James L. Calkins is an accomplished attorney with over two decades of legal experience across multiple states, including Arizona, California, and Texas. Mr. Calkins is currently serving as an associate attorney in Linebarger’s Conroe, Texas office. Mr. Calkins supports partners in various litigation matters. His diverse expertise spans estate planning, insurance defense, real estate law, business formation and disputes, family law, and child support enforcement.

Prior to joining Linebarger, Mr. Calkins held positions with the State of Texas Office of the Attorney General and his own law practice, where he provided comprehensive legal services to individuals and businesses. He also served as a senior associate at LS Carlson Law, PC, practicing innovative business law as well as representing homeowners in property and real estate disputes.

Mr. Calkins is licensed to practice in the states of Arizona, California, and Texas, as well as several U.S. District Courts. He earned his Juris Doctor from Western State University College of Law, Certificate of International Studies from Tulane University, and holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from San Diego State University.

Julie Goodchild joined Linebarger in August 2024 in Linebarger’s Philadelphia office.

She previously served as lead attorney at Scott & Associates in Hatboro, Pennsylvania, where she managed a high-volume caseload, represented clients in court, and negotiated settlements. Before that, she was an attorney at German Gallagher & Murtagh, focusing on drafting legal documents and conducting research.

Earlier in her career, Ms. Goodchild was a senior associate at Cohen Marraccini, LLC in Philadelphia, where she represented management firms in landlord-tenant litigation and supervised junior associates. She began her legal career as a law clerk at the Law Offices of Conrad Benedetto, Philadelphia.

Ms. Goodchild is admitted to practice law in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Ms. Goodchild received her Juris Doctor from Widener University Delaware Law School in 2016. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Temple University in 2010.

Kristopher Moore joined Linebarger in August 2024 as an attorney in the Houston office and brings a wealth of knowledge to his work in the fees and fines sector.

Mr. Moore began his legal career as a law clerk at the Harris County Attorney’s Office in Houston, Texas, where he interned from 2020 to 2022. After passing the Texas Bar exam, he worked as assistant county attorney in the CPS division at the same office from 2022 to 2024. During this time, he conducted legal research, participated in hearings, and drafted briefs and other legal documents. Additionally, Mr. Moore gained experience as a paralegal/legal assistant at Anderson Pfeiffer PC in Friendswood, Texas, from 2018 to 2019, where he prepared attorneys for trials and hearings and drafted legal pleadings.

Earlier in his career, Mr. Moore worked as a teacher for special needs children at Bayes Achievement Center in Huntsville, Texas, from 2014 to 2017, and as a correctional officer III for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice from 2012 to 2014.

Mr. Moore is an active member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and previously held the title of Keeper of Records and Seals.

Mr. Moore is admitted to practice law in Texas. He holds a Juris Doctor from Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall School of Law, obtained in 2022 and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a minor in Business Management from Sam Houston State University, Texas, in 2015. Additionally, he holds a Paralegal Studies Certificate from Ashworth College which he received in 2018.

Ethan J. Ranis is an accomplished attorney specializing in litigation and legal defense. Currently, he practices in Linebarger’s Austin, Texas office, having joined the firm in July 2024. Previously, he served as an associate at Almanza, Blackburn, Dickie & Mitchell, where he handled real estate and title litigation matters, complex insurance defense, and represented municipalities and associated governmental entities in various disputes. At McGinnis Lochridge LLP, Mr. Ranis assisted clients with business and property disputes, trade secret litigation, and oil and gas contract issues.

Mr. Ranis began his legal career as a briefing attorney for Justice Michael Massengale at the First Court of Appeals in Houston, Texas, where he honed his skills in researching and writing for appellate cases. He holds a Juris Doctor from The University of Texas School of Law, where he graduated with honors, and a Bachelor of Arts in Politics, cum laude, from Oberlin College.

Mr. Ranis is admitted to practice in the courts of the Western, Southern, and Eastern Districts of Texas, as well as the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals. He is also a member of the Barbara Jordan Inns of Court.

Rosa Reyes is a dedicated attorney with a diverse background in commercial contracts, personal injury law, and franchise law. Ms. Reyes is currently an Attorney at Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP, where she brings her diverse legal background to serve the firm’s clients.

Ms. Reyes began her legal career as a Legal Intern at Smoothie King Franchises, Inc. in Dallas, Texas, from August 2022 to December 2022. During this time, she developed a deep understanding of franchise law by attending seminars and training sessions. She gained experience in preparing franchise agreements and assisting the legal team in contract drafting for various departments. Rosa also drafted sweepstakes rules and compliance documents for franchisees, exposing her to current topics in franchise law.

Following her internship, Ms. Reyes joined Cesar Ornelas Injury Law in El Paso, Texas, as a Pre-litigation Managing Attorney in January 2023. She stayed with the firm until September 2023. In this role, Ms. Reyes developed a profound understanding of personal injury law and investigated potential cases for viability. She led a team of six case managers and paralegals, and negotiated settlement amounts with insurance adjusters, honing her skills in case management and negotiation.

In September 2023, Ms. Reyes transitioned to MISUMI USA, INC. in El Paso, Texas, where she served as Associate Counsel until April 2024. She was responsible for reviewing complex commercial contracts, terms and conditions, service agreements, and purchase agreements. Ms. Reyes also researched employment matters following new legal developments and handled compliance requests, including RoHS and REACH. She collaborated with MISUMI companies across several countries on various company matters and projects, showcasing her ability to work effectively in a global environment.

She is admitted to practice in the courts of Texas and Vermont.

Ms. Reyes obtained her Juris Doctor degree in 2022 from Vermont Law School. She also holds a Master in Psychology (2019) and a Bachelor in Psychology with a minor in English, Cum Laude (2017), both from Arizona State University.

Michael Choate brings a wealth of legal and varied industry experience to Linebarger. Mr. Choate joined the Linebarger team in May of 2024 and provides a range of legal responsibilities in the Austin, Texas office.

Prior to joining Linebarger, he served as a Certification Manager at Hart InterCivic. There he led certification initiatives in 23 states, collaborating with Secretaries of State and Election Boards to certify voting systems across varied jurisdictions. As Co-Founder and General Counsel at Plateau Brewing Company in San Angelo, TX, since June 2018, he led licensing, regulatory functions, business strategy, and community outreach with a $500,000 budget and a team of 10. His strategic planning efforts resulted in 15% revenue growth and expanded distribution to 23 accounts. At Coleman Business Law, where he served as Of Counsel from April 2021 to July 2022, he led a regulatory and compliance practice focused on data privacy laws like CCPA, GDPR, and CPRA. As the Director of Texas Water Program at the National Wildlife Federation from June 2019 to March 2020, he led a team with a $1 million budget through the Texas water regulatory framework. He also managed coalitions to achieve regulatory changes and secured over $100 million for green infrastructure projects post-Hurricane Harvey. Further, Mr. Choate was Policy Manager at the South Central Partnership for Energy Efficiency and was an Associate Attorney at McElroy Sullivan Miller & Weber.

Mr. Choate is admitted to practice in the State of Texas and is a Certified Information Privacy Manager. He received his Juris Doctor from Texas Tech School of Law and a Bachelors of Arts in Government and English from the University of Texas at Austin.

John Thomas is an attorney in Linebarger’s Tyler office and serves clients throughout Northeast Texas.

Mr. Thomas has more than 30 years of litigation experience. His past experience includes heading up the personal injury department at Packard LaPray in Beaumont, TX, and Thomas Firm PLLC, focusing on personal injury law and Hurricane/Freeze cases, respectively. His extensive background includes almost 20 years at Brent Coon & Associates, where he handled mass tort cases, refinery incidents, and served as the attorney liaison for 10,000 BP oil spill clients. Beginning his legal career at Holmes and Harris, P.C., Mr. Thomas worked to defend asbestos and silica defendants. He left this firm to switch to the plaintiff’s personal injury side with Vincent A. Lannie P.C., where he handled everything from automobile accidents, chemical leaks and workers compensation injuries. He later joined Foster & Sear, where he oversaw asbestos dockets in several Texas counties.

He actively engages in pro bono work, and holds a certification as a mediator since 2007.

Mr. Thomas is licensed to practice law in Texas. He earned his Juris Doctor from South Texas College of Law after completing his undergraduate studies at the University of Texas, Austin, TX.

Lana Choy supports Linebarger’s northeast Texas clients from our Longview and Tyler offices, where she regularly communicates with them on firm collection activities.

Before joining the Linebarger firm, Ms. Choy practiced criminal defense and family law. She represented criminal defendants and family law clients from 2011 to 2023. Ms. Choy is well-versed with the Texas Criminal Code and Family Code and the relevant case law.

Ms. Choy is a member of the Texas State Bar, the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyer’s Association, the Gregg County Bar Association, the Gregg County Texas Exes Board, and the Longview Advisory Committee for Longview PAWS. She served on the Longview Dog Park Board and volunteered with Gregg County ZONTA and Rotary Midtown,

The State Bar of Texas admitted her to practice in all Texas State courts in 2010.

Ms. Choy received a Bachelor of Political Science from the University of Texas in Austin in 2006 and her Juris Doctor from the Syracuse College of Law in 2009.

Mr. Dutton is an integral member of Linebarger’s dedicated team, providing attentive support to the firm’s northeast Texas clients from our Tyler office. With a keen focus on effective communication and diligent attention to firm collection activities, Mr. Dutton ensures that clients receive the highest standard of service.

Bringing a wealth of experience to his role, Mr. Dutton served as District Attorney for the State of Texas 1st Judicial District from 2009 to 2022, earning a reputation for his unwavering commitment to the legal system over his impressive 34-year legal career.

Admitted to practice in the State of Texas, 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court, Mr. Dutton’s expertise extends across various levels of the legal system.

Mr. Dutton’s academic background includes a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches, Texas, obtained in 1987, and a Juris Doctor from Texas Tech School of Law in 1990. These credentials underscore his dedication to excellence in both legal theory and practice.

Karalyssa Casillas works in the bankruptcy department in our San Antonio office and previously provided litigation services for many of our Bexar County clients, including Bexar County, the city of San Antonio, and the majority of the school districts.

Before joining Linebarger, Ms. Casillas reviewed closing memoranda and reviewed and researched new state and federal legislation for the Office of Equal Opportunity Services/Title IX at The University of Texas at San Antonio.

Ms. Casillas is actively involved in various civic and charitable functions in the counties where she works.

Ms. Casillas was admitted to the Texas State Bar in 2022.

Ms. Casillas earned her Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology/Minor in Museum Studies and Public Health from Texas A&M University in 2018 and a Juris Doctor from St. Mary’s University School of Law in 2021.