Phelps Dunbar Adds 5 Attys In Dallas Boutique Tie-Up

Law360 published this article May 1, 2026.

Phelps Dunbar LLP has expanded its presence in Texas with the addition of five attorneys from Johnston Clem Gifford PLLC and an office in Uptown Dallas, the firm announced Friday.

Joining Phelps Dunbar are partners Kenneth C. Johnston and Robert W. Gifford and counsels P. Blaine Grant, Kodie Bennion and Catherine (Kate) Gaither, according to the firm's statement. A spokesperson confirmed to Law360 Pulse that the office is new for the firm and it is in Johnston Clem's office location.

In an email, Johnston said that the firm's entire team of five attorneys and four staff moved to Phelps Dunbar. He said that bringing the entire team was "deliberate" as their clients had hired specific people with a specific approach.

"Our clients were outgrowing what a boutique platform could deliver on its own — not in terms of quality, but in terms of reach and depth across jurisdictions and practice areas," Johnston said regarding the move. "We found a firm in Phelps that aligned with our own culture and how we practice law. The deciding factor wasn't size — it was alignment on how legal work should actually be delivered. We share the same ideas about helping clients reach their business goals."

Johnston added that for the Johnston Clem team, joining Phelps Dunbar opens doors for new opportunities and collaboration, and for clients it means the team can handle a wider range of their work without having to send them elsewhere.

"Our clients don't lose anything in this move. In fact, they gain geographic reach, deeper bench strength, and broader practice coverage that a stand-alone litigation boutique can't replicate," Johnston said.

According to Phelps Dunbar, the Johnston Clem team brings commercial litigation experience to resolve sophisticated business disputes. The group is known for advising banks, lenders and financial services companies across the full life cycle of complex litigation. They also represent companies in the energy, healthcare, technology and transportation sectors, the firm said.

"The addition of this accomplished team brings deep complex commercial litigation experience to Phelps — including significant strength in the financial services sector — and enhances our capabilities across Texas and the larger Firm," Marshall Redmon, Phelps Dunbar's managing partner, said in the statement. "This move strengthens the connectivity among our Dallas, Southlake and Fort Worth offices, creating a unified DFW presence. For our clients, this means greater access to seasoned litigators with the depth and range to handle their most complex disputes."

In his practice, Johnston represents banks, lenders and financial institutions in financial services litigation and complex disputes, according to Phelps Dunbar. He regularly counsels financial services and energy sector clients in corporate governance disputes and special situations, including distressed asset matters, receivership proceedings and litigation at the intersection of bankruptcy and insolvency.

Johnston also has an active commercial litigation practice where he handles business disputes and oil-and-gas matters, the firm said.

Gifford works with businesses and financial institutions in federal and state courts, often as plaintiffs seeking to recoup losses from fraud, conflicts of interest and more, the firm said. He has also successfully represented clients in the energy and healthcare sectors.

Grant advises clients in high-stakes disputes before state and federal trial and appellate courts, as well as in arbitration, according to the firm. He represents large companies, closely held businesses, financial institutions, and executives in high-exposure commercial and financial matters and handles disputes involving fiduciary duties, fraud, professional liability, regulatory and contract claims and more.

Grant's practice spans the energy, financial services, healthcare, insurance, real estate, construction, automotive and transportation industries, according to Phelps Dunbar.

Bennion represents business owners, investors and equity holders in litigation to resolve disruptive conflicts, contract breaches and other commercial disputes, the firm said. His experience spans finance and banking, private investment, manufacturing, technology, aerospace, entertainment, medical cannabis and other industries.

In her practice, Gaither represents clients in appeals before federal and state courts and regularly briefs and argues issues involving lender rights, federal jurisprudence and practice, jurisdictional challenges and evolving regulatory and statutory frameworks, according to Phelps Dunbar. Gaither also handles complex banking disputes.