Honorees are chosen for their outstanding contributions to the legal profession in the state of Texas. This distinction highlights each attorney’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of ethics and professionalism.

Each year, just one-third of one percent of members of the State Bar of Texas are invited to become Fellows. Once nominated, attorneys must be elected by the Texas Bar Foundation Board of Trustees. Since 1965, the Fellows program has grown from 255 Charter Members to over 9,000 Fellows throughout the state.

Sue Ayers represents condemnors in all aspects of land acquisition, including negotiation of easements and crossing agreements, the purchase of real property in fee simple, condemnation, and appeal. She has appeared in state and federal court in cases involving land use issues, eminent domain, personal injury, wrongful death, toxic tort, free speech, and professional malpractice.

Mark Miller fields and defends intellectual property and franchise suits, primarily in federal district court, but also in state district court and before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board. His practice covers a range of industries, including oil and gas, healthcare, information technology, the resort industry, automotive, restaurants, and retail. In 2015, Mark was featured in S.A Scene’s 2015 “Best S.A. Lawyers” list and was honored with  the Outstanding Lawyer Award by the San Antonio Business Journal in 2016.

Brian Prewitt is an intellectual property attorney who helps clients obtain patents, trademarks and copyright for their work. Over the last decade, Brian has worked with several high-profile companies, including Dell Inc. and Cirrus Logic, Inc. He has authored over 500 patent applications for products including medical devices, computer systems, green technologies, and consumer goods.  Brian received his Bachelors of Science from the University of Cincinnati and his Juris Doctor from the University of Texas School of Law.

Based in Houston, Luke Gilman is a trial and appellate attorney who focuses on resolving complex disputes in a variety of industries. Luke has extensive experience in First Amendment and defamation litigation, and technology-related disputes and investigations. He is frequently called on to handle issues involving technology, including retaining experts on technical matters, presenting testimony at trial, managing computer forensic investigations and defensible and efficient electronic discovery.

Additionally, Luke’s experience in international arbitration includes awards under ICC, ICDR, and UNCITRAL rules in varied locals such as London, New York, and Mexico City. He has also performed internal investigations and investigations under the Foreign Corrupt Practice Act (FCPA).  Luke was recently appointed as an Assistant Editor to the Board of Editors for the World Arbitration and Mediation Review.