For more than 45 years, Cowles Thompson has been recognized for our legal achievements, contributions to the legal community, and service to our public community. In 2022-2024, we received recognition from Chambers and Partners for our accomplishments in Commercial Litigation.
In addition, we are fortunate to have a broad range of attorneys who have received honors and recognition from several esteemed sources:
Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent®
This award is given to attorneys who are ranked at the highest level of professional excellence for their legal expertise, communication skills, and ethical standards by their peers. Our AV Preeminent attorneys are:
Best Lawyers in America© by Best Lawyers®
Recognized as a “Best Law Firm” in 2024 across 13 practice areas, including Tier 1 for Commercial Litigation.
10 attorneys were selected to the 2025 list of “Best Lawyers,” an honor based entirely on peer review within the same geographical area and legal practice area.
Julie Aguilar, Helen Emerson, and Claire James were included to the 2025 list of “Ones to Watch.”
David Metzler was named a 2023 “Lawyer of the Year” for the Dallas-Fort Worth region, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants.
Texas Super Lawyers©
A select group of the top 5-percent of attorneys by region through peer nominations and evaluations, combined with independent research by Thomson Reuters Super Lawyers®. Our 2024 honorees include:
Julie Aguilar and Helen Emerson were named to the 2024 list of “Rising Stars.”
D Magazine
This award honors top lawyers in Dallas, as chosen by their peers. Our 2023 honoree:
Additional Honors
Lawyer of the Year: David J. Metzler was named as a 2023 “Lawyer of the Year” for the Dallas-Fort Worth region, in the area of Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants. David serves as our Managing Shareholder and also as Section Head of the Insurance Litigation practice. Lawyer of the Year is part of the Best Lawyers® annual honors which are based on peer review.
IADC: Jonathan Spigel joined the International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC) in 2018. Membership is by nomination only. IADC takes a leadership role in many areas of legal reform and professional development.
Lions of the Texas Bar: Among numerous achievements, firm co-founder Mr. Jim Cowles was named as one of the “50 Lions of the Texas Bar” by Texas Lawbook in 2015.
