January 27, 2026

Five Hicks Thomas Partners Earn Place in 2026 Lawdragon 500 Leading Lawyers of America Guide 

By Hicks Thomas LLP


Firm co-founder John Thomas celebrates seventh year on list 

Five Hicks Thomas partners have earned recognition in the 2026 Lawdragon 500 Leading Lawyers in America guide, a listing of the most accomplished and esteemed lawyers in the country. 

John B. ThomasCourtney E. ErvinJohn B. Shely and M. Katherine Strahan were honored for their work in business litigation. Partner Robin L. Harrison is now a permanent member of Lawdragon Leading Lawyers after his induction into the Lawdragon Hall of Fame earlier this month. 

Mr. Thomas was listed in the Leading Lawyers guide for the seventh year in a row. Known for his extensive experience handling complex commercial litigation, his work has also been recognized by Chambers USA, The Best Lawyers in America, Texas Super Lawyers and Benchmark Litigation.  

Ms. Ervin focuses her practice on commercial litigation, including oil and gas, energy and insurance coverage. She also has been recognized by Chambers USA, The Best Lawyers in America, Texas Super Lawyers and Benchmark Litigation. 

Mr. Harrison’s work includes cases involving breach of fiduciary duties, breach of contract, misappropriation of trade secrets, fraud and misrepresentation, professional liability and business disputes. He has also been honored by Chambers USA, The Best Lawyers in America and Benchmark Litigation.  

Mr. Shely, who is being recognized for the first time on the Lawdragon Leading Lawyers list, focuses his practice on managed care trials, including provider litigation, ERISA benefits and fiduciary litigation, and bad faith insurance litigation. His work has also been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America and Texas Super Lawyers. 

Ms. Strahan is a seasoned litigator who has spent her career representing managed care organizations in business and healthcare disputes. This is her first year named to the Lawdragon Leading Lawyers guide. She has also been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America. 

Lawdragon honorees are selected through an extensive research process. They are required to have shown outstanding skills for at least 15 years in practice. Most are partners or hold firm leadership positions. Read the full list here.  

Related Posts

Former Justice Department Litigator Aleza Remis Joins Hicks Thomas

Ms. Remis formerly led DOJ’s Texas Health Care Fraud Strike Force  Hicks Thomas LLP announced today that Aleza Remis, former assistant deputy chief of the Department of Justice Health Care Fraud Unit, has joined the firm’s Houston office as senior counsel.  “We are thrilled to welcome Aleza to the firm,”…

Full Text

Hicks Thomas Partners Courtney Ervin and Colin Watterson to Participate in Energy Law Conference Panel Discussion

Hicks Thomas Partners Courtney Ervin and Colin Watterson will be panelists at the 74th Annual Energy Law Conference, which will be held February 16-17 in Houston. Their panel discussion, entitled “Frequently Litigated Provisions of Oil and Gas MSAs,” will be held on February 16th and will feature drafting tips and dispute resolution suggestions based on…

Full Text

Insurance Duty to Defend: The Supreme Court of Texas Recognizes an Exception to the ‘Eight Corners’ Rule

By: Courtney Ervin and J. Stephen Barrick, Partners, Hicks Thomas LLP On February 11, 2022, the Supreme Court of Texas issued an opinion recognizing an exception to the “eight corners” rule that allows courts to consider extrinsic evidence under certain circumstances when evaluating whether an insurer has a duty to defend. The eight…

Full Text

Call: 713-547-9100