HOUSTON (August 3, 2023) – Hogan Thompson LLP, an energy-focused litigation boutique in Houston, announced today the firm’s name change to Hogan Thompson Schuelke LLP and the recent addition of three attorneys to its trial team. Since its founding in 2020, the firm has rapidly grown from two founding partners to an eight-attorney team representing clients nationwide. 


The updated name recognizes partner James Schuelke’s significant contributions to the firm’s growth and his ability to consistently achieve winning results for clients. Schuelke has spearheaded complex litigation and arbitrations for the firm’s energy clients and also has substantial experience in construction, property and petrochemical disputes. Schuelke has been recognized by Benchmark Litigation on the 40 & Under Hotlist since 2019 and as a Future Star since 2021. 


“James is a strategic, talented trial lawyer, and we are excited for him to become a named partner in the firm,” said founding partner Christopher Hogan. “Additionally, our growing trial team not only strengthens the firm’s position as a leader in energy law but also broadens our litigation practice, particularly on the appellate side.” 


The firm’s recent trial team expansion includes of counsel Solace Southwick, of counsel Jennifer Josephson and associate Cody Rutowski. Southwick and Josephson both bring extensive experience in trials and appeals across the state and throughout the country. Rutowski also brings both trial and appellate experience to his new role. 


Solace Southwick has practiced trial law for more than 30 years. Throughout her career, she has handled a wide variety of complex civil litigation, including commercial disputes, oil and gas matters, environmental torts, securities litigation, ERISA disputes and employment law. She has significant experience arguing in Texas and federal courts of appeals. Southwick was previously partner at Reynolds Frizzell LLP, Andrews Kurth Kenyon LLP and Mayor, Day, Caldwell and Keeton LLP. She graduated with honors from the University of Texas School of Law.


Jennifer Josephson is an experienced appellate lawyer who helps legal teams win challenging commercial disputes. She works with trial teams on pretrial, trial and appellate strategy and has drafted countless critical trial motions and successful appeals over the course of her career. Prior to joining Hogan Thompson Schuelke, she worked at Reynolds Frizzell LLP, Alexander Dubose & Jefferson LLP and Gibbs & Bruns LLP. Josephson graduated with honors from Harvard Law School. 


Cody Rutowski has represented clients from the pleadings stage through presenting oral argument before a court of last resort. He has appeared before the Supreme Court of Texas, as well as multiple federal circuit courts of appeals, Texas courts of appeals, federal district courts and state trial courts. Prior to joining the firm, he was an Assistant Solicitor General in the Office of the Solicitor General of Texas. Rutowski graduated with honors from Harvard Law School.


Founded in 2020, Hogan Thompson Schuelke exclusively handles commercial litigation, with a focus on representing energy companies. Clients include Chevron, Apache, EOG, Marathon Oil, BPX, Ovintiv, Chord Energy, Callon Petroleum and Escondido Resources. 


Earlier this year, Hogan Thompson Schuelke won a $17.3 million jury verdict on behalf of client El Dorado Gas & Oil in a novel subsurface trespass case. Currently, the firm is representing clients in numerous high-stakes oil and gas disputes in Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma and North Dakota. 


About Hogan Thompson Schuelke LLP

Hogan Thompson Schuelke LLP is a Houston-based commercial litigation boutique with a focus on the energy industry. The firm represents corporate and individual clients in oil and gas, commercial, construction and real estate disputes across Texas and the United States. To learn more, visit www.hoganthompson.com. 


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