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title: "Stone Hilton - Send a Message"
description: "Stone Hilton is an elite boutique law firm for clients with high-stakes litigation and other complex legal matters. We aggressively represent clients in high-stakes appeals, complex civil trials, and sensitive government disputes, with expertise in government relations, public affairs, and complex transactions."
source_url: "https://www.stonehilton.com/"
canonical_path: "/"
content_type: "page"
---

# Send a Message

Heavyweight representation. Texas attitude. Global impact.

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# Strategic guidance. Aggressive advocacy.

When your business and your legacy are on the line, you need heavyweight representation that will give you the aggressive, strategic, and experienced counsel to see you through. Nothing matters other than advancing your interests, achieving your goals, and navigating the challenges presented by your most complex and high-stakes legal and public affairs challenges.

That's what Stone Hilton stands for. Judd Stone and Chris Hilton have spent their entire careers taking on the toughest legal battles in courts across the country, and they founded Stone Hilton on the principle that the biggest fights need the toughest fighters. When your deals, your business, and your legacy are on the line, you deserve attorneys who will stop at nothing to protect your interests.

Our professionals include skilled advocates, Supreme Court clerks, innovating dealmakers, and seasoned litigators. A complete team of attorneys and advisors will assist you on matters of policy, strategy, governance, and compliance.

Whether you need help navigating high-stakes appeals, complex civil trials, government disputes, crisis management, or corporate matters, we'll take the weight off your shoulders so you can focus on the things that matter most.

When you need to send a message, Stone Hilton is your partner.

## High-Stakes Civil Litigation

Civil disputes drain capital and distract leadership. Whether you are prepared to bet the farm or if your legacy is under attack, Stone Hilton's breadth of experience will come to bear for you across a spectrum of legal challenges.

- [Antitrust](/practice-areas/antitrust)

  Antitrust disputes are not simple legal skirmishes. They are structural challenges to your business model, often fueled by competitors or regulatory bodies aiming to reshape market dynamics. Understanding the full framework of these actions and anticipating their impact requires a firm that sees beyond the immediate complaint, identifying the true pressure points to stabilize your commercial presence.

- [Business & Commercial Disputes](/practice-areas/business-commercial-disputes)

  Business relationships, once profitable, can fracture into complex disputes that threaten stability and value. The pressure to resolve these conflicts quickly can lead to costly concessions. Our approach is to first understand the full scope of the leverage points, then systematically dismantle the opposition's position, ensuring your business stands firm. We bring a disciplined methodology to these matters, understanding that an effective resolution preserves your control and capital.

- [Business Torts](/practice-areas/business-torts)

  Commercial disputes often mask deeper intentions than simple contract disagreements. Business torts can distort market conditions, damage reputation, and extract value through unfair means. Understanding the precise leverage points and the nature of the claim allows for a direct path to resolution.

- [Class Actions & Multi-District Litigation](/practice-areas/class-actions-and-multi-district-litigation)

  Class action and multi-district litigation represent a unique domain of legal conflict, where the individual dispute expands to affect entire groups. The challenges extend beyond direct claims to include reputational damage, financial strain, and systemic exposure. We approach these matters by identifying the central leverage points and apply pressure where it matters most, aiming to dismantle the opposition's framework and restore control.

- [Constitutional Law](/practice-areas/constitutional-law)

  Constitutional law governs basic rights and powers, yet its application often invites profound disagreement. Cases touching these principles rarely have simple answers, requiring a deep understanding of precedent and the structural integrity of legal arguments. We approach these matters by mapping their full implications, identifying the core pressures, and developing a precise path forward.

- [Consumer Protection](/practice-areas/consumer-protection)

  When consumer protection actions escalate, the true cost extends beyond immediate legal fees. Reputational damage, regulatory fines, and class action liabilities combine to create an an intricate web of exposure. Our work begins by isolating the core mechanics of the claim, understanding the plaintiffs' leverage, and then systematically reducing their options. We apply a clinical method to these disputes, focusing on the facts that matter and discarding the noise. This approach means identifying the structural weaknesses in the opposition's case and applying pressure where it will yield results, closing the matter with precision.

- [Corporate Governance & Shareholder Disputes](/practice-areas/corporate-governance-and-shareholder-disputes)

  Internal corporate disputes can destabilize even the most established structures. Conflicts over governance decisions, fiduciary duties, or shareholder rights often create intricate legal challenges that demand a precise understanding of corporate mechanics and the underlying pressure points. We clarify these complex frameworks and provide a path forward.

- [Executive Employment, Compensation, & Benefits](/practice-areas/executive-employment-compensation-and-benefits)

  Executive employment and compensation matters are rarely simple agreements. They represent carefully constructed frameworks of value, incentive, and control, often forged under significant pressure. We understand the specific weight these matters carry for our clients. When these structures falter, the ensuing dispute can affect not just financial standing, but also reputation and career trajectory. We examine the entire architecture of your agreement, identify points of leverage and potential weakness, and design a path to a clear resolution.

- [False Claims Act](/practice-areas/false-claims-act)

  False Claims Act allegations, whether from a government investigation or a qui tam whistleblower, can quickly escalate. The process involves intricate legal frameworks and a high degree of scrutiny. We approach these matters by systematically assessing the claims, identifying the pressure points, and building a structural defense designed to contain the threat and limit exposure from the outset.

- [Intellectual Property, Patent, Copyright, & Trademark Litigation](/practice-areas/intellectual-property-patent-copyright-and-trademark-litigation)

  Intellectual property is often the core value driver for businesses and individuals. When a patent faces a validity challenge, a copyright is infringed, or a trademark is misused, the disruption extends beyond legal fees; it impacts market position, future revenue, and creative freedom. We approach these matters by first mapping the entire dispute terrain, identifying pressure points, and then containing the exposure.

- [Real Estate Disputes](/practice-areas/real-estate-disputes)

  Real estate disputes often present a dense weave of contracts, zoning, and title complexities. The stakes extend beyond the property itself, impacting investment value, development plans, or personal holdings. Our approach involves a precise dissection of the legal framework to isolate the pressure points and define a clear path toward resolution, limiting broader exposure.

- [Regulatory Disputes & Administrative Law](/practice-areas/regulatory-disputes-and-administrative-law)

  When a government agency targets your interests, the pressure builds from multiple directions: subpoenas, hearings, and the threat of sanctions. We reverse-engineer the agency's framework, identifying points where its authority or procedure can be challenged. This allows us to cut through the noise and force a clear path forward, containing the exposure and ending the matter.

Source: [/practice-areas/civil-litigation](/practice-areas/civil-litigation)

## Supreme Court & Appellate Practice.

From advising on trial strategy to interlocutory matters to seeking relief in the Supreme Court, our appellate practitioners are capable, experienced, and aggressive. The verdict is rarely the end; be ready for the next phase.

Source: [/practice-areas/appeals](/practice-areas/appeals)

## Bankruptcy, Restructuring, & Insolvency

Stone Hilton advises companies, boards of directors, lenders, investors, sponsors, creditors, debtors, trustees and other stakeholders in financially distressed situations, restructurings, insolvency proceedings and bankruptcy-related matters.

Source: [/practice-areas/bankruptcy-restructuring](/practice-areas/bankruptcy-restructuring)

## Corporate

Stone Hilton advises public and private companies, founders, entrepreneurs, boards of directors, investors and financial sponsors on the full range of corporate matters that shape a business’s growth, ownership and strategic direction.

Source: [/practice-areas/corporate](/practice-areas/corporate)

## End the Exposure. Close the Matter.

When your reputation is on the line, inaction is not a strategy. We bring a focused, disciplined approach to defamation and reputation management, designed to bring clarity and resolution. Speak with us about your situation.

Source: [/practice-areas/defamation-reputation-management](/practice-areas/defamation-reputation-management)

## When the stakes rise, we step in.

In moments of urgent need, you require counsel who can bring order to chaos and restore stability. We stand ready to help you manage the unexpected and move toward resolution.

Source: [/practice-areas/emergency-litigation-crisis-management](/practice-areas/emergency-litigation-crisis-management)

## Finance & Financial Markets

Stone Hilton advises lenders, borrowers, sponsors, investment funds, financial institutions and emerging companies throughout the full life cycle of a financing. We structure and execute complex credit transactions, develop innovative capital solutions and help clients manage the legal, commercial and regulatory risks associated with deploying capital.

Source: [/practice-areas/finance-financial-markets](/practice-areas/finance-financial-markets)

## Regulatory, Investigations, & Enforcement

Stone Hilton advises investment managers, fund sponsors, institutional investors, family offices, high net worth individuals and other market participants across the full life cycle of an investment fund—from formation and capital raising through operation, investment activity, restructuring and wind-down.

Source: [/practice-areas/funds-asset-management](/practice-areas/funds-asset-management)

## Facing a Government Inquiry?

The stakes are high. Get clarity and a plan from counsel who understand how to counter government pressure and close the matter.

Source: [/practice-areas/government-investigations-enforcement-actions-and-white-collar](/practice-areas/government-investigations-enforcement-actions-and-white-collar)

## Confronting Public Sector Challenges

When your interests meet the weight of government, clear counsel makes the difference. We bring a focused approach to manage the pressure and guide your position to a favorable outcome.

Source: [/practice-areas/government-relations-lobbying](/practice-areas/government-relations-lobbying)

## When the stakes are this high, you need direct counsel.

Investment disputes and special situations demand a clear-eyed assessment of risk and a precise plan for resolution. Contact us to discuss your matter.

Source: [/practice-areas/investment-disputes-special-situations-and-funds](/practice-areas/investment-disputes-special-situations-and-funds)

## Featured News

The latest on our firm updates, key filings, media appearances, events, and client wins.

## Recent News

## Stone Hilton Expands Presence With New Fort Worth Office

June 23, 2026

FORT WORTH – Stone Hilton has announced the opening of its new office in Fort Worth, Texas. The Dallas-Fort Worth region has emerged as one of the nation’s most dynamic markets and become a new center of gravity for financial services and healthcare institutions. The new office is managed by partner Noah Schottenstein, who also leads the firm’s Investment Disputes and Special Situations practice group. “The DFW region is one of the fastest growing metros in the country and has become the second-largest financial services hub in the country,” said Noah. “Our office highlights the firm’s commitment to strategic growth in key practice areas and in markets with national or international reach. The demand for highly specialized legal counsel has never been greater.”

Categories: Firm Updates

Source: [/news/stone-hilton-expands-presence-with-new-fort-worth-office](/news/stone-hilton-expands-presence-with-new-fort-worth-office)

## Stone Hilton Expands to Houston With New Office in Galleria Area

April 29, 2026

HOUSTON - Stone Hilton is proud to announce the firm’s expansion to Houston with a new office in the Galleria area. Partner Alex Dvorscak and associates Cody Watson and Dave Finkel will continue their focus on serving clients in the greater Houston region, including Harris County and the US Southern District of Texas.

“This new office allows us to deliver the high-level counsel our clients expect in one of the most important business markets in the country.” – Judd Stone, Firm Chairman

Stay tuned for more Stone Hilton announcements in the near future.

Categories: Firm Updates

Source: [/news/stone-hilton-expands-to-houston-with-new-office-in-galleria-area](/news/stone-hilton-expands-to-houston-with-new-office-in-galleria-area)

## Stone Hilton Obtains Key Appellate Ruling for Client

March 26, 2026

AUSTIN – Today, the Ninth Court of Appeals of Texas ruled in favor of Stone Hilton client and Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough on an important issue concerning the Texas Citizens Participation Act, commonly referred to as Texas’s “anti-SLAPP law.” Keough, the victim of a defamatory and extortionate scheme, was vindicated today after Defendants Chad Pinkerton and the Pinkerton Law Firm sought to dismiss Keough’s claims via the anti-SLAPP statute. The Ninth Court held that Pinkerton’s alleged conduct may have constituted extortion as a matter of law and ruled that the anti-SLAPP statute—like the First Amendment—does not protect speech integral to criminal conduct, allowing Keough’s claims to proceed in the trial court. Stone Hilton is proud to serve clients facing reputational harms and to participate in the development of this important area of law.

Categories: Client Wins, Appellate, Defamation

Source: [/news/stone-hilton-obtains-key-appellate-ruling-for-client](/news/stone-hilton-obtains-key-appellate-ruling-for-client)

## Governor Abbott’s Deputy General Counsel, Anthony Rodregous, Joins Stone Hilton

March 8, 2026

AUSTIN – Stone Hilton welcomes Anthony Rodregous, a seasoned trial lawyer, senior government official, and trusted advisor to the firm as Partner. Having led litigation matters involving Governor Abbot, served as Counsel to Senator Cruz, managed policy portfolios, prosecuted criminals, and served in the JAG corps, Mr. Rodregous comes to the firm with a rare breadth of experience.

Categories: Firm Updates

Source: [/news/governor-abbotts-deputy-general-counsel-anthony-rodregous-joins-stone-hilton](/news/governor-abbotts-deputy-general-counsel-anthony-rodregous-joins-stone-hilton)

## Stone Hilton Promotes Alex Dvorscak to Partner

September 9, 2025

AUSTIN - Stone Hilton is proud to announce the promotion of Alex Dvorscak to Partner, recognizing his outstanding litigation experience, courtroom achievements, and commitment to client service.

Since joining Stone Hilton from an elite Houston-based commercial trial boutique, Alex has quickly distinguished himself as a dynamic trial lawyer trusted by clients to handle high-stakes disputes.

Based in Houston, his broad litigation experience representing both plaintiffs and defendants includes trying several cases to verdict, including a breach of contract jury trial in Harris County, a trade secret and patent jury trial in the Central District of California, and a tortious interference with contract jury trial in Travis County.

Categories: Firm Updates

Source: [/news/stone-hilton-promotes-alex-dvorscak-to-partner](/news/stone-hilton-promotes-alex-dvorscak-to-partner)

## Stone Hilton Welcomes Former U.S. Supreme Court Clerk Kathryn Cherry as Newest Partner

July 23, 2025

AUSTIN – Stone Hilton is proud to announce the addition of Kathryn Cherry, an accomplished appellate advocate, former U.S. Supreme Court clerk, and former intelligence analyst, as a partner in the firm’s litigation and appellate practice.

Kathryn brings a remarkable unique skillset to Stone Hilton—first as an intelligence analyst defending the nation against foreign threats, then as an attorney defending individual rights and shaping the law within U.S. borders. Her unique background informs a legal approach that is both incisive and inventive, combining sharp analytical skills with creative litigation strategies.

A proven force in appellate and civil litigation, Kathryn has successfully argued cases across the country and changed the landscape of both federal and state law in the process. She has litigated at the highest levels, representing Fortune 500 companies at a top-tier Am Law 100 firm, and serving in key public roles as an Assistant U.S. Attorney and as Assistant Solicitor General in the Texas Attorney General’s Office.

Categories: Firm Updates

Source: [/news/stone-hilton-welcomes-former-us-supreme-court-clerk-kathryn-cherry-as-newest-partner](/news/stone-hilton-welcomes-former-us-supreme-court-clerk-kathryn-cherry-as-newest-partner)

## Market-Leading Investment Disputes Attorney Joins Stone Hilton as Partner

June 10, 2025

AUSTIN – Stone Hilton announced that Noah M. Schottenstein, a distinguished former trial attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice and Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas, has joined the firm as a partner. Noah brings decades of experience working on the most sophisticated government enforcement and investment fund matters.

Noah’s government service includes critical leadership in nationally significant enforcement matters, including the DOJ-led interagency Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force, the landmark $25 billion National Mortgage Settlement, and SIGTARP oversight. He has represented the United States in high-stakes litigation before the U.S. Supreme Court and in investigations involving investment fraud, constitutional challenges, and administrative disputes.

Categories: Firm Updates

Source: [/news/market-leading-investment-disputes-attorney-joins-stone-hilton-as-partner](/news/market-leading-investment-disputes-attorney-joins-stone-hilton-as-partner)

## Stone Hilton Expands Litigation Team With Addition of Caroline Merideth and Cody Watson

March 18, 2025

AUSTIN - Stone Hilton is pleased to announce the addition of Caroline Merideth and Cody Watson to its expanding litigation practice. Ms. Merideth joins the firm as counsel, bringing extensive experience in high-stakes litigation and appellate advocacy, while Mr. Watson, a recent graduate of Harvard Law School, adds a strong background in trial advocacy, legal research, and strategic litigation.

“We are thrilled to welcome both Caroline and Cody to Stone Hilton,” said Judd Stone. “Caroline’s deep litigation experience and tenacious advocacy, combined with Cody’s impressive trial skills and legal acumen, will significantly enhance our ability to serve clients in complex litigation matters.”

Categories: Firm Updates

Source: [/news/stone-hilton-expands-litigation-team-with-addition-of-caroline-merideth-and-cody-watson](/news/stone-hilton-expands-litigation-team-with-addition-of-caroline-merideth-and-cody-watson)

## Stone Hilton Files Antitrust Lawsuit Against Major Crowdfunding Companies

December 9, 2024

AUSTIN – Stone Hilton filed a lawsuit today on behalf of Coast Runner, Inc. an innovative engineering company, against Kickstarter PBC, Indiegogo, Inc., and Launchboom, Inc., alleging an illegal conspiracy to sabotage crowdfunding campaigns for Coast Runner’s groundbreaking product, the CR-1, because they disagree the political views of Coast Runner’s founders. These companies caved to outside pressure from anti-gun advocates—and violated antitrust law—because Coast Runner’s founders are staunch supporters of Second Amendment rights.

The CR-1 is a desktop CNC machine capable of precise metal fabrication, offering a transformative solution for industrial applications and hobbyists alike. The CR-1 can mill metals as hard as titanium to within one thousandth of an inch of precision, and it is a revolutionary alternative to expensive and time-consuming custom fabrication by traditional machinists. The CR-1 has been recognized by the U.S. government has an all-purpose industrial tool with broad application across many industries.

Categories: Significant Filings

Source: [/news/stone-hilton-files-antitrust-lawsuit-against-major-crowdfunding-companies](/news/stone-hilton-files-antitrust-lawsuit-against-major-crowdfunding-companies)

## Stone Hilton Announces Addition of New Partner to the Firm

August 7, 2024

AUSTIN – Stone Hilton has recently added veteran litigator Elizabeth Brown Fore as a partner in the firm.

Ms. Brown Fore brings a wealth of experience to Stone Hilton having worked in private practice and in the public sector. She was a litigation partner at DLA Piper and Sprinkle IP Law Group, and previously worked at Morgan Lewis. She also worked at the Texas Attorney General’s Office as a trial lawyer and as Chief of two different divisions, the Administrative Law Division and the Healthcare Program Enforcement Division.

“We are very excited to have Elizabeth join the firm,” said Judd Stone. “Elizabeth’s specialized experience and long history of winning in federal court litigation significantly expands our firm’s ability to take on high profile cases. We can’t wait to deliver this success to our clients.”

Source: [/news/stone-hilton-announces-addition-of-new-partner-to-the-firm](/news/stone-hilton-announces-addition-of-new-partner-to-the-firm)