Four Latham Lawyers Named Finalists in the 2026 Texas Legal Awards
Latham is proud to announce that four of the firm's lawyers have been named finalists in the 2026 Texas Legal Awards, reflecting the breadth of the firm's Texas platform and the individual distinction of its legal talent. The nominations recognize leadership at the highest levels of the energy industry, transformative office management, pioneering contributions by women in law, and a sustained commitment to developing the next generation of lawyers.
The firm's 2026 finalists are:
Justin T. Stolte — Energy Attorney of the Year: Global Chair of Latham's Energy & Infrastructure Group, Justin leads a team of more than 670 lawyers across more than 30 offices in what is widely recognized as the world's preeminent energy practice. Under his leadership, the group earned nearly 330 #1 industry rankings in 2025, nearly tripling such recognition in just three years, reflecting the firm's pole position across oil and gas, renewable energy, LNG, and digital infrastructure.
Trina Chandler — Influential Woman of the Year: A Houston partner in Latham's M&A and Private Equity Practice, Trina has shaped how Texas energy markets work for more than two decades, advising private equity firms, infrastructure funds, and energy companies on the transactions that determine who owns, finances, and operates critical power and infrastructure assets. She combines this market‑leading practice with sustained investment in client service, institutional leadership, and the advancement of women lawyers in Texas and beyond.
Nick Dhesi — Managing Partner of the Year: Nick has led Latham's more than 120‑lawyer Houston office since 2023, aligning the firm's work with the city's increasingly global ambitions. A native Houstonian and University of Texas School of Law graduate, he helped Latham earn the #1 spot in The Texas Lawbook for Texas‑related deals by value in 2025 (US$46.1 billion across 216 transactions).
Samuel Rettew — Best Mentors: Over the past 15 years across Latham's Houston, Washington, D.C., and Austin offices, Sam has mentored lawyers throughout the firm while building a leading capital markets practice advising private equity sponsors and public and private companies on IPOs and financings in the energy and technology sectors.
Winners will be announced at the Texas Legal Awards dinner on September 30 at the Arts District Mansion in Dallas.