HOUSTON, TEXAS, September 1, 2026 — Crain Caton & James, a Houston law firm, today announced the members of its Executive Committee for the year ahead, effective September 1, 2026. The changes bring new leadership to the firm’s governing body while keeping the firm’s focus where it has long been: on the quality of its work, the service it provides to clients, and the strength of its team.

Anna Valkovich Kavanaugh, a Shareholder in the firm’s Estate, Trust, & Wealth Planning practice, will serve as President beginning September 1, 2026, and will continue on the Executive Committee through April 30, 2027.

“It’s a privilege to step into this role at a firm so committed to its clients and its people,” said Anna Valkovich Kavanaugh. “Our priorities don’t change — we do excellent work, we take care of the people who trust us to counsel and represent them, and we give talented attorneys a place where they want to build a career.”

Jennifer L. Varadi, a Shareholder in the firm’s Family Law practice, has been elected to the Executive Committee for a two-year term running September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2028.

James E. Smith, a Shareholder in the firm’s Environmental, Natural Resources, Health & Safety practice, will continue his service on the board through December 1, 2027.

The firm also recognized James E. Hudson III, a Shareholder in the firm’s Intellectual Property practice, who completed his service on the Executive Committee on August 31, 2026. “I want to thank Jim Hudson for two years of dedicated service and steady leadership on the Executive Committee,” said Kavanaugh. “The firm is stronger for his wisdom and counsel.”

As it looks to the year ahead, the committee’s focus remains consistent with the values that have guided Crain Caton & James for more than a century: delivering high-quality legal work and dependable service to clients and attracting and retaining exceptional talent.

About Crain Caton & James

For more than 113 years, Crain Caton & James has provided clients across Houston and Texas with practical, results-driven legal counsel. The firm represents individuals, families, and businesses — from sole proprietors to Fortune 500 companies — across a broad range of practice areas, including Appellate, Banking & Financial Institutions, Corporate & Business Transactions, Environmental, Estate, Trust, & Wealth Planning, Family Law, Fiduciary Litigation, Intellectual Property, Litigation, Probate, Trust & Guardianship, and Real Estate. With offices in Houston and Conroe, the firm is built on a simple promise: approachable attorneys and reliable results. Learn more at craincaton.com.