Archives: Attorneys

Asher K. Miller

Attorney Asher K. Miller joined McCathern’s Dallas office in 2022 and is making an immediate impact with the firm’s clients. Asher is rapidly developing his experience across numerous practice areas, including Business & Commercial Litigation, Construction Litigation, Directors & Officers Liability, Employment Law, Insurance Litigation, and Large Loss Subrogation. Asher is particularly interested in learning […]

Brandon N. Paine

Attorney Brandon Paine joined the McCathern Los Angeles office in early 2023 and focuses his practice on Media & Entertainment law and Business & Commercial Litigation. Brandon has significant experience in the media industry and leverages this understanding of the business to effectively counsel his clients. Brandon earned his J.D. from the Dale E. Fowler […]

Kylie Peebles

Kylie Peebles joined McCathern in 2020 as an associate attorney working with the firm’s family law and criminal law practices. Kylie brings valuable experience working with clients on a variety of criminal defense and family law matters to the firm’s office at The Star in Frisco. Her guiding principle is to always work with compassion […]

Michael Ricchi

Michael Ricchi joined McCathern in 2019 as an associate attorney working predominantly with family law clients. A native of Collin County, Michael joined a rapidly growing Family Law practice that is the trusted source in North Texas for effective and caring representation in domestic litigation cases. In recognition of his work, Michael was named to […]

Eric M. Utermohlen

Attorney Eric Utermohlen joined McCathern’s Houston office in 2017 and he focuses his legal practice on Bankruptcy, Business & Commercial Litigation, Real Estate Litigation, Corporate Services, and Oil & Gas legal matters. In recognition of his work, Eric was named to the 2023 Super Lawyers Texas Rising Stars list for Business Litigation and the 2024 […]

Kelli G. Hawley

Kelli G. Hawley is an Of Counsel attorney in McCathern’s Los Angeles office after previously serving as the office’s managing partner. Kelli concentrates her practice in construction law, with additional expertise in litigation of real estate disclosure, business, contracts, products liability, construction injury, and subrogation disputes. Kelli regularly handles high-exposure defense of developers and general […]

Jerry W. Mooty

Jerry W. Mooty was one of the founding partners of McCathern | Mooty, LLP in 1998 and served the firm as its Managing Partner until 2012.  In 2012, Jerry stepped down as Managing Partner to pursue other business interests, as well as servicing current and future clients as “Of Counsel” to the firm.  Under Jerry’s […]

Christine C. Zaouk

Christine C. Zaouk joined the McCathern Los Angeles office as an Of Counsel attorney in March 2016.  After years of representing insurance companies in structural and property damage cases, Christine is now on the “other side of the fence” representing insureds who have been wronged by their insurance carriers. Christine’s practice also focuses on representing […]

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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