Overview

Ahmad, Zavitsanos & Mensing or AZA, is home to true courtroom lawyers who provide clients with a formidable track record in complex commercial litigation including energy, trade secret, intellectual property, construction, and business dispute cases.

AZA earned a coveted rating for its work in Texas commercial litigation in the 2014 -2021 editions of Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, published by Chambers and Partners which is recognized worldwide for its prestigious guides to the legal profession. AZA was named First-Tier in Commercial Litigation in Houston by U.S. News & World Report and The Best Lawyers in America in their rankings of the nation’s Best Law Firms. Likewise, AZA was named a Recognized Firm by Benchmark Litigation—the definitive guide to America’s leading litigation firms and attorneys.

In 2015, AZA was recognized as one of only 10 boutique firms nationally by Law360 for successfully challenging the nation’s biggest law firms. The list of Top 10 Boutiques includes firms that are on par with the biggest firms but less expensive and more accessible to clients. Likewise, AZA was named among the “Most Feared Law Firms” by corporate counsel at major U.S. companies, as surveyed by the leading legal research group BTI Consulting. The 40 firms across the country on the 2015 list were chosen on the basis of extensive interviews with 300 general counsel and in-house litigation counsel at top-spending companies and organizations. In addition, AZA was chosen the 2015 and 2019 Litigation Department of the Year by the publishers of Texas Lawyer newspaper. The annual honor recognizes the Texas-based litigation firms that have excelled during the previous year based on courtroom results. Just three general firms are chosen statewide for having the top litigation departments. AZA, a powerhouse with fewer than 40 lawyers, claimed the top spot in the small-firm category.

Dedication to clients, coupled with the ability to prevail in the courtroom before judges and juries alike, is why so many general counsel across the U.S. know AZA. It’s also why corporate counsel have named AZA one of the law firms with the best client service of those serving the Fortune 1000. In fact, AZA has been hired on many occasions by the same companies the firm has prevailed against at trial.

Founded:
1993
Size:
60
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Practice Areas:
8
Person outline with Best Lawyers logo
Best Lawyers Recognized:
13

Rankings

National

Tier
3
National Ranking
Litigation - Construction

Regional

Houston

Tier
1
Houston
Appellate Practice
Tier
1
Houston
Commercial Litigation
Tier
1
Houston
Employment Law - Management
Tier
1
Houston
Litigation - Construction
Tier
1
Houston
Litigation - Intellectual Property
Tier
1
Houston
Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants

About Our Clients

Air Liquide USA LLC
American Automobile Association
CITGO Petroleum Corporation
Columbia Gulf Transmission Company
Contango Oil & Gas Company
Enbridge Inc.
Genuine Parts Company
GreyStar Corporation
Holloman Corporation
Key Energy Services, Inc.
LoJack Corporation
Lyondell Chemical Company
Mercedes-Benz USA
Mistras Group, Inc.
National Oilwell Varco
NRG Energy
Plains All American Pipeline, L.P.
PSC
Versata, Inc.

Select Clients

Air Liquide America American Automobile Association CITGO Petroleum Corporation Enbridge Inc. Genuine Parts Company Mercedes-Benz USA National Oilwell Varco Plains All American Pipeline, L.P. PSC , LLC Versata Software

Highlighted Client Comments

These featured testimonials reflect a sampling of client experiences. As every legal matter is unique—comments are personal opinions, not guarantees of future results.
Commercial Litigation
Ahmad Zavitsanos is an excellent firm with top shelf attorneys.
 
Commercial Litigation
I had an excellent work experience with Joe Ahmad on an important case and other employment matters. They offered advice that was both practical and effective. I would definitely work with them again.
 
Commercial Litigation
Ahmad, Zavitsanos, Anaipakos, Alavi & Mensing is dedicated to working in the best interests of the client. Their judgement and expertise of their attorneys are unquestioned. The firm is driven by results, not by cost, and can be trusted to handle the most complicated commercial litigation cases. I have worked with John Zavitsanos for many years and have absolute confidence in his representing our company in any litigated matter. His "bulldog" mentality is absolutely results driven.
Earl Silverstein
Vice President Legal Affairs – Healix, Ltd.
Commercial Litigation
Ahmad, Zavitsanos, Anaipakos, Alavi & Mensing is one of the best litigation firms in the US.
E. Chris Kaitson
Enbridge Energy Company, Inc.
Commercial Litigation
Ahmad, Zavitsanos is top-notch. It iss good as any firm in the U.S. and better than 99.9 percent.
E. Chris Kaitson
Enbridge Energy Company, Inc.
Commercial Litigation
Ahmad, Zavitsanos, Anaipakos, Alavi & Mensing does a great job.
 
Litigation - Intellectual Property
Ahmad, Zavitsanos, Anaipakos, Alavi & Mensing does a great job.
 

Rankings

National

Tier
3
National Ranking
Litigation - Construction

Regional

Houston

Tier
1
Houston
Appellate Practice
Tier
1
Houston
Commercial Litigation
Tier
1
Houston
Employment Law - Management
Tier
1
Houston
Litigation - Construction
Tier
1
Houston
Litigation - Intellectual Property
Tier
1
Houston
Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
Tier
2
Houston
Patent Law
Tier
2
Houston
Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs
Tier
3
Houston
Arbitration

Practice Areas

Ahmad, Zavitsanos & Mensing has been ranked by Best Law Firms for excellence in 9 specialties, reflecting the firm's commitment to delivering outstanding legal services.
Additionally, the firm provides services in these practice areas:
  • Appellate Practice
  • Commercial Litigation
  • Health Care Law
  • Litigation - Construction
  • Litigation - Intellectual Property
  • Litigation - Patent
  • Oil and Gas Law
  • Trade Secrets Law

Individuals Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America®

Ahmad, Zavitsanos & Mensing proudly has 13 lawyers recognized for their outstanding professional performance in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. This peer-reviewed honor highlights individual excellence and directly qualifies the firm for consideration in the prestigious Best Law Firms rankings. For over four decades, Best Lawyers has been the gold standard for recognizing top legal talent, serving as the cornerstone for Best Law Firms awards. Learn more about our rigorous Best Lawyers research and selection process.
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Client Comments

A strong relationship between a client and their law firm is key to achieving the best possible outcomes. Open communication, trust, and collaboration ensure that attorneys understand each client’s unique goals and needs. Choosing the right firm means finding a team with the experience, knowledge, and dedication to guide you through every stage of the legal process.
Client comments reflect personal opinions and individual experiences. Every case is different, and outcomes depend on specific facts and circumstances. Past results and testimonials do not guarantee similar outcomes in future matters. For personalized legal advice, consult directly with an experienced attorney who can evaluate your specific situation and provide tailored guidance.
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Firm News

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April 4, 2025
John Zavitsanos Named to Lawdragon 100 Managing Partners You Need to Know 2025 List
Read Article John Zavitsanos Named to Lawdragon 100 Managing Partners You Need to Know 2025 List
February 21, 2025
Three AZA Partners Named to Lawdragon’s 2025 list of 500 Leading Energy Lawyers
Read Article Three AZA Partners Named to Lawdragon’s 2025 list of 500 Leading Energy Lawyers
January 31, 2025
Todd Mensing Again Named to Lawdragon’s 500 Leading Lawyers in Environmental Law
Read Article Todd Mensing Again Named to Lawdragon’s 500 Leading Lawyers in Environmental Law
January 30, 2025
AZA Gets Lawyer’s Discrimination Lawsuit Against Post Oak Hotel Tossed
Read Article AZA Gets Lawyer’s Discrimination Lawsuit Against Post Oak Hotel Tossed
January 21, 2025
Jury Gives Maverick a Multimillion-Dollar Win Over ExxonMobil Subsidiary
Read Article Jury Gives Maverick a Multimillion-Dollar Win Over ExxonMobil Subsidiary
January 10, 2025
Three AZA Partners on 2025 Lawdragon 500 Leading Lawyers in America List
Read Article Three AZA Partners on 2025 Lawdragon 500 Leading Lawyers in America List
... ...

Awards

Ahmad, Zavitsanos & Mensing is honored to be recognized for excellence by Best Law Firms and other leading legal industry organizations. Our rankings and awards reflect the dedication, skill, and results our attorneys deliver across a wide range of practice areas. In addition to our Best Law Firms awards, Ahmad, Zavitsanos & Mensing has earned accolades from respected national and regional publications for outstanding legal service and professional achievement. Explore our awards below to learn more about how Ahmad, Zavitsanos & Mensing continues to set the standard for quality legal representation.
AZA named among nation's "Most Feared" law firms
Benchmark Litigation - Firm and three lawyers rated
AZA listed by Law360 among 10 boutiques “Giving BigLaw a Run for its Money”
BTI Client Service A-Team 2012 to firm AZA
3 of Texas Top 2011 Verdicts on Both Sides of the Bar - Texas Lawyer
Who's Who in Energy named 3 AZA Lawyers - Listed by 7 city business journals
Texas Super Lawyers - up to 7 to 13 lawyer on Rising Stars list for Texas
Texas Super Lawyers - 3 AZA Lawyers Top 100 Texas, 4 AZA Lawyers Top 100 Houston
U.S. News/Best Law Firms- AZA Tier 1 in Commercial Litigation
U.S. News/Best Lawyers in America - 9 AZA Best Lawyers
BTI Client Service All-Star Team 2013 - John Zavitsanos
BTI Consulting Group names AZA "Awesome Opponents"
Texas Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year by firm clients and the publishers of Global Law Experts
Texas Super Lawyers - 9 AZA Lawyers named Texas Super Lawyers
AZA Earns Selection to Texas Verdicts Hall of Fame - Texas Lawyer
Three AZA Attorneys Named to Who's Who in Energy List - Houston Business Journal
Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business - AZA among Best in Commercial Litigation
Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business - 3 AZA lawyers rated
Houston Law Firm AZA Named Among Largest Energy Practices by Houston Business Journal

Offices & Contacts

Houston, TX
1221 McKinney Street, Suite 2500
Houston, TX 77010
United States
Mary Flood
Consultant
John Zavitsanos
Managing partner
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