Crain Caton & James

Experienced Houston Attorneys Providing Legal Counsel and Solutions to Clients

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DOJ’s ENRD Changes Names, Retains Initials - https://t.co/YEW4vVTzob

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EPA Proposes NEPA Reforms - https://t.co/9LF1xwfsC3

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SCOTX Says Private Parties Cannot Enforce Open Beaches Amendment - https://t.co/YWRo1eTXA2

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Fourth Circuit Refuses to Halt Pipeline Project - https://t.co/a5CcUCXtmS

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Fourth Circuit Rejects Preliminary Injunction in PFAS Case - https://t.co/BvEWjP0EAn

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EPA Restores Affirmative Defense for Unavoidable Events - https://t.co/W2t8AWZoy7

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SCOTX Says Utility Company Exceeded its Easement - https://t.co/bk7ySdIwkx

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Federal Indictments in Key Bridge Crash Case - https://t.co/GLlth4kgYm

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SEC Begins Process to Rescind GHG Reporting Rules - https://t.co/aWM5dW5t1f

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You Voted for Us. Now We Need You Again.
How a small act of support turned into something bigger than we expected.

Every year, the Houston Chronicle asks the people of Houston a simple question: Who’s the best? Readers nominate the businesses and professionals they trust — the ones they recommend to friends and turn to when it matters most. It’s called the Best of the Best competition, and it’s one of the most meaningful honors in our city.

Our clients, peers, colleagues, and employees thought of us — and because of their nominations, Crain Caton & James has advanced to the final Voting Round in all five of our practice areas: Corporate, Family Law, Litigation, Real Estate, and Trusts & Estates. That doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because the people in our corner took a moment out of their day to say, quietly and sincerely: these are the people I trust. We don’t take that lightly.

The final voting round is now open through May 26. Anyone can vote once per day — no account required, no purchase necessary. Just a genuine opinion about who deserves to be called the best. Each practice area has its own ballot, and every single vote counts.

If we’ve had the privilege of working with you — helping protect your business, your family, or your future — we’d be honored to have your vote. Please share these links with anyone you think might want to weigh in.

VOTE FOR US — ONE CLICK PER CATEGORY, ONCE PER DAY

Corporate Law: https://t.co/I3MddnuaqR
Real Estate Law: https://t.co/MEKFAezGYc
Trusts & Estates: https://t.co/YYDhUwvSWr
Family Law: https://t.co/VlDPImee5m
Commercial Litigation: https://t.co/sQ3HGUwoiv

“Thank you for trusting us with what matters most. That trust is the only award that has ever truly meant something to us.”

[Crain Caton & James @craincaton]

Crain Caton & James is pleased to announce that Kristina Villarin has joined the firm as an Associate in its Litigation Practice, focusing on commercial litigation.

Kristina brings a unique combination of legal and financial experience to her practice. A Certified Public Accountant (CPA), she spent nearly a decade in accounting, developing a strong foundation in financial analysis and regulatory compliance. Her prior experience enables her to work closely with attorneys to dissect complex financial records, streamline discovery, and identify key issues early in litigation.

She earned her J.D., summa cum laude, from South Texas College of Law, graduating in the top 5% of her class.

“We are excited to welcome Kristina to the firm,” said Mindy Riseden, Shareholder in the Litigation Practice. “Her accounting background and academic achievements position her to add immediate value in complex litigation matters, particularly in analyzing financial data and supporting case strategy.”

Kristina is admitted to the State Bar of Texas and holds both an M.B.A. and B.B.A. in Accounting from the University of Houston.

https://t.co/yVxLUj7GwY

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EPA Issues Guidance on Flaring from Oil and Gas Production - https://t.co/fWmpkLoMpf

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EPA Updates Guidance on PFAS Disposal and Destruction - https://t.co/cuwENaSREr

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Crain Caton & James is proud to recognize Jennifer Varadi, a shareholder in the firm’s Family Law practice, for her leadership and service on the Board of Trustees of The Arbor School, a Houston-based institution dedicated to educating, empowering, and building hope for children with significant special needs and their families.

At today’s fundraising luncheon supporting The Arbor School’s “Growing for Good” capital campaign, Jennifer and her family hosted two tables in support of the school’s continued growth. The campaign is focused on expanding the school’s capacity and programming to meet increasing demand, including adding classrooms, creating dedicated therapy and vocational training spaces, and extending services to support students through age 22. These enhancements are critical as the school has experienced significant growth in both student enrollment and staffing while operating at full capacity in its current facility.

The Arbor School has long been committed to providing individualized, high-impact education—maintaining low student-teacher ratios, offering tailored curricula, and integrating therapeutic support to help each child reach their fullest potential. The “Growing for Good” campaign will further that mission by creating permanent spaces for life-skills training, therapy services, and expanded classroom instruction, ensuring students are equipped for greater independence and long-term success.

Joining Jennifer at the luncheon were other members of the CCJ family, Courtney Hoff, Lexi Lori-Whitmer, and Stacie Seals, underscoring the strong community support behind the campaign. Jennifer’s involvement is inspired by her daughter (a current student at The Arbor) and reflects a deep commitment to advancing opportunities for children with special needs and strengthening resources for families across the Houston area.

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SCOTUS Says Contractor Defense Available for WW2 Oil Production - https://t.co/VG9AxroJee

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SCOTX Says Changes in Law Can Become Part of Contracts - https://t.co/HJqQro5O08

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EPA Proposes Microplastics for Drinking Water Contaminant List - https://t.co/2EcA47Grjr

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Crain Caton & James is proud to support the First Community Cares Foundation 3rd Annual Golf Tournament, which took place on March 31, 2026, at the Golf Club of Houston. Representing the firm at this year’s event was Greg DeVries, Trey Gifford, Myles Keffer, and Dave Polsinelli, who joined other participants for a day of golf benefiting an important community-focused mission. Special guest Stephan Jaeger helped kick off the day’s activities.

The First Community Cares Foundation is dedicated to strengthening the community by supporting education, families, veterans, and children. Through its work with local charities, school districts, and community organizations, the Foundation helps provide scholarships for students and resources for families, with the goal of building stronger communities and empowering people to achieve their goals.

At Crain Caton & James, giving back to the community is an important part of who we are. We are honored to participate in events like this one that bring people together in support of organizations making a meaningful impact across the Houston area.

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Eleventh Circuit Upholds Penalty for Gross Overvaluation of Conservation Easements - https://t.co/gZqvtwxFJd

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Fifth Circuit Reverses its own Decision Due to Subsequent EPA Action - https://t.co/OOE7Fqm4nU