Misty is an intuitive and analytical commercial litigator, particularly adept at identifying and serving the best interests of each client. Her practice centers on two primary areas: energy-related defense and subrogation work for domestic companies and international carriers, as well as resolution of business and real property disputes. Clients appreciate Misty’s steady, thoughtful, and analytical approach to complex legal matters, along with her consistent commitment to securing the best possible results. Her exceptional handling of cases – from initial filing through trial and appeal – earned her recognition as one of the National Trial Lawyers’ “Top 40 Under 40.”
Those who know Misty – colleagues, friends, and family alike – credit her courtroom success to her genuine kindness, empathy, and ease in connecting with others. These traits reflect her upbringing in McKinney, Texas, where she was raised by hardworking parents and surrounded by a large, supportive extended family that includes numerous relatives spanning several generations. Misty earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Texas State University before moving to Houston to attend the University of Houston Law Center. During her studies, she gained valuable experience working as a legal assistant for the Texas Department of Public Safety and a private investigation firm. She also completed internships with Congressman Henry Cuellar and the Honorable Judge David Hittner.
Services
Cases & Experience
- Solely responsible for obtaining the conditional grant of a petition for writ of mandamus from the Fourteenth Court of Appeals relating to the improper disqualifications of a party’s counsel in the trial court.
- Served as second chair trial, handling witness examinations and delivering closing arguments in successful defense of a $1.8 million breach of contract claim involving a right of first refusal; also assisted with appellate briefing in the Houston Fourteenth Court of Appeals and the Texas Supreme Court.
- Acted as second chair in International Chamber of Commerce arbitration proceedings, examining fact and expert witnesses in disputes over franchise agreements governed by Iraqi law.
- Successfully handled an appeal before the Houston Fourteenth Court of Appeals, including oral arguments, resulting in vacatur of a trial court judgment for lack of subject-matter jurisdiction.
- Served as second chair in an American Arbitration Association matter involving a multimillion-dollar contract and fraud claims related to steel trading transactions.
- Led successful appeals before the Houston First Court of Appeals and the Texas Supreme Court concerning a charitable tax exemption dispute with the Harris County Appraisal District.
- Acted as second chair at trial in Texas state court, helping secure a $1.1 million recovery on a breach of contract claim and a defense verdict against a multimillion-dollar tortious interference counterclaim.
- Solely responsible for presenting arguments and examining fact and expert witnesses in an American Arbitration Association proceeding, resulting in a monetary award for damages stemming from a retaining wall failure.
- Successfully handled an appeal before the Houston First Court of Appeals, securing affirmance of a dismissal based on a contractual forum-selection clause.
- Solely responsible for examining witnesses and delivering both opening and closing statements at a bench trial, resulting in the successful defense of a property damage claim arising from alleged negligent air conditioning services, including the entry of a take-nothing judgment dismissing all claims against the client.
Education & Admissions
- J. D. University of Houston Law Center, 2011
- M.A. in Legal Studies, Texas State University, summa cum laude, 2007
- Mediation Certificate, Texas State University, 2007
- Paralegal Certificate, Texas State University, 2007
- B.S. in Criminal Justice, Texas State University, summa cum laude, 2006
- State Bar of Texas
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit
- U.S. District Courts for the Southern, Northern, and Eastern Districts of Texas
Awards & Recognitions
- Super Lawyer, 2026
- Lawdragon 500 X – The Next Generation, 2025-2026
- Fort Bend Junior Service League, 2025-2026 Volunteer of the Year
- Best Lawyers in America, Ones to Watch, 2022-2025
- Super Lawyer “Rising Star”, 2018-2025
- Best Lawyers 2023 “Women in the Law – Ones to Watch”
- Houstonia Magazine 2020 Top Lawyer
- National Trial Lawyers: Top 40 Under 40, 2019
Professional & Civic
- State Bar of Texas, since 2011
- Houston Bar Association, since 2013
- HBA Litigation Section Member, since 2013
- HBA Appellate Section Member, since 2016
- Houston Bar Association / Communities in Schools of Houston Legal Internship Program Committee, Member since 2016, Co-Chair in 2019, 2020 and 2023
- Fort Bend Junior Service League, Member since 2017, Co-Chair of Beneficiary Review Committee 2019-2022 and 2025-2026, and Board of Directors 2024-2025
Insights
Outside the Office
What I do when not practicing law
Practice being a good mom and wife – preparing hearty breakfasts (usually a pack of muffins… frozen pancakes if they’re lucky) and balanced dinners (by adding a side of fresh fruit to the typical fast food or frozen lasagna options), transporting kids to/from birthday parties and sporting events, keeping whites out of loads of colors, and emptying the dishwasher before the sink is full of dirty dishes.
Favorite sports teams
I was born a Dallas Cowboys fan but, after living in Houston for 15 years, have learned to love the Houston Astros and Houston Texans.
Favorite food
Lobster, crab legs, scallops, or shrimp… soaked in butter, with a side of butter.
Most satisfying professional accomplishment
After giving my first closing argument, opposing counsel told the jury that it had been my first trial. After the verdict was rendered (in our client’s favor), the jury agreed to talk to the attorneys about their observations, and I received so many nice compliments! It was a very memorable moment.
Most satisfying personal accomplishment
Most recently, overhearing my elementary-aged daughter tell her little brother something that I frequently remind her of: “If you say you can’t do it, then you can’t do it. If you say you can do it, then you can.” Nothing is better than feeling like you did something right as a parent.
Quote I live by
I’m a quote-a-holic. Here are two of my favorites:
“If you really want to do something, you’ll find a way. If you don’t, you’ll find an excuse.” ~ Jim Rohn
“If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else.” ~ Booker T. Washington
Favorite vacation spot
The beach – the whiter the sand and clearer the water, the better, but I’ll take what I can get as long as it involves bright sun rays concealed by a nice breeze on my skin, Texas country music amidst crashing waves in my ears, and a cool drink in my hand.