Attorney Intel is pleased to announce The Top 50 Attorneys of Austin for 2022. Austin is a unique area that has a collaborative culture with great music and food. As big tech companies like Apple, Oracle and Tesla move their business to the city, lawyers have also had the realization that it’s a prime location for career growth and progress. After having moved for the opportunity, many lawyers have decided to stay for Austin’s great quality of life and steady development. This year’s awardees have thrived in their respective industries. They are true law professionals who have exceeded expectations year after year.
Among this year’s awardees are Lowell Brickman, General Counsel and Chief Legal Officer of Indeed.com, who is responsible for the company’s compliance with law and ensuring the company’s risk profile is acceptable. Josh Holleman, Attorney of Cooley LLP, focuses on the representation of technology and other high-growth companies from formation through exit, and advises a number of public and private companies. Also awarded is Bryan Barksdale, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of YETI, who has the opportunity to design and assist uncompromising products that combine durability, and performance and stand up to the world’s harshest conditions.
Please join us in congratulating our awardees for The Top 50 Attorneys of Austin for 2022. Their enthusiasm and passion for not only their career, but their organization and clients, does not go unnoticed.
1. Lowell Brickman
General Counsel and Chief Legal Officer of Indeed.com
Lowell Brickman is a General Counsel and Chief Legal Officer of Indeed.com. He first joined the company in 2012. As the world's number one job site, with over 250 million unique visitors every month from over 60 different countries, Indeed has become the catalyst for putting the world to work. The site aggregates job listings from thousands of websites, including job boards, staffing firms, associations, and company career pages—where human resources personnel and hiring managers write a compelling company description, which is an important part of any business plan. These descriptions typically include pertinent information of a business that entices customers, prospective employees and investors or lenders to engage. Indeed is intensely passionate about delivering the right fit for every hire. Since 2004, it has given job seekers free access to millions of jobs from thousands of company websites and job boards. Brickman has over 25 years of in-house experience. Brickman graduated from Harvard Law School with a JD and a bachelor of arts from Brandeis University.
2. Estrellita Doolin
Attorney of Ascension
Estrellita Doolin is an Attorney of Ascension. She first joined the company in 2011. Ascension is a faith-based healthcare organization dedicated to transformation through innovation across the continuum of care. As one of the leading non-profit and Catholic health systems in the U.S., Ascension is committed to delivering compassionate, personalized care to all, with special attention to persons living in poverty and those most vulnerable. The organization includes approximately 156,000 associates and 34,000 aligned providers. The national health system operates more than 2,600 sites of care – including 151 hospitals and more than 50 senior living facilities – in 21 states and the District of Columbia, while providing a variety of services including physician practice management, venture capital investing, investment management, biomedical engineering, facilities management, clinical care management, information services, risk management, and contracting through Ascension’s own group purchasing organization.
Previously, Doolin was an assistant general counsel at Electric Reliability Council of Texas, Inc. ("ERCOT"), and before that, a staff counsel at Accor North America. Earlier in her career, she worked with Golfsmith as a corporate counsel. Doolin earned a JD from The University of Texas School of Law, an MBA from Texas McCombs School of Business, and an undergraduate degree in journalism from the University of Oklahoma.
3. Cindi Moreland
Senior Vice President and General Counsel of Care.com
Cindi Moreland is a Senior Vice President and General Counsel of Care.com, an online marketplace for childcare, senior care, special needs care, tutoring, pet care, and housekeeping through membership in a two-sided marketplace. They are a consumer tech company with a mission to solve a human challenge we all face: finding great care for the ones we love. We’re moms and dads and pet parents. We have parents and grandparents so we understand that everyone, at some point in their lives, could use a helping hand. Care’s purpose is to help every family at each stage of care and today. They are helping millions of families at home and at work across 17+ countries and growing. They are applying data analytics, AI and the latest technologies to solve universal problems and connect people in new ways. Moreland has 37 years of experience. She began her career in 1985.
Before joining Care.com, Moreland was a SVP and general counsel of Mosaic Group, and before that, a VP of general counsel and chief compliance officer at Samsung Mobile. Earlier in her career she worked with Steptoe & Johnson LLP as an associate. Moreland graduated from the University of Mississippi with a JD and an undergraduate degree.
4. Reema Desai
Senior Counsel of Privacy and Compliance of Wiley
Reema Desai is a Senior Counsel of Privacy and Compliance of Wiley. Wiley develops digital education, learning, assessment, and certification solutions to help universities, businesses, and individuals move between education and employment and achieve their ambitions. From a print shop in New York City to a global and digital presence, Wiley has spent more than 200 years developing and fueling the world's knowledge ecosystem. The company produces books, journals, and encyclopedias, in print and electronically, as well as online products and services, training materials, and educational materials for undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education students. Wiley empowers researchers, learners, universities, and corporations to achieve their goals in an ever-changing world. Desai has 20 years of experience. She began her career in 2002.
Before joining Wiley, Desai was a data privacy attorney at Osano, and before that, a director of technology at FTI Consulting. Earlier in her career she worked with Judicial Clerkship, Superior Court, Civil Law Division as a law clerk. Desai graduated from Rutgers Law School with a JD, and from Boston University with an undergraduate degree in health sciences.
View the complete list of awardees.
5. James Nortey
Attorney of Morgan Lewis & Bockius
James Nortey began his professional career 11 years ago. Today, he is an Attorney of Morgan Lewis & Bockius. From their offices in strategic hubs of commerce, law, and government across North America, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, Morgan Lewis & Bockius works with clients ranging from established, global Fortune 100 companies to enterprising startups. Their team of more than 2,200 lawyers and legal professionals provides comprehensive corporate, transactional, litigation, and regulatory services in major industries, including energy, financial services, healthcare, life sciences, retail and ecommerce, sports, technology, and transportation. The firm focuses on both immediate and long-term goals with its clients, helping them address and anticipate challenges across vast and rapidly changing landscapes.
Nortey first got his start in 2011 as an associate attorney at Andrews Kurth Kenyon. From there, he went on to Duggins Wren Mann & Romero, LLP as an associate attorney, his most recent position prior to joining Morgan Lewis & Bockius. Nortey graduated from Harvard Law School with a JD, from The University of Texas at Austin with an MS in technology commercialization, and from Baylor University with an undergraduate degree in philosophy and criminal justice.
7. Lauren Damen
Senior Counsel of Regulatory Affairs of NRG Energy
Lauren Damen is a Senior Counsel of Regulatory Affairs of NRG Energy. She first joined the company in 2019. NRG Energy is one of the leading integrated power companies in the U.S. and Canada, powered by people and built on dynamic retail brands with diverse generation resources. Its purpose is to create a sustainable energy future by bringing the power of energy to people and organizations. A Fortune 500 company, NRG creates value through best-in-class operations, reliable and efficient electric generation, and a retail platform serving residential and commercial businesses. Working with electricity customers, large and small, the company continually innovates, embraces and implements sustainable solutions for producing and managing energy.
Previously, Damen was an associate at Winstead PC, and before that, an associate at Graves Dougherty Hearon & Moody. Earlier in her career she worked with Accenture as an analyst. Damen earned a JD from Baylor University School of Law, and an undergraduate degree in business from Southwestern University.
8. Alex Tarnow
Senior Counsel of Privacy and Data Security of Unity Technologies
Alex Tarnow began his professional career 11 years ago. Today, he is a Senior Counsel of Privacy and Data Security of Unity Technologies, the world’s leading platform for creating and operating real-time 3D content. Creators, ranging from game developers to artists, architects, automotive designers, filmmakers, and others, use Unity to make their imaginations come to life. Unity is the foundation upon which the world’s most powerful digital content is created. Specifically, Unity’s platform provides a comprehensive set of software solutions to create, run and monetize interactive, real-time 2D and 3D content for mobile phones, tablets, PCs, consoles, and augmented and virtual reality devices. The applications developed by these creators were downloaded, on average, five billion times per month in 2021.
Tarnow first got his start in 2011 as a docket clerk at Broad and Cassel Law Firm. From there, he went on to RANE (Risk Assistance Network + Exchange), before eventually rising to VP of global privacy office at JPMorgan Chase & Co., his most recent position prior to joining Unity. Tarnow graduated from the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law with a JD, from the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law with an LLM in information technology and privacy law, and from Florida State University - College of Business with an undergraduate degree.
9. Daniel Fabian
Attorney of DLA Piper
Daniel Fabian is an Attorney of DLA Piper. He first joined the company in 2019. DLA Piper is a global law firm capable of taking care of the most important legal needs of clients wherever they do business. With offices throughout the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific, the firm represents more clients in a broader range of geographies and practice disciplines than virtually any other law firm in the world. Its lawyers have wide experience in arbitration, banking, competition and trade, as well as corporate crime and corporate finance. DLA Piper has strong practices in employment, energy, hospitality and leisure, insurance, intellectual property, litigation, mergers and acquisitions and has developed key teams in pensions, private equity, real estate, tax, and technology.
Previously, Fabian was an associate attorney at Nixon Peabody LLP. Earlier in his career he worked with Steuben Foods as an associate corporate counsel. Fabian earned a JD from the University at Buffalo School of Law, and an undergraduate degree from SUNY College of Environmental Science & Forestry.
15. Joseph Kirby
Attorney of Perkins Coie
Joseph Kirby began his professional career 14 years ago. Today, he is an Attorney of Perkins Coie, a leading international law firm that is known for providing high value, strategic solutions and extraordinary client service on matters vital to their clients' success. With more than 1,200 attorneys in offices across the United States and Asia, Perkins Coie provides a full array of corporate, commercial litigation, intellectual property, and regulatory legal advice to a broad range of clients, including many of the world's most innovative companies and industry leaders as well as public and not-for-profit organizations.
Kirby first got his start in 2008 as an assistant lecturer at China Incarnate Word. From there, he went on to Chinalawinfo Co. Ltd. / Peking University Center for Legal Information, before eventually rising to associate attorney at Graham Adair, his most recent position prior to joining Perkins Coie. Kirby graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a JD, and from the University of the Incarnate Word with an undergraduate degree in English and in business information systems.
17. Celeste Villarreal
Attorney of Integreon
Celeste Villarreal began her professional career 37 years ago. Today, she is an Attorney of Integreon, a trusted global provider of alternative legal and business solutions to leading law firms, corporations, and professional service firms. They provide integrated knowledge process outsourcing services, offering legal and contract management services. Integreon has been a pioneer and leader in one of the most dynamic industries for more than 20+ years. Its scale of delivery, breadth of clients, and portfolio of services has grown and evolved within the legal department and beyond. The firm applies a highly experienced staff of 3,500 employees, including lawyers, paralegals, statisticians, data analysts, and Six Sigma experts, to a wide range of problems that require scale and expertise.
Villarreal first got her start in 1985 as an account executive at KTVI. From there, she went on to Levenson & Hill, before eventually rising to associate judge at City of Austin, her most recent position prior to joining Integreon. Villarreal graduated from Texas Tech University School of Law with a JD, and from The University of Texas at Austin with an undergraduate degree in radio, television, and film.
18. Keith Lee
Associate Attorney of Ogletree Deakins
Keith Lee is an Associate Attorney of Ogletree Deakins, one of the largest labor and employment law firms representing management in all types of employment-related legal matters. The firm has a reputation for legal excellence and responsive client service. Ogletree Deakins' labor and employment practice is complemented and supported by related practice groups in the areas of business immigration, litigation, employee benefits, occupational safety and health, and construction law. With offices throughout the United States and in Europe, Canada, and Mexico, the firm represents a diverse range of clients. Its depth of experience in labor and employment law has produced a successful track record for its clients - Fortune 50 corporations to start-up companies. Its approach to providing clients with the resources to solve today's business challenges is always forward-thinking and strategic. Lee has 17 years of experience. He began his career in 2005.
Before joining Ogletree Deakins, Lee was an attorney at Erickson Immigration Group, and before that, a staff attorney at Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. Earlier in his career he worked with Forza Resources, LLC as a landman. Lee graduated from St. Mary's University School of Law with a JD, from Southern Methodist University with an MA in dispute resolution and conflict management, and from Southern Methodist University - Cox School of Business with an undergraduate degree in accounting.
View the complete list of awardees.
20. Adela Coman
Investment Funds Attorney of Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld
Adela Coman is an Investment Funds Attorney of Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld. She first joined the company in 2021. Akin Gump is a global law firm with more than 900 lawyers and advisors who pride themselves on dedication to their clients and their communities. With 19 offices worldwide, the firm is renowned for numerous market-leading practices; its strengths in complex transactions and restructurings, high-stakes litigation, and public policy and regulatory matters; and its unyielding pro bono commitment. Akin Gump partners with clients from both established industries and cutting-edge markets to deliver creative solutions to business-critical issues, helping them seize opportunities and anticipate challenges. Driven by its forward-thinking leadership, the firm has built a strong culture of innovation and collaboration as well as a talented and diverse workforce committed to the success of its clients and each other.
Previously, Coman was an investment funds attorney at DLA Piper, and before that, an investment funds attorney at Jackson Walker LLP. Earlier in her career she worked with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology as a legal counsel. Coman earned a JD from The University of Texas School of Law, a master’s degree from Columbia University in the City of New York, and an undergraduate degree from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.
22. Brandon Middleton-Pratt
Attorney of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati
Brandon Middleton-Pratt began his professional career 15 years ago. Today, he is an Attorney of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, the premier legal advisor to technology, life sciences, and other growth enterprises worldwide. They represent companies at every stage of development, from entrepreneurial start-ups to multibillion-dollar global corporations, as well as the venture firms, private equity firms, and investment banks that finance and advise them. The firm is nationally recognized as a leader in the fields of corporate governance and finance, mergers and acquisitions, private equity, securities litigation, employment law, intellectual property, and antitrust, among many other areas of law.
Middleton-Pratt first got his start in 2007 as an M&A and strategy analyst at Tesoro Corporation. From there, he went on to Boston University School of Law, before eventually rising to private equity associate at Goodwin, his most recent position prior to joining Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati. Middleton-Pratt graduated from Boston University School of Law with a JD, from The University of Texas at San Antonio with an MBA, and from the University of Denver - Daniels College of Business with an undergraduate degree in finance.
24. Ross Cockburn
Attorney of Axiom
Ross Cockburn is an Attorney of Axiom. The organization was founded in 1988 as a primary provider of government information technology and consulting services. Since then, the company has expanded to the areas of program management, engineering, training, technical staff outsourcing and strategic planning. Axiom law is where legal teams go to find the right talent for everything from routine in-house tasks to complex outside counsel work. It shares and meets the higher standards of its clients and lawyers, with its “work smarter, adapt faster, go further” approach – connecting growing mid-market and Fortune 500 companies with the world’s deepest bench of experienced, specialized legal talent. With a net promoter score of 58, 99% of clients recommend the firm, and four out of five rate its lawyers as equal to or better than lawyers from a law firm. Cockburn has 32 years of experience. He began his career in 1990.
Before joining Axiom, Cockburn was an attorney at Greathouse-Holloway PLLC, and before that, an owner at Ross Cockburn, Attorney at Law. Earlier in his career he worked with Baker Botts LLP as an associate in labor & employment. Cockburn graduated from Washington University in St. Louis School of Law with a JD, and from Arkansas State University with an undergraduate degree in philosophy.
27. Shawn Shillington
General Counsel, Vice President and Secretary of Enverus
Shawn Shillington is a General Counsel, Vice President and Secretary of Enverus, the largest SaaS company solely dedicated to the largest market in the world – Energy. Enverus empowers companies to transform the traditional way of making decisions by accessing world-class intellectual capital, innovative cloud technology and collaborative partnerships. It provides value to customers across the entire energy mix with more than 1,400 professionals dedicated to the evolution of the industry and striving to deliver reliable, cost-effective energy to the world. A global company that serves more than 6,000 customers across 50 countries, Enverus is headquartered in Austin, Texas, with offices in Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Midland, Texas, New York, Oklahoma City, Savannah, Tennessee, Bangalore, India, Calgary, Alberta, London, Santander, Spain, Singapore, and Stonehouse, U.K. Shillington has 23 years of experience. He began his career in 1999.
Before joining Enverus, Shillington was a special counsel at Baker Botts, and before that, an associate at Debevoise & Plimpton. Earlier in his career he worked with Testchip Technologies as a semiconductor engineer. Shillington graduated from New York University School of Law with a JD, and from The University of Texas at Austin with an undergraduate degree in electrical engineering.
33. Bryan Barksdale
Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of YETI
Bryan Barksdale began his professional career 27 years ago. Today, he is a Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary of YETI. YETI Holdings, Inc. engages in the design, marketing, and distribution of products for the outdoor and recreation market. They target niche markets of high-end hunting and fishing enthusiasts, outdoorsmen, beach goers, and water enthusiasts. Their products include coolers, vacuum-insulated stainless-steel drinkware, travel bags, backpacks, multipurpose buckets, outdoor chairs, blankets, dog bowls, apparel, and accessories. In 2006, it was decided early on that product innovation would come from necessity and firsthand experience – not from market research and data analysis.
Barksdale first got his start in 1995 as an assistant dean of students at the University of Mississippi. From there, he went on to Brobeck, Phleger & Harrison, before eventually rising to general counsel at iFLY Indoor Skydiving, his most recent position prior to joining YETI. Barksdale graduated from Washington and Lee University School of Law with a JD, from the University of Mississippi with an MEd in higher education administration, and from The University of Texas at Austin with an undergraduate degree in psychology.
35. Seth Bills
General Counsel of Membersy
Seth Bills is General Counsel of Membersy, an Austin-based digital health company providing
dental membership software and administration solutions to dental service organizations
nationwide. Membersy is the nation’s largest dental subscription platform, serving over 5,000 dental practices and one million members, with a focus on designing membership plans that increase pricing transparency and make dental services more approachable for all consumers. During Seth’s tenure, Membersy acquired its chief competitor, the CDI Group, in 2020, and secured $66 million in funding from Spectrum Equity in 2021.
Before joining Membersy as Executive Vice-President and In-House Counsel in 2018, Seth was an associate with the Rogaliner Law Firm, a boutique health law firm in Dallas, Texas. Seth graduated from the SMU Dedman School of Law in 2013, and earned a B.A. from the University of Texas at Austin.
View the complete list of awardees.
36. Scott McGlasson
Attorney and Managing Partner of Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson
Scott McGlasson is an Attorney and Managing Partner of Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, a national law firm with a practice dedicated to the collection of delinquent accounts receivable for the government. For over 46 years, Linebarger has been providing customized collection programs for its public sector clientele. Its services allow its clients to spend more of their time and limited resources on providing the core services their constituents expect, while avoiding unnecessary tax increases and cuts to essential public services. McGlasson has 19 years of experience. He began his career in 2003.
McGlasson graduated from Washburn University Law School with a JD, and from Emporia State University with an undergraduate degree in business marketing.
41. Matt Kelley
Trial Attorney of Howry Breen & Herman
Matt Kelley began his professional career 6 years ago. Today, he is a Trial Attorney of Howry Breen & Herman, Austin’s go-to trial and serious injury law firm with attorneys that are proven courtroom champions with record-setting results that set them apart from other lawyers. Over the past 25 years, the firm’s Austin trial and personal injury attorneys have collected over 250 million dollars in verdicts and settlements with 50 of more than one million dollars each. Clients from all over the country call Howry Breen & Herman in times of need and it delivers time and again. Its award-winning Austin-based lawyers are among the best in the business. The firm has the experience, resources and track record to take on a case and fight to win the very best results for its clients.
Kelley first got his start in 2016 as an associate attorney at Hoffman Kelley. From there, he went on to Walters Balido & Crain Attorneys at Law as an associate attorney, his most recent position prior to joining Howry Breen & Herman. Kelley graduated from Texas Tech University School of Law with a JD, and from Texas A&M University with an undergraduate degree in philosophy.
42. Alex Matthews
Managing Attorney of Thomas J. Henry Law
Alex Matthews is a Managing Attorney of Thomas J. Henry Law, a personal injury law firm with offices in Corpus Christi, San Antonio, Austin, and Dallas, Texas, representing accident victims nationwide. Their priority is to provide their clients with the best legal representation. The firm’s experienced trial attorneys are committed to defending their rights in personal injury matters including defective products, trucking accidents, maritime accidents, and other catastrophic accidents. Over the years, Thomas J. Henry Law has gone from being the go-to auto and on-the-job injury firm in Texas to becoming a nationally-recognized personal injury practice handling all types of accident claims and representing clients in mass tort, product liability, child injury, and whistleblower protection cases nationwide. Matthews has 6 years of experience. He began his career in 2016.
Before joining Thomas J. Henry Law, Matthews was a recruiter at Generation Sports Group, and before that, a founder and president at The Law Society for Sports, Entertainment, and Media. Earlier in his career he worked with New Horizons Computer Learning Centers/5Point Enterprises as a marketing communications specialist. Matthews graduated from St. Mary's University School of Law with a JD, and from Texas State University with an undergraduate degree in mass communication & advertising.
44. Kira Richards
Corporate Counsel of CrowdStrike
Kira Richards is a Corporate Counsel of CrowdStrike. CrowdStrike is a global cybersecurity leader that has redefined modern security with one of the world’s most advanced cloud-native platforms for protecting critical areas of enterprise risk – endpoints and cloud workloads, identity and data. Powered by the CrowdStrike Security Cloud, the CrowdStrike Falcon® platform leverages real-time indicators of attack, threat intelligence, evolving adversary tradecraft and enriched telemetry from across the enterprise to deliver hyper-accurate detections, automated protection and remediation, elite threat hunting and prioritized observability of vulnerabilities. Richards has 9 years of experience. She began her career in 2013.
Before joining CrowdStrike, Richards was an associate at Shearman & Sterling LLP, and before that, an associate at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP. Earlier in her career she worked with Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme as an assistant language teacher. Richards graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles - School of Law with a JD, and from the University of Miami with an undergraduate degree in political science and government.
47. Ashley Bunyard
Senior Attorney of Dykema
Ashley Bunyard began her professional career 7 years ago. Today, she is a Senior Attorney of Dykema. Dykema is distinguished by its cost-effective and collaborative partnerships with its clients. It delivers practical, results-oriented counsel earning accolades from clients nationwide for its efforts on their behalf in the courtroom and in the boardroom. Dykema is focused on delivering outstanding results and it strives to develop relationships with its clients built on trust and mutual respect. Unparalleled client service is at the heart of its approach to the practice of law. That focus has been a cornerstone of the firm’s success for the past 85 years.
Bunyard first got her start in 2015 as an attorney at Sumner Schick LLP. Bunyard graduated from the University of Oklahoma College of Law with a JD, and from the University of Oklahoma with an undergraduate degree in marketing.
48. Adam Walton
Attorney of Dickinson Wright PLLC
Adam Walton began his professional career 7 years ago. Today, he is an Attorney of Dickinson Wright PLLC, a growing, full-service firm of experienced, creative, diverse and dedicated legal professionals. Their attorneys are respected by their peers, honored by industry endorsements and recognized through significant appointments to bar associations and the judiciary system. For more than 138 years, Dickinson Wright has put its clients first across its 40 practice areas, and with a team of over 475 lawyers, Dickinson Wright has an unwavering focus on providing unmatched client service and the highest quality legal advice. From Fortune 500 companies to small and emerging businesses to governmental entities, nonprofits and individuals, every client is important to the firm.
Walton first got his start in 2015 as a law clerk for the Honorable Alice M. Batchelder at United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. From there, he went on to District Attorney's Office for Comal County, Texas, before eventually rising to litigation attorney at Pierce / McCoy, his most recent position prior to joining Dickinson Wright PLLC. Walton graduated from Liberty University School of Law with a JD, and from Whitefield College with an undergraduate degree in Christian philosophy.
View the complete list of awardees.
