• David Backus– Schools and Education
• Roger Cox–Real Estate
• Heath Hendricks– Business Litigation
• Cara Kennemer– Construction Litigation
• Jennie Knapp– Appellate
• Ann Manning–Schools and Education
• Mitzi Mayfield– Transportation & Maritime
• Thomas Riney– Civil Litigation
• Richard Schellhammer– Construction Litigation
• Fred Stormer–Schools and Education
• Kelly Utsinger– Civil Litigation
• Christopher Wrampelmeier– Family Law

Underwood Associate, Jarod Russell, served on a panel presenting “Legal Issues that Arise with Divided Boards” at the Texas Council of School Attorneys (CSA) Annual Education Law Conference. CSA provides a statewide forum on practical legal problems faced by local public schools and their attorneys.

Congratulations to twelve of our Underwood Lawyers Recognized in the Best Lawyers 2024 Edition! Best Lawyers is a peer review in the legal profession, and a significant honor.  

Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights- Reorganization Law– Roger Cox

Construction Law– Cara Kennemer and Richard Schellhammer

Education Law– Ann Manning, Fred Stormer and David Backus

Family Law– Chris Wrampelmeier

Health Care Law- Gavin Gadberry

Insurance Law– Kelly Utsinger

Legal Malpractice – Defendants; Mass Tort & Class Action Litigation – Defendants; and Medical Malpractice – Defendants– Thomas C. Riney

Personal Injury Litigation- Defendants– Mitzi S. Mayfield

2024 “Ones to Watch” in Commercial Litigation– Stephanie James

Jennie Knapp presented with Justice Dennise Garcia at the State Bar of Texas Advanced Civil Trial seminar on actions you can take on the trial court while an appeal is pending.

The Texas Association of Defense Counsel published an article by Underwood lawyers Jennie C. Knapp and Taylor C. Holley entitled “How to Avoid Common Summary Judgment Pitfalls” in its summer magazine. The TADC is a professional organization of civil trial attorneys dedicated to promoting excellence in its members, fairness in our judicial system, and preserving the right to jury trial for all citizens.

The Underwood Law Firm is pleased to announce the appointment of new firm president, Dave Goad.

“We are proud to have Dave transition to president of our firm. He is an outstanding lawyer and person. Dave brings a new level of energy to our leadership as we continue beyond 110 years of legal services to our Texas clients,” said Underwood President Gavin Gadberry.

Goad is Board Certified in Tax Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. He has been recognized as a Super Lawyer Rising Star and is a member of Amarillo Area, Dallas and American (Tax Section) Bar Associations.

Goad graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science and from Western New England College School of Law with a Juris Doctorate in 2001. He also attended Southern Methodist University, Dedman School of Law, where he received a LL.M. in Taxation.

Underwood shareholder Jennie Knapp recently spoke to the Montgomery County Bar Association on summary judgments. Jennie is Board Certified in Civil Appellate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Her practice includes complex litigation and appellate matters in state and federal courts.

Underwood Shareholder Jennie Knapp was awarded the 2022 Texas Association of Defense Counsel President’s Award for work with and for the TADC that earned favorable attention for the organization and effected positive changes and results in the work of the TADC.

The TADC is a professional organization of civil trial attorneys dedicated to promoting excellence in its members, fairness in our judicial system, and preserving the right to jury trial for all citizens.

Underwood attorney Slater C. Elza was recently asked to speak at the Texas Association of Mutual Insurance Companies’ Annual Convention and Seminar in Austin, Texas. Slater’s presentation was entitled “Where Ethics, Morals and the Law Meet Integrity”.  TAMIC is an insurance trade organization comprised of farm mutual insurance companies which provide property and casualty insurance coverage for the people of Texas.  Slater regularly speaks on ethics and related issues to trade organizations, litigation attorneys and governmental entities throughout Texas.  Underwood’s Litigation Section works with a number of regional and national insurance companies to protect and defend the rights of insured companies and persons facing lawsuits.