Jackson Walker Announces Largest Class of Newly Elected Partners to Date

February 11, 2022 | Attorney News



Jackson Walker is pleased to announce the election of 14 attorneys to the Firm’s partnership—the largest class to date. On Friday, February 11, 2022, the following attorneys were named partners:

  • Austin: Craig Bennett and Michael Roberts
  • Dallas: Lindsey Marsh Brown, Blake Dietrich, Lamar Dowling, James Miers, Brian Oates, and Machir Stull
  • Houston: Joel Glover, Jeremy Sheng, and Sang Shin
  • San Antonio: Art Cavazos, Amanda Crouch, and Reagan Marble

In addition to electing 14 new partners, the Firm also congratulates Bart Cicuto, Noah Speck, and Austin Thomas on their promotion from associates to senior counsel.

“At Jackson Walker, we are committed to developing our people as partners and elevating them as leaders within the Firm.”

“At Jackson Walker, we are committed to developing our people as partners and elevating them as leaders within the Firm,” said Managing Partner Wade Cooper. “We are so proud to celebrate each of these individuals and recognize the incredible work they have done.”

Please join in congratulating our newly elected partners:

Craig BennettCraig Bennett

Prior to joining the environmental and regulatory section in Austin, Craig R. Bennett served as a Master Administrative Law Judge with the Texas State Office of Administrative Hearings for 18 years. Since joining the Firm, Craig has leveraged his experience to counsel clients on administrative and regulatory law matters, including compliance, enforcement, litigation, and judicial review of administrative agency decisions.

Austin partner Kirk D. Rasmussen, who brought Craig with him to Jackson Walker in 2019, said, “He’s one of the smartest guys I know, the best writer I know, and the best thinker I know. I’m pleased that Jackson Walker has chosen to elect Craig into the partnership.”

Craig currently serves as an adjunct professor teaching Texas Administrative Law at Baylor Law School and at the University of Texas Law School, where he has taught since 2007. He frequently speaks at continuing legal education seminars, including the annual Advanced Texas Administrative Law Seminar presented by UT Law.

Craig received his J.D. from Baylor University School of Law and his B.S. from Indiana University.

Lindsey Marsh BrownLindsey Marsh Brown

Lindsey Marsh Brown is a trial attorney with experience handling FINRA securities arbitrations and cases in federal and state courts involving claims regarding fraud, defamation, real estate disputes, and breach of contract. Lindsey is a strategic thinker with experience in all phases of litigation, including conducting and defending depositions, drafting and arguing evidentiary and dispositive motions, and negotiating with adverse parties to secure favorable settlements and results for her clients.

Dallas partner Jonathan D. Neerman noted, “I have had the pleasure of working with Lindsey for the past six years and watched her grow into the exceptional trial lawyer she is today. She’s been a wonderful associate, a wonderful friend, a wonderful colleague, and I look forward to calling her a wonderful partner, as well.”

She received her B.S., summa cum laude, from Texas Christian University and her J.D., cum laude, from SMU Dedman School of Law.

Art CavazosArt Cavazos

Arturo Cavazos is a finance and corporate attorney focused on complex financial transactions and other commercial matters. His transactional experience includes corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, financial derivatives, securities transactions, and general contracting.

“Art has a reputation that is well-deserved for being a thoughtful and skilled legal practitioner, coupled with being a diligent, detail-oriented, and tireless worker,” San Antonio partner James M. McDonough said. “I am proud to welcome Art to the partnership.”

Art has been recognized as a “One to Watch” in the areas of Banking and Finance Law and Corporate Law by Best Lawyers in its 2022 edition, and has been named to San Antonio Magazine’s lists of the “Best S.A. Lawyers” and “Rising Star Lawyers” since 2018.

Art received his B.B.A. from Texas A&M University and his J.D. from Columbia Law School.

Amanda CrouchAmanda Crouch

Amanda N. Crouch is a commercial litigator who represents clients in a wide range of industries in state and federal courts and arbitration. She has achieved success before juries, judges, arbitrators and appellate courts across Texas on a range of matters, including general commercial litigation, collection cases, personal injury cases, probate litigation, oil and gas issues, contract disputes, environmental litigation, First Amendment and media litigation, Section 1983 claims and governmental immunity cases on behalf of cities and counties. Recently, Amanda led the Firm’s COVID-19 Task Force and provided advice to clients in a range of industries regarding various COVID-related employment and business matters.

Amanda has been recognized as a “One to Watch” for her appellate practice by Best Lawyers in its 2022 edition, a “Texas Rising Star” for Civil Litigation: Defense and one of the “Up-and-Coming 50: Women Texas Rising Stars” by Thomson Reuters’ Super Lawyers – Rising Stars in 2021, and a “Best S.A. Lawyer” by San Antonio Scene since 2015. In 2017, she was honored with the Belva Lockwood Outstanding Young Lawyer Award by the Bexar County Women’s Bar Association.

“In the past three years, Amanda has had three jury trials, and the ones she didn’t win, she got reversed on appeal. She is a litigator who is known for her skills and known by the judges in the courtroom,” said Julia W. Mann, managing partner of the San Antonio office. “Amanda is my partner, my friend, and simply an incredible person. I know she will do great things, and I am so happy for her to be named partner.”

Outside of her practice, Amanda serves as a director of the North East Education Foundation and the President-Elect of the Junior League of San Antonio. In 2020, Jackson Walker selected Amanda to participate in the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD) Pathfinder Program, a professional development series that provides foundational leadership skills and career development strategies.

Amanda received her B.S., with high honors, from the University of Texas at Austin and her J.D., cum laude, from Baylor Law School.

Blake DietrichBlake Dietrich

Blake T. Dietrich is an intellectual property litigator with experience helping clients secure patent, trademark, and copyright protection to enforcing and defending those rights through litigation. Blake has litigated close to 100 patent cases in various jurisdictions throughout the country, and he is well experienced in all phases of patent litigation.

Dallas partner Nathaniel St. Clair stated, “There are a few words that come to mind when describing Blake—dedicated, selfless, and well-rounded. Blake has evolved into one of the most selfless players on the Jackson Walker team. He is one example of the evolution of a true Jackson Walker lawyer, colleague, and teammate. It’s my honor to have Blake as a colleague, as a friend, as a mentee, and as my partner here.”

Blake has a strong electrical engineering and computer science background, with a degree summa cum laude in Applied Science & Technology from The George Washington University, where he also received his law degree.

Lamar DowlingLamar Dowling

Lamar H. Dowling is a real estate attorney with experience handling the negotiation and structuring of sophisticated real estate transactions, including acquisitions, leasings, and capital markets matters. Lamar regularly advises institutional and entrepreneurial companies, including REITs, opportunity funds, and developers that own, operate, finance, lease, develop, and manage all types of commercial properties, with an emphasis on hotels, resorts, and mixed-use developments. His practice also includes senior and mezzanine financing services, complex workout and debt restructuring, management agreements, franchise agreements, buying, selling, developing, and ground leasing of all types of commercial real estate products.

Since 2021, he has been named a “One to Watch” for Real Estate Law by Best Lawyers. He has also been recognized as a “Texas Rising Star” by Thomson Reuters’ Super Lawyers – Rising Stars since 2017.

“Lamar Dowling is a true right-hand man that has helped my practice grow exponentially since he’s been a part of my team,” said Dallas partner Cynthia Brotman Nelson. “I am so excited and know that he really deserves to be a partner. He has worked hard and deserves everything good that comes his way.”

Lamar attended Southern Methodist University, where he received his B.A., B.B.A., M.B.A., and J.D. He continues to serve his alma mater as a member of the SMU Dedman School of Law Emerging Leader Board.

Joel GloverJoel Glover

Joel R. Glover represents clients throughout the United States in media and entertainment litigation, trademark and copyright infringement litigation, energy litigation, and financial services litigation. Joel spent several years as an Army officer at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, and served two combat tours in Iraq before becoming a lawyer. Lessons learned from these experiences—leadership, teamwork, integrity, decision-making, preparedness, and adaptability—serve him well as an advocate and as a member of the client’s team.

Joel has been named a “Texas Rising Star” by Thomson Reuters’ Super Lawyers – Rising Stars since 2018, and was recognized among its “Up-and-Coming 100” list in 2021.

Houston partner Charles “Chip” Babcock said, “It is with great pleasure and honor to welcome Joel Glover into our partnership. There are some young lawyers that walk around and everybody thinks they’re a partner before they are, and Joel is one of those. Joel has carried himself as if he was a partner in every sense of the word. He embodies what we’re all about at Jackson Walker and what makes this such a special place.”

Outside of his practice, Joel volunteers his time with the American Bar Association Forum on Communications Law, the ABA Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Section’s Media, Privacy, and Advertising Law Committee, Alley Theatre, and the West Point Society of Greater Houston.

Joel received his B.S. from United States Military Academy West Point and his J.D. from South Texas College of Law Houston. He is licensed to practice in both Texas and New York.

Reagan MarbleReagan Marble

Reagan M. Marble focuses on complex energy litigation and transactions throughout Texas and New Mexico. In his energy litigation practice, Reagan regularly represents high‐net‐worth family trusts and partnerships, non-operating working interest owners, and mineral and royalty buyers throughout the Southwest. In his energy transactional practice, Reagan primarily helps landowners and water companies maximize their natural resources.

“Jackson Walker is a great place to come because there are people who are wonderful to work with, and that certainly describes Reagan,” said San Antonio partner Peter E. Hosey. “I want to welcome him into the ranks and see him have a long and successful career. I am so happy that he’s our partner now.”

In 2022, Reagan was recognized among The Best Lawyers in America in the area of Oil and Gas Law. Since 2018, he has been recognized as a “Texas Rising Star” in the area of Energy & Natural Resources by Thomson Reuters’ Super Lawyers – Rising Stars and as a “Best S.A. Lawyer” and “Rising Star Lawyer” by San Antonio Scene.

Outside of his practice, Reagan serves on the board of the National Association of Royalty Owners (NARO) and remains active in his family’s multigenerational cattle business.

Reagan obtained his B.A. from Baylor University and his J.D., cum laude, from Texas Tech University School of Law.

James MiersJames Miers

James Miers represents clients in connection with the acquisition or disposition of real property, the development or redevelopment of property for all potential uses, and leasing all types of developed property. His practice allows him to work with clients ranging from individuals involved in their first commercial real estate transaction to national developers. Since 2021, James has been recognized as a “One to Watch” for Real Estate Law by Best Lawyers.

Dallas partner George C. Dunlap stated, “I am very excited to welcome James Miers to the partnership. James is an outstanding real estate lawyer. He’s worked on his own for a number of years for many of our significant client relationships, and everybody raves about James’ work product.”

James received his B.A. from the University of Texas at Austin and his J.D., cum laude, from SMU Dedman School of Law.

Brian OatesBrian Oates

Brian H. Oates is a trial attorney with experience representing clients in state and federal courts throughout the United States and on various forms of alternative dispute resolution. Brian’s practice includes all aspects of commercial litigation, including infringement of intellectual property, construction disputes, and other high-stakes commercial disputes. Brian also has experience representing oil and gas companies in a variety of contexts, including disputes involving energy related agreements. In recognition of his work in the areas of commercial litigation and intellectual property law, Brian has been named a “One to Watch” by Best Lawyers since 2021.

“Over the past couple of years as we worked more closely together and more intensely on multiple matters, I learned some things about Brian that I think are valuable for a trial lawyer. Brian is absolutely unflappable under pressure, never complains, and is willing to take on any task,” said Dallas partner Mark T. Josephs. “When you combine all those characteristics with an extremely likeable young man who’s hardworking and has taken his work very seriously over the years, I think he’s going to be a great partner.”

Brian obtained his B.A. from Trinity University and his J.D., summa cum laude, from Texas Tech University School of Law, where he graduated second in his class and received a number of honors, including induction into the Order of the Coif and recognition for earning the highest grade in his class seven times. Prior to law school, Brian played professional baseball in the Seattle Mariners organization.

Michael RobertsMichael Roberts

Michael C. Roberts handles a wide variety of commercial litigation matters, with particular emphasis on construction and insurance matters. Michael’s construction litigation and transactional matters primarily focus on representing owners in all aspects of construction, from contraction negotiation through trial or arbitration.

Recently, Michael negotiated construction contracts exceeding $25,000,000 and associated design contracts for two exciting new developments in Austin, Texas. In the courtroom, Michael has gained unique trial experience, including recently trying a week-long in-person jury trial in January 2022 that ended in a $6.5 million settlement for his clients against an international company.

Michael has been recognized among the list of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch since 2021 and Thomson Reuters’ Super Lawyers – Rising Stars since 2018. He was also named one of the top 1% of State Bar members to join the Texas Bar Foundation as a fellow in 2020.

Regarding Michael’s election to the partnership, Austin partner Joshua A. Romero remarked, “Michael Roberts quickly took a leadership position as an associate. I would like to welcome him into the partnership. He’s worked his tail off, and this is well deserved.”

Michael obtained his B.A., summa cum laude, from Abilene Christian University and his J.D., cum laude, from Baylor Law School.

Jeremy ShengJeremy Sheng

Jeremy I. Sheng focuses his corporate practice on joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions, entity formation, and general corporate governance. His clients include real estate development developers and investors, startups, and family-owned businesses. Since 2020, Jeremy has been named a “Texas Rising Star” by Thomson Reuters’ Super Lawyers – Rising Stars.

“Jeremy does excellent work, clients love him, and he has those intangible qualities that we value in partners,” said Houston partner Marisela Peña Gonzalez. “He’s a team player, he’s kind and conscientious, a mentor to the associates, and approaches everything with the attitude of what is for the greater good. We cannot be more excited for him. We value him as a coworker and a friend, and I’m really happy we can get to add partner to that list now.”

Outside of his practice, Jeremy serves on the board of the Texas Exes Houston Chapter.

Jeremy received his B.B.A. and M.P.A. from the University of Texas at Austin and his J.D., cum laude, from Baylor Law School.

Sang Shin headshotSang Shin

Sang Shin is a business immigration attorney with broad experience managing immigration matters for companies, individuals, investors and institutions through the U.S. and internationally. Sang handles a wide range of nonimmigrant visas and petitions, and also provides advanced and strategic advice to clients on a variety of immigrant visas and labor certification (PERM). He handles family-based cases and U.S. citizenship matters, and regularly represents companies in connection with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), U.S. Department of State (DOS), and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) audits. He works with international companies entering the U.S. market for the first time, helping them navigate the ever-changing U.S. legal landscape and helps with seamless market entry.  He also advises start-ups, entrepreneurs, and high net-worth individuals regarding investment-based U.S. immigration opportunities.

Sang has been recognized among The Best Lawyers in America in the area of Immigration Law since 2021 and Houstonia Magazine’s list of the top lawyers in immigration in “Best of Houstonia” in 2021. In addition, he was honored in 2020 with the Best Under 40 Award by the Asian Pacific Interest Section (APIS) of the State Bar of Texas.

Outside of his practice, Sang serves as Chair of the Board of Directors of the Asian American Bar Association of Houston, a trustee of the Asian American Bar Foundation of Houston, the secretary of the Asian Pacific Islander Section of the State Bar of Texas, and a council member of the Immigration Section of the State Bar of Texas.

“It is my absolute pleasure to welcome Sang Shin as a partner,” said Houston partner Christian A. Triantaphyllis, chair of the Business Immigration & Compliance practice. “I am proud of him and so happy that he’s here with us at Jackson Walker.”

Sang received his B.A. from the University of North Carolina and his J.D. from Charlotte School of Law. He has also obtained a Diversity and Inclusion Certification from Cornell University.

Machir StullMachir Stull

Machir Stull is a bankruptcy attorney with experience representing nearly every constituency in a bankruptcy, from debtors and committees to trustees and landlords. His clients have spanned a broad range of industries, including healthcare, energy, and real estate.

Dallas partner Michael S. Held stated, “Machir is a fantastic bankruptcy attorney, a great colleague—smart, creative, hardworking, and dependable. We’re really happy to have him in our ranks as a partner.”

Machir received his B.S. from the University of Virginia and his J.D., cum laude, from SMU Dedman School of Law.

Meet Our Senior Counsel

Bart Cicuto

Bart J. Cicuto advises lenders, developers, sellers, and purchasers in commercial real estate and finance matters. He has developed particular experience counseling clients on acquisition, construction, and development finance for multifamily, warehouse, office, and mixed-use developments; the negotiation of purchase and sale transactions; ground leases, office leases and subleases; development agreements; property management agreements; easements; and covenants, conditions, and restrictions. Bart obtained his B.A. from Bucknell University and his J.D., cum laude, from Temple University School of Law.

Noah SpeckNoah Speck represents public and private companies in a wide variety of corporate matters, with a focus on mergers and acquisitions, securities, corporate governance, and corporate finance. Since 2021, Noah has been named a “One to Watch” in the areas of Corporate Law and Mergers and Acquisitions Law by Best Lawyers. He received his B.B.A. and M.P.A. from the University of Texas at Austin and his J.D. from NYU School of Law. Prior to law school, Noah practiced as a Certified Public Accountant, working for both a Big Four accounting firm and a San Antonio-based Fortune 50 energy company.

Austin ThomasAustin Thomas assists clients in Houston and beyond with all aspects of business and estate planning. Her practice concentrates on the preparation of wills and trusts, lifetime transfers of assets, and restructuring of family businesses, as well as analysis of related tax issues. Austin is Board Certified in Estate Planning and Probate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Outside of her practice, Austin is a trustee of the Armand Bayou Nature Center Foundation, a member of the Junior League of Houston and a member of the Advisory Board of HSPVA Friends. She received her B.A. from Rice University and her J.D. from the University of Texas at Austin.

Meet JW

Founded more than 130 years ago, Jackson Walker helps businesses of all sizes navigate the increasingly complex legal landscape. With more than 400 attorneys across seven Texas-based offices, the Firm represents Fortune 500 companies, multinational corporations, major financial institutions, insurance companies, and a wide range of public companies and private businesses around the globe. The Firm is ranked nationally in 27 practice areas in the U.S. News’ “Best Law Firms” rankings, and has 14 Chambers-ranked practices.


In This Story

Charles L. Babcock
Partner, Houston
Craig R. Bennett
Partner, Austin
Lindsey Marsh Brown
Partner, Dallas
Arturo Cavazos, Jr.
Partner, San Antonio
Bart J. Cicuto
Partner, Austin
C. Wade Cooper
Partner, Austin
Amanda N. Crouch
Partner, San Antonio
Blake T. Dietrich
Partner, Dallas
Lamar H. Dowling
Partner, Dallas
George C. Dunlap, Jr.
Partner, Dallas
Joel R. Glover
Partner, Houston
Marisela Peña Gonzalez
Partner, Houston
Michael S. Held
Partner, Dallas
Peter E. Hosey
Partner, San Antonio
Mark T. Josephs
Partner, Dallas
Julia W. Mann
Partner, San Antonio
Reagan M. Marble
Partner, San Antonio
James M. McDonough
Partner, San Antonio
James Miers
Partner, Dallas
Jonathan D. Neerman
Partner, Dallas
Cynthia Brotman Nelson
Partner, Dallas
Brian H. Oates
Partner, Dallas
Kirk D. Rasmussen
Partner, Austin
Michael C. Roberts
Partner, Austin
Joshua A. Romero
Partner, Austin
Jeremy I. Sheng
Partner, Houston
Sang M. Shin
Partner, Houston
Noah Speck
Partner, Houston
Nathaniel St. Clair, II
Partner, Dallas
J. Machir Stull
Partner, Dallas
Austin Thomas
Senior Counsel, Houston

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