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Douglas E. Chaves
Partner
Douglas E. 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.
Practice Areas
Personal Injury, Products Liability, Environmental and Toxic Torts, Professional and Medical Malpractice, and Commercial Litigation
Admissions
Admitted to Texas bar, 1977, admitted to California bar, 2003, U.S. District Court, Western District of Texas, Southern District of Texas, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California and the Ninth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals, and U.S. Supreme Court
Education
University of Houston (B.A., 1973)
University of Texas (J.D., 1977)
Memberships/Associations
Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers, Advocate, American Board of Trial Advocacy, Master of the Bench American Inns of Court, Texas International Law Journal, 1975-1977. (Board Certified, Personal Injury Trial Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization), Corpus Christi and American Bar Associations, State Bar of Texas, and Texas Association of Defense Counsel.
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.
Practice Areas
Personal Injury, Products Liability, Environmental and Toxic Torts, Professional and Medical Malpractice, and Commercial Litigation
Admissions
Admitted to Texas bar, 1977, admitted to California bar, 2003, U.S. District Court, Western District of Texas, Southern District of Texas, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California and the Ninth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals, and U.S. Supreme Court
Education
University of Houston (B.A., 1973)
University of Texas (J.D., 1977)
Memberships/Associations
Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers, Advocate, American Board of Trial Advocacy, Master of the Bench American Inns of Court, Texas International Law Journal, 1975-1977. (Board Certified, Personal Injury Trial Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization), Corpus Christi and American Bar Associations, State Bar of Texas, and Texas Association of Defense Counsel.
Rene L. Obregon
Partner
Rene L. 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.
Practice Areas
Personal Injury, Commercial Litigation, Products Liability, Environmental and Toxic Torts, Professional, and Medical Malpractice
Admissions
Admitted to bar, 1998, Texas, also admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court Northern, Southern and Eastern Districts of Texas.
Education
University of Houston (J.D., 1998),
University of Texas at Austin (B.B.A., 1994).
Memberships/Associations
Corpus Christi Bar Association, Corpus Christi Young Lawyers Association, State Bar of Texas, Order of the Barristers, American Bar Association, and The National Association of Minority & Women Owned Law Firms.
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.
Practice Areas
Personal Injury, Commercial Litigation, Products Liability, Environmental and Toxic Torts, Professional, and Medical Malpractice
Admissions
Admitted to bar, 1998, Texas, also admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court Northern, Southern and Eastern Districts of Texas.
Education
University of Houston (J.D., 1998),
University of Texas at Austin (B.B.A., 1994).
Memberships/Associations
Corpus Christi Bar Association, Corpus Christi Young Lawyers Association, State Bar of Texas, Order of the Barristers, American Bar Association, and The National Association of Minority & Women Owned Law Firms.
Aidan Perales
Partner
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.
Practice Areas
Personal Injury; Trucking and Transportation; Products Liability; Commercial Litigation.
Admissions
Admitted to bar, 2000, Texas; U.S. Court of Appeals Fifth Circuit; U.S. District Court Southern District of Texas; Western District of Texas.
Education
Texas Tech University School of Law (J.D., 2000), St. Mary’s University (B.A., Cum Laude, 1997).
Memberships/Associations
Corpus Christi Bar Association; State Bar of Texas; Corpus Christi Young Lawyers Association.
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.
Practice Areas
Personal Injury; Trucking and Transportation; Products Liability; Commercial Litigation.
Admissions
Admitted to bar, 2000, Texas; U.S. Court of Appeals Fifth Circuit; U.S. District Court Southern District of Texas; Western District of Texas.
Education
Texas Tech University School of Law (J.D., 2000), St. Mary’s University (B.A., Cum Laude, 1997).
Memberships/Associations
Corpus Christi Bar Association; State Bar of Texas; Corpus Christi Young Lawyers Association.
Skip M. Henkel III:
Of Counsel
Skip M. 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.
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.
R. Gary Laws
Of Counsel
R. 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.
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.
Marsha Perez
Senior Litigation Counsel
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. 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 all genres of live music, and enjoying the beach.
Admissions
State Bar of Texas, 2015
US District Court for the Southern District of Texas
US Fifth Circuit Court
Education
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, 2010, Magna cum laude
University of Texas School of Law, 2014
Memberships
Corpus Christi Bar Association
Coastal Bend Women Lawyers Association, Board Member
Corpus Christi Young Lawyers’ Association, Director
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 all genres of live music, and enjoying the beach.
Admissions
State Bar of Texas, 2015
US District Court for the Southern District of Texas
US Fifth Circuit Court
Education
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, 2010, Magna cum laude
University of Texas School of Law, 2014
Memberships
Corpus Christi Bar Association
Coastal Bend Women Lawyers Association, Board Member
Corpus Christi Young Lawyers’ Association, Director
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