Overview

Our founding members worked together for years at one of the largest law firms in Dallas, representing Fortune 500 companies and other high-profile clients in virtually every legal matter under the sun. Together, we felt that we had something new to offer – a different way of doing things. We wanted to find a way to take our big-firm experience and combine it with a personal approach that our clients simply wouldn’t be able to find anywhere else. Once we realized that, the next step was to open our own firm together.

How is our approach different?

First, we’re a part of your team. Even within a single practice, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to the law. So, before doing anything else, we work with you to create a set of goals that will form the foundation of our legal strategy. From there, we’re with you through every step of the process. We understand any legal dispute can be stressful and know that effective communication can go a long way toward allaying that. You’ll have questions, and we’ll be there to answer them. Simply put, you’ll be at the center of everything we do.

Second, our team of experienced attorneys prides itself on being more collaborative than most. When we take on a client, you’re not just getting a single lawyer’s experience and insight but the entire firm’s when it’s needed. Not a pile-on, with layers of lawyers, but a smart, efficient approach that means better solutions for you. You’re a part of the family now, so get used to the attention.

We believe that people like working with people they like, and that’s why we put personal service at the forefront of every client relationship. We get to know our clients, talk about family and vacations, and share an occasional bottle of wine. Connections are important to us.

We’re glad you found us, and we know that once you learn a little more about our attorneys and what we can do for you, you’re going to like working with us.

Practice Areas

  • Appellate
  • Arbitration & Mediation
  • Business Litigation
  • Construction
  • ERISA Litigation
  • Family Law
  • Labor & Employment
  • Legal Malpractice
  • Texas Local Counsel

Founded:
2008
Size:
14
Person outline with Best Lawyers logo
Best Lawyers Recognized:
7

Rankings

Regional

Dallas/Fort Worth

Tier
1
Dallas/Fort Worth
Arbitration
Tier
1
Dallas/Fort Worth
Commercial Litigation
Tier
1
Dallas/Fort Worth
Ethics and Professional Responsibility Law
Tier
1
Dallas/Fort Worth
Family Law
Tier
1
Dallas/Fort Worth
Litigation - ERISA
Tier
1
Dallas/Fort Worth
Litigation - Labor and Employment

About Our Clients

ABM Facility Services

AmeriLife

AT&T

D. R. Horton, Inc.

FDIC

FleetPride

LiquidAgents Healthcare

Match Group

North Texas Tollway Authority

RSG Group

Rug Doctor, LLC

SRS Real Estate Partners

Vistra Energy

Worldwide Flight Services, Inc.

Rankings

Regional

Dallas/Fort Worth

Tier
1
Dallas/Fort Worth
Arbitration
Tier
1
Dallas/Fort Worth
Commercial Litigation
Tier
1
Dallas/Fort Worth
Ethics and Professional Responsibility Law
Tier
1
Dallas/Fort Worth
Family Law
Tier
1
Dallas/Fort Worth
Litigation - ERISA
Tier
1
Dallas/Fort Worth
Litigation - Labor and Employment
Tier
2
Dallas/Fort Worth
Employment Law - Management
Tier
2
Dallas/Fort Worth
Legal Malpractice Law - Defendants

Individuals Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America®

Estes Thorne Ewing & Payne PLLC proudly has 7 lawyers recognized for their outstanding professional performance in the 2026 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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March 10, 2026
Estes Thorne Ewing & Payne Again Captures Chambers Recognition
Read Article Estes Thorne Ewing & Payne Again Captures Chambers Recognition
February 26, 2026
Chambers USA Singles Out Estes Thorne Ewing & Payne for Praise
Read Article Chambers USA Singles Out Estes Thorne Ewing & Payne for Praise
January 26, 2026
Dawn Estes Receives Repeat Lawdragon Leading Lawyer Honor
Read Article Dawn Estes Receives Repeat Lawdragon Leading Lawyer Honor
November 6, 2025
Best Law Firms Bestows 2026 Honors on Estes Thorne Ewing & Payne
Read Article Best Law Firms Bestows 2026 Honors on Estes Thorne Ewing & Payne
October 14, 2025
Lawdragon Awards Repeat Recognition to Family Law Group
Read Article Lawdragon Awards Repeat Recognition to Family Law Group
September 18, 2025
Eight Estes Thorne Ewing & Payne Lawyers Celebrate Super Lawyers Recognition
Read Article Eight Estes Thorne Ewing & Payne Lawyers Celebrate Super Lawyers Recognition
... ...

Awards

Estes Thorne Ewing & Payne PLLC 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, Estes Thorne Ewing & Payne PLLC 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 Estes Thorne Ewing & Payne PLLC continues to set the standard for quality legal representation.
BTI Client Service A-Team Award (2019-2020)
BTI Client Service A-Team Award (2019-2020)
Go-To Law Firm for the Fortune 500 Companies
Go-To Law Firm for the Fortune 500 Companies
Recognized among the 100 largest women-owned businesses in North Texas by the%A0Dallas Business Journal.
Recognized among the 100 largest women-owned businesses in North Texas by the%A0Dallas Business Journal.
Best Law Firms, 2015-2020, by US News and Best Lawyers
Best Law Firms, 2015-2020, by US News and Best Lawyers
U.S. Top Ranked Law Firms by LexisNexis Martindale-Hubbell
U.S. Top Ranked Law Firms by LexisNexis Martindale-Hubbell
Texas Lawyer's "Winning Women"
Texas Lawyer's "Winning Women"
The Best Lawyers in America
The Best Lawyers in America
"Gold Star Sponsor" of the National Association of Women Lawyer's National Meeting
"Gold Star Sponsor" of the National Association of Women Lawyer's National Meeting
Texas Super Lawyers
Texas Super Lawyers
D Magazine's "The Best Lawyers in Dallas"
D Magazine's "The Best Lawyers in Dallas"
"Best Series of Articles - Substantive Law" award from the State Bar of Texas
"Best Series of Articles - Substantive Law" award from the State Bar of Texas
EFH Supplier Diversity Gold Star Diversity
EFH Supplier Diversity Gold Star Diversity
Appellate Lawyer of the Week
Appellate Lawyer of the Week
Texas Rising Stars
Texas Rising Stars

Offices & Contacts

Dallas, TX
3811 Turtle Creek Boulevard, Suite 2000
Dallas, TX 75219
United States
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