS HAS WORKED

Co-counsel for Union Pacific Resources in a jury trial in state court on a breach of contract claim against U.S. Steel. A favorable judgment for $10 million (plus $3 million in attorneys’ fees) was affirmed on appeal.
Served as co-counsel for Tennessee Gas Pipeline Company in the jury trial of an action in Zapata County to determine Tennessee’s duties under a take-or-pay contract with Coastal Oil & Gas Corporation. Coastal sought a judgment against Tennessee in excess of $700 million.  Tennessee successfully recovered a jury verdict defeating Coastal’s claims.
Served as lead counsel for Tennessee Gas Pipeline Company in the defense of a claim by Trans Texas Natural Gas for breach of a take-or-pay contract seeking in excess of $800 million. Tennessee recovered a favorable summary judgment defeating the Plaintiff’s principal claim.  While that ruling was on appeal, the litigation was favorably settled.
Served as co-lead trial counsel for Tennessee Gas Pipeline Company in a proceeding pending before the Federal Regulatory Energy Commission involving Tennessee’s rights to pass on and recover stranded costs incurred in connection with its termination of various gas contracts. After a multi-week trial before an Administrative Law Judge, the proceeding was settled on a favorable basis.
Represented Burlington Northern Railroad in insurance coverage litigation against several large domestic insurers, as well as various syndicates at Lloyds, to recover over $250 million in losses Burlington Northern had sustained in connection with its settlement of a prior anti-trust suit. After receiving favorable summary judgment rulings, the matter was settled on a very satisfactory basis for Burlington Northern.
Represented Santa Fe Railroad in insurance coverage litigation against several large domestic insurers, as well as various syndicates at Lloyds, to recover over $300 million in losses Santa Fe had sustained in connection with its settlement of a prior anti-trust suit. After prevailing on summary judgment rulings in the District Court, the matter was settled on a favorable basis to Santa Fe.
Represented Union Pacific Resources in a securities action filed in federal court in connection with Union Pacific’s hostile takeover attempt of Pennzoil. Handled a temporary injunction hearing to obtain additional disclosures from Pennzoil.  Before the Court ruled, Union Pacific Resources withdrew its tender offer.
Served as co-counsel for Sabre Corporation in breach of contract and anti-trust actions brought against it by American Airlines. American claimed over $1 billion in damages.  Both cases settled favorably after the jury trial of the state court action had begun.
Represented Waffle House in an insurance coverage claim in Fort Worth state court to recover losses Waffle House had sustained in resolving an underlying judgment. Prepared briefs and argued an appeal of an adverse summary judgment in which the Court of Appeals reversed the trial court and rendered judgment in favor of Waffle House finding coverage for the loss.
Represented the City of Fort Worth and the Fort Worth Independent School District in suits filed in state court against Chesapeake Exploration and Total E&P for underpayment of royalties in connection with hundreds of oil and gas leases. Both cases were settled favorably with Chesapeake and Total making over $20 million in cash payments, as well as entering into amendments of the disputed leases that have resulted in both the City and the School District receiving substantial additional value in the form of higher royalties.
Represented Wells Fargo Bank in litigation it filed in state court seeking declarations that certain investor owned life insurance policies having death benefits in excess of $40 million were valid and enforceable obligations. Obtained several favorable summary judgments and then recovered $3 million in attorneys’ fees in a jury trial.
Co-counsel for Berkshire Hathaway in class actions filed to challenge its proposed acquisition of BNSF Railway. The class actions were ultimately dismissed with no payment by Berkshire Hathaway.
Co-Counsel for the Board of Directors of XTO Energy in class actions filed in Fort Worth state court challenging its merger with Exxon Mobil Corporation. Following depositions, the merger was consummated and the class actions were dismissed.
Represented the former directors of a failed public company from claims brought against them by a bankruptcy trustee on behalf of Goldman Sachs, Bank of America, and other creditors. Following depositions of the parties, the trial court entered several favorable rulings and ultimately dismissed the case.  The trial court’s judgment was affirmed on appeal.
Represented Williamson-Dickie in a suit against Chartis in which Williamson-Dickie sought coverage for losses attributable to environmental contamination. While the matter was pending in federal court, Williamson-Dickie reached a favorable settlement.
Missouri Bar  (Inactive)
Texas Bar
Colorado Bar
Admitted to practice before the United States District Court for the Eastern, Northern, Southern and Western Districts of Texas, the Eastern and Western Districts of Missouri; the District of Colorado; and the Third, Fourth, Fifth, Eighth, Tenth and Eleventh Circuits of Appeal
Fellow, Texas Bar Foundation
American Bar Association
– Co-Chair, Commercial and Banking Litigation Committee
– ABA Section of Litigation, 1991-92
Texas State Federal Judiciary Appointments Committee, 1990-1995
Chair, Tarrant County Bar Judicial Evaluation Committee 1992-1995
Texas Court of Appeals (Second District), Advisory Committee, 1995-96
Member, Texas Supreme Court Advisory Committee, 1999-2011
Master, Eldon B. Mahon Inn of Court
Director Cook Children’s Healthcare Foundation – 1998-2000, Chairman 2004-2006
Commissioner, Texas Parks & Wildlife – 2008 -, Vice-Chairman 2011-2018
Chairman, Texas Parks & Wildlife Commission – 2018-2019
Director, The Peregrine Fund, 2014 –
Public Member Appointed by the Lt. Governor to Texas Sunset Advisory Commission, 2020-2021
Selected among 400 Most Influential People by Fort Worth Inc. Magazine, 2020-2024
Listed in Best Lawyers in America Woodward/White, Inc. in Commercial Litigation, 2020-2024
Recognized as a “Texas Super Lawyer” in Business Litigation by Texas Monthly Magazine in the special September/October issue, 2020-2021.

Ralph Duggins Read More »

Stephen Tatum

Stephen Tatum has spent a career in appellate courts all over the country handling many different types of cases. That kind of experience is valuable and hard to come by. He brings a wide range of knowledge to every case he takes through the appellate system.  He has also developed an active practice representing lawyers in State Bar and Federal disciplinary actions.

Appellate
University of Texas School of Law, Austin (J.D., 1979)
Southern Methodist University (B.S., 1976)
statum@canteyhanger.com
(817) 877-2829
(817) 877-2807
600 W. 6th St., Suite 300
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
Centered in trial and appellate litigation. Board certified in Civil Appellate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
Approximately 75 appeals handled
Admitted to the U.S. Circuit Courts of Appeals for the 2nd, 5th ,9th, 10th, and 11th Federal Circuits
Admitted to all Texas Federal District Courts
Board Certified Civil Appellate Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization, 1991
Admitted to U.S. Supreme Court, 1993
Member American Arbitration Association Arbitrator Panel
American Law Institute, 2005 – Present
American Bar Association, 1979 – Present
Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel, 1996 – Present Member
International Association of Defense Counsel, 1993 – Present Member
Chair – Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth – 2004-2009
Board Member – Texas Health Resources, 2010 – Present
Southwestern University, Georgetown, 1999 – 2006 Trustee
Harris Methodist Hospital – Ft. Worth, 2000 – 2009 Trustee
Chair – Tarrant County Samaritan House, 1992 – 1994
Chair – Tarrant Co. Metropolitan YMCA – 1987-1991
Listed in Best Lawyers in America 2019 Edition by Woodward/White, Inc. in Appellate Law
Named Texas Super Lawyers by Texas Monthly magazine, 2014-2020
Recognized in Fort Worth Inc. Magazine for being a “Top Attorney” for 2018
Recognized in Fort Worth Magazine for being a “Top Attorney” for 2019
Mr. Tatum served on a panel at the Bi-Annual Dallas-Fort Worth Joint Appellate Seminar, November, 2019
Presentation to the Fidelity National Financial Legal Staff regarding “Sanctions under Fed. R. Civ. P. 11 and other Federal Rules and how Criteria Vary From Circuit to Circuit.”
“Why Lawyers Should Not Serve on Client’s Boards.”, Tarrant County Bar Association CLE Presentation – 2010
Series of Articles & Presentations regarding Personal Liability of Board Members for non-payment of payroll taxes for employees of non-profit corporation – Arising out of Verret v. United States, 542 F. Supp. 2d 526 (E.D. Tex 2008) – April- May 2009
“BP Spill Damages – Dealing with Compensation Issues” Fort Worth Business Press, Aug. 2, 2010

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