Jeep Darnell
The Specialist
Jeep Darnell is a West Texas powerhouse based in El Paso. He is a Super Lawyers-recognized attorney who has built a reputation for handling tough cases in a tough jurisdiction.
The Reputation
He is known for his aggressive defense style and his deep understanding of the border region's unique legal landscape. He is not afraid to take cases to trial and has a track record of securing favorable outcomes in high-stakes felony cases.
2025 Status
He continues to be a dominant force in El Paso criminal defense, mentoring younger lawyers and taking on some of the most challenging cases in the region.
Gerry Goldstein
The Specialist
Gerry Goldstein is a legal legend based in San Antonio. He is dual board-certified in Criminal Law and Criminal Appellate Law, a rare distinction that speaks to his intellectual depth.
The Reputation
A past president of both the NACDL and TCDLA, Goldstein is nationally known for his work on major federal and constitutional cases. He is the lawyer other lawyers call when they are in trouble. His courtroom presence is commanding, and his legal arguments are often cited in appellate decisions.
2025 Status
He remains active in high-profile federal defense, often appearing in cases with significant constitutional implications.
David Guinn
The Specialist
David Guinn is a Lubbock institution. As a partner at Hurley, Guinn, Singh & VonGonten, he has practiced for decades, handling everything from capital murder to complex federal conspiracies.
The Reputation
"The Giant of the Plains." Guinn is a past TCDLA president and is widely respected for his storytelling ability in front of a jury. He connects with West Texas jurors in a way that few others can, humanizing his clients and dismantling the prosecution's case.
2025 Status
He is still in the trenches, trying serious felony cases and serving as a mentor to the criminal defense bar in West Texas.
Stephen Hamilton
The Specialist
Stephen Hamilton runs the Texas Criminal Defense Group in Lubbock. He is a TBLS-certified Criminal Law specialist who has built a modern, high-volume practice without sacrificing quality.
The Reputation
Hamilton is known for his mastery of DWI science and his aggressive defense of serious felonies. He has written books on Texas DWI law and is a frequent lecturer. His firm is known for its client-centered approach and its use of technology to build defenses.
2025 Status
His firm continues to expand, handling a heavy docket of DWI and felony cases across the Panhandle and South Plains.
Rusty Hardin
The Specialist
Rusty Hardin is perhaps the most famous lawyer in Houston. A former prosecutor turned defense attorney, he is a "Texas Legal Legend" who handles the biggest white-collar and high-profile cases in the state.
The Reputation
Hardin is the go-to lawyer for athletes, politicians, and CEOs. He is known for his folksy charm which masks a razor-sharp legal mind. He disarms witnesses on cross-examination and charms juries into seeing his client's side of the story.
2025 Status
He remains at the top of his game, representing high-profile clients in complex civil and criminal matters that dominate the headlines.
Christy Jack
The Specialist
Christy Jack is a partner at Varghese Summersett in Fort Worth. A former prosecutor, she has tried over 200 jury trials and is a specialist in capital murder and major felonies.
The Reputation
She is one of the few lawyers in the state who has successfully prosecuted and defended death penalty cases. This dual perspective gives her a unique advantage. She is known for her meticulous preparation and her ability to handle the most gruesome and emotionally charged cases with professionalism.
2025 Status
She continues to lead the firm's criminal division, handling the most serious felony cases in Tarrant County and beyond.
Doug O'Connell
The Specialist
Doug O'Connell is a former Green Beret and federal prosecutor based in Austin. He brings a military precision to his defense of serious state and federal felonies.
The Reputation
O'Connell is known for his "warrior" mindset. He fights tirelessly for his clients, often taking on the government in cases involving white-collar crimes, military law, and serious violent offenses. He is Super Lawyers-recognized and is known for his strategic thinking.
2025 Status
He is handling a growing number of federal investigations and complex white-collar defense cases in Central Texas.
Shane Phelps
The Specialist
Shane Phelps is the premier criminal defense lawyer in Bryan/College Station. Board-certified in Criminal Law, he has tried hundreds of jury trials and is the gold standard in Aggieland.
The Reputation
Phelps is known for his encyclopedic knowledge of the law and his commanding courtroom presence. In a jurisdiction known for being tough on crime, he consistently secures acquittals and dismissals for his clients. He is a true believer in the jury system.
2025 Status
He continues to defend students and locals alike in Brazos County, handling everything from capital murder to complex intoxication offenses.
Jeffery B. Vaden
The Specialist
Jeffery B. Vaden is a partner at Bracewell in Houston. A former First Assistant U.S. Attorney, he specializes in white-collar criminal defense and government investigations.
The Reputation
Vaden is the lawyer corporations and executives hire when the Feds come knocking. He understands how the government builds cases and knows how to dismantle them before they even get to an indictment. He is recognized by Best Lawyers for his work in white-collar defense.
2025 Status
He is currently representing clients in high-stakes federal investigations involving healthcare fraud, securities violations, and public corruption.
Benson Varghese
The Specialist
Benson Varghese is the managing partner of Varghese Summersett, one of the fastest-growing criminal defense firms in the country. He is a TBLS-certified Criminal Law specialist based in DFW.
The Reputation
Varghese is known for his entrepreneurial approach to law and his relentless advocacy. He has built a team of former prosecutors who work collaboratively on cases. He is a master negotiator who often secures dismissals before a case ever goes to trial.
2025 Status
He is overseeing the firm's expansion into Houston and South Texas, while continuing to handle a select docket of serious federal and state cases.