Dallas' Taber Estes Thorne & Carr Continues Growth, Changes Name As It Approaches 5-Year Anniversary

DALLAS, TX, January 18, 2013 (Press-News.org) The Dallas law firm of Taber Estes Thorne & Carr PLLC is preparing to celebrate its five-year anniversary with new lawyers, expanded office space, and a new name.

Effective immediately, the firm's new name is Estes Okon Thorne & Carr PLLC to recognize the extraordinary contributions of partner Melanie Okon. Former name partner Jane Taber is stepping back from managing the firm to focus on embracing new opportunities for the firm in the healthcare industry.

The change comes on the heels of the addition of nine new lawyers in 2011 and 2012, and the negotiation for the lease of expanded office space.

"This is definitely an exciting time for our firm," says co-founder Lori Carr. "The last five years have passed remarkably quickly, but we're amazed at how much we've accomplished, in terms of growth and successes on behalf of our clients."

Ms. Okon, the firm's newest name partner, was recently named to Texas Lawyer newspaper's list of "Winning Women" for her stellar litigation record. She also earned selection to the Texas Super Lawyers list in 2012.

"Thorough preparation for trial is a hallmark of her practice," Texas Lawyer editors wrote in a 2011 profile of Ms. Okon, highlighting her successful representation of a midstream natural gas company in litigation brought by property owners complaining of noise from a natural gas compressor station and processing plant. The case marked the first known defense verdict in a lawsuit of its kind involving an operating gas compressor station in Texas. Ms. Okon is currently set for trial in a multimillion-dollar lawsuit involving a dispute over the construction of three natural gas pipelines in Panola County, Texas.

"I'm excited and proud of Melanie and our firm," says Ms. Taber. "As one of the founders instrumental in attracting Melanie and other top talent, I'm gratified at all we've been able to achieve in such a relatively short time."

Ms. Taber, a business dispute mediator and corporate lawyer primarily representing healthcare entities, says she has already begun embracing an "extraordinary number of new opportunities" available in the healthcare industry, particularly in connection with the Affordable Care Act and its regulatory deadlines.

"This is a dynamic time for healthcare professionals," says Ms. Taber. "Frankly, our clients need more of my time helping them maximize opportunities and mediate complex business and healthcare disputes."

Estes Okon Thorne & Carr PLLC is one of the few certified women-owned law firms in Dallas. It features a collaborative team of highly experienced attorneys, representing clients in business litigation, labor and employment, energy, construction, bankruptcy, insurance, health care, family law, and other corporate legal matters. To learn more, visit the firm at its new website, http://www.estesokon.com.