Congratulations

Saunders | Walsh proudly announces J. Brantley Saunders, Mark A. Walsh, Lewis L. Isaacks, and Jacob D. Thomas as Texas Super Lawyers for 2026. Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers with high peer recognition and professional achievement. Attorneys are selected through a multi-phased process including independent research, peer nominations, and peer evaluations. Each year, no more than 5% of the lawyers in Texas are selected by the research team at Super Lawyers to receive this honor. To learn more, visit https://www.superlawyers.com/about/selection process.html.

Jacob D. Thomas, partner at Saunders, Walsh & Beard, is being honored as “Best of D” 2025 for Construction & Business Litigation by D Magazine. Board Certified in Construction Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specializations, Jacob represents owners, general contractors, subcontractors, engineers, and suppliers in a broad range of disputes arising from commercial and residential construction projects.

Mr. Thomas emphasizes preparedness and draws on his knowledge and experience to formulate an approach that focuses on achieving his client’s goals as efficiently and effectively as possible. From the start of the case until its resolution, Mr. Thomas communicates with his client and offers him or her appropriate and useful guidance to enable his client to make informed decisions.

As a mediator, Jacob resolves conflicts involving commercial construction, residential construction, partner/shareholder litigation, and general business disputes. Jacob is one of only a handful of mediators based in Collin County focusing solely on commercial litigation.

In recognition of his ethical standards and exceptional results, Mr. Thomas has an Avvo “Superb” rating and an AV rating from Martindale, Texas Super Lawyers Rising Star (2015-2018), and Texas Super Lawyer (2020-present).

If you are facing challenges in construction or business litigation, don’t navigate these complexities alone. Contact Jacob D. Thomas today and discover how his expertise can help you achieve your goals efficiently and effectively. Visit Saunders, Walsh & Beard or call us at 214-919-3555 to get started.

Saunders, Walsh & Beard proudly announces J. Brantley Saunders, Mark A. Walsh, Lewis L. Isaacks, Alexander N. Beard, and Jacob D. Thomas, as Texas Super Lawyers for 2024. Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers with high peer recognition and professional achievement. Attorneys are selected through a multi-phased process including independent research, peer nominations, and peer evaluations. Each year, no more than 5% of the lawyers in Texas are selected by the research team at Super Lawyers to receive this honor. To learn more, visit https://www.superlawyers.com/about/selection process.html.

Saunders, Walsh & Beard is pleased to announce the promotion of Chapman Bauerlein to Senior Associate.

Mr. Bauerlein joined the firm in 2019. During that time, we have witnessed Mr. Bauerlein develop into an exceptional attorney through his dedication, diligence, and solution-oriented approach. In 2023, he was named a Texas Rising Star in Business Litigation by Super Lawyers magazine—an honor bestowed upon only the top up-and-coming lawyers in the state.

Mr. Bauerlein focuses his practice on Business and Commercial Litigation as well as Construction Law. His judgment, preparation, and client-centered representation have proven invaluable to our clients. We are delighted to recognize Mr. Bauerlein’s many contributions to the firm with his well-deserved promotion.

Saunders, Walsh & Beard is proud to announce J. Brantley Saunders, Mark A. Walsh, Alexander N. Beard, Lewis L. Isaacks, Jacob D. Thomas, and Chapman Bauerlein* as Texas Super Lawyers for 2023.

*Rising Star

Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. Attorneys are selected through a multi-phased process including independent research, peer nominations, and peer evaluations. Each year, no more than 5% of the lawyers in Texas are selected by the research team at Super Lawyers to receive this honor. To learn more, visit https://www.superlawyers.com/about/selection_process.html

Chapman Bauerlein was named a 2023 Texas Rising Star* for Business Litigation by Super Lawyers. Chapman specializes in commercial and construction litigation law at Saunders, Walsh & Beard. With a successful track record of multiple trial victories and numerous settlements, Chapman has established a reputation as a tenacious and effective advocate for clients in complex legal disputes. Chapman’s primary practice area encompasses all aspects of commercial litigation, including contract disputes, business torts, and intellectual property issues. With a deep understanding of the legal and business considerations in each case, Chapman works tirelessly to achieve the best outcome for clients.

Congratulations, Chapman!

When he is not practicing law, Chapman enjoys spending time with his family, reading, photography, and traveling. Chapman’s photography has been featured in various exhibitions and publications throughout the country and he currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Dallas Center for Photography. You can read more about Chapman here. 

 

*The Texas Rising Stars selection process is primarily comprised of nominations by peers, accompanied by evaluations and independent research. To be eligible for inclusion in Rising Stars, a candidate must either be under the age of 40 or in practice for 10 years or less. No more than 2.5% of promising, young lawyers in Texas are named as Rising Stars.

Saunders, Walsh & Beard is proud to announce J. Brantley Saunders, Mark A. Walsh, Alexander N. Beard, Lewis L. Isaacks, David M. Kennedy, and Jacob D. Thomas as Texas Super Lawyers for 2022.

Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. Attorneys are selected through a multi-phased process including independent research, peer nominations, and peer evaluations. Each year, no more than 5% of the lawyers in Texas are selected by the research team at Super Lawyers to receive this honor. To learn more, visit https://www.superlawyers.com/about/selection_process.html

Saunders, Walsh & Beard is proud to announce J. Brantley Saunders, Mark A. Walsh, Alexander N. Beard, Lewis L. Isaacks, David N. Kennedy, and Jacob D. Thomas as Texas Super Lawyers for 2021.

 

Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. Attorneys are selected through a multi-phased process including independent research, peer nominations, and peer evaluations. Each year, no more than 5% of the lawyers in Texas are selected by the research team at Super Lawyers to receive this honor. To learn more, visit https://www.superlawyers.com/about/selection_process.html

It is with great pride we announce Katie Thiele’s promotion from Senior Associate to Partner. Katie joined the law firm as its first Associate in the summer of 2012. Since then, she has developed her legal skills into a first-rate lawyer, a leader of our associate ranks, and pillar of SWB’s culture. You can read more about Katie’s practice here. Congratulations, Katie!

Saunders, Walsh & Beard is proud to announce J. Brantley Saunders, Mark A. Walsh, Lewis L. Isaacks, Alexander N. Beard, and Jacob D. Thomas as Texas Super Lawyers for 2020.

Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. Attorneys are selected through a multi-phased process including independent research, peer nominations, and peer evaluations. Each year, no more than 5% of the lawyers in Texas are selected by the research team at Super Lawyers to receive this honor. To learn more, visit https://www.superlawyers.com/about/selection_process.html

We are pleased to announce Katie Thiele’s promotion to Saunders, Walsh & Beard’s first Senior Associate. Please join us in congratulating Katie on her outstanding contributions to our firm and commitment to our valued clients.

 

Saunders, Walsh & Beard is proud to announce J. Brantley Saunders, Mark A. Walsh, Lewis L. Isaacks, Alexander N. Beard, and David M. Kennedy as 2019 Texas Super Lawyers.

About Super Lawyers
Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. Attorneys are selected through a multi-phased process including independent research, peer nominations, and peer evaluations.

Today marks 7 years Saunders, Walsh & Beard (SWB) has had the honor of representing the people and businesses of Collin County and beyond. We are blessed to be a part of such a great community.  SWB is a business litigation law firm in McKinney, Texas, founded in 2012 by long-time friends J. Brantley Saunders and Mark A. Walsh. Alexander N. Beard joined the firm in 2013. As of 2019, we have grown to 16 attorneys and assist individuals and businesses with commercial, business and tort litigation, construction law, corporate and partnership formation and expansion, employment law, insurance disputes, judgment collection, personal jurisdiction, and real estate.

We believe the client’s “experience” is of paramount importance. Our attorneys and staff abide by the golden rule and enjoy a commitment to family, community, and life outside of work.

Explore our practice areas and see why the attorneys of Saunders, Walsh & Beard are ranked by their clients and peers as among the best in their fields.

Cheers to 7 years!

Mark Walsh founded Saunders, Walsh & Beard with long-time friend, Brantley Saunders, in 2012. Mark is known as a tenacious litigator and negotiator among his peers and clients and a thoughtful and supportive leader among his employees and coworkers. Above all, Mark is a devoted husband and father. We appreciate you, Mark. Happy Birthday!

Mark A. Walsh is a business litigation attorney in McKinney, TX, who has litigated hundreds of construction and business disputes throughout the State of Texas since 1997. He has extensive experience and has counseled clients in all manner of construction and business disputes, commercial contract drafting and litigation, public procurement law, partner/shareholder dispute litigation, and governmental entity representation.