281-829-1555
ATTORNEYS
MITCHELL AYER
OF COUNSEL
mayer@dorelaw.com
PRACTICE AREAS:
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Bankruptcy
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Oil & Gas Litigation
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Contracts, Breach of Contract
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Collections, Accounts Receivable
Mitchell Ayer is a Board-Certified attorney in both Oil & Gas and Business Bankruptcy. Mitchell focuses on staying ahead of problems for his oil & gas clients and getting them paid. He is a frequent speaker on getting the most from business bankruptcies, and what to do to protect your company from a customer bankruptcy. He has extensive experience in upstream oil & gas litigation including title, joint operating agreement, and royalty owner disputes, and has several reported cases.
Mitchell graduated #1 in his law school class and had the 2nd highest score on the Texas Bar Exam. Before becoming a lawyer, he served in the U.S Coast Guard aboard the legendary Cutter Bibb.
Mitchell is a founder of Dominion Bible Ministries which has sponsored the building of orphanages, schools, churches, and water wells in Uganda, Ghana, and India. In his spare time, he water trains his Newfoundland dogs and has SCUBA dived around the world.
Bar Admissions:
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Texas, 1989
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U.S. Court of Appeals, 5th Circuit
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U.S. District & Bankruptcy Courts, District of Colorado
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U.S. District & Bankruptcy Courts, Western District of Pennsylvania
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U.S. District & Bankruptcy Courts, South/Northern/Eastern/Western Districts of Texas
Education:
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J.D., University of Houston Law Center, Houston, Texas, magna cum laude, 1989
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M.B.A., Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio, 1984
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B.A., Wittenburg University, Springfield, Ohio, 1969
Certification/Specialties:
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Oil, Gas & Mineral Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization
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Business Bankruptcy Law, American Board of Certification
Professional Associations & Memberships:
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State Bar of Texas
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Houston Bar Association, Oil & Gas Section, Past Chair
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American Inn of Court, Houston Chapter, President
ALYNA CAESAR-AYURE
ATTORNEY
acaesar-ayure@dorelaw.com
PRACTICE AREAS:
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Contract Reviews, MSAs
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Mineral Liens & Secured Interests
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Business & Commercial Law
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Civil Commercial Litigation
Alyna Caesar-Ayure joined Dore Rothberg McKay as an Attorney at the beginning of 2022. She earned her law degree from University of Houston Law Center and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Economics and International Business from Baylor University. While earning her law degree and in consideration of her bilingual skills, she was granted an externship to work for the National Hydrocarbons Commission of Mexico “Commission Nacional de Hidrocarburos,” where she worked for the Mexican branch of government charged with regulating, overseeing, and evaluating all hydrocarbons exploration and production activities in the country. Upon her return to Houston, Alyna also served as a law clerk for several civil firms and as an intern for the Honorable Judge Francis Stacey in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas.
As an attorney, Alyna began her career with a boutique law firm specializing in complex commercial litigation where she focused on offering her clients legal guidance pertaining to breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duties, misappropriation of trade secrets, conversion, deceptive trade practices, and tortious interference claims. At Dore Rothberg McKay, she utilizes her previous litigation experience by working in Liens & Litigation Department assisting our clients from the start of the mineral liens process through any potential litigation. Moreover, during her time at Dore Rothberg McKay, Alyna has expanded her practice into the Transactional Department, where she reviews an array of contracts, including but not limited to master service agreements, commercials leases, construction contracts, and other real estate/oil and gas contractual documents. She strives to protect the interests and rights of her clients no matter what stage the client’s case is in, be it in the demand, the lawsuit, the settlement, and/or review of contracts.
When Alyna is not working, she is enjoying time with friends and family, attending music festivals, and when possible, she is delighted to take a plane in search of new cultures and new experiences.
Bar Admissions:
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Texas, 2021
Education:
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J.D., University of Houston Law Center, Houston, Texas, 2020
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B.B.A., Baylor University, Waco, Texas, 2017
Certifications/Abilities:
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Fluent in Spanish
SIMRITA CHAMDAL
ATTORNEY
schamdal@dorelaw.com
PRACTICE AREAS:
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Business Litigation
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Oil & Gas Law
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Real Estate
Simrita Chamdal joined Doré Rothberg McKay in 2022. She earned a law degree from South Texas College of Law Houston and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a Minor in Business Administration from Texas A&M University. Simrita was a moot court advocate of South Texas College of Law Houston’s prestigious Advocacy Program, where she won “Best Brief” in the nation.
After graduating from South Texas College of Law, she served as an Assistant County Attorney at the Harris County Attorney’s Office, where she focused on litigation for nuisance abatement, fire marshal emergencies, and construction matters in the Affirmative Litigation Division.
In her free time, Simrita enjoys traveling to new places, reading, and learning mixology.
Bar Admissions:
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Texas, 2019
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U.S. District Court, Southern Dist. of Texas
Education:
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J.D., South Texas College of Law Houston, 2019
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B.A., Texas A&M University, 2016
Professional Associations & Memberships:
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State Bar of Texas
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Houston Young Lawyers Association; Government + Nonprofit Committee Co-Chair
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Houston Bar Association
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National Order of the Scribes
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The Sikh Coalition
Certifications/Abilities:
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Fluent in Punjabi; conversational in Hindi.
PRACTICE AREAS:
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Estate Planning
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Probate
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Trusts
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Wealth Preservation
Victoria "Tori" Daywalt cares deeply about her clients and always works to help those dealing with frustrating or difficult times surrounding end of life planning or the loss of a loved one. Tori tailors her practice towards estate planning, wills, trusts, and probate.
Prior to her legal career, Tori worked as a state and local tax consultant at Deloitte LLP focused on state income/franchise tax disputes and strategies.
Tori was born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley. She met her husband, John, in law school and they reside in the heart of Montrose with their dog, Johnny Cash.
Bar Admissions:
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State of Texas, 2018
Education:
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LL.M. in Taxation, University of Houston Law Center, 2018
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J.D., University of Houston Law Center, 2018
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B.B.A., University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, 2015
PRACTICE AREAS:
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Representing Creditors in Bankruptcies
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Bankruptcy Litigation
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Civil Litigation
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Contracts
VIANEY GARZA
ATTORNEY
vgarza@dorelaw.com
Vianey Garza joined Doré Rothberg McKay in 2020. After graduating from South Texas College of Law with highest honors, where she was a member of the Law Review, she spent six years as a bankruptcy attorney for Cage, Hill & Niehaus LLP where she mainly represented chapter 7 bankruptcy trustees. Thereafter, Vianey continued her work in bankruptcies and business litigation for Hoover Slovacek LLP representing chapter 11 debtors as well as creditors in complex bankruptcy matters.
Vianey Garza brings her considerable experience to bear as part of the Bankruptcy & Litigation Section of this law firm. She represents our clients negotiate as trade creditors when their customers file bankruptcy, and she handles litigation to enforce mineral liens and other security interests to ensure clients get paid for their work. She also heads up our debtor practice filing both chapter 7 and chapter 11 debtor cases.
Vianey grew up in Edinburg deep in South Texas, but has lived in the big city for many years where she still enjoys baking delicious treats.
Bar Admissions:
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Texas, 2012
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U.S. District & Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of Texas
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U.S. Court of Appeals, 5th Circuit
Education:
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J.D., South Texas College of Law Houston, Houston, Texas, Magna Cum Laude, 2012
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Transactional Law Certificate, Houston, Texas, 2012
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B.S., University of Texas, Austin, Texas, 2007
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B.A., University of Texas, Austin, Texas, 2007
Publications
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Removal of the Truste from Office Under Sec. 324 of the Bankruptcy Code, 55 S.Tex.L.Rev. 705 (2013-2014)
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An Overview of Complex Chapter 11s, 3rd Annual Bankruptcy Paralegal Seminar, Houston, TX (Nov. 2012)
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Small Business Bankruptcy - Application of New Value Exception in Small Business Chapter 11, 30th Annual Advanced Business Bankruptcy Course, Houston, TX (Sep. 2012)
Professional Associations & Memberships:
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State Bar of Texas
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Houston Bar Association
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Houston Association of Young Bankruptcy Lawyers
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American Inn of Court, Executive Committee
DOMINIQUE HAWKINS
ATTORNEY
dhawkins@dorelaw.com
PRACTICE AREAS:
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Business Litigation
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Oil & Gas Law
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Real Estate
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Mineral Liens
Dominique Hawkins joined Doré Rothberg McKay as an attorney in September 2022.
A first-generation Aggie, Dominique Hawkins graduated from Texas A&M University in
December 2016 with a B.A. in Political Science and a double minor in English and
Sociology.
Dominique furthered her education at the historic Texas Southern University, Thurgood Marshall School of Law where she obtained her Doctor of Jurisprudence in May 2020. At Thurgood Marshall School of Law, she served as Executive Editor of The Thurgood Marshall School of Law Journal on Race, Gender, and Justice.
Prior to joining DRM, Dominique served as a hearing officer for the Texas Workforce Commission and worked at Abbott & Associates to advocate on behalf of injured Texas workers in their efforts to obtain fair benefits and medical care. Dominique is passionate about helping her clients achieve their desired results. At DRM, Dominique works in the Litigation, Collections, Business Transactions, and Liens Sections.
In her spare time, Dominique enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, and experiencing new restaurants. Dominique serves as a mentor for law students studying for the bar exam. She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated and The Downtown Group.
Bar Admissions:
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Texas, 2019
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U.S. District Court, Southern Dist. of Texas
Education:
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J.D., Thurgood Marshall School of Law, Texas Southern University, 2020
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B.A., Texas A&M University, 2016
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Mediation Certificate, Thurgood Marshall School of Law, 2019
Professional Associations & Memberships:
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State Bar of Texas
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Houston Young Lawyers Association
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The Downtown Group
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Aggie Women Network, Board Member
TABITHA ELDER HAYNES
ATTORNEY
thaynes@dorelaw.com
PRACTICE AREAS:
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Business Litigation
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Oil & Gas Law
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Real Estate
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Mineral Liens
Tabitha Elder Haynes is a Houston native, former student athlete, and state championship winning volleyball coach. She earned her undergraduate degree in Business Administration from St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas, while competing as an NCAA athlete. Immediately following SEU, Tabitha attended Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University. While at TSU, Tabitha served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant and Peer Tutor in Property, Torts, and Business Associations. Tabitha graduated Cum Laude from Thurgood Marshall School of Law and went on to become a private Bar Exam tutor.
After graduating from law school, Tabitha practiced personal injury law with a firm named to the list of Top 50 of Jury Verdicts in 2019. During her tenure, Tabitha focused on cases involving auto accidents, wrongful death, and premises liability. She then joined a creditor’s rights firm and counseled prominent financial institutions in consumer collections, consumer law compliance, breach of contract claims, and financial matters.
Tabitha’s hobbies include mentoring young women, watching and playing sports, cooking, supernatural TV shows, and going on walk with her family.
Bar Admissions:
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Texas, 2020
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U.S. District Court, Southern Dist. of Texas
Education:
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J.D., Thurgood Marshall School of Law, Texas Southern University, 2020
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B.A., Business Administration, St. Edward’s University, Austin, Texas, 2017
Professional Associations & Memberships:
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State Bar of Texas
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Houston Volunteer Lawyers
PRACTICE AREAS:
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Bankruptcy
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Commercial Litigation
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Representing Trade Creditors
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Filing & Enforcing Liens
Connor Smith joined Doré Rothberg McKay as an Attorney after working for the Firm as a law clerk in 2019 assisting in cases from complex bankruptcies to commercial leases. He earned a law degree from the Thurgood Marshall School of Law and a Bachelor of Science in Sport Management from Texas A&M University.
While in law school, Connor captained his team in the National Bankruptcy Moot Court Competition besting 50 schools in New York City in 2019 and 2020, setting school records for performance at the competition. His experience led him to focus on representing clients resolving issues in commercial bankruptcies where Connor helps trade creditors collect their claims.
When not behind his desk or in court, Connor persistently chases a lower golf handicap or is kayaking in the Texas Hill Country.
Bar Admissions:
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State of Texas, 2020
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Federal Court, Southern District of Texas
Education:
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J.D., Thurgood Marshall School of Law, Texas Southern University, 2020
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B.S. Sport Management, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, 2016
DOLORES VALERO
ATTORNEY
dvalero@dorelaw.com
PRACTICE AREAS:
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Oil & Gas Law
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Mineral Liens & Collections
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Corporate/Business Transactions
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Business Litigation
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Real Estate
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Estate Planning & Probate
Dolores Valero joined Doré Rothberg McKay in 2022. At Doré Rothberg McKay, Dolores assists clients with estate planning and probate matters. She also works in the Collections, Litigation, and Corporate and Business Transactions Sections. Dolores brings her diverse employment experience to the firm and utilizes that when representing her clients whether it involves litigation or transactional matters.
Prior to joining the firm, Dolores worked at a legal non-profit in the Houston area. There she obtained considerable experience across a wide range of practice areas and had the opportunity to be in the courtroom. Before law school, Dolores worked in the litigation department of a large international law firm and subsequently worked for a state representative in the Houston area.
Dolores is a native Houstonian and fluent in Spanish. She enjoys spending time with family and friends and trying new restaurants in the city.
Bar Admissions:
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State of Texas, 2016
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U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
Education:
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J.D., Cardozo School of Law, New York City, New York, 2015
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B.A., Government, The University of Texas at Austin, Texas 2005
Certifications/Abilities:
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Fluent in Spanish
PRACTICE AREAS:
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Commercial Litigation
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Business Law
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Trademark Law
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Filing & Enforcing Liens
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Estate Planning & Probate
Erika Veal joined Doré Rothberg McKay as an Attorney in August 2022. Erika earned her Doctor of Jurisprudence from the historic Texas Southern University, Thurgood Marshall School of Law and a dual Bachelor of Arts degree in Radio and Television Production and Criminal Justice from Stephen F. Austin State University. Erika is also a graduate of the High School for Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice.
While in law school, Erika served as Chief Justice of the Thurgood Marshall School of Law Honor Court as well as a board member of the distinguished James M. Douglas Board of Advocates. Erika also served as a judicial law clerk for the Honorable Judge Sonya L. Heath in the 310th Judicial District Court of Harris County, Texas where she assisted judges and court staff concerning various family law matters. Additionally, Erika received her 40-hour Basic Mediation certification from the University of Houston Law Center. Prior to attending law school, Erika worked for Harris County District Attorney’s Office in the Intake Division.
As an attorney, Erika began her career with the Texas Workforce Commission as an Administrative Law Judge for the State of Texas handling complex unemployment claim hearings. Her experience with both private litigation firms and governmental agencies has led her to focus on advocating for clients with fairness and impartiality to attain the best results. At Doré Rothberg McKay, Erika uses her previous experience in leadership and law by working in the Litigation Section of the firm, as well as the Liens & Transactions Department, assisting our clients with business transactions, including formation and restructuring and any potential litigation through the mineral liens process.
Erika was born and raised in Houston, Texas. When not working, Erika enjoys traveling, photography, reading and exploring new cuisines around the city.
Bar Admissions:
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State of Texas, 2021
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District of Columbia, 2021
Professional Associations & Memberships:
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State Bar of Texas
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Houston Bar Association
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Houston Young Lawyers Association
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Garland R. Walker American Inn of Court
Education:
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J.D., Thurgood Marshall School of Law, Texas Southern University, 2020
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Mediation Certificate, Univ. of Houston School of Law, 2018
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B.A. in Criminal Justice, Stephen F. Austin University, 2010
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B.A. in Radio & Television Production, Stephen F. Austin University, 2010
TOM WHITESIDE
OF COUNSEL
twhiteside@dorelaw.com
PRACTICE AREAS:
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Real Estate
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Mergers & Acquisitions
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Contract Negotiation
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Litigation
Tom Whiteside has been an attorney and businessman in the Houston area for over four decades. He became Of Counsel to the Firm in 2018 and is active in client servicing and business development.
Tom was the managing partner of a business and litigation law firm in Houston for almost 20 years. Beginning as a tax CPA, his positions have included CEO of a local bank, a securities principal as President of an investment banking company, an executive at the FDIC, and General Counsel at a music company. After decades as a resident of Houston inside the loop, Tom moved to Katy where he loves the spirit “Out West.”
Tom has a considerable breadth of legal experience representing business clients in real estate, M&A, loan workouts, collections, contract negotiation, and litigation, reorganizations, and all manner of business disputes. In the past decade, he has helped his peers and their families with estate planning and probate matters.
Tom and both of his sons are Eagles in the Boy Scouts where they have been active for many years. In his younger days, he spent a summer sailing the Caribbean.
Bar Admissions:
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State of Texas, 1978
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U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
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U.S. Court of Appeals, 5th Circuit
Professional Associations & Memberships:
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State Bar of Texas
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Katy Bar Association, President
Education:
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J.D., University of Texas School of Law, Austin, Texas, Order of Barristers,1978
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B.B.A. in Accounting, Texas A& M University, cum laude, 1975
Lauren Morgan
In Memoriam
In Memoriam
The Dore Rothberg McKay team lost a valued team member and friend on April 9, 2020 with Lauren Morgan's passing. She attended Texas A&M University in College Station and graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2013. And being the person who always did what she put her mind to, she moved on to South Texas College of Law and earned her Doctor of Jurisprudence degree and became a member of the Texas State Bar in 2016. At the time of her passing, Lauren had been an attorney since January 2018 at the firm of Dore’ Rothberg McKay in Houston, Texas. She loved her work family and they were an amazing source of love and support to her.
Lauren was an avid hunter and fisherman and was a proud member of the Houston Corgis. The loves of her life were her two Corgis, Sully and Julep. She also leaves behind her beautiful horse, Breeze
She made each of us a better person and she made the firm a better place to work. We hope to continue her legacy for years to come.
Bar Admissions:
-
State of Texas, 2018
Professional Associations & Memberships:
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State Bar of Texas
Education:
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J.D., South Texas College of Law, 2016
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B.A., Texas A&M University, Magna Cum Laude, 2013