Frank L. Branson, of The Law Offices of Frank L. Branson.

Tell us about your biggest client wins this year. [The firm] earned a record $242 million product defect jury verdict in Dallas on behalf of a family whose two young children suffered serious head injuries when the seatbacks in their Lexus ES 300 failed during a rear-end collision. The case required exhaustive technical and engineering investigation and a tooth-and-nail discovery fight over access to the automaker's global databases containing design and defect records. Further this year, [the firm] resolved a lawsuit involving an explosion at a chemical plant where a worker received significant chemical burns. The case resolved for $5.4 million.

What's the best lesson you learned as a young lawyer? To be patient and to not attempt to emulate a mentor. To merely be yourself throughout trial.

What's been the most significant change in your practice area and how have you adjusted? Because of [the] Texas tort reform in 2003, we have taken fewer medical negligence cases and more auto products, trucking and oilfield injuries.

Share an interesting fact about your firm that few know. [Frank Branson's] wife, Debbie, spent several years as chairman of Parkland Health and Hospital System's board of managers in the recent past.

Submitted by Frank Branson, Law Offices of Frank L. Branson president.