These are unfortunate and uncomfortable times for our country, and we are deeply concerned about the impact of COVID-19 on the legal system, the economy generally, and the challenges facing our clients. We are continuing to work on behalf of our clients during this unprecedented situation.

To that end, we want to assure you that client service is always our priority. Ware Jackson continues to operate, without disruption, by using the technology we have in place to provide the highest level of service you expect. Whether we are working in our offices or remotely, our attorneys and staff are producing the highest quality work product and meeting all deadlines.

Our attorneys will continue to be accessible via email and phone. Attorney contact information is available on our website, and you may also call our main number 713-659-6400 for assistance to reach any of us.

While we continue to monitor events as they unfold, we are here for you. We wish you, your families, and employees good health and well-being.

Ware, Jackson, Lee, O’Neill, Smith & Barrow LLP is pleased to announce that three of its lawyers have been recognized as 2020 Texas Rising Stars – A Thomson Reuters publication. The lists are compiled by using a multi-phase selection process based on peer nomination, independent research and peer evaluation. This year’s Super Lawyers – Rising Star honorees include Tyler Henkel, Michelle Meriam, and Avery Sheppard.

We are pleased to announce that Kiara Gradney has joined the firm as an associate.

Ware Jackson is pleased to announce that after meeting extensive professional qualifications and passing a rigorous, comprehensive exam, partner Michelle Meriam is now board certified in civil appellate law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. This is a distinction shared by less than 0.5% of attorneys in Texas.

Ware Jackson hosted an honorary luncheon at Grappino Di Nino restaurant to honor Veterans and active service members of the United States of America. Guest speakers included decorated combat veterans from World War II, Vietnam, and the War on Terror. Specifically, U.S. Army veteran Ted Roggen spoke about his experience at the battle of Salerno and as a German POW for two years, USMC veteran Tom Fordyce spoke about his experiences as a sniper at Khe Sanh and as executive director for the Lone Survivor Foundation, and USMC veteran Jamie Peace discussed his experiences with Special Operations in Afghanistan. Highlights included hearing stories from our guest speakers and Taps to honor the fallen. To those in uniform serving today and to those who have served in the past, we honor you today and every day.

Ware Jackson attorney Knox Nunnally served as co-chair for this year’s Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation Awards Dinner. Thanks to Knox and others, more than $1.4 million was raised for the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation this year.  Among the numerous retired military brass in attendance was General John Kelly, former Commander of the U.S. Southern Command and President Trump’s former chief of staff. The Marine Corps Scholarship honored Sgt. Dakota Meyer with the Semper Fidelis Award. Funding from the dinner helped support 195 scholarship recipients in Texas who attend 55 different colleges, universities and technical schools.

Ware Jackson Managing Partner, Paul Smith was chosen to be the keynote speaker for career day at Strake Jesuit High School. Paul spoke to the senior class about what it takes to be a successful trial lawyer in Houston, Texas. Paul delivered an inspiring speech that focused on critical thinking and maintaining good verbal communication skills. Paul and his son Braden are both graduates of Strake Jesuit High School.

Ware, Jackson, Lee, O’Neill, Smith & Barrow, LLP is pleased to announce that 5 lawyers have been included in the 2020 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America. 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 of the profession, the media, and the public as the most reliable, unbiased source of legal referrals. Its first international list was published in 2006 and since then has grown to provide lists in over 75 countries.

Lawyers on The Best Lawyers in America list are divided by geographic region and practice areas. They are reviewed by their peers based on professional expertise and undergo an authentication process to make sure they are in current practice and in good standing.

Ware, Jackson, Lee, O’Neill, Smith & Barrow, LLP would like to congratulate the following lawyers named to 2020 The Best Lawyers in America list:

• Dennis Barrow – Litigation – Construction
• J. Don Jackson – Commercial Litigation, Litigation – Trusts and Estates, Litigation – Labor and Employment, Litigation – Environmental, Litigation – Construction, Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Plaintiffs, Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Defendants
• K.Knox Nunnally – Commercial Litigation
• Eileen O’Neill – Appellate Practice, Commercial Litigation, Employment Law – Management
• Paul Smith – Commercial Litigation, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants

Ware, Jackson, Lee, O’Neill, Smith & Barrow LLP is proud to announce that five of its lawyers have been recognized by Thomson Reuters as Texas Super Lawyers in 2019. The lists are compiled by using a multi-phase selection process based on peer recognition and professional achievement. This year’s Super Lawyer honorees include Don Jackson and Paul Smith for business litigation, Tim Lee and Eileen O’Neill for appellate law, and Dennis Barrow for construction litigation.  Only 5% of attorneys in Texas are selected.