U.S. Court of Appeals

Combining his litigation prowess with solid business acumen, trial lawyer Brian Shaw advocates vigorously to get optimal results for his clients. Brian adeptly represents both plaintiffs and defendants, and this dual-perspective experience helps him anticipate and prepare for opposing counsel’s next moves. He has successfully tried high-profile, high-stakes lawsuits and arbitrations in front of judges, juries, and arbitrators in state and federal courts and before various arbitration organizations.

Brian handles disputes involving businesses and partnerships, shareholder rights, contracts, energy, employment, significant personal injury, insurance coverage, construction, probate, real estate, car dealerships, collections, and bankruptcy adversary matters, among others.

With a Texas-based practice focused on management-side employment law, Christie Newkirk advises employers and finds practical solutions to the variety of human resources matters they face. Clients regard Christie as a true advisor and rely on her in navigating COVID-19 laws and workplace issues, planning and implementing reductions in force, managing employee and executive performance issues, making high-risk employment decisions, and drafting confidentiality, noncompetition, and executive employment agreements.

Always bringing honesty and excellent people skills to her work, Christie deeply values the long-term client relationships she’s built over two decades. When workplace problems surface, she fully understands the spectrum of considerations at stake. These include business goals and legal risks, but also real-world concerns such as an organization’s unique work environment. She assists companies in evaluating each of these factors and weighing them against one another. Adept at finding creative paths, Christie ensures all solutions are tailored to her clients’ unique needs.

With decades of experience in advocating vigorously and successfully for his clients, Rodney Lawson specializes in health care law and litigation, as well as business litigation, products liability, and oil and gas litigation. His practice largely serves Texas-based organizations, particularly in the Dallas area, including many area hospitals and medical practitioners. He also practices out of the firm’s East Texas office in Longview.

Rodney brings a great deal of expertise and confidence to each matter. At the same time, he rejects cookie-cutter solutions and never operates by rote. Instead, he recognizes the unique circumstances and nature of each case and approaches them accordingly. Rodney constantly looks for opportunities to minimize clients’ expenses by resolving matters advantageously before they go to trial.

Passionately advocating for clients in her national commercial litigation practice, Monica Latin counsels organizations through courtroom trials, arbitrations, and appeals. She deftly handles disputes arising in a variety of arenas, including professional services, business ownership, real estate, employment, technology, manufacturing, retail, non-competes, trade secrets, and others.

Combining intellectual prowess, a fierce competitive spirit, great breadth of experience, and a deep-thinking, inquisitive nature, Monica is truly the complete package. Her keen analytical skills and exceptional dedication drive her to chart a strategic and efficient course of action. Monica’s colleagues also recognize that her outstanding leadership skills extend well beyond litigation and chose her to be their managing partner.

Jason has a diverse commercial litigation and bankruptcy practice that provides significant experience in a wide range of matters, including commercial disputes, adversary proceedings (bankruptcy litigation), judgment collection, business divorces, and employment matters.

Jason’s litigation practice is primarily Texas based. His bankruptcy practice, however, takes him all over the country. In addition to representing creditors in high-profile bankruptcies, he also prosecutes and defends creditors in bankruptcy adversary proceedings (bankruptcy litigation).

As head of the firm’s Professional Liability group, Kelli Hinson helps navigate cases for major law firms, healthcare institutions, corporations, and the professionals who run them. She has handled claims against lawyers and law firms from almost every angle — representing other lawyers and major law firms around the country, serving as general counsel of her firm, and sitting on the Dallas Grievance Committee and the Texas Board of Disciplinary Appeals.

Kelli’s practice is both broad and deep, and she applies her highly informed legal acumen to shareholder disputes, derivative claims, and employment cases, including non-competition, discrimination, and FLSA matters. Her broad range of experience makes her a “go-to” attorney for high-stakes business litigation. As an amazingly quick study, she has yet to meet a legal problem she couldn’t eventually master. Kelli’s meticulous dissection of cases against her clients can leave the other side wondering what hit them.

Parker Graham practices business litigation and employment law throughout the United States. From routine discovery disputes to high-stakes appeals, his experience includes an array of complex business disputes, agency investigations, and discrimination and retaliation cases across the country.

Monica focuses her practice on general commercial litigation and arbitration, both on the plaintiff- and defense-side, and at the state and federal levels. She has handled cases of all sizes and levels of complexity—including those involving business ownership disputes, director-and-officer, and shareholder litigation, breach of contract and fraud, and trade-secret misappropriation, among numerous others. She is also working to grow her practice in the area of token and blockchain technology. Whatever the nature of the dispute, Monica guides clients smoothly through all phases of the case, from pre-litigation demand through discovery, motion practice, and eventually trial.

Before joining Carrington, Monica spent four years as a litigation associate at another firm, where she handled pre-trial discovery matters and second-chaired disputes at both trial and arbitration. She also gained valuable insights and experience as a law clerk to the Hon. Samuel H. Mays, Jr. of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee, where she managed the civil docket and prepared court documents related to federal and state securities litigation, complex commercial litigation, employment discrimination, and a First Amendment appeal.

Wade is a highly accomplished health care attorney, board-certified in Health Law, and an Adjunct Professor at Texas A&M Law School. He represents a diverse range of clients, including individual providers, investors, and health care companies, offering expertise in mergers and acquisitions, data privacy, and regulatory compliance. Additionally, he offers robust defense for healthcare providers facing licensing board complaints and investigations. Wade is distinguished by his deep industry knowledge and commitment to protecting his clients’ interests and achieving their goals.

Wade is a well-known and accomplished healthcare attorney with clients spanning traditional and innovative health sectors. He represents a range of clients, from individual healthcare providers, investors, and managers to healthcare companies of all sizes.

Wade is a board-certified healthcare law attorney and adjunct professor at Texas A&M Law School, with expertise to handle a wide range of legal matters.

Merger & Acquisition Representation

Represents sellers of health care practices and companies
Deep experience across medical, chiropractic, optometry, podiatry, and other practice areas
Available to advise selling providers about health law issues that arise during due diligence

Wade provides guidance to healthcare providers navigating the complex process of selling their practice or business. With extensive experience representing sellers in transactions across various healthcare sectors, including physician services, behavioral health, and outpatient services, Wade works closely with clients to fully understand their unique needs.

Wade is an Adjunct Professor at Texas A&M Law School, teaching a course on Healthcare Transactions and Antitrust.

From conducting due diligence to negotiating favorable terms, Wade helps providers protect their interests and achieve their goals in the sale. With deep knowledge of healthcare regulations, Wade can help ensure compliance throughout the transaction, mitigating client risks.

Data Privacy and Emerging Technology Governance

Privacy and data governance
Artificial Intelligence implementation
HIPAA-compliance and breach management

Wade has industry-leading credentials in data privacy and governance, including emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI). He provides critical guidance to healthcare organizations navigating an increasingly complex privacy and data landscape.

From advising on best practices for AI development and deployment to crafting effective governance policies, Wade empowers healthcare providers, technology companies, and other stakeholders to confidently leverage data-driven innovations while safeguarding patient privacy and maintaining trust.

Wade is double certified by the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) as a Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP/US) and an Artificial Intelligence Governance Professional (AIGP). He is also Certified in Cybersecurity (ISC2 CC), extending his knowledge to technical implementation.

Strategic Guidance

National growth strategies
Non-profit healthcare structures
Dental Service Organizations
Multidisciplinary medical practices

Wade provides counsel to healthcare organizations seeking to develop robust growth strategies and optimize their business structures. With experience advising on national expansion plans, Wade helps clients develop sustainable strategies that align with their mission and goals.

Wade also has expertise in advising non-profit healthcare entities and their unique business challenges. For dental service organizations and multidisciplinary medical practices, Wade offers tailored guidance on corporate structures, partnerships, and acquisitions to support their unique needs and objectives. By leveraging his understanding of the healthcare landscape, Wade empowers clients to make informed decisions and achieve long-term success.

Regulatory Compliance Advice

Federal and state fraud & abuse laws: Stark Law, Anti-Kickback Statute, Civil Monetary Penalties Law (CMPL), Eliminating Kickbacks in Recovery Act (EKRA)
HIPAA, EMTALA, No Surprises Act
Data Privacy and Governance

Wade provides comprehensive regulatory compliance advice to healthcare providers, helping them navigate the complex web of federal and state laws with confidence. With expertise in fraud and abuse laws, including Stark Law, Anti-Kickback Statute, Civil Monetary Penalties Law (CMPL), and the Eliminating Kickbacks in Recovery Act (EKRA), Wade helps clients mitigate risks and avoid costly penalties.

Wade is an Adjunct Professor at Texas A&M Law School, teaching a course on Healthcare Fraud & Abuse.

Wade also guides organizations through the intricacies of HIPAA, EMTALA, the No Surprises Act, and other federal and state laws, allowing them to maintain compliance while delivering exceptional patient care.

Recognizing the critical importance of data privacy in the digital age, Wade works closely with clients to develop robust data governance plans that safeguard sensitive information and maintain trust. By leveraging his knowledge and practical experience, Wade enables healthcare providers to focus on their core mission while confidently navigating the ever-evolving regulatory landscape.

Reimbursement and Audit Defense

Medicare and Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) audits
Commercial insurance audits
False Claims Act and Qui Tam defense

As a skilled healthcare law attorney, Wade supports healthcare providers facing the daunting challenges of Medicare, Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC), and commercial insurance audits. With extensive experience resolving False Claims Act and qui tam actions, Wade offers strategic guidance to clients, helping them mount a robust defense to protect their company, practice, and reputation.

Wade’s adept understanding of the regulatory landscape allows him to anticipate potential pitfalls and develop proactive strategies to minimize risks. By leveraging keen analytical skills and persuasive advocacy, Wade ensures that his clients’ interests are vigorously defended, enabling them to focus on delivering exceptional patient care with peace of mind.

Retail Medicine Support

Medical weight loss clinics
Med spas and IV hydration therapy clinics

Wade provides comprehensive legal guidance to entrepreneurs and healthcare providers establishing and operating medical weight loss clinics, med spas, and IV hydration therapy clinics. With a deep understanding of Texas laws, such as the Corporate Practice of Medicine Doctrine, and the unique regulatory structure in the state, Wade offers strategic advice on licensing, scope of practice, and compliance with federal and state laws.

Wade’s expertise extends to drafting and reviewing contracts, informed consent forms, and other critical legal documents to protect his clients’ interests and mitigate risks. By staying abreast of the latest industry trends and legal developments, Wade serves as a trusted advisor to clients in all phases of the business cycle. Whether launching a new venture or seeking to expand an existing practice, Wade is committed to providing the personalized advice needed to thrive.

Healthcare License Defense

Defend providers in licensing board complaints and investigations
Experience with Texas Medical Board, Texas Nursing Board, Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners, Texas Board of Pharmacy, and Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors

Wade provides robust healthcare license defense to providers facing complaints and investigations from Texas licensing boards. With extensive experience representing clients before various regulatory bodies, Wade has a deep understanding of the unique challenges and high stakes involved in these proceedings.

Wade works tirelessly to protect his clients’ livelihoods and reputations, leveraging his keen analytical skills and persuasive advocacy to craft compelling defenses and negotiate favorable resolutions. By providing personalized attention and wise counsel throughout the process, Wade allows healthcare professionals to deal with the anxieties of licensing board investigations with confidence. Whether facing an initial complaint or a formal disciplinary action, Wade is committed to fighting for his clients’ licenses and ensuring that their voices are heard.

I am always prepared to leverage what I’ve learned for a client’s benefit.
D. Wade Emmert

Mike Birrer’s national practice touches on every aspect of the employer/employee relationship. This ranges from drafting hiring policies to structuring mass layoffs. Although this has given Mike broad litigation and arbitration experience, he knows most clients want to avoid the courthouse. To that end, Mike provides employment counsel on a wide variety of legal issues, including employment policies, wage/hour compliance, safety rules, termination risks, protection of trade secrets, and the list goes on.

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