Archives: Attorneys

Ronald Wright

Ronald Wright is Co-Managing Partner of McCathern’s Houston, Texas office. Mr. Wright practices in the areas of banking, corporate services, real estate transactions, restaurant and hospitality (with particular experience in food services), retail electricity, and oil and gas. He regularly advises clients regarding general business and corporate governance matters. He is experienced in handling complex transactional […]

Jordan A. Carter

Jordan A. Carter is a dedicated criminal defense and civil litigation attorney with a passion for helping others and making a meaningful impact in people’s lives. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Jackson State University, where she graduated in the top ten of her class in 2016. During her undergraduate studies, […]

Elois Caswell

Attorney Elois Caswell joined McCathern in 2023 and is already assisting McCathern’s experienced partners and associate attorneys with a variety of client matters including Insurance Litigation, Real Estate Litigation, Business & Commercial Litigation, Personal Injury & Wrongful Death, and Construction Litigation. Elois earned her J.D. from Baylor Law School in 2023 as a recipient of […]

Danielle L. Chester

Attorney Danielle Chester joined McCathern’s Houston office in 2022 and focuses her practice on Business and Commercial Litigation, Business Disputes, Civil Litigation, Oil & Gas, and Real Estate Litigation. She is licensed to practice in all four federal district courts of Texas—the Northern, Eastern, Western, and Southern Districts—as well as the United States Court of Appeals for the […]

David L. Clark

David L. Clark is a Partner in McCathern’s Houston office. His practice focuses on Business & Commercial Litigation, Business Disputes, Civil Litigation, Media & Entertainment, and Intellectual Property for a wide range of clients. David always wanted to go to law school and become a lawyer to support artists, musicians, entrepreneurs, and creative people across all industries. With over […]

Sarah E. Courtney

Sarah E. Courtney joined McCathern, Shokouhi, Evans as an Associate in 2024 and assists clients on a variety of matters including Business & Commercial Litigation and Personal Injury. Sarah earned her J.D. from Texas Tech University School of Law in 2024, where she graduated cum laude with a concentration in Business Law, and also obtained […]

Raegan Rush

Raegan Rush is a recent graduate of the University of Oklahoma College of Law, where she earned her J.D. with honors in 2024. Her commitment to academic excellence was reflected in her placement in the top 15% in law school, membership in the Order of the Barristers, and consistent appearances on the Dean’s List. During […]

Kristin M. Hecker

Kristin M. Hecker joined McCathern in 2019 and focuses her practice on Business & Commercial Litigation, ERISA & Non-Subscription, Insurance Litigation, and Securities Litigation matters. Kristin leverages her extensive study of these fields while a student and law clerk to bolster her work as a dependable counsel for her clients. Additionally, Kristin was a participant […]

Tammy Massa

Attorney Tammy Massa is a seasoned Associate Attorney with 17 years of legal practice who joined McCathern’s Houston office in 2024. Tammy specializes in Criminal Defense. Tammy has extensive trial experience, and previously held notable roles as a high-level prosecutor in both the Montgomery County and Harris County District Attorney Offices and spent several years […]

Noah McCathern

Noah McCathern is a litigation-focused attorney at McCathern, Shokouhi, Evans’ Dallas office, where he represents individuals and businesses in high-stakes civil disputes across Texas and the United States. Known for his courtroom presence, strategic insight, and a client-first mindset rooted in real-world business and legal experience, Noah has recovered millions of dollars for his clients […]

LATEST NEWS

McCathern, Shokouhi, Evans Announces Stephanie M. Almeter as Managing Partner of Dallas Headquarters

December 5, 2025

McCathern, Shokouhi, Evans is proud to announce the promotion of Stephanie M. Almeter to Managing Partner of the firm’s Dallas headquarters, marking a significant milestone in the firm’s continued growth and commitment to operational excellence. In her new role, Almeter will oversee the day-to-day operations of the Dallas office, support the continued expansion of its legal teams, and promote a unified, high-performing culture across the firm’s flagship location. She will also collaborate closely with the Managing Partners in Frisco, Houston, and Los Angeles to ensure firmwide consistency, strategic alignment, and seamless operational delivery across all markets. Almeter, who joined McCathern in 2011, is a seasoned trial attorney and leader whose practice spans business and commercial litigation, labor and employment, and more. She is widely recognized for her exceptional advocacy, creative problem-solving approach, and dedication to client service. As Managing Partner, she brings more than a decade of experience and a deep understanding of the firm’s mission of Improving People’s Lives to this pivotal leadership position. “Stephanie is an incredible leader whose professionalism, legal skill, and commitment to our team made her the clear choice for Managing Partner of our Dallas office,” said Arnold Shokouhi, Equity Partner and CEO of the firm. “Her ability to balance exceptional client results with strong interpersonal leadership will help guide the next phase of growth in our largest market. I have full confidence in her vision and in the culture she will continue to build.” As part of Almeter’s promotion, Shokouhi will transition into the role of Chief Executive Officer, where he will continue overseeing the firm’s strategic direction and operational development. McCathern, Shokouhi, Evans has experienced significant expansion since Shokouhi was named Managing Partner in 2013, growing its workforce by over 415% and increasing revenue by approximately 275%, alongside multiple successful mergers and a strengthened statewide and national presence. “I am deeply honored to step into the role of Managing Partner for our Dallas headquarters,” said Stephanie Almeter. “McCathern, Shokouhi, Evans is a firm built on integrity, collaboration, and the belief that exceptional legal work can improve people’s lives. I look forward to supporting our incredible team, fostering continued growth, and ensuring that our Dallas office remains a model of excellence within the firm and across the legal community.” The firm extends its congratulations to Almeter as she assumes this important leadership position, and to Shokouhi as he steps into his expanded role as CEO.

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McCATHERN, SHOKOUHI, EVANS SECURES $13 MILLION CIVIL RIGHTS VERDICT AGAINST CITY OF HOUSTON IN DEATH OF CHARLES PAYNE, SR.

November 25, 2025

HOUSTON, TEXAS — November 25, 2025 — A federal jury in the Southern District of Texas has delivered a sweeping $13 million verdict in favor of the family of Charles Payne Sr., finding the City of Houston liable for Payne’s death after a Houston Police Department officer—driving at high speed and not responding to an emergency—struck and killed him. The jury found that the City’s unconstitutional policies, customs, and failures in training and supervision were the direct cause of the fatal incident. The jury also determined that the officer’s conduct violated Payne’s Fourteenth Amendment right to life. Evidence presented at trial revealed that HPD routinely permitted officers to drive more than 20 mph over posted speed limits even when not responding to emergencies, a practice the City knew or should have known placed the public at serious risk. The jury concluded the City acted with deliberate indifference by allowing this dangerous pattern to persist. The jury awarded more than $7.3 million to Payne’s widow, Harriet Payne, for pecuniary loss, loss of companionship, and past and future mental anguish, with additional awards to each of Payne’s seven children for their emotional and familial losses — bringing the total recovery to $13 million. The Payne family was represented by a joint legal team led by McCathern, Shokouhi, Evans Partner Carl L. Evans, Jr., together with the Law Office of Ben Crump and its Co-Director of Litigation, Paul Grinke, and supported by McCathern attorneys Sarah E. Courtney and Asher K. Miller. Together, the team demonstrated that the City of Houston failed to implement and enforce basic safety standards regarding officer driving practices—policies that, if followed, would have prevented this tragedy. “This verdict is not just about what happened to Charles Payne—it’s about preventing it from ever happening again,” said Carl L. Evans, Jr., Partner at McCathern, Shokouhi, Evans. “The jury sent a clear message that no city is above accountability when its policies put the lives of the people it serves in danger. We are honored to stand with the Payne family and grateful that the jury recognized the truth of what happened and the depth of this family’s loss.” Charles Payne was a husband, father, and beloved member of his community. His life was cut short by a preventable act of recklessness—one that the jury found was enabled by systemic policy failures within the Houston Police Department. The verdict marks a significant step toward justice for the Payne family and reinforces the critical importance of safe, constitutional policing practices nationwide. Click here to watch the full press conference following the verdict on 11/24/25. 

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