Godwin Ronquillo PC Names Three New Shareholders in Dallas

Nov. 22, 2011 - PRLog -- DALLAS – The noted Dallas-based trial and appellate firm Godwin Ronquillo PC is pleased to announce the promotion of Dallas Senior Attorneys James E. Johanns, Jennifer M. Owens and Jon-Bernard Schwartz to Shareholder effective December 1.

The firm also announced that Dallas associates Stefanie Major, Israel Silvas and Ramona Soto each have been promoted to the level of Senior Attorney.

In addition, Robert C. Wiegand, who currently serves as Executive Vice President of the firm’s Executive Committee and Chair of the commercial litigation section, has been promoted to the position of Administrative Shareholder. He will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the firm’s Dallas and Houston offices, as well as continuing his commercial and banking litigation practice. Misty Hataway-Coné has been promoted to the position of Administrative Shareholder in the firm's Houston office, and will report to Mr. Wiegand while continuing her commercial, banking and environmental litigation practice.

“We believe these are some of the finest litigation and trial attorneys in the State of Texas," says Donald E. Godwin, Chairman and CEO of Godwin Ronquillo. "The work they've done, and the strong work ethic they've displayed, has absolutely qualified them for their new positions. We are equally pleased that Robert Wiegand and Misty Coné have agreed to their new responsibilities and positions. Each of these promotions and changes further strengthens the foundation of our firm.”

Mr. Johanns is a member of the firm’s commercial litigation group, focusing on contract, trademark and environmental liability matters. He is a 2002 graduate of the University of Texas School of Law. Prior to beginning his private practice, he served as the law clerk to Justice Susan Larsen of the Texas Court of Appeals-Eighth Judicial District in El Paso. He has been selected three times to the Texas Super Lawyers Rising Stars listing honoring attorneys who are under the age of 40 or who have been in practice for 10 years or less.

Ms. Owens is a member of the firm’s health law litigation group. With a practice focusing on medical negligence defense, she represents physicians, hospitals and practice groups. She is a 1997 graduate of the Texas Tech University School of Law.

Mr. Schwartz is a member of the firm’s commercial litigation group, and focuses on issues ranging from breach of contract to defamation to civil rights. He also works closely with the firm’s labor and employment group. He is a 1997 graduate of the University of Texas School of Law, and has been selected to the Texas Super Lawyers Rising Stars listing on two occasions.

Ms. Major is a member of the Godwin Ronquillo commercial litigation group. She is a 2002 graduate of the Loyola University New Orleans' College of Law. She served as clerk to the Louisiana Supreme Court prior to entering private practice.

Mr. Silvas is a member of the commercial litigation group. He is a 2004 graduate of Harvard Law School. Following graduation, he went on to clerk for U.S. District Judge Philip R. Martinez in the 327th Judicial District Court in El Paso.

Ms. Soto is a member of the firm’s public law practice group, as well as working with the labor and employment and commercial litigation groups. She is a 2006 graduate of the Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law. Prior to entering private practice, she served as Law Clerk for Honorable Justice Carolyn Wright of the Dallas Court of Appeals.

Godwin Ronquillo PC is an upper mid-sized trial and appellate firm with a national practice founded in 1980. With offices in Dallas and Houston, Godwin Ronquillo represents Fortune 500 and middle-market industry leaders in Mission Critical Litigation® throughout the United States. To learn more, visit the firm’s website at www.godwinronquillo.com. For more information, please contact Ed Sothcott at 214-939-8626 or esothcott@godwinronquillo.com