Attorneys
Douglas Chaves
Partner
Born and raised in Corpus Christi, Mr. Chaves returned to Corpus Christi immediately after law school to begin his practice in 1977 and has stayed in South Texas ever since.
Board-certified in personal injury trial law, Doug has been invited to join and is a member of numerous societies and organizations including the American College of Trial Lawyers and Advocates. After successfully trying to jury verdict a class action lawsuit involving over 9,000 plaintiffs, Doug has been recognized as one of the few lawyers in the state of Texas capable of handling class action and mass tort litigation. Besides the law, his real passion is flying and spending time at his ranch with his wife, Shannon.
- Personal Injury
- Products Liability
- Environmental and Toxic Torts
- Professional and Medical Malpractice
- Commercial Litigation
- Admitted to Texas bar, 1977
- Admitted to California bar, 2003
- U.S. District Court Western District of Texas
- U.S. District Court Southern District of Texas
- U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California
- Ninth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals
- Fifth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals
- U.S. Supreme Court
- University of Houston (B.A., 1973)
- University of Texas (J.D., 1977)
- Fellow in American College of Trial Lawyers
- Advocate in American College Board of Trial Advocacy
- Master of the Bench American Inns of Court
- Texas International Law Journal 1975-1977
- Board Certified, Personal Injury Trial Law and Texas Board of Legal Specialization
- State Bar of Texas
- Texas Association of Defense Counsel
- State Bar of California
- Corpus Christi Bar Association
Rene Obregon
Partner
Mr. Obregon is a native of Corpus Christi. He returned to the city in 2001 to practice law and raise a family with his wife, Danice. His practice focuses primarily upon complex commercial litigation and catastrophic personal injury lawsuits. His clients range from the country’s largest corporations and insurance providers to local business owners and families.
He is an active author and speaker at seminars throughout Texas. He has been recognized many times as a leading local and Texas attorney. He has been a participating pro-bono attorney in the Volunteer Lawyer’s Project since 2001. When away from the office, Rene enjoys sports, traveling, and raising his three children: Mia, Max, and Marcus.
- Personal Injury
- Commercial Litigation
- Products Liability
- Environmental and Toxic Torts
- Professional
- Medical Malpractice
- Admitted to Texas Bar, 1998
- U.S. District Court Northern District of Texas
- U.S. District Court Southern District of Texas
- U.S. District Court Eastern District of Texas
- University of Houston (J.D., 1998)
- University of Texas at Austin (B.B.A., 1994).
- Corpus Christi Bar Association
- State Bar of Texas
- Order of the Barristers
- Texas Bar Foundation Life Fellow
- Texas Super Lawyers – Rising Star
- Texas Super Lawyers – 2024 and 2025
- Top Attorneys of the Coastal Bend
Aidan Perales
Partner
Mr. Perales focuses his practice primarily on personal injury, trucking and transportation, products liability and commercial litigation. He is a native of Corpus Christi and has enjoyed practicing law throughout South and Central Texas since August of 2000. Throughout his career, Mr. Perales has been both active in his profession and his community. He has been recognized by his peers on numerous occasions as a leading Texas attorney.
He is an alumnus of Leadership Corpus Christi – Class XXXVIII and remains active in numerous civic and professional organizations.
When away from the office, Aidan also takes pleasure in coaching soccer, playing music and searching for new endeavors with his wife and two sons.
- Personal Injury
- Trucking and Transportation
- Products Liability
- Commercial Litigation
- Admitted to Texas Bar, 2000
- U.S. District Court Southern District of Texas
- U.S. District Court Western District of Texas
- Fifth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals
- Texas Tech University School of Law (J.D., 2000)
- St. Mary’s University (B.A., Cum Laude, 1997)
- Corpus Christi Bar Association
- State Bar of Texas
- Corpus Christi Young Lawyers Association
Marsha Perez
Senior Litigation Counsel
With over a decade of public service experience, Marsha Perez has built a reputation for her integrity, compassion, and unwavering commitment to justice for her clients. Raised in Alice, Texas, Marsha maintains a deep-rooted loyalty to the South Texas community.
Known for her personalized approach, Marsha practices in many areas of law and is passionate about ensuring every client receives exceptional representation.
Throughout her career, Marsha has successfully represented Texas and its counties in numerous criminal and civil cases. Previously, Marsha was an Assistant County Criminal District Attorney for Bexar County, where she prosecuted all types of misdemeanor and felony crimes such as DWI, assault, murder, and other high-profile cases. Along with her trial experience, her prosecutorial background makes her an expert in investigations.
Prior to joining COP, Marsha served as Assistant Chief of Litigation for Nueces County, where she managed complex civil cases, advised county officials, and represented the county in state and federal courts. She continues to serve governmental entities in her practice, applying her experience to deliver effective legal counsel and advocacy.
Beyond her professional commitments, Marsha cherishes time with her family, exploring diverse genres of live music, and enjoying the beach.
- Personal Injury
- Government Affairs & Legal Defense
- Wills & Probate
- Business and Commercial Litigation
- Representation of clients in general business matters
- Admitted to Texas Bar, 2015
- U.S. District Court Southern District of Texas
- Fifth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals
- Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, (B.A., Magna cum laude, 2010)
- University of Texas School of Law (J.D., 2014)
- Corpus Christi Bar Association
- Coastal Bend Women Lawyers Association
- State Bar of Texas
Gary Laws
Of Counsel
Licensed in 1993, Mr. Laws has been practicing law in Corpus Christi and the surrounding area since being licensed.
His practice focuses on prosecuting and defending personal injury actions, real estate disputes, business and commercial litigation and representing business owners, private lenders and individuals on various legal matters throughout South Texas.
When not in the office, Gary spends virtually all of his time fishing and enjoying other water sports.
- Personal injury
- Real estate disputes
- Business and Commercial Litigation
- Representation of clients in general business matters
- University of Houston (B.S., 1989)
- University of Houston (J.D., 1992)
- Admitted to Texas Bar, 1993
- U.S. District Court Southern District of Texas
- Admitted to Georgia Bar, 2013
- State Bar of Texas
C.M. Skip Henkel III
Of Counsel
Licensed in 1971, Mr. Henkel has been practicing law in Corpus Christi and the surrounding area since 1974.
His practice focuses on prosecuting and defending real estate and construction disputes, business and commercial litigation and representing business owners, banks and individuals on various legal matters throughout South Texas.
When not in the office, Skip and his wife Terry enjoy spending time on their ranch outside of Cuero, Texas and visiting Santa Fe, New Mexico.
- Real Estate and Construction disputes
- Business and Commercial Litigation
- Representation of clients in general business matters
University of Texas (B.A., 1967)
University of Houston (J.D., 1971)
- Admitted to Texas Bar, 1971
- U.S. District Court Southern District of Texas
- U.S. District Court Western District of Texas
- United States Supreme Court
- State Bar of Texas
- Corpus Christi Bar Association
- American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA)