Crain Caton & James, P.C., is pleased to announce the election of new members to its Executive Committee, effective June 1, 2025.

James (Jim) E. Hudson III will assume the role of Chairman of the Firm’s Executive Committee and President of the Firm beginning June 1, 2025. He will serve as President through the remainder of his term, which ends August 31, 2026. A shareholder in the firm’s Intellectual Property practice, Jim is a seasoned professional who provides expert guidance to a broad spectrum of clients—from individual inventors to multinational corporations—in safeguarding intellectual property (IP) assets and defending against competitor claims. His work extends beyond technical legal analysis, requiring a deep understanding of each client’s business model, operations, and strategic goals, particularly in relation to patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets.

Anna Valkovich Kavanaugh was elected to the Executive Committee on May 1, 2025, and will serve a two-year term through April 30, 2027. A shareholder in the Estate, Trust and Wealth Planning section, Anna’s practice focuses on estate planning, trusts, and estate administration.  Anna advises clients ranging from families to business owners and entrepreneurs, to executives of public companies on wealth transfer, tax, and charitable giving strategies.  She has been Board Certified in Estate Planning and Probate by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 2016.

Henry Kollenberg will join the Executive Committee on June 1, 2025, to serve the remainder of Vance Christopher’s unexpired term, which concludes on December 31, 2025. A shareholder in the Commercial Litigation practice, Henry represents clients in litigation at both trial and appellate levels, as well as in arbitration. He is frequently called upon to handle complex disputes involving real estate, construction, insurance brokerage, employment, and contracts. Henry is Board Certified in both Civil Trial Law (since 1985) and Civil Appellate Law (since 1989) by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, reflecting his depth of expertise and longstanding dedication to the practice of law.

Crain Caton & James also extends its sincere gratitude to Vance Christopher, who has served on the Executive Committee for many years and is retiring after 39 years. We thank Vance for his steady leadership and dedicated service and wish him the very best in his retirement.

The firm also thanks Peter G. Nemeth for his five years of service on the Executive Committee. Peter’s thoughtful contributions and leadership have played an important role in strengthening the firm’s foundation and guiding its continued growth.

“We are proud to welcome these accomplished attorneys to our Executive Committee,” said outgoing Chairman of the Firm’s Executive Committee and President of the Firm, Vance Christopher.

About Crain Caton & James

Crain Caton & James P.C. provides legal services with integrity and exceptional value to its clients in Houston and around the world.  With a 113-year history in downtown Houston, the firm has strong ties to Houston and a deep commitment to giving back to the community.  Founded in 1912, the Firm now has a wide range of practice areas, including Banking, Corporate, Real Estate, Probate and Estate Planning, Environmental, Health & Safety, Employment, Intellectual Property, Family Law, Fiduciary Litigation, Commercial Litigation & Appeals, and more.