Texas Lawyer Newspaper Names 40 Lawyers Under 40 Years Old Making Their Marks on the Texas Legal Landscape

Business Wire, Sept 10, 2001

Business Editors & Legal Writers

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 10, 2001

From hundreds of nominations received, Texas Lawyer newspaper has compiled a list of 40 of the state's most remarkable lawyers under the age of 40.

"Each of the 30-somethings that made our list have accomplished things in their personal lives and legal careers that distinguish them from their peers," says Texas Lawyer editor Colleen McGushin.

"Whether they practice in the big city or a small town, whether they work for a big firm or a public-interest group, they may or may not be the richest lawyers, the most controversial lawyers or even who you might call the 'best' lawyers, but they do share compelling stories of hard work and dedication."

The 40 Under 40 will be inserted as a special publication into the September 10 issue of Texas Lawyer newspaper, the state's only independent newspaper dedicated to law and lawyers.

The attorneys selected for inclusion to 40 Under 40 represent Amarillo, Austin, Beaumont, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Lubbock, Richland Hills and San Antonio. Among those profiled are:

Beth Sufian, who started her own Houston law firm in 1994 to focus on the financial needs of people with disabilities. She has a particular interest in those with cystic fibrosis, a condition Sufian also suffers from;

Kennedy Barnes, 10 years out of law school, this former aspiring musician found himself winning a $50 million suit against ProLine hair products and defending Dallas police officers fired for wearing dreadlocks;

Nicolas Barzoukas, who immigrated against his father's wishes to the U.S. from Greece as a penniless 17-year-old. He now represents the international pharmaceutical giant Merck in patent litigation; and

Ruth Kelleher Agather, who shares the gregarious and entrepreneurial flair of her famous father, Herb Kelleher, goes to bat for the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo and has plans to open an aviation-themed restaurant in San Antonio.

The attorneys honored in 40 Under 40 were selected from the hundreds of nominations received by the editors of Texas Lawyer. Nominations were made by fellow attorneys and clients.

"Obviously we cannot recognize all of the noteworthy Texas lawyers under 40," admits McGushin. "But based on the nominations we received, these 40 certainly merit recognition for their uncommon accomplishments."

If you would like to interview Ms. McGushin, please contact Rhonda Reddick at 800-559-4534.