Chambers USA, the gold standard of legal ratings, gave AZA top ratings in Texas for two practice areas and ranked seven lawyers. This is the12th year AZA was rated in the general commercial litigation category and the fifth year for its intellectual property (IP) practice.

“The firm sets the bar for excellence in advocacy. The team as a whole is so experienced, demonstrating an ability to work seamlessly together, leverage each other’s strengths and skills, and maintain an agile working relationship with the client,” Chambers was told. “They have the experience, the technology, the mindset and the support staff to win.”

John Zavitsanos, co-founder of AZA, once again earned a top ranking as one of the best Texas trial lawyers and is in the top band among lawyers rated for general commercial litigation. “John is an incredible trial lawyer who understands the judge, the jury and the way courts work,” Chambers was told. “He eviscerates our opponents. He’s so good at just jumping in and winning trials at short notice.”

Joe Ahmad, the other firm co-founder, was once again named as a “Star” for his labor and employment work for companies and executives. A reviewer told Chambers: “Joseph is super level-headed, has complete command of the law and a unique ability to see the big picture and all the main levers to get the best outcome. He is a really solid, trustworthy lawyer and well respected by everyone.”

Partners Todd Mensing, Tim Shelby and Rey Flores were also ranked in the general commercial litigation category. Jason McManis, the partner who heads the firm’s IP practice, was ranked for his IP prowess. Partner and former judge Daryl Moore was ranked for his appellate expertise.

Chambers USA 2025 listed these comments as coming from AZA reviewers:

About the firm and its rated general commercial and IP practices:

  • “AZA is absolutely relentless and fearless – they are determined to always go the extra mile and do right by their clients.”
  • “AZA brought an immense amount of resources to bear at trial and left no stone unturned in defending their clients.”
  • “The team is impressive, has a very deep bench with very talented junior lawyers. They are given experience very early on, including at hearings and trials, and it shows.”
  • “The lawyers are smart and thrive when handling complex cases.“
  • “The team is efficient and cost-effective. They are creative thinkers who are realistic about finding strategic solutions.”

About Mr. Zavitsanos:

  • “John is an outstanding litigator whose trial skills, will to win, energy and creativity distinguish him from his peers.”
  • “John is exceptional, phenomenal.”

About Mr. Ahmad:

  • “He produces a great work product on both sides of the docket with a good grasp of the issues and strategies. Joseph is good in every respect of the word.“
  • “He is a very good trial lawyer. Joseph is excellent.“

About Mr. Mensing:

  • “He’s a razor-sharp strategist and is intuitive, decisive and driven to win, but also able to pivot easily as a case develops or client needs shift. He has an imposing presence backed up by a keen intellect, but also has a thoughtful and inclusive attitude, which brings out the best in the people working with him.”
  • “Todd Mensing is a phenomenal attorney. He is a fierce litigator, understanding all the ins and outs of litigation.”

About Mr. Shelby:

  • “Tim has really good commercial acumen. This is very useful for discussing potential settlements and different negotiation tactics.”
  • “Tim has good common sense and comes up with great strategy, which always leads to good results.“

About Mr. Flores:

  • “Rey Flores is a responsive, thorough and zealous advocate on behalf of the client. He is a skillful and tenacious lawyer.”
  • “Rey asks the right questions early on, and is extremely responsive. He offers solutions for issues at hand with the long term in mind.”

About Mr. McManis:

  • “I have never seen anyone better in a courtroom. Jason is professional, extremely prepared and great under pressure.”
  • “Jason was highly responsive and had an excellent level of technical understanding. He quickly grasped concepts which were very niche and industry-specific.”

About Mr. Moore:

  • “Daryl has wisdom for days. He has seen it all and is a valuable asset.”
  • “Daryl is incredibly respectful and a master of legal writing and argument. He is a genuine pleasure to watch in the courtroom. His time as a judge and a professor show through.”

AZA, or Ahmad, Zavitsanos & Mensing, is a Houston-based law firm that is home to true courtroom lawyers with a formidable track record in complex commercial litigation, including energy, healthcare, intellectual property and business dispute cases. AZA was recognized again by Chambers USA 2025 as among the best in Texas in commercial law and intellectual property; the firm has been listed by Best Lawyers’ Best Law Firms as one of the country’s best commercial litigation firms for 13 years; has been named Litigation Department of the Year by Texas Lawyer three times; and was previously dubbed a Texas Powerhouse law firm by Law360.