• Chambers High Net Worth Guide, Ranked for Private Wealth Disputes – Texas (Band 1), 2024-2025
• The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.), 2007-2026
  • Lawyer of the Year – Houston, Litigation – Trusts and Estates, 2014, 2017, 2021, 2025
  • Litigation – Trusts and Estates, 2011-2021, 2023-2026
  • Trusts and Estates, 2007-2021, 2023-2026
• Texas Super Lawyer – Estate and Trust Litigation, Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2004-2025
• Top 50: Women Texas Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2006, 2008, 2017-2018, 2020-2021, 2023
• Top 100: Texas Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2023
• Top 100: Houston Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2009, 2015-2016, 2019-2021, 2023
• “Top Lawyers in Houston” List, H Texas Magazine, 2005-2008, 2016
• “Top Lawyers Under 40” List, H Texas Magazine, 2004
• Texas Rising Star, Super Lawyers – Rising Stars by Thomson Reuters, 2004
• Fellow, Houston Bar Foundation, 2004
• Fellow, Houston Young Lawyers Association, 2000

Publications

• Co-Author, Probate—Texas Practice Guide, Thomson West (2010-present)
• Co-Author, Wills, Trusts and Estate Planning—Texas Practice Guide, Thomson West (2010-present)
• Editor, Texas Guardianship Manual, 2^nd, 3rd and 4^th edition, State Bar of Texas (2021)

Speaking Engagements

• “Fiduciary Litigation,” 17th Annual Business Disputes Course by TexasBarCLE (September 2025)
• “The Use of Pre-Trial Motions and Procedural Devices in Property Cases,” 28th Annual New Frontiers In Marital Property Law Course by TexasBarCLE and the Family Law Section of the State Bar of Texas (October 2023)
• “Drafting for the Trustee in a Challenging Environment,” UT Estate Planning, Guardianship and Elder Law Conference (August 2023)
• “Fiduciary Litigation,” Texas Bankers Association Graduate Trust School (July 2023)
• “Commonly Encountered Trust and Estate Jurisdictional Issues and Challenges,” State Bar of Texas Advanced Estate Planning and Probate Course (June 2023)
• “Administration Issues,” Building Blocks of Wills, Trusts and Estate Planning by the State Bar of Texas (January 2023)
• “Update on Temporary Relief Options in Trust Litigation – Where Are We Now?” State Bar of Texas 17th Annual Fiduciary Course (November 2022)
• “Will Contests,” State Bar of Texas 46th Annual Advanced Estate Planning & Probate Law Course (June 2022)
• “Balancing Control to Avoid Out of Control Litigation: A Cautionary Tale From a Litigator’s Perspective,” Corpus Christi Estate Planning Council 47th Annual Estate planning Seminar (May 2022)
• “Fiduciary Litigation,” Texas Banker’s Association 2022 Annual Trust, Estate and Portfolio Management Forum (April 2022)
• “Probate and Trust Litigation – Tales from the Dark Side,” Houston Business and Estate Planning Council (February 2022)
• “Administration Issues,” State Bar of Texas: Building Blocks of Wills, Trusts and Estate Planning (January 2022)
• “Defending Deceased or Incapacities (Former) Fiduciaries,” State Bar of Texas 15th Annual Fiduciary Litigation Course (December 2021)
• “Giving Your Settlement Agreements Superpowers: Exculpatory Clauses, Indemnity, and Other Limitations on Liability in Settlements,” Houston Bar Association Probate, Trusts & Estates Section (November 2021)
• “Balancing the Legal, Medical and Ethical Aspects of Planning for an Impaired Person,” State Bar of Texas; Advanced Elder Law Course (November 2021)
• “Overview of Issues and Considerations When Involved in Estate Planning Matters,” Houston Financial Planning Association (September 2021)
• “Fiduciary Litigation,” Houston Financial Planning Association (July 2021)
• “What Every Estate Planner Needs to Know About Fiduciary Litigation,” State Bar of Texas 27th Annual Advanced Estate Planning Strategies Course (April 2021)
• “Administration Issues,” State Bar of Texas Building Blocks of Wills, Trusts and Estate Planning (January 2021)
• “Giving Your Settlement Agreements Superpowers: Exculpatory Clauses, Indemnity, and Other Limitations on Liability in Settlements,” State Bar of Texas 14th Annual Fiduciary Litigation Course (December 2020)
• “Fiduciary Litigation,” Texas Banker’s Association 2020 Texas Graduate Trust School (July 2020)
• “Appointment Of Receivers, Auditors, And Injunctive Relief (And Other Options) In Probate And Trust Litigation”, State Bar of Texas 44th Annual Advanced Estate Planning & Probate Law Course (June 2020)
• “Balancing Control To Avoid Out Of Control Litigation: A Cautionary Tale From A Litigator’s Perspective,” Houston Estate and Financial Forum (February 2020)
• “Administration Issues,” State Bar of Texas Building Blocks of Wills, Trusts and Estate Planning (January 2020)
• “The Intersection Between Trusts, Estate Planning and Family Law,” State Bar of Texas 24th Annual New Frontiers in Martial Property Law Course (October 2019)
• “Fiduciary Litigation,” Texas Banker’s Association 2019 Trust, Estate & Portfolio Management Forum (October 2019)
• “Drafting To Avoid Litigation and Exploitation: From a Litigator’s Perspective,” State Bar of Texas 40th Annual Advanced Estate Planning & Probate Drafting Course (October 2019)
• “Fiduciary Litigation,” Texas Banker’s Association 2019 Texas Graduate Trust School (July 2019)
• “Overview of Guardianships: Role of Guardian and Attorney Ad Litems in Guardianship Proceedings: and Enforcement Actions,” 2019 Probate Academy for County Judges (May 2019)
• “A Messy Inheritance or an Inherited Mess,” State Bar of Texas Advanced Estate Planning Strategies Course (April 2019)
• “Administration Issues,” State Bar of Texas Building Blocks of Wills, Trusts and Estate Planning (January 2019)
• “Fiduciary Pitfalls,” San Antonio Estate Planners Council (December 2018) and Houston Business and Estate Planning Council (November 2018)
• “Trial Strategies,” State Bar of Texas Fiduciary Litigation Course (December 2018)
• “Options For Seeking Interim Relief In Trust And Estate Litigation,” State Bar of Texas Advanced Estate Planning & Probate Law Course (June 2018), Austin Bar Association Estate Planning & Probate Section All-Day CLE (May 2018), and State Bar of Texas Fiduciary Litigation Course (December 2018)
• “Role of Guardian and Attorney Ad Litems in Guardianship Proceedings,” 2018 Probate Academy for County Judges (May 2018)
• “Fiduciary Duties,” State Bar of Texas Advanced Estate Planning Strategies Course (April 2018)
• “Administering the Estate,” State Bar of Texas Building Blocks of Wills, Trusts and Estate Planning (January 2018)
• “Administration Issues,” State Bar of Texas Building Blocks of Wills, Trusts and Estate Planning (January 2018; January 2017; January 2016)
• “Fiduciary Litigation,” Texas Banker’s Association Texas Graduate Trust School (July 2017; July 2016; July 2015)
• “Current Trends and Tactics in Fiduciary Litigation,” Texas Banker’s Association Texas Trust Conference (March 2017)
• “Drafting To Avoid Litigation: From a Litigator’s Perspective,” Corpus Christi Estate Planning Council Meeting (February 2017) and State Bar of Texas Advanced Estate Planning & Probate Law Course (June 2016)
• “Pre-Lawsuit Evaluation and Investigation of Fiduciary Claims,” State Bar of Texas Fiduciary Litigation Course (December 2016)
• “Litigation in Guardianship,” Texas Judicial Probate Academy (May 2016) and State Bar of Texas Advanced Guardianship Law Course (April 2016)
• “Medicaid Transfers in a Guardianship Environment,” State Bar of Texas Advanced Elder Law Course (April 2016)
• “Guardian Ad Litem v. Attorney Ad Litem,” State Bar of Texas Handling Your First (or Next) Guardianship Case (December 2015)
• “Guardianship Issues for the Impaired Divorce Client,” UT Law CLE’s Estate Planning, Guardianship and Elder Law Conference (August 2015)
• “Administration of Closely-Held Business Interests in Estate and Guardianship Proceedings,” State Bar of Texas Advanced Estate Planning & Probate Law Course (June 2015)
• “Fiduciary Litigation,” Texas Banker’s Association 2015 Intermediate Trust and Estate Administration Seminar (May 2015)
• “Irrevocable and Nonamendable: Post Death Modifications, Reformations, Addressing Litigation and Tax Components,” State Bar of Texas Advanced Estate Planning Strategies Course (April 2015)

National & State Associations

• American Bar Association – Real Property, Probate and Trust Law and Litigation Sections, Member
• Texas Board of Legal Specialization, Estate Planning and Probate Law Exam Commission
  • Chair, 2006-Present
  • Member, 2004-2006
• State Bar of Texas – Chair, Guardianship Manual Committee

Houston Bar Association

• Houston Bar Association – Probate, Trust & Estate Section Council
  • Chair, 2009-2010
  • Chair-Elect, 2008-2009
  • Vice-Chair, 2007-2008
  • Secretary, 2006-2007
  • Treasurer, 2005-2006
• Houston Bar Association Committees
  • CLE Committee, Co-Chair, 2008-2009
  • Judicial Polls Committee, Member, 2008-2009
  • Elder Law Committee, Member, 2007-2008
  • Seminars Subcommittee, Co-Chair, 2007-2008
  • Institutes Subcommittee, Co-Chair, 2006-2007

Other Associations

• Houston Young Lawyers Association – Elder Law Committee, Co-Chair, 1998-2003
• Texas Young Lawyers Association – Needs of Senior Citizens Committee, 1999-2003
• Generation-X Estate Planning Forum, Member
• Women Attorneys in Tax and Probate
  • Programs Vice President, 2000-2001
  • Programs CLE Officer, 1999-2000

More Client Results

Jackson Walker Congratulates 2026 Texas Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

Jackson Walker is pleased to announce that Thomson Reuters’ Super Lawyers has named 74 attorneys to the Texas Super Lawyers list and 56 attorneys to the Texas Rising Stars list for 2026.

Attorney News • February 26, 2026

JW Belonging & Inclusion Newsletter – October 2025

View Jackson Walker’s October 2025 Belonging & Inclusion Newsletter, Perspectives.

Newsletters • October 6, 2025

Jackson Walker Congratulates 2025 Texas Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

Jackson Walker is pleased to announce the recognition of 75 attorneys by Thomson Reuters’ Super Lawyers in the 2025 “Texas Super Lawyers” list, as well as 66 attorneys as “Texas Rising Stars” for 2025. Each year, less than 5% of attorneys are selected to Super Lawyers and 2.5% to Rising Stars. Selection is based off of peer nominations that are then reviewed by a research team. Each nominee is evaluated on his or her professional accomplishments, peer recognition, and community involvement.

Attorney News • September 18, 2025

‘The Best Lawyers in America’ Features 350 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2026 Edition, Including 10 “Lawyers of the Year” and 106 “Ones to Watch”

The Best Lawyers in America, a widely regarded guide to legal excellence, has recognized 350 Jackson Walker attorneys across 87 specialty practice areas in its 2026 edition, including 10 Lawyers of the Year and 106 Ones to Watch.

Attorney News • August 21, 2025

Diana Pérez Gomez, Sarah Patel Pacheco, and Nathan Hecht to Speak at TexasBarCLE’s Business Disputes Course

Jackson Walker partners Diana Pérez Gomez, Sarah Patel Pacheco, and former Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Nathan L. Hecht will be featured presenters at TexasBarCLE’s 17th Annual Business Disputes Course.

Speaking Engagements • July 28, 2025

Jackson Walker’s Family Office and Trusts & Estates Litigation Teams Ranked in Chambers High Net Worth Guide

Jackson Walker proudly announces that Chambers and Partners, the world’s leading independent professional legal research company, has recognized Family Office and Trusts & Estates Litigation practices in the High Net Worth Guide released today. In addition, partners Lauren Ciminello and Sarah Patel Pacheco were ranked in their respective areas.

Spotlight • July 24, 2025

JW Belonging & Inclusion Newsletter – December 2024

View Jackson Walker’s December 2024 Belonging & Inclusion Newsletter, Perspectives.

Newsletters • December 16, 2024

Jackson Walker Congratulates Its “Texas Super Lawyers” of 2024

Jackson Walker proudly announces the selection of 71 attorneys to Thomson Reuters’ 2024 “Texas Super Lawyers” list.

Each year, less than 5% of attorneys in Texas are named to the list. Selection is based off of peer nominations that are then reviewed by a research team. Each nominee is evaluated on his or her professional accomplishments, peer recognition, and community involvement.

Attorney News • September 17, 2024

JW Belonging & Inclusion Newsletter – August 2024

View Jackson Walker’s August 2024 Belonging & Inclusion Newsletter, Perspectives.

Newsletters • August 23, 2024

‘The Best Lawyers in America’ Features 306 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2025 Edition, Including 9 “Lawyers of the Year” and 75 “Ones to Watch”

The Best Lawyers in America has recognized 306 Jackson Walker attorneys across 81 specialty practice areas in its 2025 edition, including 9 Lawyers of the Year and 75 Ones to Watch. In this year’s guide, Jackson Walker saw the largest number of attorneys in the areas of Commercial Litigation (75 attorneys) and Real Estate Law (55 attorneys) and the addition of 27 attorneys as Best Lawyers.

Attorney News • August 15, 2024

Family Office Practice Recognized in Chambers High Net Worth Guide; Sarah Patel Pacheco Ranked for High Net Worth Disputes

Chambers and Partners, the world’s leading independent professional legal research company, has recognized Sarah Patel Pacheco and our Family Office practice in its High Net Worth Guide for 2024.

Spotlight • July 18, 2024

JW Diversity & Inclusion Newsletter – April 2024

View Jackson Walker’s April 2024 Diversity & Inclusion Newsletter, Perspectives.

Newsletters • April 15, 2024

Super Lawyers Names 31 Jackson Walker Attorneys in Texas Top Women 2024 Magazine

Jackson Walker congratulates the 31 attorneys who were included in the Texas Top Women 2024 Magazine published by Thomson Reuters’ Super Lawyers. The annual Texas Top Texas Women edition includes the highest-rated women attorneys across the “Texas Rising Stars” and “Texas Super Lawyers” lists in a given practice area.

Attorney News • January 11, 2024

JW Diversity & Inclusion Newsletter – December 2023

View Jackson Walker’s December 2023 Diversity & Inclusion Newsletter, Perspectives.

Newsletters • December 4, 2023

Sarah Patel Pacheco to Discuss Best Practices for Bringing an Expert Witness to Trial at TexasBarCLE’s Fiduciary Litigation Course

Sarah Patel Pacheco will serve as a panelist during the luncheon presentation at the 18^th Annual Fiduciary Litigation Course presented by the State Bar of Texas on December 14, 2023. The presentation, “Bringing Your Expert Witness to Trial,” will be moderated by Jason S. Scott (Osborne Helman Scott Knisley & Stanton) and will include Sarah Pacheco, Becky Beaver (Law Office of Becky Beaver), and Hon. Guy Herman (Travis County Probate Court No. 1).

Speaking Engagements • October 16, 2023

Super Lawyers Names 7 Jackson Walker Attorneys to Texas Top Lists

Jackson Walker proudly announces Matt Dow, Scott Fiddler, Julia Mann, Alfie Meyerson, Kurt Nondorf, Sarah Patel Pacheco, and Bruce Ruzinsky’s selection to the Texas Top Lists for 2023 by Thomson Reuters’ Super Lawyers.

Attorney News • September 19, 2023

Jackson Walker Congratulates Its “Texas Super Lawyers” of 2023

Each year, less than 5% of attorneys in Texas are named to the list. Selection is based off of peer nominations that are then reviewed by a research team. Each nominee is evaluated on his or her professional accomplishments, peer recognition, and community involvement.

Attorney News • September 19, 2023

JW Diversity & Inclusion Newsletter – August 2023

View Jackson Walker’s August 2023 Diversity & Inclusion Newsletter, Perspectives.

Newsletters • August 24, 2023

‘The Best Lawyers in America’ Honors 287 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2024 Edition, Including 12 “Lawyers of the Year” and 80 “Ones to Watch”

The Best Lawyers in America has recognized 287 Jackson Walker attorneys across 5 offices and 82 specialty practice areas in its 2024 edition, including 12 Lawyers of the Year and 80 Ones to Watch. In this year’s guide, Jackson Walker saw the largest number of attorneys in the areas of Commercial Litigation (66 attorneys) and Real Estate Law (60 attorneys) and the addition of 35 attorneys as Best Lawyers.

Attorney News • August 17, 2023

Sarah Patel Pacheco to Present Drafting Ideas for Trustees at UT Law CLE’s Estate Planning, Guardianship, and Elder Law Conference

Sarah Patel Pacheco to present at the 25th annual Estate Planning, Guardianship, and Elder Law Conference on August 10th, 2023. She will be discussing how to draft of the trustee in a challenging environment.

Speaking Engagements • July 28, 2023

JW Diversity & Inclusion Newsletter – November 2022

View Jackson Walker’s November 2022 Diversity & Inclusion Newsletter, Perspectives.

Newsletters • November 17, 2022

Sarah Patel Pacheco and Scott Schepps to Discuss Estate Planning Considerations for Non-US Citizens

Sarah Patel Pacheco and Scott Schepps will discuss estate issues that non-U.S. citizens face when residing in the United States either temporarily or long-term. Presented by the Texas British-American Business Council (BABC), the webinar will also cover how to create an estate plan that will reduce future taxes and costs and minimize potential disputes between beneficiaries.

Speaking Engagements • November 1, 2022

Jackson Walker Congratulates Its 64 “Texas Super Lawyers” of 2022

Each year, less than 5% of attorneys in Texas are named to the list. Selection is based off of peer nominations that are then reviewed by a research team. Each nominee is evaluated on his or her professional accomplishments, peer recognition, and community involvement.

Attorney News • September 21, 2022

‘The Best Lawyers in America’ Honors 214 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2023 Edition, Including 11 “Lawyers of the Year” and 41 “Ones to Watch”

The Best Lawyers in America has recognized 214 Jackson Walker attorneys across 6 offices and 79 specialty practice areas in its 2023 edition, including 11 Lawyers of the Year and 41 Ones to Watch. Best Lawyers listings are based on an exhaustive peer review survey of thousands of attorneys who vote on the legal abilities of others in their practice areas.

Attorney News • August 18, 2022

JW Diversity & Inclusion Newsletter – April 2022

View Jackson Walker’s April 2022 Diversity & Inclusion Newsletter, Perspectives.

Newsletters • April 21, 2022

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