News

Kelly Hart to Receive Fort Worth Chamber’s Spirit of Enterprise Award

Kelly Hart & Hallman LLP has been chosen to receive the 2012 Spirit of Enterprise Award. Bestowed by the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, the award, recognizes local enterprises for outstanding contributions to the development of the community.  The Spirit of Enterprise award was initiated in 1975 to recognize local companies that have made significant contributions to the advancement and prosperity of the city, as well as its commitment to the preservation of the American private enterprise...

Marshall Searcy Featured in Fort Worth Business Press

Marshall Searcy interviewed for April 8, 2013 issue of the Fort Worth Business Press.

Kim Donovan New President-Elect

Kim Donovan was selected as the President-Elect of the Tarrant County Probate Bar Association.  She will begin serving her one-year term this summer.

Two Kelly Hart Attorneys Chosen as 40-Under-40 Honorees

Stephanie Kaiser and Jeff Whitfield named, 40-Under-40 Honorees, by the Fort Worth Business Press.

26 Kelly Hart Attorneys Named 2013 Texas Rising Stars

Twenty-six Kelly Hart attorneys were selected for inclusion in the 2013 Texas Rising Stars. The list appears in the April 2013 issues of Texas Monthly and Texas Rising Stars magazines.

Marshall Searcy to Receive Prestigious Ronald D. Secrest Outstanding Trial Lawyer Award

Marshall Searcy has been selected as the 2013 recipient of the Texas Bar Foundation’s Ronald D. Secrest Outstanding Trial Lawyer Award.

Sharon Millians featured in Fort Worth Business Press

Sharon Millians interviewed for the February 25, 2013, Women in Law, focus section of the Fort Worth Business Press.

 

Katherine Thomas Elected to TCYLA Board

Katherine Thomas has been elected to serve on the Tarrant County Young Lawyers Association’s Board of Directors.

 

Christopher L. Taylor Elected to the Board of Directors of the National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum

The National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum (NMWHM) announces the appointment of Christopher L. Taylor to its Board of Directors. The elction of the musem's newest board members took place at the January 2013 board meeting.

Sharon Millians Chosen as an Outstanding Woman of Fort Worth

Sharon Millians has been selected as the Outstanding Woman in the Workplace by the Fort Worth Commission for Women for her many contributions to improving Fort Worth.

Sean A. Bryan Re-Elected to the Board of Directors for the Greater Fort Worth/Arlington Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

The Greater Fort Worth/Arlington Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation announces the appointment of Sean A. Bryan to its Board of Directors. Sean served the Fort Worth/Arlington Chapter of Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation from 2002-2008.  Sean was re-elected to serve the Board in another multi-year term.

 

Kelly Hart Attorneys Selected as ‘2013 Top Rated Lawyers in Corporate Restructuring and Bankruptcy’

Mike McConnell and Steve Ravel selected as ‘2013 Top Rated Lawyers in Corporate Restructuring and Bankruptcy’ by American Lawyer Media and Martindale-Hubbell ^TM

Andrew Weber Secures Favorable Ruling by Attorney General

Andrew Weber prompts a favorable opinion issued by The Attorney General of Texas.  The AG opinion agrees with Kelly Hart briefing about prescription for expiration of building permits.

John Cayce Published in State Bar of Texas Journal

John Cayce authors article, "Stand your Ground":  The Judiciary's Fight for Self-Preservation in Times of Economic Crisis.  Article published in the State Bar of Texas Litigation Section News for the Bar, Winter 2012.

Russell Cawyer and Ezra Kuenzi Published in Texas Lawyer

Russell Cawyer and Ezra Kuenzi published in Texas Lawyer, article titled, Jury Waivers Are Alternatives to Arbitration Agreements.

Kelly Hart Attorneys Named as 2012 Top Attorneys by Fort Worth, Texas magazine

Kelly Hart Attorneys named as 2012 Top Attorneys by Fort Worth, Texas magazine. 

Kelly Hart Attorneys Recognized as Top Attorneys, Under Five Years in Practice, by Fort Worth, Texas magazine

2012 Top Attorneys, Under Five Years in Practice, by Fort Worth, Texas magazine. 

State Bar Swearing-In Ceremony held for Five Kelly Hart Associates

Judge Walker of the Texas Second District Court of Appeals swears-in five Kelly Hart attorneys to the State Bar of Texas.

Kelly Hart participates in TVAS Pro Bono Event

The Tarrant County Volunteer Attorney Services (“TVAS”) sponsored a Pro Bono Event on October 23 at the TCBA offices.

Five New Associates Join Kelly Hart

Kelly Hart & Hallman welcomes five new associates to the firm.

Four Kelly Hart Attorneys recognized in The TCU Magazine

The TCU Magazine recognizes four alumni as among the Best Lawyers in America 2013

Twenty-three Kelly Hart Attorneys selected for inclusion in 2012 Texas Super Lawyers

Twenty-three Kelly Hart attorneys were selected for inclusion in the 2012 Texas Super Lawyers. Selections for Texas Super Lawyers are based on peer nominations and independent evaluations of the lawyers professional achievement and community service.  Only five percent of lawyers in Texas are named Super Lawyers.

Twenty-eight Kelly Hart attorneys have been listed among the Best Lawyers in America 2013®

Twenty-eight Kelly Hart attorneys have been listed among the Best Lawyers in America 2013®. Best Lawyers is the oldest and most respected peer-review publication in the legal profession.

David Keltner Named a Go-To Lawyer Finalist in Appellate Law by Texas Lawyer

David Keltner has been selected as one of five finalists in the field of Appellate Law for the Texas Lawyer 2012 Go-To Guide.

Kelly Hart Attorneys Pati Meadows and Bob Grable recognized as 2012 Power Attorneys

The Fort Worth Business Press selected Pati Meadows and Bob Grable as 2012 Power Attorneys. Power Attorneys are chosen based on peer recognition, reputation and professional accomplishment, including honors and awards, verdicts and settlements, special licenses and certifications, position within the firm, lecture and writings, and civic contributions.

Sharon Millians elected chair of the Fellows of the Texas Bar Foundation

Sharon S. Millians, co-chair of the Real Estate practice group at Kelly Hart, was elected chair of the Fellows of the Texas Bar Foundation for the period of July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2013.  The Texas Bar Foundation solicits charitable contributions and provides funding to enhance the rule of law and the system of justice in the state of Texas.  

Michael McConnell received the James B. Barlow Emeritus Fellow Award

Michael A. McConnell received the 2012 esteemed James B. Barlow Emeritus Fellow Award presented by the Eldon B. Mahon American Inn of Court.  The Executive Committee of the Mahon Inn confers the Barlow Emeritus "in recognition of continued distinguished service to the Inn as an Emeritus Master of the Bench."  The Inn has only named one other person as a Barlow Fellow.

Kelly Hart Hosted Labor & Employment Webinar

Kelly Hart partners, Henry Robinson and Chris Howe, hosted a live, interactive webinar June 27, 2012.  To view the webinar visit, "The New Frontier: How to Address Technology and Social Media Issues in the Workplace" and complete the registration information.

David Keltner honored as Top Appellate Lawyer at the State Bar Convention

David Keltner co-chair of the Appellate practice group at Kelly Hart, received the Texas Bar Foundation's first annual Gregory S. Coleman Outstanding Appellate Lawyer Award at the State Bar Convention on June 15th, 2012.  This prestigious award, established by Yetter Coleman in 2011, celebrates the high ideals and standards that Mr. Coleman demonstrated in his appellate practice and personal life. 

Jeff Whitfield named the Chair-Elect of the Tarrant County Texas Lawyers for Veterans

The Tarrant County Texas Lawyers for Texas Veterans named Jeff Whitfield, an associate in Kelly Hart's litigation section, as a chair-elect in May 2012.  Texas Lawyers for Texas Veterans is a new State Bar of Texas program to develop and assist pro bono legal clinics throughout the states for military veterans who cannot afford or do not have access to the legal services they need. 

Chad Arnette and Jason Nash honored as Fort Worth Business Press' 40 Under 40

The Fort Worth Business Press honored Kelly Hart partners, J. Chad Arnette and Jason C. Nash, in their list of 2012 honorees for 40 Under 40. Every Year, The Fort Worth Business Press hosts the Forty Under Forty event saluting 40 area individuals under the age of 40 years old who are making their mark with professional success and community involvement.  Winners were published in the April 16th edition of the Fort Worth Business Press.

Seventeen Kelly Hart attorneys recognized as Rising Stars

Seventeen Kelly Hart attorneys have been selected for inclusion on Super Lawyers' 2012 "Texas Rising Stars" list.  The honorees are Fort Worth attorneys Chad J. Arnette, S. Benton Cantey, Leslie M. Darby, Sharon F. Fulgham, Christopher S. Greer, Thomas R. Hegi, Brandon M. Hill, Brandon T. Hurley, Stephanie E. Kaiser, Chad A. Key, Cheryl P. Leb, Ross S. Martin, Derek L. Montgomery, Preston R. Mundt, Dana M. Stayton and Matthew D. Stayton. Also receiving the honor is Monica M. Jacobs from Kelly Hart's Austin office.

Sharon Millians received the Governor's Yellow Rose of Texas Award

Texas Governor Rick Perry awarded Sharon S. Millians the 2012 Yellow Rose of Texas Award. The Yellow Rose of Texas Award was conceived during the term of Governor Allan Shivers and is given to honor Texas women who have demonstrated outstanding volunteer and community service.  Ms. Millians supports numerous volunteer and community service projects including the Tarrant County Women's Center, the Child Study Center and the Chiapas Project.

Kelly Hart Hosted Labor & Employment Webinar

Kelly Hart attorneys, Russell D. Cawyer and Paige P. Biggs, hosted a live, interactive webinar February 29, 2012.  To view the webinar visit, "Investigating Employee Compaints in the 21st Century" Comprehensive Investigations of Compaints of Discrimination, Harassment and Misconduct" and complete the registration information.

Glenn Johnson awarded the Ernest E. Smith Lifetime Achievement Award

Kelly Hart & Hallman attorney Glenn E. Johnson received The Ernest E. Smith Lifetime Achievement Award by the Texas Journal of Oil, Gas and Energy on February 9, 2012. The Ernest E. Smith Lifetime Achievement Award honors practitioners who have participated in the advancement of natural resources law, policy, or scholarship.

Kelly Hart sponsored Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo Art Contest

Kelly Hart proudly sponsored the 2012 Star-Telegram Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo Art Contest.  Contestants ranged from the ages of five to nineteen years of age.  The contest provided an opportunity to showcase artistic abilities and offered a great chance to win awards, college scholarships or cash prizes in excess of $20,000.

Dee J. Kelly awarded Honorary Doctor of Law

Dee J. Kelly, a founding partner of Kelly Hart, received an Honorary Doctor of Law by Texas Wesleyan University School of Law in January 2012.  Among his many Honors, Mr. Kelly has been the recipient of Fort Worth’s Outstanding Citizen Award, Fort Worth’s Outstanding Business Executive, the Horatio Alger Award, and the Blackstone Award, given by the Tarrant County Bar Association to the year’s outstanding lawyer.

Sharon Millians elected Chair of the Board of Tarrant County Women's Center

The Tarrant County Women's Center elected Sharon S. Millians, co-chair of Kelly Hart's Real Estate practice group, as Chair of the Board of the organization in January 2012.  Every year the center serves almost 100,000 women, men and children of all ages, ethnic and economic backgrounds. The Center works with these individuals to help them muster the power and courage to confront crisis, triumph over desperate situations, and build new skills and strategies  that will improve their lives.

Equine Law Blog included among ABA Journal Top 100 Blogs

ABA Journal selected Alison Rowe's Equine Law Blog among the Top 100 Blogs from more than 1,300 blogs in their December 2011 publication.  Ms. Rowe practices in Kelly Hart's Farming and Ranching practice section. Her focus is providing professional assistance and legal representation to individuals, business entities, associations and government agencies who are involved in the equine industry. She is experienced in litigating matters such as lien foreclosures, purchase-sale

Dee Kelly, Jr. honored as Power Attorney

The Fort Worth Business Press named Dee J. Kelly, Jr., Managing Partner of Kelly Hart, as a 2011 Power Attorney.  The Fort Worth Business Press and an independent panel of judges review each nomination and evaluate the nomination based on peer recognition, reputation and professional achievement including honors and awards, verdicts and settlements, special licenses and certifications, position within the law firm, lectures and writings, education and employment and other outstanding...

Dee J. Kelly and Robert C. Grable recognized as Best Lawyers' 2012 Lawyers of the Year

Best Lawyers for the Dallas/Fort Worth area has named Dee J. Kelly the "Best Lawyers Natural Resources Law Lawyer of the Year" and Robert C. Grable the "Best Lawyers Oil & Gas Law Lawyer of the Year."

Best Lawyers compiles its lists of outstanding attorneys by conducting exhaustive peer-review surveys in which thousands of leading lawyers confidentially evaluate their professional peers. The 18th edition of The Best Lawyers in America (2012) is based on more than 3.9 million evaluations.

Kelly Hart recognized in U.S. News-Best Law Firms

U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers recognized Kelly Hart in their Best Law Firms listing for 2011-2012.  Rankings were based on evaluations from clients and lawyers, as well as a review of additional information provided by the firms.  Among the topics of evaluation were a firm's expertise, responsiveness, cost-effectiveness,  civility, and whether it deserved to be recommended for work.

David Keltner recognized as "Top Point Getter" by Texas Super Lawyers for Third Consecutive Year

Kelly Hart attorney David Keltner was recognized as the Top Point Getter in the 2011 Texas Super Lawyers nomination process. Texas Super Lawyers is a listing of outstanding lawyers who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. Selections are based on peer nominations and independent evaluations of the lawyers' professional achievement and community service. Marshall M. Searcy was also named to the Top 100 Texas Super Lawyers and Top 100 Texas Super Lawyers...

Twenty-eight Kelly Hart Attorneys Featured in Best Lawyers in America 2012 Edition

Twenty-eight Kelly Hart & Hallman attorneys were selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2012 Edition. 

Since its inception in 1983, Best Lawyers has become regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence. Best Lawyers recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey in which more than 32,000 leading attorneys cast votes.

Sharon Millians elected to serve as the Fellows Chair Elect of the Texas Bar Foundation

In June 2011, the Texas Bar Foundation elected Sharon Millians, co-chair of Kelly Hart's Real Estate practice group, to serve as the Fellows Chair-Elect of the Texas Bar Foundation.  Each year, the top 1/3 of 1% of Texas attorneys are invited to become Fellows (or members) of the Texas Bar Foundation. Election to the Fellows is one of the highest honors that can be bestowed upon a member of the State Bar of Texas. Nomination is based on outstanding contributions to the legal profession as well...

Brandon Hurley and Cheryl Leb honored as Fort Worth Business Press' 40 Under 40

    
The Fort Worth Business Press honored Kelly Hart partners, Brandon T. Hurley and Cheryl P. Leb, in their list of 2011 honorees for 40 Under 40. Every Year, The Fort Worth Business Press hosts the Forty Under Forty event saluting 40 area individuals under the age of 40 years old who are making their mark with professional success and community involvement.

Super Lawyers Recognized twenty-four Kelly Hart Attorneys as "Texas Rising Stars"

Twenty-four Kelly Hart attorneys have been selected for inclusion on Super Lawyers' 2011 "Texas Rising Stars" list.  The honorees are Fort Worth attorneys Michael D. Anderson, Chad J. Arnette, Paige P. Biggs, S. Benton Cantey, Leslie M. Darby, Jeffrey R. Grable, Frank P. Greenhaw IV, Christopher S. Greer, Thomas R. Hegi, Brandon M. Hill, Brandon T. Hurley, Stephanie E. Kaiser, Chad A. Key, Derek L. Montgomery, Marcus G. Mungioli, Jason C. Nash, Marcus R. Patton, Brian S. Stagner, Dana M....

Michael McConnell appointed to the Advisory Board of the UT Center for Global Energy, International Arbitration and Environmental Law

The University of Texas Center for Global Energy, International Arbitration, and Environmental Law appointed Michael McConnell, chair of Kelly Hart's Bankruptcy & Reorganization practice, to serve on their advisory board in 2011.  The Center for Global Energy, International Arbitration, and Environmental Law offers an extensive and unique curriculum to students interested in these areas of the law. The center is also a focal point for interdisciplinary analysis, debate, and discussion of the...

Andrew Weber named to Board of Directors of Texas Advocacy Project

The Texas Advocacy Project named C. Andrew Weber, chair of Kelly Hart's Public Law practice group and former Texas First Assistant Attorney General, to its Board of Directors in 2011.  Texas Advocacy Project is a nonprofit organization working directly with victims, shelters, law enforcement agencies and courts across Texas to deliver effective legal services to Texans in need.  The Project has developed numerous programs including: Toll-Free Legal Assistance Hotlines; Emergency Protective...

Lars Berg elected to the American Board of Trial Advocates

The American Board of Trial Advocates elected Lars L. Berg, a partner in Kelly Hart's Litigation section, as an associate member in 2011.  The American Board of Trial Advocates is a national association of experienced trial lawyers and judges dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the civil jury trial right provided by the Seventh Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. First and foremost, ABOTA works to uphold the jury system by educating the American public about the history and value of...

John Cayce recognized as St. Mary's 2010 Fort Worth Outstanding Law Alumnus

The St. Mary's Law Alumni Association Fort Worth Chapter honored John H. Cayce Jr., co-chair of Kelly Hart's Appellate practice, as their 2010 Outstanding Alumnus.  Prior to Kelly Hart, Mr. Cayce served as the Chief Justice of the Court of Appeals for the Second District of Texas.  At his retirement from the bench, he was the longest serving chief justice in the state.

David Keyes elected to the American Law Institute

David R. Keyes, a partner in Kelly Hart's Banking and Finance practice group, was elected to the American Law Institute in October 2010.  The American Law Institute is the leading independent organization in the United States producing scholarly work to clarify, modernize, and otherwise improve the law. The Institute (made up of 4000 lawyers, judges, and law professors of the highest qualifications) drafts, discusses, revises, and publishes Restatements of the Law, model statutes, and...

Russell Cawyer named among Top Business Defenders by Dallas Business Journal

Russell Cawyer has been named a Top Business Defender by the Dallas Business Journal in the May 14, 2010 edition. The Defenders list is compiled by DBJ editorial staff after interviewing highly regarded plaintiff and defense attorneys, judges, corporations and other respected professionals in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex.  The editorial board also considers the candidate's professional achievements and leadership in their industry and in the overall community.

Clay Taylor elected President of TCBA's Bankruptcy Section

Clay M. Taylor, a partner in Kelly Hart's Bankruptcy & Reorganization practice group, was elected as President of the Tarrant County Bar Association's Bankruptcy Section in 2010.  The purposes of the Bankruptcy Law Section are (a) to study bankruptcy law in Tarrant County, as well as in other parts of Texas and the United States; (b) to develop a forum for discussion of bankruptcy law among lawyers; (c) to teach the lawyers, judges, and the public in Tarrant County about bankruptcy law through...

Super Lawyers Recognized Twenty-Eight Kelly Hart Attorneys as Rising Stars

Twenty-eight Kelly Hart & Hallman attorneys have been selected for inclusion on Super Lawyers’ 2010 “Texas Rising Stars” list.  Among the honorees are Fort Worth attorneys Michael D. Anderson, J. Chad Arnette, Paige P. Biggs, S. Benton Cantey V, David W. Cook, Matthew C. Cooper, Leslie M. Darby, Jeffrey R. Grable, Frank P. Greenhaw IV, Christopher S. Greer, Thomas R. Hegi, Brandon T. Hill, Brandon T. Hurley, Chad A. Key, Darren J. Keyes, Cheryl P. Leb, Michael C. Lowder, Derek L....

Lifetime Achievement Awarded to Mark L. Hart, Jr.

Mark L. Hart, Jr. has been awarded The University of Texas School of Law’s Lifetime Achievement Award for 2010. The Lifetime Achievement award, bestowed by the University of Texas School of Law Alumni Association, honors an alumnus who has had a distinguished legal career and who has brought honor to The University of Texas School of Law through his or her service to the legal profession and to society. The award recognizes the alumnus who epitomizes the highest goals and traditions of the...

Four Kelly Hart Attorneys Recognized in the Business Litigation issue of Super Lawyers Corporate Counsel Edition

             
Four Kelly Hart partners have been recognized in the Business Litigation issue of Super Lawyers Corporate Counsel magazine in 2009. The recognized attorneys include founding partner Dee J. Kelly, managing partner Dee J. Kelly, Jr. and William N. Warren, co-chair of the firm’s Litigation practice group and Donald E. Herrmann, a Litigation partner. 

Selections for Super Lawyers are based on peer nominations and independent evaluations of the lawyers’ professional...