Attorneys
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Civil Appellate Law
Amy Demmler
Associate
Contact Info
713.960.6002
ademmler@rmgllp.com
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Ms. Demmler’s practice includes the representation of public and private sector employers in all types of litigation, including employment and civil rights matters. Prior to joining the Firm, Ms. Demmler was an Assistant District Attorney for the 34th Judicial District in El Paso, Texas. As an Assistant District Attorney, Ms. Demmler obtained substantial trial experience serving as the first chair attorney in over 50 misdemeanor and felony trials, including two 1st degree murder trials, and as second chair attorney for over 10 misdemeanor and felony trials, including an intoxication manslaughter trial.
Practice Areas
- Litigation
- Employment Law
- School Consulting
Education
- University of Houston, C.T. Bauer College of Business (BBA, with a major in accounting, summa cum laude, 2011)
- University of Houston Law Center (J.D. 2014)
Activities and Affiliations
- State Bar of Texas
- Texas Council of School Attorneys
Bar/Court Admissions
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit
- All federal districts and state courts of Texas
Amy C. Tucker
Partner
Contact Info
713.960.6032
atucker@rmgllp.com
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Ms. Tucker’s practice focuses on representing public school districts in all aspects of disability rights and special education law including Section 504 and ARD meetings, mediations, administrative due process hearings, and preparing responses to Texas Education Agency and Office of Civil Rights complaints. She also has extensive experience representing school districts in federal district court related to appeals of administrative due process hearings. Prior to attending law school, Ms. Tucker taught special education for five years.
Practice Areas
- Special Education and Disability Law
- Administrative Proceedings
- Litigation and Appeals
- Student Matters
- Policy Development
Education
- Texas A&M University (B.S. 1993; M.Ed. with emphasis in special education, 1996)
- South Texas College of Law (J.D. 2003)
- South Texas Law Review
- Dean’s List
- Order of the Lytae
- Garland Walker Inn of Court
Activities and Affiliations
- State Bar of Texas School Law Section
- Texas Council of School Attorneys
- National Council of School Attorneys
Bar/Court Admissions
- U.S. Supreme Court
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit
- All federal district and state courts of Texas
Clay T. Grover
Partner
Contact Info
713.960.6033
cgrover@rmgllp.com
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Mr. Grover worked as an associate with the litigation firm of Essmyer, Tritico & Clary, L.L.P. in Houston, Texas from 1991 until 1998 when he joined the Firm. His practice focuses on the representation of both public and private sector employers in all forms of labor, employment and civil rights matters. Mr. Grover has trial experience in both state and federal courts and has successfully defended claims under the Fair Labor Standards Act, Section 1983, Whistleblower Retaliation, Title VII, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Texas Commission on Human Rights, and other statutory and common law claims, including wrongful termination, workers compensation retaliation and various tort claims.
Practice Areas
- Employment Law
- Civil Rights
- Litigation and Appeals
- School Consulting
- Board Governance and Policy Development
- Open Government
- Administrative Proceedings
Education
- Southwest Texas State University (B.A. 1987)
- South Texas College of Law (J.D. 1991)
- Law Review
- Dean’s List
- American Jurisprudence Award for the highest achievement in Criminal Law
Activities and Affiliations
- State Bar of Texas Labor and Employment Law Section
- State Bar of Texas School Law Section
- Texas Council of School Attorneys
- National Council of School Attorneys
Bar/Court Admissions
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit
- All federal district and state courts of Texas
Coby L. Wilbanks
Associate
Contact Info
713.960.6027
cwilbanks@rmgllp.com
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Mr. Wilbanks’ practice focuses on representing school districts in governance, open government, contracts, procurement, employment and personnel, and student matters. Prior to joining the Firm, Mr. Wilbanks served as Assistant General Counsel at Fort Bend ISD, where he provided in-house legal services to the Board of Trustees, Superintendent and District personnel.
Practice Areas
- Board Governance and Policy Development
- Contract Review
- Real Estate and Land Development
- Facilities and Construction
- Business Operations
- Civil Rights Law
- Student Matters
- School Consulting
Education
- East Texas Baptist University (B.S. 2003, summa cum laude)
- Liberty University School of Law (J.D. 2007)
Activities and Affiliations
Bar/Court Admissions
- All state courts of Texas
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
Debra M. Esterak
Partner
Ms. Esterak attended the University of Texas School of Law with the sole intent of practicing school law. While in law school, she clerked at the Texas Association of School Boards and became a staff attorney there after graduation. She joined the Firm in 1997 and practiced until 1999, at which point she was called to serve as the General Counsel for the Senate Education Committee under Senator Teel Bivins. Ms. Esterak was then hand-selected to be the Public Education Counsel for the Office of the Governor under then-Governor George W. Bush. She stepped away from her full-time practice in 2001 in order to raise a family, while continuing to focus on education legislation by working for TASB Governmental Relations for three legislative sessions. She rejoined the Firm in August 2014 as a partner in the Firm’s Austin office.
Practice Areas
- School Consulting
- Board Governance and Policy Development
- Contract Review
- Student Matters
Education
- The University of Texas at San Antonio (B.A., 1990)
- The University of Texas School of Law (J.D., 1995)
- Award for Highest Achievement in Mediation
Activities and Affiliations
- Texas State Bar School Law Section
- Texas Council of School Attorneys
- National Council of School Attorneys
- Austin Women’s Symphony League
- Highland Park Elementary PTA President 2012-13, Executive Board 2010-2014
- Co-Editor, State Bar of Texas School Law Newsletter, 2000-2002
- Young Mens Service League, Northwest Hills Chapter
- National Charity League, Capital of Texas Chapter
- Board Member, University High School
Bar/Court Admissions
- All state courts of Texas
Jacob Woodward
Associate
Contact Info
713.960.6011
jwoodward@rmgllp.com
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Mr. Woodward’s practice includes the representation of educational institutions in the areas of litigation, employment and civil rights, and general school law.
Practice Areas
- School Consulting
- Employment Law
- Litigation
Education
- The Ohio State University (B.A. in Political Science and English, magna cum laude, 2014)
- Georgetown University Law Center (J.D., 2017)
Activities and Affiliations
Bar/Court Admissions
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit
- All federal districts and state courts of Texas
Jamie Houston
Associate
Contact Info
713.960.6005
jhouston@rmgllp.com
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Mr. Houston’s practice includes the representation of public and private sector employers in employment and civil rights matters. While in law school, Mr. Houston was a judicial intern for the Honorable Kenneth M. Hoyt, United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas.
Practice Areas
- School Consulting
- Employment Law
- Litigation
Education
- Stephen F. Austin State University (B.A. 2010)
- Stephen F. Austin State University (MPA 2011)
- University of Kentucky College of Law (J.D. 2015)
Activities and Affiliations
- State Bar of Texas
- ABA Government and Public Sector Lawyers Division
- ABA Labor and Employment Law
- ABA Litigation
Bar/Court Admissions
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit
- All federal districts and state courts of Texas
Jeffrey L. Rogers
Senior Counsel
Contact Info
713.960.6018
(512) 354-1080
jrogers@rmgllp.com
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Mr. Rogers has been representing school districts since 1980 and has handled numerous special education cases for Texas school districts from “cradle to grave,” from due process hearings all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. He also has extensive experience in civil rights and employment litigation. Mr. Rogers is a frequent speaker at legal conferences and seminars regarding special education. He recently relocated to open the Firm’s Austin office and now consults with Austin area districts about IDEA compliance and dispute resolution.
Practice Areas
- Employment Law
- Special Education and Disability Law
- Civil Rights
- Litigation
- Administrative Proceedings
Education
- The University of Texas (B.A. in Journalism, 1975)
- South Texas College of Law (J.D. 1980)
- Dean’s Honor List each year
- E.E. Townes Award for Scholastic Excellence, 1979-1980
Activities and Affiliations
- State Bar of Texas School Law Section
- Texas Council of School Attorneys
- National Council of School Attorneys
Bar/Court Admissions
- U.S. Supreme Court
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit
- All federal district and state courts of Texas
Jonathan G. Brush
Partner
Civil Appellate Law
Contact Info
713.960.6007
jbrush@rmgllp.com
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Mr. Brush is Board Certified in Civil Appellate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. He has a broad litigation practice, at both the trial and appellate court levels, that includes the representation of private and public entities as plaintiffs in commercial and construction disputes, and defendants in employment, civil rights, commercial, and construction disputes. Mr. Brush has successfully handled cases involving federal constitutional claims, Title VII, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, Chapter 21 of the Texas Labor Code, the Texas Whistleblower Act, and other statutory and common law causes of action, including wrongful termination, personal injury, defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress, breach of contract, construction defect, consumer claims, insurance claims, governance disputes, and disputes involving the Texas Public Information Act.
Prior to joining the Firm, Mr. Brush worked as an associate in the litigation section of Orgain, Bell & Tucker, L.L.P. in Beaumont, Texas from 2004 to 2007. Before law school, Mr. Brush worked as a residential construction superintendent.
Practice Areas
- Litigation and Appeals
- Employment Law
- Civil Rights
- Facilities and Construction
Education
- The University of Texas at Austin (B.F.A. 1996, with a major in Art History; B.A. 1998, with a major in History)
- Baylor University School of Law (J.D., cum laude, 2004)
- Articles Editor, Baylor Law Review
- Baylor Order of Barristers
Activities and Affiliations
- State Bar of Texas Appellate Section
- State Bar of Texas School Law Section
- State Bar of Texas Construction Law Section
- Garland R. Walker American Inn of Court
- Texas Council of School Attorneys
- National Council of School Attorneys
- Texas Association of School Business Officials
- Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation
- Houston Philosophical Society, Member
Bar/Court Admissions
- U.S. Supreme Court
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit
- All federal district and state courts of Texas
Liz Mylin
Associate
Contact Info
713.960.6037
lmylin@rmgllp.com
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Ms. Mylin’s practice includes the representation of educational institutions in the areas of litigation, employment and civil rights, construction, land use, and real estate.
Practice Areas
- Litigation
- Employment Law
- Civil Rights
- Real Estate and Land Development
Education
- Virginia Tech (B.A., summa cum laude, 2014)
- Duquesne University School of Law, J.D., cum laude, 2017)
- Executive Editor, Duquesne Law Review
Activities and Affiliations
Bar/Court Admissions
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit
- All federal districts and state courts of Texas
- All state courts of Pennsylvania
Mariana G. Evans
Partner
Contact Info
713.960.6036
mevans@rmgllp.com
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Ms. Evans’ practice focuses on the representation of school districts in areas such as real estate, land development, construction, procurement, and governance.
Practice Areas
- Real Estate and Land Development
- Facilities and Construction
- Business and Operations
Education
- The University of St. Thomas (B.B.A. in International Studies and Business Administration, 2007)
- South Texas College of Law (J.D., 2010)
Activities and Affiliations
- State Bar of Texas School Law Section
- State Bar of Texas Construction Law Section
- State Bar of Texas Real Estate, Probate & Trust Law Section
- Texas Council of School Attorneys
- National Council of School Attorneys
Bar/Court Admissions
- All state courts of Texas
Martin Law
Associate
Contact Info
713.960.6008
mlaw@rmgllp.com
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Mr. Law’s practice focuses on the representation of public and private sector employers in employment and civil rights matters. Mr. Law’s practice also includes the representation of private and public entities as plaintiffs in commercial and construction disputes, and defendants in employment, civil rights, commercial, and construction disputes.
Practice Areas
- Litigation and Appeals
- Employment Law
- Civil Rights
- Facilities and Construction
Education
- University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada (B.A., 2010)
- South Texas College of Law (J.D., magna cum laude, 2013)
Activities and Affiliations
- State Bar of Texas School Law Section
- National Council of School Attorneys
Bar/Court Admissions
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit
- U.S. District Court, Southern and Eastern Districts of Texas
- All state courts of Texas
Michelle R. Morris
Partner
Contact Info
713.960.6009
mmorris@rmgllp.com
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Ms. Morris’ practice is focused in the areas of facilities, business, maintenance and operations for educational institutions, including all aspects of public procurement and purchasing. She specializes in real estate and land development, including the negotiation and drafting of real estate contracts, leases, easements and post-closing/development agreements. She routinely assists clients through due diligence, permitting, platting, zoning, infrastructure and utility development. Ms. Morris has represented clients in eminent domain proceedings as both the condemnor and condemnee. She further specializes in all aspects of construction, including the procurement, negotiation and preparation of contracts with design professionals, contractors and other project consultants, construction and design disputes, warranty issues, surety and bonding issues, and prevailing wage issues. Ms. Morris is also experienced in negotiating and reviewing energy and technology contracts for her education clients. She routinely provides training and day-to-day consulting in all of the above areas, including bond/capital improvement program planning and execution, and is a course instructor for the Texas Association of School Business Officials. Ms. Morris has been named a Rising Star in the Texas Super Lawyers publication.
Practice Areas
- Facilities and Construction
- Business and Operations
- Real Estate and Land Development
- School Consulting
- Purchasing
- Technology
Education
- Texas A & M University and Koriyama, Japan (B.A., International Studies/Economics, 1994)
- South Texas College of Law (J.D. 1997)
- Notes Editor, South Texas College of Law International Trade Law Journal
- Varsity Moot Court Team, Three time National Champion
- Dean’s List
- Dean’s Outstanding Advocate Award
- Student Bar Association Outstanding Female Graduate Award
- Order of the Barristers
Activities and Affiliations
- State Bar of Texas (Construction Law Section, Real Estate Law Section)
- State Bar of Texas School Law Section
- Texas Council of School Attorneys
- National Council of School Attorneys
- National Charity League, Houston Hearts Chapter
- Member and Confirmation Table Leader, Chapelwood United Methodist Church
Bar/Court Admissions
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit
- U.S. District Court, Southern and Eastern Districts of Texas
- All state courts of Texas
Pam Kaminsky
Associate
Contact Info
713.960.6006
pkaminsky@rmgllp.com
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Ms. Kaminsky’s practice focuses on representing public school districts in special education and disability law litigation. Her experience also includes representation of school districts in due process hearings, ARD meetings and mediations, preparing responses to TEA Complaints, and representing public school districts in matters at both the administrative level and in litigation.
Practice Areas
- Special Education and Disability Law
- Civil Rights Law
- School Consulting
- Student Matters
- Policy Development
Education
- Sam Houston State University (B.S. 1994)
- South Texas College of Law (J.D. 2002)
Activities and Affiliations
- State Bar of Texas
Bar/Court Admissions
- U.S. District Court, Eastern and Southern Districts of Texas
Richard A. Morris
Partner
Contact Info
713.960.6019
rmorris@rmgllp.com
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Mr. Morris represents governmental entities, including public school boards and junior and community colleges. He has considerable experience advising school boards on a wide range of issues, including governance, contracts, policy development, employment matters, board/superintendent relations, and competitive procurement. He also has extensive trial and appellate experience and has served as panel counsel for the Texas Association of School Board’s Risk Pool for more than twenty years. Mr. Morris has defended school districts throughout the state and has trial experience in state and federal courts (both jury and non-jury cases), before administrative agencies, and state and federal appellate experience. He has been peer reviewed by Martindale-Hubbell, receiving an AV rating, which denotes the highest rating in legal ability and ethical standards and has been selected for inclusion in Texas Super Lawyers: Rising Stars (2004) and Texas Super Lawyers (2009-2012, 2014).
Mr. Morris worked as an associate with Vinson & Elkins, L.L.P. from 1991 to 1993 and joined the Firm in 1993.
Practice Areas
- Board Governance and Policy Development
- Litigation
- Business and Operations
- Civil Rights Law
- Student Matters
Education
- The University of Texas (Bachelor of Journalism, 1988)
- South Texas College of Law (summa cum laude, 1991)
- Law Review
- Order of the Lytae
- Order of Barristers
- Langdell Scholar
- Recipient, Alumni Association Honor Scholar Award
- Recipient, Houston Hispanic Bar Association’s De Anda Scholarship
- Member, National Moot Court Championship team (1990)
Activities and Affiliations
- State Bar of Texas School Law Section
- State Bar of Texas Construction Law Section
- State Bar of Texas Labor and Employment Law Section
- Texas Council of School Attorneys
- National Council of School Attorneys
- Adjunct Professor, Appellate Advocacy, South Texas College of Law, 1991 to 1997.
- Texas Association of School Business Officials
Bar/Court Admissions
- U.S. Supreme Court
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit
- All federal district and state courts of Texas