Over the years, MehaffyWeber has been fortunate to achieve many successes for its clients. The firm’s expansion from one Beaumont office to four offices across Texas, as well as its continued achievement in litigation, has made it a legal powerhouse. As such, it’s no wonder that as the firm has grown over time, so have its accolades and continued work with various globally and nationally recognized professional organizations.
Working With Globally and Nationally Recognized Organizations
Since its inception in 1946, MehaffyWeber has seen continued success for its clients through its proactive approach to the practice of law. Its 75-year track record of negotiated and litigation wins has propelled the firm to top tier status. One of the key factors to the firm’s success is its collaborative work with a variety of legal industry and business organizations. These nationally and internationally recognized organizations and groups have allowed the firm to expand its reach even outside of the Lone Star State.
Some of the distinguished organizations MehaffyWeber is a part of include:
Mackrell International
One of MehaffyWeber’s long-standing relationships is with Mackrell International. Mackrell International is a world-leading international network of independent law firms in 60 different countries. Not just anyone can become a member of this organization, as invited members must be among the top 10% of their country’s law firms with a proven track record. Members must also have experience working with all sizes and types of businesses – from the world’s largest multinational and public sector organizations to owner-managed businesses, entrepreneurs, and private clients.
Since 2012, MehaffyWeber has been one of only two Texas-based law firms selected for membership in Mackrell International. Shareholder Paul Heyburn is the group’s current Head of Practice Groups and has served as a Texas Delegate, Chair of the Energy and Natural Resources Practice Group, and Chair of the Environmental Law Practice Group. Shareholder Maryalyce Cox Co-Chairs the Hospitality Travel & Tourism Practice Group and Shareholder Art Almquist is Chair of the Technology Practice Group.
IR Global
Another internationally known organization MehaffyWeber has partnered with is IR Global. IR Global is a multi-disciplinary professional services network providing legal, accountancy, and financial advice to companies and individuals around the world. Members of IR Global are among the highest quality boutique and mid-sized firms that service the mid-market, are focused on partner-led personal service, and have obtained extensive cross-border experience. To qualify to join IR Global, all applicants must complete a stringent vetting process that analyzes the firm’s market position, rankings, and feedback from clients and connections. Each firm must have an exceptional reputation and the highest professional standards. Shareholder Paul Heyburn became IR Global’s exclusive Environmental Law Member for the state of Texas in 2020, a major achievement for the firm in such a tumultuous year due to the pandemic.
USLAW Network
USLAW Network is an invitation-only international organization composed of approximately 100 independent, full-service practice firms that includes highly rated attorneys across the U.S., Canada, Latin America, and Asia. USLAW Network member firms undergo a rigorous review process and must also provide quality representation to major corporations, insurance companies, and large and small businesses.
MehaffyWeber’s Houston office became a USLAW Network member firm in 2019, with Shareholders Barbara Barron and Trey Sandoval serving as primary contacts. MehaffyWeber has worked with USLAW Network on a variety of events, speaking engagements, and conferences, as well as produced content for its Home Field Advantage video series.
International Association of Defense Counsel
The International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC) is a prestigious, invitation-only group of corporate and insurance defense attorneys. For the IADC to consider an attorney for membership, they must be among the world’s leading corporate and insurance attorneys, be partners in large or small firms, or be senior counsel in corporate law departments. IADC members represent the largest corporations around the world, including companies within the Fortune 500. Members are also leaders of hundreds of important legal, corporate, industry, and non-profit organizations.
MehaffyWeber IADC members include Shareholder Michele Smith, who has held several roles within the organization since 2006. She has served as Co-Chair of the Hospitality Committee and as Chair of the Judicial, Legislative, and Governmental Affairs Committee. Smith served on the faculty of the IADC’s Trial Academy and was the Annual Meeting CLE Chair. She also served as In House Firm Management Chair. In 2019, Smith became the CLE Committee Chair and was named to the IADC’s Board of Directors. Smith also hosted the very first IADC Speaks podcast along with Shareholder Bob Black in 2019. In addition, Shareholder E. Wade Carpenter has assisted with the organization’s Trial Academy, Shareholder M.C. Carrington was a Faculty Member of the Trial Academy, and Shareholder Keith O’Connell is also a member of the organization.
America Board of Trial Advocates
The American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) is a nationally recognized organization of experienced trial lawyers and judges. The organization is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the right to civil jury trial provided by the Seventh Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. ABOTA membership is invitation-only and members must have at least five years of active experience as trial lawyers, have tried at least 10 civil jury trials to conclusion, and possess additional litigation experience.
MehaffyWeber has several attorneys who are proud members of ABOTA. Shareholders Barbara Barron, M.C. Carrington, Patricia Chamblin, Sandra Clark, Roger McCabe, Gordon Pate, Louis Scofield, Michele Smith, and Karen Spivey are all members of ABOTA’s Houston Chapter. Shareholder Michael Magee is an Associate of the Houston Chapter and M.C. Carrington is classified as an Advocate
Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel
The Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel (FDCC) is composed of recognized leaders in the legal community who have achieved professional distinction. It is a professional trade association of vetted and premier defense and corporate counsel and industry executives dedicated to leading the profession by advancing the principles of integrity, professionalism, and fair civil justice. FDCC membership is limited, selective, and by nomination only. An elite international network, fewer than 1,200 defense attorneys are members of the FDCC. Shareholders Barbara Barron, Sandra Clark, and Michael Magee are all members of the FDCC.
75-Years of Continued Success
With 75 continuous years in practice, MehaffyWeber continues its longstanding success in the Texas legal industry. Today, our firm combines the traditional values upon which our firm was founded with an advanced and proactive approach to the practice of law. If you or your business is in need of legal counsel, contact us today.