Hicks Thomas Expands Presence on Lawdragon's 'Green 500'

Seven partners from the firm named to the 2026 list of leading environmental lawyers.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Hicks Thomas, a Texas-based litigation firm, has doubled its presence on Lawdragon's 500 Leading Environmental Lawyers list, with seven partners named to the 2026 edition. The honorees are being recognized for their expertise in environmental litigation, including cases involving federal and state environmental matters, contamination claims, EPA remediation plans, and more.

Why it matters

Hicks Thomas' growing representation on the prestigious 'Green 500' list demonstrates the firm's depth of experience and leadership in environmental law, a critical practice area as businesses and communities navigate complex regulations and disputes.

The details

The seven Hicks Thomas partners named to the 2026 Lawdragon Green 500 list are: John B. Thomas, John J. Deis, Courtney E. Ervin, Katherine Kunz, Allen H. Rustay, Colin Watterson, and Allison Fisher. The firm's lawyers have handled a wide range of environmental litigation, including cases involving energy, construction, real estate, utilities, and more.

  • Hicks Thomas has been recognized on the Lawdragon Green 500 list since 2026.

The players

Hicks Thomas LLP

A Texas-based litigation firm that represents plaintiffs and defendants across the nation, with a focus on cases involving oil and gas, construction, environmental, commercial, and other complex disputes.

John B. Thomas

A partner at Hicks Thomas who has represented clients for more than 25 years in environmental and toxic tort claims nationwide, and has been honored by Lawdragon, The Best Lawyers in America, and Texas Super Lawyers.

John J. Deis

A partner at Hicks Thomas who has defended clients against environmental contamination claims and state and federal agency claims in Texas and California, and consults on litigation risks involving contaminated property.

Courtney E. Ervin

A partner at Hicks Thomas who has represented insurance companies in environmental pollution cases as part of a caseload that includes energy, construction, real estate, IT, and healthcare.

Katherine Kunz

A partner at Hicks Thomas who has handled cases involving EPA remediation plans, decommissioned oil and gas assets in the Gulf of Mexico, and other litigation involving utilities and energy firms.

Allen H. Rustay

A partner at Hicks Thomas who represents plaintiffs and defendants in a wide range of cases involving commercial litigation, energy, and maritime disputes.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Our growing presence on the Green 500 represents our breadth of experience in dealing with federal and state environmental matters. We are proud of the expertise we provide our clients.”

— John B. Thomas, Partner, Hicks Thomas LLP (Business Wire)

The takeaway

Hicks Thomas' expanded representation on the prestigious Lawdragon Green 500 list underscores the firm's leadership and deep expertise in environmental litigation, a critical area as businesses and communities navigate complex regulations and disputes.