Overview

Ware, Jackson, Lee, O’Neill, Smith & Barrow, LLP. is a team of trial lawyers committed to obtaining victories for our clients. This commitment has allowed the firm to gain the trust of Fortune 500 companies, small businesses and individual clients.

For the past few decades, our lawyers have secured verdicts and settlements totaling hundreds of millions of dollars for plaintiffs, and have saved defendants billions of dollars in trials ending in defense verdicts. Whether serving as counsel for plaintiffs or defendants, Ware, Jackson, Lee, O’Neill, Smith & Barrow, LLP. has the experience, dedication and resources to win.

Our attorneys offer a remarkable breadth of trial experience. All of the partners have tried cases to jury verdict, and the majority of the partners are board certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in one or more areas of litigation (Don Jackson – Civil Trial, Personal Injury Trial; Eileen O’Neill – Civil Appellate, Civil Trial; Paul Smith – Personal Injury Trial; and Tim Lee – Civil Appellate) — a distinction few firms can match.

Practice areas include:

    Founded:
    1993
    Size:
    14
    Magnifying glass with star icon
    Practice Areas:
    11
    Person outline with Best Lawyers logo
    Best Lawyers Recognized:
    8

    Rankings

    National

    Tier
    1
    National Ranking
    Litigation - Construction
    Tier
    2
    National Ranking
    Appellate Practice
    Tier
    2
    National Ranking
    Energy Law
    Tier
    2
    National Ranking
    Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants
    Tier
    2
    National Ranking
    Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs
    Tier
    3
    National Ranking
    Litigation - Environmental

    Regional

    Houston

    Tier
    1
    Houston
    Appellate Practice
    Tier
    1
    Houston
    Arbitration
    Tier
    1
    Houston
    Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law
    Tier
    1
    Houston
    Commercial Litigation
    Tier
    1
    Houston
    Energy Law
    Tier
    1
    Houston
    Litigation - Construction

    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
    No nonsense, hard-working; seems to have great teamwork among their lawyers and associates. Very results-oriented. They keep the client in the loop for the whole process. I will continue to recommend them to other business owners.
    Tommy Blackburn

    Rankings

    National

    Tier
    1
    National Ranking
    Litigation - Construction
    Tier
    2
    National Ranking
    Appellate Practice
    Tier
    2
    National Ranking
    Energy Law
    Tier
    2
    National Ranking
    Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants
    Tier
    2
    National Ranking
    Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs
    Tier
    3
    National Ranking
    Litigation - Environmental

    Regional

    Houston

    Tier
    1
    Houston
    Appellate Practice
    Tier
    1
    Houston
    Arbitration
    Tier
    1
    Houston
    Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law
    Tier
    1
    Houston
    Commercial Litigation
    Tier
    1
    Houston
    Energy Law
    Tier
    1
    Houston
    Litigation - Construction
    Tier
    1
    Houston
    Litigation - Labor and Employment
    Tier
    1
    Houston
    Litigation - Trusts and Estates
    Tier
    1
    Houston
    Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants
    Tier
    1
    Houston
    Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs
    Tier
    1
    Houston
    Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
    Tier
    2
    Houston
    Litigation - Environmental
    Tier
    3
    Houston
    Employment Law - Management

    Practice Areas

    Ware, Jackson, Lee, O'Neill, Smith & Barrow LLP has been ranked by Best Law Firms for excellence in 13 specialties, reflecting the firm's commitment to delivering outstanding legal services.
    Additionally, the firm provides services in these practice areas:
    • Appellate Practice
    • Commercial Litigation
    • Energy Law
    • Environmental Law
    • Insurance Law
    • Litigation - Construction
    • Litigation - Labor and Employment
    • Oil and Gas Law
    • Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
    • Product Liability Litigation - Defendants
    • Trusts and Estates

    Individuals Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America®

    Ware, Jackson, Lee, O'Neill, Smith & Barrow LLP proudly has 8 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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    Offices & Contacts

    Houston, TX
    America Tower, 39th Floor
    2929 Allen Parkway
    Houston, TX 77019
    United States
    Paul Smith
    Managing Partner
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