Category: Firm News

Congratulations to Noelle McCullough Being Sworn-in as an Attorney

We are thrilled to announce that Noelle McCullough has been officially sworn in as an attorney in Texas by Judge Sonya Heath in the 310th Judicial District Court of Harris County. Noelle has joined Crain Caton & James as an attorney in our Family Law section. Noelle’s blend of professional ability and personal insight positions […]

Written by on October 24, 2024

Crain Caton & James Welcomes J. Stephen (Steve) Green as Of Counsel and Mediator

Crain Caton & James is proud to announce the addition of J. Stephen (Steve) Green as Of Counsel and Mediator. With over 30 years of legal experience, Steve brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in fiduciary litigation, probate, trust, and guardianship matters to the firm. Steve is recognized for his deep understanding of complex […]

Written by on October 17, 2024

Crain Caton & James Supports Literacy with Successful Book Drive!

At Crain Caton & James, we believe in the power of literacy to transform lives and strengthen communities. That’s why we were excited to participate in the HBA Lawyers for Literacy Committee’s Book Drive, and we are proud to share the results of our efforts! Thanks to the generosity of our contributors, we collected seven […]

Written by on October 16, 2024

Crain Caton & James Attorneys Recognized in Super Lawyers List (2024 edition)

Crain Caton & James is proud to announce that 14 attorneys were named to the Super Lawyers® List (2024 edition).  The attorneys included are: Kelly D. Brown for Environmental, C. Vance Christopher for Business Litigation, Sherri A. Evans for Family Law,  Larry D. George for Estate & Probate, Jeffrey I. Horowitz for Real Estate Law, […]

Written by on September 17, 2024

Kelly D. Brown Named a Best Lawyers® “Lawyer of the Year” in Litigation-Environmental for 2025 in the Houston area

August 15, 2024 — Crain Caton & James attorney Kelly D. Brown was recently recognized by Best Lawyers as the “Lawyer of the Year” for Litigation – Environmental in the Houston area for 2025. Only a single lawyer in each practice area and designated metropolitan area is honored as the “Lawyer of the Year,” making this accolade particularly […]

Written by on August 15, 2024

Crain Caton & James Celebrates 21 Attorneys Named to 2025 Best Lawyers List

Crain Caton & James is proud to announce that 21 attorneys, which is approximately 85% of our shareholders, were named to the 2025 edition of Best Lawyers List published by BL Rankings.  The attorneys named are: Kelly D. Brown – Environmental Law and Litigation – Environmental Vance Christopher – Commercial Litigation, Litigation – Trusts and […]

Written by on August 15, 2024

Crain Caton & James Welcomes New Estate, Trust and Wealth Planning Shareholder

Crain Caton & James is pleased to announce that Michole L. Easterly has joined the Estate, Trusts and Wealth practice area as a Shareholder.  Michole focuses on advising high-net-worth individuals and families on comprehensive trust and estate planning strategies. She collaborates closely with clients to develop tailored plans aimed at safeguarding considerable assets and business […]

Written by on July 1, 2024

Crain Caton & James welcomes Kimberly Dang

Crain Caton & James welcomes Kimberly Dang as the newest associate in our Banking and Financial Services and Commercial Litigation practice areas. With her background in handling litigation within the banking and finance sector, Kimberly brings valuable experience to our team. Kimberly’s proficiency extends to guiding banking and finance clients through litigation stemming from specific […]

Written by on June 27, 2024

Crain Caton & James Recognized as Top Three Law Firms in Five Categories by Houston Chronicle’s 2024 Best of the Best Program

Crain Caton & James proudly announces its inclusion among the top three law firms in Commercial Litigation, Corporate Law, Family Law, Real Estate Law, and Trust & Estates Law by the Houston Chronicle’s Best of the Best Program. The Firm extends its deepest appreciation to clients, attorneys, staff, and friends for their overwhelming support and […]

Written by on June 10, 2024

Crain Caton & James Adds Trust & Estate Associate

Crain Caton & James proudly welcomes Lisa K. Loewenstein to the Firm’s team of legal professionals. Lisa joins the attorneys in the Estate, Trust, and Wealth Planning practice area. Recognized for her dedication to understanding each client’s unique desires, Lisa is known for her personalized approach, ensuring that every aspect of a client’s estate plan […]

Written by on April 26, 2024

Crain Caton & James and Sponsors Tee Up Support for First Community Cares Foundation’s Golf Tournament!

Crain Caton & James was delighted to support the First Community Cares Foundation’s inaugural golf tournament! At First Community Credit Union, community care is at the core of everything they do. From supporting education initiatives to empowering families, First Community Cares Foundation ‘s mission is to uplift and engage our communities. With the assistance of […]

Written by on April 25, 2024

Four Attorneys Recognized in 2024 Texas Rising Stars List

Crain Caton & James proudly congratulates Sarah Sokol Clark, Greg S. DeVries, Dave Polsinelli and Jennifer L. Varadi for their inclusion in the 2024 edition of Super Lawyers Magazine as Texas Rising Stars. To attain recognition on the Texas Rising Stars list, attorneys must be either 40 years old or younger or have practiced for […]

Written by on March 21, 2024

George “Trey” Gifford III Writes Article Spotlighting J. Vance Lewis, A Houston Pioneering Black Attorney

In an insightful piece written by Trey Gifford, Trey delves into the remarkable journey of J. Vance Lewis, who emerged from a background of slavery to become a groundbreaking legal figure, practicing before the Texas Bar. Notably, Lewis achieved the extraordinary feat of successfully representing a black defendant facing a capital offense before an all-white […]

Written by on March 14, 2024

Alison Thompson Achieves Paralegal Board Certification from Texas Board of Legal of Legal Specialization

Crain Caton & James’ very own paralegal, Alison Thompson, has been recognized with the Board Certification by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization (TBLS).  This accolade is a testament to her dedication, expertise, and commitment to the field of Family Law. Alison successfully passed a five hour test, which assessed her knowledge and proficiency in […]

Written by on January 26, 2024

Crain Caton & James Announces Promotions of Two Attorneys

Crain Caton & James, a leading law firm, is proud to announce the promotions of two attorneys. In recognition of their dedication, skill, and contributions to the Firm, Keith A. Taylor has been promoted to Shareholder, and Suzanne D. Perry has advanced to the position of Senior Associate.  Both Keith and Suzanne practice in the […]

Written by on January 2, 2024

Heartfelt Holidays: Adopt-An-Angel Gifts Packed and Ready to Bring Joy to Children

Participating in the Adopt-An-Angel program sponsored by the Houston Young Lawyers Foundation (HYLF) was a heartwarming experience for the elves at Crain Caton & James.  As some of Santa’s helpers watched the truck pull away from the loading dock overflowing with colorful bags full of requested toys and clothes, they imagined the excitement of the […]

Written by on December 12, 2023

Crain Caton & James Elves Spread Cheer: Wrapping Holiday Gifts for Children in Need!

Crain Caton & James recently hosted a heartwarming Holiday wrapping party to bolster the Adopt-an-Angel program, sponsored by the Houston Young Lawyers Foundation (HYLF). Attorneys and staff came together in the spirit of giving, dedicating their time and creativity to wrap gifts for more than 50 children in need. The firm’s enthusiastic participation showcases a […]

Written by on December 6, 2023

Crain Caton & James Continues to Expand Family Law Practice

Crain Caton & James is pleased to announce that Stacie A. Moss has joined the Family Law practice area as an associate.  Her primary focus is on cases dealing with divorce, child custody, and property division.  She works closely with clients to understand their unique circumstances, provide legal guidance, and help them navigate the complexities […]

Written by on November 9, 2023

Crain Caton & James Attorney Selected for HYLA Leadership Academy

Crain Caton & James is proud to announce that George “Trey” Gifford was selected by the Houston Young Lawyers Association (HYLA) to participate in their 2023-2024 Leadership Fellowship (the “Fellowship”).  HYLA celebrates its 20th year of offering the “Fellowship” with the purpose of developing young lawyers for leadership tomorrow.  Their mission is to “prepare young […]

Written by on September 27, 2023

Crain Caton & James Welcomes Corporate and Business Transactions Shareholder

Crain Caton & James is pleased to announce that Michael A. (Mike) Roy has joined the Corporate and Business Transactions practice area as Shareholder. Mike’s deep and varied experience in transactional matters has allowed him to become proficient in mergers, acquisitions, financing and banking, and labor and employment matters.   He has extensive experience with mergers […]

Written by on September 5, 2023

Crain Caton & James Welcomes New Estate, Trust and Wealth Planning Attorney

Crain Caton & James is pleased to announce that Amber A. Homolka has joined the Estate, Trusts and Wealth practice area as Of Counsel.  In addition to preparing wills, trusts, power of attorney, health care directive and other documents necessary for estate planning, she works with clients in designating beneficiaries, trustee(s) and executor(s) necessary to […]

Written by on August 3, 2023

Banking and Financial Institutions Litigator Joins Crain Caton & James

Crain Caton & James is proud to announce that Stormy L. Strickland joined the Banking and Financial Services and Commercial Litigation practice areas of the Firm as an associate.  She handles banking  cases from start to finish, including depositions, trial, mediation, and extensive motions in both Texas state and federal courts.  Her experience includes preparing […]

Written by on August 2, 2023

Crain Caton & James Adds Family Law Attorney

Crain Caton & James is pleased to announce that Lexi Lora-Whitmer has joined the Family Law practice area as an associate.  She will focus on assisting clients through family law disputes such as divorce, property division, child custody matters, pre and post marital agreements, enforcements and modifications, and other family issues.  Lexi will guide clients […]

Written by on July 31, 2023

Crain Caton & James Shareholder Named to the Hart Energy’s Energy Capital Conference Advisory Council

Congratulations to James E. (Jim) Smith, a Shareholder whose practice principally focuses on environmental, safety, and regulatory matters, for being named to Hart Energy’s Energy Capital Conference Advisory Council.    Advisory Councils are a new Hart Energy initiative for 2023 and are made up of industry leaders, game changers and drivers.  Their contributions and expertise should […]

Written by on July 27, 2023

Crain Caton & James Swept the Number ONE Law Firm Position in the Houston Chronicle’s Best of the Best Survey in FIVE Legal Categories

Houston, July 21, 2023 – Crain Caton & James swept the Number ONE position in the Houston Chronicle Best of the Best Law Firm Survey in Commercial Litigation, Corporate Law, Family Law, Real Estate, and Trusts & Estates. We are extremely pleased with the results and appreciate the clients, employees, attorneys, friends, and family members […]

Written by on July 21, 2023

Probate Jury Ruled Decedent Adversely Possessed Real Estate

June 2023|Case Clips Probate Jury Ruled Decedent Adversely Possessed Real Estate A Harris County probate jury found in favor of James Manning, as Independent Executor of the Estate of Milton Brandt, determining that Mr. Brandt owned the real property as a result of adverse possession. Mr. Brandt had lived in his residence for over 40 […]

Written by on June 16, 2023

Best of the Best Voting

Congratulations to our several practice areas that made it to the next level of the Best of the Best Competition.  Your daily voting made us get to the next level.  Voting for this level starts today, May 15th and runs through May 30th.  We really appreciate everyone that has taken the time to vote for […]

Written by on May 15, 2023

Crain Caton & James Adds Family Law Practice Section

Crain Caton & James, a leading law firm in Texas, is pleased to announce the addition of Sherri Evans and Jennifer Varadi to its new family law practice section. The family law section will be led by Ms. Evans. Sherri is a highly skilled and experienced family law attorney who brings a wealth of knowledge […]

Written by on April 4, 2023

Three Attorneys Named to 2023 Texas Rising Stars List

Crain Caton & James congratulates  Sarah Sokol Clark, Dave Polsinelli and Keith Taylor for being named Rising Stars in the 2023 edition of Super Lawyers Magazine.  To be on the Texas Rising Stars list, attorneys must be 40 years old or younger or in practice for 10 years or less.  No more than 2.5 percent […]

Written by on March 22, 2023

Crain Caton & James Welcomes Two New Banking Litigation Attorneys

Crain Caton & James is pleased to announce Tricia N. Atchison and Greg S. DeVries have joined the Banking and Financial Services Practice Area as litigators.  Prior to going to law school, Tricia spent over 15 years as a banker.  Greg has extensive experience advising clients on matters resulting from various federal and state banking […]

Written by on March 2, 2023

Congratulations to our Houston Marathon Runners, Walkers, and Volunteers!

Congratulations to Pat Huttenbach and family for participating in the 2023 Houston Half Marathon held this past weekend. Pat was accompanied by Yve (his wife), Steven (his son), and David Thaller (his brother-in-law).  According to Runner’s World, the Houston Marathon and Half Marathon are “two of the fastest races in the U.S.”  Remember the Half […]

Written by on January 18, 2023

Crain Caton & James Elects New Shareholder

Crain Caton & James announces that Sarah Sokol Clark has become a shareholder at the Firm effective January 1, 2023.  “Sarah is a talented and highly effective lawyer with an innate ability to understand the emotional and practical sides of estate planning. Clients are impressed with her thoroughness, attention to detail, and professionalism. We are […]

Written by on January 5, 2023

Crain Caton & James Elves Fill Santa’s Bag

Santa’s bag overflowed with Holiday Wish List Gifts for children throughout Houston.  Peering into the bag you could see gifts from teething rings to tablets, basketballs to bracelets, and air pods to Nike Air. This year Crain Caton & James members participated in the Houston Young Lawyers Foundation’s (HYLF) Adopt-an-Angel Program and BEAR’s (Be a […]

Written by on December 19, 2022

Crain Caton & James Welcomes Real Estate Attorney

Crain Caton & James is pleased to announce Anamaria Rubinstein Palla has joined the Real Estate Practice Group as a Senior Associate.  Anamaria works with owners, borrowers, lenders, developers, landlords and tenants who need sound legal advice on real estate matters. She has extensive experience in the acquisition, disposition, development (including dedication of easements, rights-of-way […]

Written by on December 7, 2022

Crain Caton & James Represents Port Freeport in Agreement with Volkswagen Group of America to Create New Major Gulf Coast Hub for Vehicle Logistics

Crain Caton & James successfully represented Port Freeport in Texas in its negotiations with Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VWGoA) to create a new major Gulf Coast Hub for its future vehicle logistics port operations.  The new facility will accommodate importation of 140,000 vehicles per year and will serve nearly 300 retail dealers in the […]

Written by on November 16, 2022

Crain Caton & James Named to the 2023 U.S. News-Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” Rankings

Crain Caton & James is pleased to announce that it was ranked by U.S. News – Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” in 15 practice areas, 2 national and 13 metropolitan rankings – Houston for 2023.  According to U.S. News, firms included “are recognized for professional excellence with persistently impressive ratings from clients and peers. Achieving […]

Written by on November 14, 2022

Crain Caton & James Welcomes Real Estate and Business Transactions Attorney

Crain Caton & James is pleased to announce Stephen Uzick has joined our Real Estate and Corporate, Business Transactions and Tax Practices as an associate. Stephen has advised and assisted with a wide variety of commercial leases, including negotiating and drafting leases, amendments, assignments, and terminations. He is experienced in reviewing, analyzing, preparing, and negotiating […]

Written by on November 9, 2022

Kim Stuart to speak at TAHCH.ORG Administrator Program on November 14, 2022

Kim Stuart will be speaking on November 14, 2022 at this quality-centric learning experience for Licensed Home and Community Support Services Agencies (HCSSAs) and professionals involved in the provision of home health, hospice, personal assistant or habilitation services as well as others specialized in home care services.  More information may be obtained at https://l.feathr.co/ks-admin

Written by on October 31, 2022

Crain Caton & James Welcomes Corporate, Business Transactions and Tax Attorney

Crain Caton & James is pleased to announce Braden C. Burgess has joined the Firm’s Corporate, Business Transaction and Tax Practices Section as an associate.  Braden assists clients in corporate matters, including mergers and acquisitions, contract review and negotiation, entity formation, and financing.  He has drafted private placement memoranda, subscription agreements, securities filings, and entity […]

Written by on October 25, 2022

Crain Caton & James Adds Shareholder to Fiduciary Litigation Practice

Crain Caton & James is pleased to announce Jessica L.D. Guobadia has joined the Firm’s Fiduciary Litigation and Probate, Trust, and Guardianship Practices as a shareholder.  Jessica is an attorney and mediator dedicated to assisting individuals, and their families, to navigate the guardianship, probate, and mental health commitment processes. Jessica has served as applicant’s counsel and/or […]

Written by on August 30, 2022

Robert R. (Rob) Wisner Named “Lawyer of the Year” for Banking and Finance Law in Houston

Crain Caton & James congratulations Rob Wisner, Shareholder in the Banking and Financial Services Practice, for being named the Best Lawyers® 2023 Banking and Finance “Lawyer of the Year” in Houston. Rob is known for his creative solutions for banks and other financial service providers ranging from community banks to large multi-state holding companies, and […]

Written by on August 22, 2022

J. Russel “Rusty” Umble Joins Crain Caton & James

Crain Caton & James is pleased to announce that J. Russel “Rusty” Umble has joined the Probate, Trust and Guardianship, Fiduciary Litigation and Commercial Litigation practice groups as an associate. Rusty’s practice involves working with and counseling clients during probate administration, prosecuting and defending clients involved in fiduciary claims, and clients involved in general commercial […]

Written by on July 11, 2022

Crain Caton & James Represents Rockstep Capital in Acquisition of The Outlet Collection at Riverwalk

Crain Caton & James represented Rockstep Capital in its acquisition of The Outlet Collection at Riverwalk located in downtown New Orleans from The Howard Hughes Corporation.  The Outlet Collection at Riverwalk is described as a premier first-to-market outlet shopping center located in the heart of downtown New Orleans on the bank of the Mississippi River. […]

Written by on July 7, 2022

Crain Caton & James Welcomes Litigation Attorney Alex Cohn

Crain Caton & James is pleased to announce Alexander  W. (Alex) Cohn joined the Firm as a commercial litigation and banking and financial institutions associate. Alex served as an Assistant District Attorney for more than 5 years with the Harris County District Attorney’s Office before joining Crain Caton & James. Here, he gained invaluable experience […]

Written by on May 31, 2022

Crain Caton & James Environmental Attorney Named to Chambers and Partners Directory

Please join us in congratulating James E. (Jim) Smith for being ranked by Chambers and Partners since 2005. Jim is a shareholder in the Environmental, Health and Safety practice. Jim principally focuses on environmental and safety matters including defense of enforcement actions, compliance counseling, and supporting transactions. In addition to trying cases and arguing appeals […]

Written by on May 13, 2022

Lis Pendens Notices: Is It Time For A Change In Texas Law?

by Dave Polsinelli | Shareholder, Commercial Litigation When it comes to real estate litigation, one of the most common procedures implemented is the filing of a lis pendens notice. Unfortunately, lis pendens notices are not always used properly, as they are often filed just to harass or obtain leverage over a property owner. This article […]

Written by on April 21, 2022

Enforceability of Online Arbitration Agreements

by Kristina Cunningham | Senior Associate, Banking Litigation Many businesses now offer services online, whether through a website or app.  In doing so, businesses often have users agree to the terms and conditions, which may include an arbitration agreement.  To ensure that arbitration agreements are enforceable, businesses should be mindful in how their web or […]

Written by on April 21, 2022

Local Agencies Play a Key Role in Houston Area Environmental Enforcement

by Jim Smith | Shareholder, Environmental Most commercial leases require the landlord to maintain the common areas of the shopping center or building in which the tenant’s business is located.  Common areas are sidewalks, driveways, parking areas, service areas, landscaping and other areas and facilities designed for the common and joint use and benefit of […]

Written by on April 21, 2022

Two Attorneys Named to Texas Rising Stars List

Crain Caton & James congratulates Anna V. Kavanaugh and David A. Polsinelli for being named to the 2022 edition of the Texas Rising Stars list published by Super Lawyers.  To be on the Rising Stars list, attorneys must be 40 or younger or in practice for 10 years or less.  No more than 2.5 percent […]

Written by on March 22, 2022

Important Sexual Harassment Updates for Texas Employers

Employers need to be aware of and insure to update policies and contracts because of two developments in sexual harassment law. First, as of September 1, 2021, Texas law expands the definition of an employer for sexual harassment in Texas, extends the statute of limitations to report a claim, and establishes a new standard for […]

Written by on March 10, 2022

Crain Caton & James Represents In-Depth in Legal Vindication

HOUSTON, TX, February 23, 2022 – In a four-year David v. Goliath battle, Crain Caton & James successfully defends In-Depth Geophysical, Inc. and In-Depth Compressive Seismic, Inc (In-Depth) against patent infringement and Lanham act claims asserted by ConocoPhillips. In-Depth began developing compressive sensing technology in 2016, which includes its patented Compressive Seismic Acquisition (“CSA”) software […]

Written by on February 24, 2022

Sarah Sokol Clark Listed on Houstonia Magazine’s Top Lawyer List

Crain Caton & James is proud to announce that Sarah Sokol Clark, Of Counsel in the Estate, Trust and Wealth Planning Practice, appears as a Top Lawyer in Wills, Trusts & Estates in Houstonia Magazine.  Sarah has been listed since 2016 and is known for her exceptional abilities in developing comprehensive and complex estate plans. Sarah […]

Written by on January 20, 2022

Crain Caton & James Announces Executive Committee Changes

Crain Caton & James is pleased to announce that Mindy McGehee Riseden  has been named Chairman of the Firm’s Executive Committee and President of the Firm, and C. Vance Christopher has been elected to the Firm’s Executive Committee. Executive Committee member Peter G. Nemeth states, “I can’t think of anyone more qualified than Mindy to lead […]

Written by on January 12, 2022

Kristina Cunningham and Keith Taylor Promoted to Senior Associates

We’re thrilled to announce that Kristina L. Cunningham and Keith A. Taylor have been named senior associates effective January 1, 2022. “When Kristina and Keith joined the firm, they hit the ground running. They are effective and talented attorneys who have a proven track record of working well with clients and delivering results.   They […]

Written by on January 5, 2022

H. Miles Cohn

H. Miles Cohn 1955-2021 Crain Caton & James is deeply saddened by the passing of H. Miles Cohn, who was a beloved member of our Firm for more than 8 years.  Miles practiced law in the Houston community for more than 37 years and was known for his extraordinary intelligence, impressive legal skills, and most […]

Written by on November 11, 2021

Crain Caton & James Welcomes Two New Attorneys

Crain Caton & James Welcomes Two New Attorneys Houston, TX, November 9, 2021 – Crain Caton & James is pleased to announce that Sarah Sokol Clark and Suzanne Perry recently joined the Firm.  Sarah is Of Counsel in the Estate, Trust and Wealth Planning Practice and Suzanne is an associate in the Fiduciary Litigation and […]

Written by on November 10, 2021

Sarah Patel Pacheco Named to 2022 Best Lawyers® List

Crain Caton & James, P.C. attorney Sarah Patel Pacheco was recently recognized on the 2022 edition of the Best Lawyers List for Litigation – Trusts and Estates and Trusts and Estates. Sarah has appeared on The Best Lawyers in America in Trusts and Estates Specialties since 2007 and The Best Lawyers in America in Litigation – Trusts and Estates Specialties since […]

Written by on October 21, 2021

Crain Caton & James represented Synergy Offshore LLC in the sale of certain oil and gas assets to U.S. Energy Corp

HOUSTON, October 14, 2021 – Crain Caton & James represented Synergy Offshore LLC in the sale of certain oil and gas assets to U.S. Energy Corp. (NASDAQCM: USEG).  Additional sellers include Lubbock Energy Partners LLC, and certain entities controlled by Sage Road Capital, LLC. Under the terms of the agreements, U.S. Energy Corp. (“U.S. Energy”) […]

Written by on October 14, 2021

Crain Caton & James Welcomes Experienced Real Estate Attorney

Crain Caton & James Welcomes Experienced Real Estate Attorney Houston, TX, September 24, 2021 – Crain Caton & James is pleased to announce Sally J. Clark joined the Firm as a commercial real estate transactional lawyer.  Sally gained a broad spectrum of commercial real estate experience over the course of her career serving as in-house […]

Written by on September 24, 2021

Crain Caton & James Lawyers Selected to 2021 Texas Super Lawyers List

Crain Caton & James is delighted to announce 11 lawyers have been selected to the 2021 Texas Super Lawyers list. Each year, no more than five percent of the lawyers in the state are selected by the research team at Super Lawyers to receive this honor. Darlene Payne Smith (Estate & Trust Litigation) Robert E. (Robin) […]

Written by on September 22, 2021

Fourteen Crain Caton & James Lawyers Named to 2022 Best Lawyers® List

August 12, 2021 -Crain Caton & James is pleased to announce that 14 lawyers have been included in The Best Lawyers in America (2022 Edition). Since it was first published in 1983, Best Lawyers has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence. Best Lawyers has published their list for over three decades, earning the respect […]

Written by on August 20, 2021

Eight Crain Caton & James Attorneys Included in 2022 Edition of the Best Lawyers®: Ones to Watch List

Houston, Texas, August 12, 2021 – Crain Caton & James congratulates eight attorneys for their inclusion in the Best Lawyers Ones to Watch list (2022 edition).  Best Lawyers has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence. Best Lawyers lists are compiled based on an exhaustive peer-review evaluation.  Corporate Counsel magazine has called Best Lawyers […]

Written by on August 20, 2021

Crain Caton & James Welcomes Financial Institutions Litigator

Houston, TX, August 5, 2021 – Crain Caton and James is pleased to announce that Philip C. Reeves joined the Banking and Financial Institutions Litigation Practice as an associate. Philip represents lenders, mortgage servicers and other financial institutions in state and federal district and appellate courts in suits related to mortgage lending, security interest enforcement […]

Written by on August 5, 2021

Need CLE?

Join our very own Kathleen Tanner Beduze for a live webcast at The University of Texas School of Law Texas Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys’ 23rd Annual Estate Planning, Guardianship and Elder Law Conference held on August 5-6, 2021.  Kathleen will be speaking on Temporary Guardianships and Other Emergency Relief in a […]

Written by on July 22, 2021

Need CLE?

Adrienne Randle Bond, Corporate Business and Tax Shareholder, will be speaking on Statutory Trust at the UT Law CLE 30th Annual LLCS, LPS and Partnerships Conference.  Register for this live webcast from July 7-9, 2021 and receive 12.00 CLE hours/3.00 Ethics.

Written by on June 30, 2021

Need MCLE credits? Register for Solvency Issues, M&A, and Distributions CLE

Join our very own Adrienne Randle Bond for a webcast on Solvency Issues, M&A, and Distributions at the Texas State Bar’s Choice Governance & Acquisition of Entities Conference on May 21. at 11:30 a.m.  By attending the conference, you will receive 7.0 hours of MCLE credits (including 2.5 hours of ethics). To attend or find additional information, […]

Written by on May 10, 2021

Gabriela M. Barake recognized on Super Lawyers Texas Rising Star List

We are pleased to announce CCJ’s Gabriela M. Barake has been selected to the Super Lawyers Texas Rising Stars List (2021 edition) for Employment and Labor. This is her second year to be on the list. She was also listed on the Best Lawyers Ones to Watch List in 2021. Gabriela focuses her practice in […]

Written by on April 5, 2021

David A. Polsinelli recognized on Super Lawyers Texas Rising Star List

Crain Caton & James congratulates David A. Polsinelli who has been selected to the 2021 Texas Rising Stars list published by Super Lawyers. This is Dave’s third consecutive year to be named to this list. Dave focuses his practice primarily on commercial litigation at both the trial and appellate levels. He routinely handles disputes involving […]

Written by on April 1, 2021

Anna V. Kavanaugh recognized on Super Lawyers Texas Rising Star List

Congratulations to Anna V. Kavanaugh for being selected to the 2021 Texas Rising Stars list published by Super Lawyers.  This is her third year to be recognized.  Anna assists clients with wealth planning, trusts, and estate administration. Her experience includes the preparation of traditional documents such as wills, trusts (revocable and irrevocable), advance directives, and […]

Written by on March 31, 2021

Joshua R. Flores recognized on Super Lawyers Texas Rising Star List

Crain Caton & James congratulates Joshua R. Flores who is recognized for a fifth consecutive year as a Texas Super Lawyers Rising Star in 2021 for his success in Estate, Trust, and Fiduciary Litigation. Josh has been annually recognized as a Top Lawyer in Houston by both Houstonia and H-Texas Magazines for his accomplishments in […]

Written by on March 30, 2021

Kathleen Tanner Beduze recognized on Super Lawyers Texas Rising Star List

Crain Caton & James congratulates Kathleen Tanner Beduze for being recognized on Super Lawyers Texas Rising Stars List for her achievements in Estate and Trust Litigation. This is Kathleen’s sixth consecutive year (2016-2021) to appear on the Rising Stars List. She was also on the Best Lawyers in America List for Litigation -Trusts and Estates […]

Written by on March 29, 2021

Five Attorneys Named to 2021 Texas Rising Stars List

Crain Caton & James congratulates attorneys Gabriela M. Barake, Kathleen Tanner Beduze, Joshua R. Flores, Anna V. Kavanaugh and David A. Polsinelli for being named to the 2021 edition of the Texas Rising Stars list published by Super Lawyers.  To be on the Rising Stars list, attorneys must be 40 or younger or in practice […]

Written by on March 25, 2021

Crain Caton & James Welcomes Two New Business and Financial Services Lawyers

HOUSTON, TX, March 16, 2021 – Crain Caton & James is pleased to announce the addition of two business and financial institution litigators, William (Pat) Huttenbach and Kristina L. Cunningham.  Pat joins the firm as a shareholder with more than 23 years of experience and Kristina joins as an associate with more than 13 years […]

Written by on March 16, 2021

Crain Caton & James Welcomes Estate Planning Shareholder

Crain Caton and James is pleased to announce that Anna Valkovich Kavanaugh joined the Estate Planning, Trusts, and Probate Practice as a shareholder.  Anna’s practice concentrates in the areas of wealth transfer planning, trust formation, and probate law.  She also handles a wide variety of transactional matters, including mergers and acquisitions, corporate formation and governance, […]

Written by on January 12, 2021

Crain Caton & James Elects New Shareholder

HOUSTON January 5, 2021 – Crain Caton & James announces the promotion of David A. Polsinelli to shareholder, effective January 1, 2021.  “Dave is a talented and highly effective trial lawyer with an innate ability to grasp difficult concepts quickly while identifying supporting facts.  Clients are impressed with his thoroughness, attention to detail, and composure […]

Written by on January 7, 2021

The Essence of Life is Giving

“The essence of life is giving,” states Jim McIngvale, (Mattress Mac), in his latest Holiday message to Houston.  Attorneys and employees of Crain Caton & James wholeheartedly agree with his belief. It has become a firm tradition to embrace the Adopt-an-Angel program, which is one of the Houston Young Lawyers Foundation’s (HYLF’s) cornerstone events that […]

Written by on December 14, 2020

Seek Federal Registration of Your Trademark Now

By James E. Hudson III Started a business with, or which shortly have, interstate sales in the US? File the applications now for federal registration to protect that distinctive trademark, even if use hasn’t commenced. Download the full PDF here.

Written by on November 18, 2020

Crain Caton & James Named to the 2021 U.S. News-Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” Rankings

HOUSTON, November 5, 2020 – Crain Caton & James is pleased to announce that it was ranked by U.S. News – Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” in 14 practice areas, two national and twelve metropolitan rankings – Houston for 2021.  According to U.S. News, firms included “are recognized for professional excellence with persistently impressive ratings from clients […]

Written by on November 5, 2020