Elena Calder / Founding partner
Board-certified in civil trial law. More than 40 commercial cases tried to verdict; former federal prosecutor.
Senior by
design.
Every matter is led by a trial lawyer with authority to decide and accountability for the result.
Marcus Vale / Founding partner
Leads founder and partnership disputes. Known for decisive early injunction practice.
Nina Shah / Appeals chair
Board-certified in civil appellate law. Former briefing attorney at the state supreme court.
The principals / in their words
Who will be in the room.
Expandable profiles keep the page scannable while giving serious buyers the depth they look for.
Elena Calder — Founding partner
Elena has tried energy, fraud and partnership cases in state and federal court across Texas. She leads the firm's trial teams and teaches trial advocacy. Admitted: Texas, U.S. Fifth Circuit. Focus: commercial and energy trials.
Marcus Vale — Founding partner
Marcus represents founders, family companies and private-equity sponsors in disputes over control. He is often brought in when a temporary restraining order is days away. Admitted: Texas, New York. Focus: founder disputes, emergency relief.
Nina Shah — Appeals chair
Nina joins every trial team before the pretrial order so the record is built for appeal. She has argued before the state supreme court and the Fifth Circuit. Admitted: Texas, U.S. Supreme Court. Focus: appeals and critical motions.
Staffing / no pyramid
How a team is built.
| Role | Who | When involved |
|---|---|---|
| Lead trial lawyer | A founding partner or senior partner | From the first call to verdict |
| Second chair | A senior associate with trial experience | From early case assessment |
| Appellate partner | Nina Shah or a member of the appeals group | Before the pretrial order |
| Case manager | A dedicated paralegal | Daily, for documents and deadlines |