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Cleveland Krist PLLC

Litigation: General Commercial

USA Guide 2026 : Texas: Austin & Surrounds

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Cleveland Krist PLLC

Rankings

About

Provided by Cleveland Krist PLLC

Cleveland Krist is a boutique trial firm focused on resolving high-stakes business disputes in courts and arbitration forums across Texas and the United States. Recognized by Chambers USA for its litigation practice, the firm represents plaintiffs and defendants in complex matters involving substantial financial interests, corporate control, and business reputations.

The firm's litigation attorneys handle a wide range of commercial disputes, including breach of contract claims, torts, fraud allegations, partnership and ownership conflicts, fiduciary duty claims, trade secrets, and post-acquisition disputes. The team regularly appears in state and federal courts and arbitration proceedings, representing clients in industries such as technology, healthcare, real estate, energy, and investment management.

Led by partners Tim Cleveland, Austin Krist, and Emi Lawson, the firm has earned a reputation for fierce advocacy and strong results. Mr. Cleveland has been recognized by Chambers USA as a leading Texas trial lawyer and has served as lead counsel in significant commercial disputes involving investment funds, M&A, technology companies, and energy-related businesses.

Industries (5)

  • Technology
  • Healthcare
  • Real Estate
  • Energy
  • Investment Management

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Litigation: General Commercial - Texas: Austin & Surrounds

Band 2

What the Team is Known For
Cleveland Krist PLLC is an Austin-based litigation boutique noted for its handling of commercial disputes in state and federal courts as well as through arbitration. The firm acts on behalf of plaintiffs and defendants, with experience acting for clients in the tech, healthcare and real estate sectors, among others.
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Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Cleveland Krist has great local knowledge of judges and courts in Austin. It is a very high-level and experienced team providing practical wisdom on complex commercial litigation.

    Litigation: General Commercial respondentUSA

  • Cleveland Krist's creativity and quick pivots in strategy are key strengths. The team's business and commercial awareness and execution ability are high.

    Litigation: General Commercial respondentUSA

  • Cleveland Krist is a boutique firm bringing Big Law experience with a very custom approach. The team is extremely skilled in the courtroom and has a great bedside manner with clients.

    Litigation: General Commercial respondentUSA

  • Cleveland Krist's lawyers are zealous advocates for their clients while maintaining professional communications with opposing counsel and the court. The team understands the complexities of the litigation as well as the underlying economic concerns.

    Litigation: General Commercial respondentUSA

  • Cleveland Krist has smart, hard-working attorneys who are extremely efficient. The team is extremely responsive and has excellent business awareness.

    Litigation: General Commercial respondentUSA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Tim Cleveland
    Tim Cleveland

    Tim Cleveland

    Tim Cleveland has broad expertise and adeptly represents businesses in a range of commercial disputes. He possesses deep trial experience.

    • Tim is a well-regarded practitioner and a terrific trial lawyer.

      Litigation: General Commercial respondentUSA

    • Tim Cleveland is a master at understanding client needs.

      Litigation: General Commercial respondentUSA

    • Tim is a talented lawyer.

      Litigation: General Commercial respondentUSA
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  • Austin Krist
    Austin Krist

    Austin Krist

    Austin Krist is recognized for his commercial litigation experience. He is frequently sought after by investors as well as corporates from a range of industries.

    • Austin is a knowledgeable and professional practitioner.

      Litigation: General Commercial respondentUSA

    • Austin is a capable and commercial litigator.

      Litigation: General Commercial respondentUSA

    • Austin is an engine that drives Cleveland Krist. His research and writing are phenomenal, and he is an effective advocate in the courtroom.

      Litigation: General Commercial respondentUSA
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Ranked Individuals at Cleveland Krist PLLC (2)

Texas: Austin & Surrounds

Members

Provided by Cleveland Krist PLLC

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