Partner in Charge



Kelly Ransom Featured Speaker at Institute for Energy Law's Energy & Environmental Law Conference
Kelly Ransom recently spoke on "Environmental Litigation – Trends and Coming Threats" at the Institute for Energy Law's 2nd Energy and Environmental Law Virtual Conference.
Clark H. Rucker Earns Top Texas Rising Stars Honors

Eighteen Kelly Hart Attorneys Named Texas Rising Stars
Eighteen Kelly Hart attorneys have been selected as 2021 Texas Super Lawyers Rising Stars.
Sean Bryan Authors Column on the American Rescue Plan Act Expanding PPP Eligibility
Sean Bryan's column—entitled "American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 Extends PPP Loan Relief and Adds Grants for Restaurants"—addresses the expansion of PPP eligibility, loan forgiveness modifications, and additional funding for online publishers, restaurants and shuttered venues.
Lesli Harris Featured Panelist at American Bar Association Virtual CLE Program
Lesli D. Harris recently spoke on cost-effective strategies for resolving intellectual property disputes at the American Bar Association (ABA) Virtual CLE Webinar
Jennifer McDaniel Featured Panelist at Bloomsburg University Professional Development Speaker Series
Jennifer McDaniel recently participated in a panel discussion at Bloomsburg University to discuss what a career in law is like with current BU students.
Sean Bryan Authors Article on New PPP Rules for Sole Proprietors, Contractors, and Self-Employed
Sean Bryan's column—entitled "New Rules for PPP Loans for Sole Proprietors and Persons with Non-Financial Felonies"—addresses the new rule allowing sole proprietors, independent contractors, and self-employed individuals to calculate their loan eligibility using gross income rather than net income, making the loans more substantial.
Austin Franklin Guest Lecturer at TCU Neeley School of Business
Austin Franklin recently spoke on the "Fundamentals of Negotiation" at the TCU Neeley School of Business, Essentials of Negotiation online course.
Monica Jacobs Featured Panelist at Permian Basin Produced Water Management Council Webinar
Monica Jacobs recently spoke on water issues in the current New Mexico and Texas legislative sessions.
McClane P. Thompson Joins Kelly Hart
McClane P. Thompson joins Kelly Hart as an associate in the Corporate & Securities section..
Amelia Hurt Joins Kelly Hart
Amelia L. Hurt joins Kelly Hart as an associate in the Bankruptcy and Business Reorganization section.
William Burford Featured Speaker at TexasBarCLE Webinar

Tiffany Means Featured Speaker at Texas Young Lawyers Association West Texas Roadshow
Tiffany P. Means recently spoke on "Maintaining Privilege in Mineral Disputes" at the West Texas Roadshow presented by the Texas Young Lawyers Association (TYLA) and the State Bar of Texas.
Lindsey B. Harmon Joins Kelly Hart
Lindsey B. Harmon joins the firm as an associate in the Fort Worth office’s Labor & Employment section.

Sean Bryan Authors Article on Extended Opportunity Zone Deadlines
Sean Bryan's column—entitled "IRS Again Extends Qualified Opportunity Zone Periods"—addresses the automatic extension through March 31 of a 180-day window for investing gains to qualify for the tax benefits of the program.
Whitney Beckworth Named Tarrant County Bar Foundation 2020 Pro Bono Award Recipient
The Tarrant County Bar Foundation (TCBF) selected Whitney Beckworth as the TVAS 2020 Pro Bono Attorney Volunteer Award recipient.
Sean Bryan Authors Article on Second-Draw PPP Loans and Details
Sean Bryan's column—entitled "New Rules for New PPP Loans"—addresses new Interim Final Rules (IFR) and guidance issued by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and Treasury.


Sharon Millians Authors Article in The Texas Lawbook
Sharon Millians penned an article, "Remembering Fort Worth's Bill Hallman, Jr. – 'Generous, Selfless, Loyal," which recently was published in The Texas Lawbook.
Sean Bryan Authors Article on Consolidated Appropriations Act 2021, COVID-19 Relief Bill
Sean Bryan's column—entitled "New Law Expands PPP Loans and Provides Grants for Shuttered Entertainment Venues" —addresses key PPP issues.
Kelly Hart Announces Five New Partners
Kelly Hart elected five new partners—Caleb Bulls, Joe Greenhill, Jody Walker, Jeff Whitfield, and Chelsea Wood.
Sean Bryan Authors Column on PPP Loans For Mergers and Acquisitions
Sean Bryan's column—entitled "The SBA’s Stealthy Rule-Making For Mergers and Acquisitions" —addresses rules and documents affecting PPP loan borrowers.
Sean Bryan Authors Article on PPP Loan Necessity Questionnaires
Sean Bryan's column—entitled "PPP Loan Necessity Questionnaires" —addresses supplemental information and updates on loan necessity questionnaires provided by the Treasury and the SBA.
Passing of William P. Hallman, Jr., Co-Founding Partner of Kelly Hart & Hallman
William P. Hallman, co-founder of Kelly Hart & Hallman, passed away on November 30, 2020.
Sean Bryan Authors Article on Non-Deductibility of PPP Covered Expenses
Sean Bryan’s column—entitled "IRS Doubles Down on Non-Deductibility of PPP Covered Expenses"—provides clarification on the non-deductibility of certain expenses paid with forgivable PPP loans.
Kelly Hart Welcomes Erin Arnold to New Orleans Office
Erin Arnold joins Kelly Hart as a senior associate in the Bankruptcy & Business Reorganization section.
Kelly Hart Welcomes Austin Franklin to Fort Worth Office
Austin Franklin joins the firm as an associate in the Litigation section.

Kelly Hart Receives National Rankings from U.S. News – Best Lawyers® "Best Law Firms" 2021
Kelly Hart receives top tier rankings in the U.S. News – Best Lawyers® "Best Law Firms" 2021 survey, including four national rankings and 27 tier 1 metropolitan rankings.

Sean Bryan Authors Article on SBA Loan Necessity Questionnaires
Sean Bryan's article—entitled "Proposed SBA Questionnaires Regarding "Necessity" of PPP Loan"—addresses questionnaires requiring borrowers that received PPP loans of $2 million or more to provide additional information to support the certification that economic uncertainty made the loan necessary.
Leslie Robnett Featured Speaker at Tarrant County Bar Association Brown Bag Webinar
Leslie Robnett recently spoke on "Growing the Texas Cannabis Market: State and Federal Cannabis Legislation Now and Tomorrow" at the TCBA Virtual Brown Bag 'Pot-Pourri' Seminar.
Thirty Kelly Hart Attorneys Named 2020 Texas Super Lawyers
Super Lawyers named 30 Kelly Hart attorneys to its 2020 Texas Super Lawyers list.
Six Kelly Hart Attorneys Earn Top 2020 Texas Super Lawyers Honors
Super Lawyers has named six Kelly Hart attorneys to its 2020 top honors lists.

Pati Meadows and Sharon Millians Named Top 50 Texas Women Super Lawyers
Super Lawyers has named Pati Meadows and Sharon Millians to its 2020 Top 50 Texas Women Super Lawyers list.

Sean Bryan Authors Article on New Interim Final Rule for PPP Loan Forgiveness for Owner-Employees and Non-Payroll Items
Sean Bryan’s column—entitled “Paycheck Protection Program Simplifies Forgiveness for Small Borrowers and Confirms Certain Lender Review Responsibilities”—addresses supplemental PPP information and clarity on loan forgiveness documentation.
Hannah Parks Featured Speaker at Nonprofit Leaders Virtual Luncheon Series
Hannah Parks recently spoke on "Addressing COVID-19 Employment Challenges" at the Virtual Lunch and Learn for Nonprofit Leaders.
Kelly Hart Welcomes Two New Associates to Fort Worth Office
Kelly Hart welcomes associates Delaney Blakey and Kylee Mease to the Fort Worth office.

Clark Rucker Featured Speaker at Whitley Penn Annual Energy Conference
Clark Rucker recently presented an update on Texas oil and gas caselaw at the Whitley Penn 2020 Virtual Energy Conference.

Kelly Ransom Authors Article in Energy Law Advisor
Kelly Ransom's column—entitled “Fifth Circuit Affirms Remand Orders in Louisiana Coastal Zone Lawsuits” and published in the Energy Law Advisor—addresses the federal appeals court's decision to prevent oil companies from moving Louisiana coastal wetlands lawsuits to federal court.

Jody Sanders Featured Speaker at Texas Association of Appellate Court Attorneys Meeting
Jody Sanders recently spoke on "Supersedeas Issues in the Appellate Courts" at the Texas Association of Appellate Court Attorneys (TAACA) virtual meeting.
Kelly Ransom Serves as Managing Editor of Energy Law Advisor 2020
Kelly Ransom serves as managing editor of IEL's Energy Law Advisor, an online newsletter produced by the Institute for Energy Law.
Cheryl Leb Featured Speaker at Texas A&M University School of Law Professional Speaker Series
Cheryl Leb recently spoke on "A Practice in Copyright and Trademark Law: Current and Future Trends and Issues" at the Virtual Professional Speaker Series hosted by Texas A&M University School of Law.
Kelly Ransom Named 2020 CityBusiness Women of the Year Honoree
New Orleans CityBusiness has selected Kelly Ransom as a 2020 Women of the Year recipient.
Sean Bryan Authors Article on New Guidance for PPP Loan Forgiveness for Owner-Employees and Non-Payroll Items
Sean Bryan’s article—entitled "New Guidance for PPP Loan Forgiveness for Owner-Employees and Non-Payroll Items”—addresses supplemental information on PPP loan forgiveness and clarity on certain issues.
Aimee Hebert Named 2020 CityBusiness Woman of the Year Recipient
New Orleans CityBusiness has selected Aimee Hebert as a 2020 Women of the Year honoree.
William Kerr Named 2021 Natural Resources Law "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers®
Best Lawyers in America® selected William Kerr as the 2021 Austin Natural Resources Law “Lawyer of the Year.”
Henry Robinson Named 2021 Labor Law-Union "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers®
Best Lawyers in America® selected Henry Robinson as the 2021 Dallas/Fort Worth Labor Law - Union “Lawyer of the Year.”
Lars Berg Named 2021 Mass Tort Litigation / Class Action Plantiffs "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers®
Best Lawyers in America® selected Lars Berg as the 2021 Dallas/Fort Worth Mass Tort Litigation / Class Action Plantiffs “Lawyer of the Year.”
Forty-three Kelly Hart Attorneys Named Among The Best Lawyers in America® 2021
Forty-three Kelly Hart attorneys were included in the 27th Edition of The Best Lawyers in America© which is published annually in U.S. News & World Reports.
Sean Bryan Authors Column on Guidance on Appeal of SBA’s PPP Loan Decisions
Sean Bryan’s column—entitled “"New Guidance on Appeal of SBA’s PPP Loans”—addresses additional information regarding Paycheck Protection Program loans and procedures to appeal SBA loan review decisions.
Sean Bryan Authors Article on New FAQs to the Payroll Protection Program Interim Final Rules
Sean Bryan’s column—entitled "New FAQs for PPP Loan Forgiveness”—addresses supplemental information and detail on PPP loan forgiveness.

Michael McConnell Named to Lawdragon's 500
Lawdragon has named Michael McConnell to The 500—its 2020 list of the leading U.S. Bankruptcy & Restructuring Lawyers.
Alan Hegi Featured Speaker at American Railway Development Association Annual Meeting
Alan Hegi recently spoke on “Force Majeure in the Time of Coronavirus: A Review of Contract Issues" at the virtual Annual Meeting for the American Railway Development Association (ARDA).

Jody Sanders Featured Speaker at Texas Bar CLE Webinar
Jody Sanders recently spoke on "Fiduciary Duties" at the Texas Bar CLE Advanced Civil Trial Course webinar.

Nine Kelly Hart Attorneys Listed Among The Best Lawyers in America© "Ones to Watch" 2021
The Best Lawyers in America© has named nine Kelly Hart attorneys to its inaugural 2021 Best Lawyers® Ones to Watch list, which is published in U.S. News & World Reports.

Loulan Pitre Authors Column in Biz New Orleans
Loulan J. Pitre Jr authored an article—entitled “Where We Go From Here" and published in the July issue of Biz New Orleans.

Katherine Hopkins Moderates CLE Webinar on Business Reorganization
Katherine Hopkins recently moderated a CLE webinar on the Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019, sharing practical, fact-based information about business bankruptcy during the Coronavirus pandemic.
Sean Bryan Authors Article on Revisions to PPP Loan Rules for Loan Forgiveness
Sean Bryan's article—entitled "Revisions to PPP Loan Rules for Loan Forgiveness”—addresses changes in the law, as well as the announcement of a simplified PPP Loan Forgiveness Application Form.

Loulan Pitre Leads Effort in $500M Highway Project

Sean Bryan Authors Column on New Updates to Payroll Protection Program Interim Rules
Sean Bryan’s column—entitled "Update to PPP Interim Rules for Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act”—addresses rule changes and clarity on certain matters.
Sean Bryan Authors Column on Extensions on Qualified Opportunity Zone Time Periods
Sean Bryan’s article—entitled “Treasury Extends Qualified Opportunity Zone Time Periods”—addresses extensions of time periods for investment in or by a qualified opportunity fund (QOF) as a result of the declaration of disaster due to COVID-19.
Sean Bryan Authors Article on New Extensions for Payroll Protection Program Loans
Sean Bryan column—entitled “New Extensions for PPP Loans ”—addresses extensions for both the application deadline and the cap on highly paid employees.

Jane Jackson Authors Column in IEL's Energy Law Advisor
Jane Jackson authored an article in the May issue of IEL's Energy Law Advisor, an online newsletter produced by the Institute for Energy Law.
Kelly Ransom Serves as Managing Editor of Energy Law Advisor
Kelly Ransom serves as managing editor of IEL's Energy Law Advisor, an online newsletter produced by the Institute for Energy Law.
Sean Bryan Authors Article on Second Interim Final Rule on Payroll Protection Program Loans
Sean Bryan’s column—entitled “SBA Issues PPP Forgiveness Rules for Loans under Review”—addresses forgiveness of loans under review by the SBA.
Sean Bryan Authors Article on New Interim Final Rules on Payroll Protection Program Loans
Sean Bryan’s column—entitled “SBA Issues General PPP Forgiveness Rules”—addresses loan forgiveness requirements and guidance, legitimizing the provisions of the loan forgiveness application.
Sean Bryan Authors Article on Payroll Protection Program Loan Forgiveness
Sean Bryan’s column—entitled “Application Posted for Payroll Protection Program Loan Forgiveness”—addresses the U.S. Treasury Department's guidance on the loan forgiveness application.
Sean Bryan Authors Article on Additional Draws on PPP Loans
Sean Bryan’s column—entitled “Additional Draws on PPP Loans for Partnerships and Employers with Seasonal Employees"—addresses the new Interim Final Rule on PPP loans.
Sean Bryan Authors Column on Certification for Payroll Protection Program Loans
Sean Bryan’s column—entitled “Guidance on Certification for Payroll Protection Program Loans-Repayment Rather Than Penalties”—addresses the SBA's provisions of FAQ #46, regarding good faith certification of the necessity of a Payroll Protection Program loan.
Drew Neill Featured Speaker at Texas Bar CLE Webinar

Katherine Hopkins Featured Panelist at Texas A&M University School of Law Event
Katherine Hopkins recently spoke on the Chapter 11 Small Business Reorganization Act at the Texas A&M University (TAMU) School of Law Webinar.
Russell Cawyer Authors Blog on New TWC Guidance For Unemployment Claimants
The Texas Workforce Commission has promulgated rules allowing employees to continue receipt of benefits even if rejecting a return to suitable work.

Sean Bryan Authors Article on New PPP Rules
Sean Bryan’s column—entitled “Tightening the PPP Rules as the IRS Awakes”—addresses new Interim Final Rules regarding Payroll Protection Program (PPP) loans.
Russell Cawyer Authors Blog on Unemployment Benefits for Employees Refusing to Return to Work
If a business reopens and an employee chooses not to return to work, they become ineligible for unemployment, according to the Texas Workforce Commission.
Sean Bryan Authors Article on PPP Application and Certification
The Payroll Protection Program (PPP) application requires an applicant certify, on penalty of fines or imprisonment, that the loan is necessary to support its ongoing operations.
Sean Bryan Authors Article on Alternative Sources of Government Funds During Covid-19
The Families First Corona Response Act and the CARES Act entitle employers and self-employed individuals to claim payroll tax credits.
Hannah Parks Authors Blog on Employer Considerations for Returning Employees After COVID-19 Shutdowns
The EEOC recently clarified its update to its Pandemic Preparedeness in the Worklplace and the ADA Guidance.
IRS Moves Tax Day To July 15
Treasury and IRS Delay Federal Tax Day from April 15 to July 15 Due to COVID-19 Outbreak

The CARES Act: What You Need To Know
The CARES Act provides fast and direct economic assistance for American workers and families, small businesses, and preserves jobs for American industries.

Russell Cawyer Authors Blog on Temporary Regulations on Emergency Paid Sick Leave and Emergency FMLA Expansion Acts
On April 1, 2020, the DOL issued its regulations on the paid leave provision of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. The Rule defines “quarantine or isolation orders” to include a broad range of governmental orders.
Loulan Pitre Named CityBusiness 2020 Driving Forces Honoree
New Orleans CityBusiness has selected Loulan Pitre as a 2020 Driving Forces Award recipient.

Russell Cawyer Authors Blog on the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act
The Act establishes a $349 Billion program to issue payroll protection loans intended to encourage small businesses to retain their employees and remain in business during this crisis.
Russell Cawyer Authors Blog on the Families First Coronavirus Response Act
The U.S. Department of Labor published Questions and Answers on the soon-to-be effective Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act and the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act

Jody Sanders Launches Texas Appellate Law Podcast
The Texas Appellate Law Podcast covers topics of interest to lawyers handling civil appellate matters in Texas courts.

Lesli Harris Presents Sound Advice American Bar Association Podcast
Lesli D. Harris recently presented a Sound Advice podcast on scandalous and obscene trademarks for the American Bar Association Section of Litigation IP subcommittee.

Russell Cawyer Authors Blog on Families First Coronavirus Response Act and Emergency Paid Leave Act of 2020
The Bill, if passed by the Senate, will provide paid sick leave and unemployment benefits to employees taking leave as a result of COVID-19.

Jody S. Sanders Earns Top Texas Rising Stars Honors

Fifteen Kelly Hart Attorneys Named Texas Rising Stars
Fifteen Kelly Hart attorneys have been selected as 2020 Texas Super Lawyers Rising Stars.
Kelly Ransom Named CityBusiness 2020 "Leadership in Law" Honoree
Kelly Ransom has been chosen to the New Orleans CityBusiness “Leadership in Law” Class of 2020.

Jody Sanders Featured Speaker at 12th Annual Damages in Civil Litigation Course
Jody Sanders recently spoke on “Ch. 33: How to Make the Best Use Of and Avoid Pitfalls Under Texas’ Proportionate Responsibility Scheme” at the Texas Bar CLE’s Damages in Civil Litigation Course.
Louis Phillips Featured Speaker at the Fifth Circuit Bankruptcy Bench-Bar Conference
Louis Phillips recently spoke on “Applying Objective Reasonableness: The Many Questions That Remain After Taggart V. Lorenzen” at the Fifth Circuit Bankruptcy Bench-Bar Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana on February 5-7, 2020.

Lars Berg Selected Fellow of Litigation Counsel of America
Lars Berg recently was chosen to become a Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America (LCA) Trial Lawyer Honorary Society.
Kelly Ransom Appointed to Institute for Energy Law’s Executive Committee
Kelly Ransom recently was appointed to serve on the Institute for Energy Law’s (IEL) executive committee.

Hannah Parks Board Certified in Labor and Employment Law
Hannah Parks is board certified in Labor and Employment law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

Russell Cawyer Featured Speaker at Employment Lunch & Learn
Gus Bates Insurance and Investments recently hosted a Labor and Employment Lunch & Learn, featuring Russell Cawyer.

David Keltner and Taylor Spalla Co-Author Texas Title Disputes Paper
David Keltner and Taylor Spalla co-authored a paper titled “The Presumed Grant Theory and its Application to Texas Title Disputes.”

Kelly Hart Elects 5 New Partners
Congratulations to Kelly Hart’s newest partners—Jane Jackson, J.R. Johnson, Jeff Kuhnhenn, Chase Medling, and Dan Vela.
Kelly Hart Welcomes Andrew W. Homer
Andrew Homer has joined Kelly Hart as an associate in the firm’s Corporate & Securities section.
Louis Phillips Featured Speaker at 39th Annual Mississippi Bankruptcy Law Conference
The 39th Annual Bankruptcy Law Conference will be held on November 14-15, 2019, at the Oxford Conference Center in Oxford, Mississippi.

Derek Montgomery Joins Kelly Hart
Derek Montgomery joins Kelly Hart's Midland office as a partner in the firm’s Litigation and Appellate practices.
Tiffany Means Authors Column in The Energy Dispatch
Tiffany P. Means penned an article in the October 2019 issue of The Energy Dispatch, a news publication produced by The Institute For Energy Law's Young Energy Professionals (IEL).