Bill Abbott leads his team of aggressive workers’ compensation lawyers at Abbott & Associates. Although he has handled many different kinds of cases (including personal injury, employment law, maritime offshore injury cases, longshore claims, and more) Bill focuses his firm and practice primarily on representing injured Texas workers. Bill Abbott was raised for most of his life in the Houston, Texas area. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin before attending law school at Texas Tech University. Since 1998 Bill has been licensed to practice in all Texas courts. In 1999, Bill joined the established Ogletree Law Firm, where after becoming a partner, helped grow the firm’s workers’ compensation practice into the largest claimants’ representation firm in the whole state. Bill is the proud husband of Sally Abbott, and father of two sons, Cory and Drew Abbott. He is an active supporter and participant of many youth programs, and stays busy throughout the year overseeing the day-to-day operations of his law firm.

Brant Stogner grew up in El Campo, Texas – a small town about an hour southwest of Houston. In high school, Brant excelled at both athletics and academics. Brant graduated in the top ten percent of his high school class; in sports, Brant and the Ricebirds won six district championships in football and baseball during his three years starting on varsity. Brant earned all-district honors all three years in both sports while also participating in theater and the National Honor Society. Despite a knee injury and subsequent knee surgery in his senior year of high school, Brant accepted a full scholarship to the University of Houston to play linebacker for the Cougars under former head coach Kim Helton. In college, Brant’s academic success continued. In his freshman year at the University of Houston, Brant earned the 1997 Conference USA Academic Excellence Award, earning the highest grade point average (GPA) of all football players in the conference. After playing two seasons, and having three surgeries in as many years, Brant decided to hang up his football cleats and transfer to Texas A&M University to complete his business degree. In College Station, Brant’s scholastic accolades continued to mount. Brant was a member of numerous honor societies and graduated in the top ten percent of his class with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting. After graduation from Texas A&M University, Brant moved back to Houston to attend law school at South Texas College of Law Houston. In law school, Brant quickly became a member of the law school’s nationally ranked mock trial and moot court program under Dean T. Gerald Treece. Following just his third semester in law school, Brant won the Intramural Summer Academy Mock Trial Competition and received the Best Speaker Award. Ultimately, Brant competed as a varsity advocate in 15 mock trial and moot court competitions across the country. In addition to numerous individual speaker awards, Brant won a state tournament championship, a regional moot court tournament championship, two regional mock trial tournament championships, and, ultimately, a National Championship in mock trial at the ATLA National Trial Competition in his final semester of law school. Brant graduated law school in May of 2006 in the top fifteen percent of his law school class, was admitted into the Order of Barristers, and received the 2006 Dean’s Outstanding Student Advocate Award. Following graduation from law school and after taking the bar exam, Brant accepted an associate position at Houston law firm, Hays, McConn, Rice & Pickering (now named LeClair Ryan) while waiting for bar results. In November of 2006, Brant received his license to practice law from the State Bar of Texas while working at Hays McConn. As a licensed attorney, Brant continued to work with multiple partners on a wide range of cases in civil litigation, representing primarily defendants in personal injury and business disputes. Brant worked as a lawyer during the day and as a law professor at night while he coached South Texas College of Law Houston mock trial teams for his alma mater. After learning the ropes at Hays McConn for nearly two years, Brant accepted an associate position with Abraham Watkins in August of 2008. Brant has been with Abraham Watkins ever since and is now a firm partner with his name in the firm’s name. At Abraham Watkins, Brant has continued to consistently try cases to verdict. Brant tried twelve cases to verdict in his first three years at the firm. Today, he exclusively represents plaintiffs. Brant’s practice focuses on catastrophic personal injury matters, including gas explosions, commercial auto and 18 wheeler cases, refinery and petrochemical explosions, product defect cases, commercial business disputes. Since joining the firm, Brant has helped hundreds of his clients obtain compensation for their injuries and damages caused by others. Brant is board certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Personal Injury Trial Law. He received this certification within his first five years of legal practice, which is the soonest an attorney can become board certified in Texas. In 2009, Brant received the largest verdict (over $20 million) in Texas for workplace safety and injuries and was listed in Verdict Search’s Top Texas Verdicts of 2009. Brant is a board member of the Houston Trial Lawyers Association and is a founding member of the South Texas College of Law Houston Young Alumni Council. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the South Texas College of Law Houston Alumni Association and served as President in 2019. Brant was named to the Texas Super Lawyers Rising Star list from 2011 to 2013. He was named to H Texas Magazine’s “Houston’s Top Lawyers 2013” list and has been named to Houstonia Magazine’s “Top Lawyers” list since 2013. Despite being only thirty-four years old, Brant was selected to the Texas Super Lawyers list in 2013. He has been named to the Texas Super Lawyers list every year since 2013 and the Top 100: Texas Super Lawyers and Top 100: Houston Super Lawyers lists since 2019. In 2014, Brant was also added to the Top 40 Texas Attorneys Under 40 list by the National Trial Lawyers Association and received the award each year until he turned 40 years old. Brant has also been named to the Nation’s Top One Percent list by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel since 2015. Brant was also nominated for and inducted into the prestigious American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) as a member in 2015 and was the youngest inductee in the 2015 class. In 2016, South Texas College of Law Houston honored Brant with the inaugural Young Alumni Award. He was the first recipient to receive this award from South Texas College of Law Houston. Brant met his wife, Jennifer O’Brien Stogner, in law school and she was one of his mock trial partners when they won the ATLA Regional Championship in Dallas, Texas and the National Championship in Miami, Florida. Brant and Jennifer have two boys, Ryker and Beckett Stogner, and one girl, Holland Stogner. Brant and Jennifer’s partnership continues as Jennifer joined the firm in 2018 as Of Counsel.

Carmen Jo Rejda-Ponce (“CJ”) is a Principal in Germer’s Houston office, but her practice takes her all across Texas. She regularly counsels and defends both private and public sector clients on matters involving employment issues and civil (constitutional) rights. She handles matters from the pre-claim and pre-suit stage, through litigation, and through appeal. She is Board Certified in Labor and Employment Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. CJ focuses on a broad range of labor and employment litigation, including, discrimination, harassment, hostile work environment, retaliation, disability accommodation, workers’ compensation retaliation, on-the-job injuries, and wage and hour issues. She has represented private and public sector clients in employment-related disputes before federal and state courts, federal and state administrative agencies, and arbitrators. CJ counsels private and public sector employers on labor and employment concerns, including, addressing medical leave, developing and revising workplace policies and procedures, investigating and addressing employee complaints, conducting employee disciplines and terminations, drafting employment, separation, and other agreements, and determining proactive solutions to workplace problems while avoiding litigation. CJ also defends public sector clients —including counties, cities, and law enforcement officers— in a variety of civil rights matters, including defense of first amendment retaliation, excessive force, wrongful arrest, inmate medical care, and jail death matters. Many of these civil rights matters involve qualified immunity issues for law enforcement officers. Through her civil rights defense work, CJ has gained appellate experience. She has handled multiple federal and state appeals. She has successfully argued for her clients twice before the Fifth Circuit, and is looking forward to more opportunities. CJ also has experience with personal injury litigation, including on-the job-injuries, motor vehicle accidents, and negligence claims against public entities. CJ’s private practice experience includes Baker Botts LLP and Reed Smith LLP. CJ also previously served as an Assistant City Attorney for the City of Houston in Labor, Employment, and Civil Rights Division. She was also a registered lobbyist during the 2013 Regular Session of the Texas Legislature.

Larry J. Simmons, Jr., a principal in the firm, has tried dozens of cases as lead attorney in a variety of commercial, employment, civil rights and personal injury lawsuits. Larry is one of only seven Texas attorneys double Board Certified as a Specialist in Labor & Employment Law (2005) and Personal Injury Trial Law (1999) by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Larry is AV rated by Martindale-Hubbell. He has been recognized as a “Texas Super Lawyer”, a Thompson Reuters publication, in 2007, 2010-2020, and 2022-2025. In 2015, he was recognized in the Top 100 Houston Super Lawyers List, a Thompson Reuters publication. Larry is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates, and is also listed in the 2010-2022 editions of The Best Lawyers in America, by BL Rankings. Larry represents dozens of public and private sector employers in a variety of matters, ranging from consultation to trial work, including general litigation, discrimination, wrongful termination and wage & hour class action cases. Larry also represents public sector clients in a variety of civil rights matters, including defending excessive force, inmate medical care and jail death cases, many of which have received national media attention. Larry graduated in the top five percent of his Baylor Law School class, receiving his Doctor of Jurisprudence degree, cum laude. While in law school he held several positions with the Baylor Law Review including Executive Editor, Research & Topics Editor and Notes & Comments Editor. He was elected to the Baylor Order of Barristers. He was selected as a Top Ten Speaker in Moot Court and was awarded an Academic Merit Scholarship. Prior to law school, Larry obtained a Bachelor of Science degree, magna cum laude, from Lamar University and a Masters degree in Engineering Management from Southern Methodist University. Larry is an active member of the local business community, currently serving on the state and local boards of multiple employer associations. He is also a member of the State Bar of Texas Labor & Employment Section, and Texas Association of Defense Counsel. He is admitted to practice before Texas courts, and the United States District Court for the Eastern, Southern and Western Districts of Texas. Larry has been a principal with Germer since January 1997.

Tiffany Pham is a Principal at Germer’s Houston Office, where she represents clients across Texas in labor, employment, and civil rights matters. Her practice encompasses the full spectrum of employment law, including discrimination claims, hostile work environment cases, wage disputes, and wrongful termination suits. She represents both public and private employers before state and federal courts and administrative agencies. She also advises and represents governmental entities and elected and appointed officials in civil rights matters. She has successfully defended cases involving First Amendment retaliation, excessive force, wrongful arrest, jail assaults, and jail death matters. Tiffany analyzes each case’s unique circumstances to develop tailored solutions that advance client interests while minimizing risk. She consistently delivers practical, results-oriented counsel that helps clients navigate legal challenges efficiently and effectively. She has been recognized as a Texas Super Lawyer Rising Star, a Thompson Reuters publication, in 2025.

Ashok Bail is the principal attorney for The Bail Law Firm, a Houston, Texas law firm that practices federal & private sector employment law and labor law nationally and throughout the state of Texas. Mr. Bail has represented clients in the following Texas cities: Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio, McAllen, Marshall, Tyler, Corpus Christi, Laredo, El Paso, Beaumont, Brenham, Brownsville, El Campo, and Orange. Mr. Bail has represented clients in the following states across the United States of America: Texas, Washington D.C., Louisiana, Arizona, Florida, Illinois, New York, and North Carolina. With nearly two decades of experience, Mr. Bail's client centered approach is what distinguishes The Bail Law Firm from many other law firms. In our profession we are known as "Attorneys" and "Counselors of Law." Mr. Bail understands that his role as counselor is equally important as his role as attorney. When a client comes to visit Mr. Bail for the first time, Mr. Bail understands that it might be the first time the client has spoken to anyone who is interested in helping them with their legal issues. Mr. Bail listens to his clients.

My practice is limited exclusively to the representation of Social Security claimants and people who have suffered injuries due to the actions or fault of others. I have handled Social Security claims since 1994 and began practicing Social Security law exclusively in 2003. I do not dabble in family law, criminal law, real estate, etc. I know many people who handle other areas of law, and can certainly point you in the right direction if the need arises, but if you are having problems getting your Social Security benefits, been injured by another person's actions, or just have questions, give me a call. My practice is based in Houston, TX and I have represented over 1500 Social Security claimants throughout Metro Houston, the Gulf Coast of Texas, East Texas and the Brazos Valley. My goal is to make sure that qualified applicants receive the benefits to which they are entitled, and my entire practice is dedicated to making this happen. I take a very hands-on approach with all clients. I handle all initial client interviews, speak with you directly through all phases of the claims process, handle any appeals which may be necessary, and personally prepare you for and represent you at your hearing if one is needed. I am available to answer your questions at any stage of the claims process, even if you have not yet filed a claim.

Victoria L. Plante is the founding attorney of Plante Law Firm, P.C. Since 1997, she has represented individuals and small to mid-sized businesses in business formations, transactions, contracts, day-to-day operations as well as in litigation and internal matters related to employment and labor law. She has trained and assisted corporate management in the implementation of policies and procedures related to harassment, discrimination, retaliation, overtime pay, minimum wage, medical leave, and employee and independent contractor designations. Ms. Plante earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Louisiana State University in Shreveport and a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from the University of Arkansas William H. Bowen School of Law. She also holds a Master of Divinity in Missions from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Ms. Plante is licensed by the State Bar of Texas. She is admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court, United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas, United States Court of Federal Claims, and United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. She has also represented clients in employment and labor lawsuits outside the state of Texas, including California, Louisiana, and New Jersey. For more than two decades, she has successfully tried many cases in federal and state courts as well as administrative bodies like the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and Texas Workforce Commission. She has authored several state and federal appellate briefs and has orally argued multiple times before the U.S. Courts of Appeals for the Fifth and Federal Circuits. She has also briefed for review legal issues presented to the U.S. Supreme Court. She has also drafted legal memorandum as a U.S. Magistrate Judge Henry Jones law clerk for the Eastern District of Arkansas. She is a member of the National Employment Lawyers Association, the Texas Employment Lawyers Association, and the Labor and Employment and Real Estate sections of the State Bar of Texas. She is legal counsel and a member of the Board of Directors of two 501(c)(3) non-profit Christian Evangelism and Missions organizations. She is an active member of the Missions and Evangelism ministries at her church. She has performed foreign missionary work in Africa and other countries and plans to devote more time to foreign missionary work in the future. Ms. Plante has been a panel speaker or presenter for various community and government based agencies and organizations, including the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and Government Procurement Connections. She has also given several pro bono seminars for employees and union members on employee rights. Throughout her scholastic and professional careers, she has received multiple awards and certificates. In 2009 and 2013, she was named among the successful businesses in Who’s Who in Black Houston.

Jason McLaurin is a founding member of McLaurin Law. He has over a decade of experience representing clients at trial, arbitration, and mediation in matters concerning insurance policyholder recovery disputes, complex commercial litigation, and catastrophic personal injury claims. He also represents businesses as outside general counsel for clients in a variety of industries including construction, oil and gas, maritime, technology, and professional services. He is licensed and handles matters in both Texas and Louisiana.