Gray Reed

Gray Reed congratulates Charles Sartain and Patrick Kelly on their recognition in JD Supra’s 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards. Charlie ranked first in the energy category, continuing his streak since 2016. As editor of Energy & The Law, he provides key insights for the industry. Patrick was named the 7th top author in construction for his work on Texas Construction Law Blog. For more information, click here: https://lnkd.in/gQbuU2ZB

Gray Reed is celebrating 5 years in Waco, Texas. Since opening our Waco office in 2020, we’ve had the opportunity to serve the community and grow with it. We look forward to many more years of success and partnership ahead.

Yesterday, we marked Texas Independence Day, honoring the signing of the Texas Declaration of Independence in 1836. As a proud Texas-based firm since 1985, we reflect on the pivotal moments that shaped our state's journey from its fight for independence to its continued growth and resilience today. ??: Gray Reed Partner Cleve Clinton who enjoys photographing Texan pride across the state.

At the National Association of Steel Pipe Distributors - NASPD 2025 Annual Convention, Gray Reed Partner J.P. B. Vogel and associates Gabriella Oxford and Kendall Hudgins shared key insights on drafting and negotiating purchase orders in the steel pipe industry. Their discussion provided valuable strategies to help businesses navigate contract terms with confidence. Gray Reed was proud to have its team contribute to the conversation at the NASPD annual event!

Gray Reed’s Mergers and Acquisitions practice ranked sixth in deal count in the 2024 Texas-Led Corporate Deal Tracker by Texas Lawbook. This marks a 50% year-over-year increase in our M&A deal volume, with Gray Reed being one of only eight Texas law firms to achieve such growth. For more information on this ranking, click here: https://lnkd.in/g7th9BE9

Gray Reed is excited to welcome two new Associates, Tatianna Brannen in Dallas and Sammy Rajaratnam in Houston. Tatianna joins our Construction Practice Group, focusing on representing general contractors, subcontractors, property owners, and developers in resolving commercial construction disputes, including payment issues, lien and bond claims, construction defects and more. To learn more about Tatianna, click here: https://lnkd.in/gE5x6T62 Sammy joins our Civil Litigation Practice Group as a skilled litigator with experience representing both corporate defendants and individual plaintiffs, allowing him to anticipate opposing strategies and approach cases from multiple perspectives. To learn more about Sammy, click here: https://lnkd.in/gM63smXg We are thrilled to have them on board and look forward to their contributions to the firm!

Gray Reed Advisory is proud to announce that GRPR, our government relations and public affairs division, has been recognized in the 2025 Capitol Inside Texas Lobby Power Rankings. This honor reflects our leadership in Texas’ political landscape and commitment to delivering results for clients. Adam Leggett, Managing Director of Government Affairs, with nearly 20 years of public service and legislative experience, plays a key role in GRPR’s continued success. For more information on this ranking and GRPR, click here: https://lnkd.in/gAAdU8Cs

Gray Reed is pleased to welcome Brittan Johnson as a Partner in our Corporate / M&A Practice Group. With extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions, real estate transactions, financings and private securities offerings, Brittan advises mid-size companies, private equity firms, developers and startups. His work spans industries such as commercial real estate, private equity, energy, healthcare and more. Welcome to the Gray Reed family, Brittan! https://lnkd.in/gzJUxfVU

Gray Reed partners Michael Kelsheimer, Darin Brooks, a Board of Director for TADC and Brian Waters recently presented at the 2025 TADC Texas Association of Defense Counsel (TADC) Winter Seminar, held at the Steamboat Grand Resort in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. This annual event brings together Texas defense attorneys to discuss emerging legal issues and strategies. Michael Kelsheimer explored how clients rely on gut instincts to make critical case decisions and how attorneys can guide them toward better outcomes through debiasing and quantitative analysis. Darin Brooks and Brian Waters provided key insights on lessons for insureds and insurers facing Stowers demands. We appreciate the opportunity to contribute to these important discussions and thank everyone who supported this event.

The Texas Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case asking the questions - Who owns produced water in Texas? And what is it – oil and gas waste and part of the mineral estate or groundwater and part of the surface estate? This case could have extraordinary implications for the oil and gas industry, water transactions, water resources, and of course to landowners with oil and gas operations on their property. This Gray Reed Legal Alert explains the case and provides links to related articles from over the years. Gray Reed Partner Stephen Cooney will continue monitoring the case and providing updates, as needed. https://lnkd.in/g7PaFvRp