Mark Lanier, founder of Houston-based The Lanier Law Firm, has been named one of Texas’ top 10 attorneys by Texas Super Lawyers for 2026, extending a recognition streak that began when the publication launched its inaugural list in 2003. This marks his 19th appearance on the Top 10 list, a milestone that reflects sustained excellence in complex litigation.
Lanier earned the recognition in the Class Action and Mass Torts category. His firm also achieved record-breaking results across the Texas Super Lawyers and Texas Rising Stars guides, with 17 attorneys selected across five practice areas and four additional lawyers recognized as Rising Stars.
The selection comes after a significant trial victory earlier in 2026. Lanier served as lead trial counsel in a social media addiction lawsuit that resulted in a $6 million jury verdict, marking the first social media addiction lawsuit to reach a jury.
Building Recognized Depth Across Practice Areas
The firm’s 17 Super Lawyers selections span trial and appellate capabilities. In appellate practice, Natalie Armour, Harvey G. Brown Jr., Benjamin T. Major, Kevin P. Parker, and Kent C. Sullivan were recognized. Business litigation honorees included Alex J. Brown and Zeke DeRose III. Dara Hegar received selection for general litigation work.
Personal injury plaintiff work selections included Patrice McKinney, Sam E. Taylor II, Judson A. Waltman, and Lawrence Wilson. Sullivan is appearing on the Texas Super Lawyers list for the first time this year, demonstrating the firm’s continued ability to develop emerging trial talent.
Rising Stars and Selection Criteria
Four additional Lanier Law Firm attorneys received Texas Rising Stars recognition. Robert P. Arthur and Ryan D. Ellis were selected for business litigation, with Arthur appearing on the list for the first time. Caroline G. McLeod and Kyle D. Schnitzer earned Rising Stars designation for appellate practice.
Super Lawyers uses a selection process incorporating nominations, peer evaluations, professional accomplishments, and independent research to recognize up to 5% of attorneys. Texas Rising Stars limits recognition to attorneys aged 40 or younger or those with 10 years or less of practice experience, with no more than 2.5% of eligible attorneys receiving the designation.
Lanier reflected on the firm’s achievements, stating that the awards reflect its talent and dedication. “It is an honor to work alongside these colleagues in service to our clients and to be recognized for our efforts by Super Lawyers,” he said.
Career Recognition and Client Impact
Over his career, Lanier has helped secure nearly $20 billion for clients handling major trials, mass torts, and other complex litigation. The firm was founded more than 30 years ago and maintains offices in Houston, Fort Worth, New York, and Los Angeles.
The 2026 selections represent the firm’s largest group to date in the Texas Super Lawyers and Rising Stars guides, signaling sustained growth in recognized litigation talent. The breadth of recognized attorneys across multiple practice areas demonstrates the firm’s capacity to handle diverse commercial disputes, mass torts claims, personal injury litigation, defective product cases, and asbestos litigation on behalf of clients nationwide.