Hartline Barger Begins 2020 with Announcement of New Partners, Houston Merger, and New Mexico Expansion
Hartline Barger, a Southwest-based, nationally recognized law firm specializing in civil litigation and trials, starts 2020 with the promotion of attorneys Roy McKay to Partner and Stephanie Roark to equity partner; the addition of four Houston attorneys, and the introduction of partner Don DeCandia and two new offices in New Mexico.
Roy McKay joined the firm in 2011. His practice focuses on product liability, personal injury defense, and deceptive trade practices. Roy launched his career as a trial lawyer with a complete defense verdict in a commercial motor vehicle accident case he tried only four months after passing the Bar exam.
“The election of new partners Roy McKay from our Dallas office, and Jennifer Akre and Victor Cardenas from our Houston office, was an easy decision based on their talent and dedication,” says managing partner, Larry Grayson. “They each bring a unique level of commitment and experience to their practice. We are fortunate to have them.”
Stephanie Roark has defended multiple Fortune 500 and large publicly traded companies in both state and federal court. She has extensive trial experience, successfully defending cases including catastrophic injury and death claims against transportation companies and large hospitality companies. Stephanie has been named a ‘Texas Rising Star,’ by Thomson Reuters every year since 2014. Fewer than 3 percent of the attorneys in a state may be named to the list.
“Stephanie Roark from our Dallas office demonstrated the growth and maturity necessary to become an equity partner at Hartline Barger,” says Larry Grayson, managing partner. “The future of the firm is in good hands.”
Lisa Massey also joins Hartline Barger’s Houston office as of counsel.
Of Counsel Elizabeth “Lisa” Massey routinely handles complex litigation for clients across a broad spectrum of legal areas, including oil & gas, trucking & transportation, residential and commercial construction, premises liability, products liability, professional liability, and personal injury. Lisa has an established track record of successfully representing her clients in state, federal and appellate courts and administrative bodies across Texas. As a native of Naples, Italy, Lisa is fluent in Italian.
Along with the firm’s new partner promotions and Houston additions, Hartline Barger is proud to announce its expansion into New Mexico with the addition of partner Don DeCandia and two new offices in Albuquerque and Santa Fe.
Don DeCandia joins Hartline Barger as he begins his 30th year of practice. He has litigated complex commercial cases and class actions and has a depth of experience in appellate work. Don believes that listening and attention to detail are key components of a successful practice. Don has handled scores of products liability cases in the vehicle context, including the defense of several tire manufacturers in tire failure litigation. Don’s extensive experience in ERISA litigation includes representation of life, health and disability insurers, HMOs, self-funded plans, plan sponsors, plan administrators, pension plans and third-party administrators.
Don’s team has a great deal of experience at both trial and appellate levels. Their practice areas include all manner of personal injury and wrongful death cases, particularly matters involving products liability, insurance defense, trucking, and premises liability. The team also handles matters related to insurance bad faith and coverage, construction law, and ERISA litigation.
“To better serve our clients we opened offices in Albuquerque, and Santa Fe, New Mexico’s largest city and its state capital, respectively,” says Santa Fe partner, Don DeCandia. “We have a team of attorneys and staff with a wealth of experience in litigation here in New Mexico, and we are excited to be a part of this firm’s future.”
