Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Legal Partner in Odessa, Texas
The law firm of Shafer Davis O'Leary & Stoker was formed in 1947 and has grown alongside the development of the Permian Basin region. Our firm has established itself as a leader in oil and gas law, business law, and litigation, with over 35 attorneys and support staff operating from offices in Odessa and Midland, Texas. We specialize in trial and appellate work in federal and state courts, representing a diverse clientele that includes insurance companies, healthcare providers, government entities, and businesses of all sizes. Our attorneys hold memberships in prestigious legal organizations such as the American College of Trial Lawyers and the International Academy of Trial Lawyers.We have maintained a strong commitment to community leadership, with past and present members serving in judicial roles, educational institutions, and civic organizations. Our practice areas span civil litigation, appellate law, wrongful death defense, commercial litigation, products liability, oil and gas law, civil rights claims defense, and insurance matters. We emphasize professional excellence, ethical standards, and client-focused representation in all our legal services.
Services
Civil Litigation
Appellate Law
Wrongful Death Defense
Commercial Litigation
Personal Injury Defense
Products Liability
Oil and Gas Law
Civil Rights Claims Defense
Insurance Defense
Business Law
Details
- Year established: 1947
Highlights and features
- We have over 75 years of legal experience serving Texas and New Mexico.
- Our team includes members of the American College of Trial Lawyers.
- We maintain active leadership roles in local and national legal communities.
- Our attorneys hold Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent peer ratings.
- We serve clients from offices in both Odessa and Midland, Texas.
Associations and certifications
- Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent
What people say
Excellent attorney
Superb lawyer
Fantastic trial lawyer
Honorable man
Dogged advocate
Services
Civil Litigation
Our civil litigation practice handles complex legal disputes in state and federal courts. We represent clients in commercial litigation, personal injury defense, and business conflicts. Our attorneys have decades of trial experience and focus on achieving cost-effective solutions through negotiation, mediation, or courtroom representation.
Appellate Law
We provide comprehensive appellate services including brief preparation, oral argument, and strategic case evaluation. Our attorneys have handled appeals in Texas courts and federal appellate circuits. We focus on preserving favorable rulings and correcting legal errors in adverse decisions.
Oil and Gas Law
Our oil and gas practice covers transactional matters, regulatory compliance, and litigation. We represent energy companies in lease disputes, environmental regulations, and operational conflicts. Our attorneys understand the technical and commercial aspects of the energy industry in the Permian Basin region.
Insurance Defense
We defend insurance companies in coverage disputes, bad faith claims, and subrogation matters. Our practice includes medical malpractice defense, workers' compensation defense, and property damage claims. We focus on minimizing liability exposure while maintaining insurer-client communication.
Business Law
Our business law services include corporate formation, contract negotiation, mergers and acquisitions, and commercial dispute resolution. We serve as state counsel for national companies and provide legal guidance for business operations in Texas and New Mexico markets.
People
James W. Essman
Attorney
James W. Essman brings decades of legal experience to the firm, focusing on complex litigation and appellate matters. He has represented clients in numerous high-stakes cases across Texas and New Mexico.
Georgi G. Lowry
Attorney
Georgi G. Lowry specializes in insurance defense and commercial litigation. With extensive trial experience, he represents clients in complex legal disputes involving significant financial exposure.
Crystal Guevara
Attorney
Crystal Guevara focuses on civil litigation and appellate law. She has successfully handled appeals in both state and federal courts, maintaining a strong record of favorable outcomes.
Dick R. Holland
Attorney
Dick R. Holland has earned recognition as a top trial lawyer with expertise in wrongful death defense and products liability cases. His peers consistently rate him among the region's best attorneys.
Miles R. Nelson
Attorney
Miles R. Nelson specializes in oil and gas law and business litigation. He provides legal counsel to energy companies operating in the Permian Basin region and surrounding areas.
Questions
What areas of law does Shafer, Davis, O'Leary & Stoker specialize in?
We specialize in civil litigation, appellate law, wrongful death defense, commercial litigation, products liability, oil and gas law, civil rights claims defense, and insurance defense.
How long has the firm been in operation?
Our firm has provided legal services since 1947, with continuous operation for over 75 years.
What geographic areas do you serve?
We serve clients throughout Texas and New Mexico, with primary offices in Odessa and Midland, Texas.
Can I schedule a consultation with an attorney?
Yes, you can schedule a consultation by calling our office at 432-332-0893 or using our online contact form.
What professional organizations are your attorneys affiliated with?
Our attorneys belong to organizations including the American College of Trial Lawyers and the International Academy of Trial Lawyers.
