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 of experience.  Peter G. Nemeth, President of the Firm, said “There is tremendous synergy between Pat, Kristina and the Firm’s existing banking and financial institutions section, which is led by Rob R. Wisner.   Pat and Kristina are exceptionally talented lawyers; their expertise will greatly enhance the Firm’s capabilities and the level of service that we provide to financial institutions.  We are extremely pleased to have Pat and Kristina join our Firm.”

Pat Huttenbach has successfully defended banks from lawsuits totaling over $100,000,000; answered over 210 lawsuits involving UCC sections 3, 4 and/or 4A issues; and personally, answered over 2,000 garnishment lawsuits.  Because of his extensive experience on issues concerning UCC sections 3, 4 and 4A, Pat is frequently asked to act as an expert witness and develop articles and presentations on the topic.  Pat routinely handles many other types of lawsuits against banks including: lender liability claims, FCRA claims, FDCPA claims, Texas Finance Code claims, and other alleged wrongful debt collection claims.  Clients seek his advice on general business litigation and construction lending litigation.

Pat received his J.D., magna cum laude, from the University of Houston Law Center, J.D.in International Law and Legal Studies from South Texas College of Law, and his B.A. from Rice University.  He was selected to be on the 2020 Texas Super Lawyers List and is current President of the Southwest Association of Bank Counsel.

Kristina Cunningham has a wide range of experience in financial services and banking, bankruptcy, insurance defense, creditor rights, securities-related litigation, and regulatory matters, including all stages of trial, appeals, and arbitration, in a wide range of issues including trade secret act violations, fraud, breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, and securities claims. She has also worked on employment related matters, including disputes over non-compete and non-solicitation agreements, garden leave provisions, unfair competition, raiding, and constructive discharge. Kristina also routinely handles garnishments, interpleaders, third party subpoena requests, and consular matters.

Kristina is a native Houstonian and received her undergraduate degree, cum laude, from the University of St. Thomas in 2003.  She attained her J.D. at the University of Houston Law Center in 2006 where she served on the Advocates Executive Board, The Journal of Texas Consumer Law, and membered in Lex Judaica and Phi Alpha Delta. She was also a James Hippard Sr. Novice Mock Trial Competition Finalist.

About Crain Caton & James

Crain Caton & James, P.C. provides first-class legal services with integrity and exceptional value to its clients in Houston, Texas, and around the world.  The Firm’s more than 100-year history in downtown Houston gives it strong ties to Houston and a deep commitment to giving back to the community whenever possible.  Founded in 1912, the Firm now has a wide range of practice areas, including Banking, Corporate, Real Estate, Probate and Estate Planning, Environmental, Employment, Intellectual Property, Fiduciary Litigation, Commercial Litigation & Appeals and more.

Principal Office: 1401 McKinney Street, Suite 1700, Houston, Texas 77010