Phelps Invests More in DFW, Adding Five Financial Services Lawyers in Dallas From Former Boutique Litigation Firm
DALLAS—May 1, 2026—Phelps welcomes five lawyers with an office in Uptown Dallas to support the business and litigation needs of financial services and corporate clients across Texas and the southwestern United States.
With an established presence, the team comes from the former boutique, Johnston Clem Gifford, and brings commercial litigation experience to resolve sophisticated business disputes. This group of lawyers 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, health care, technology and transportation sectors.
"This move is about execution for our clients,” said Kenneth C. Johnston, speaking about the group’s move to Phelps. "We’ve built a proven litigation platform, and Phelps brings the depth, reach, and infrastructure—backed by more than 150 years of service—to deliver results at the highest level.”
This strategic addition enhances Phelps’ banking and financial services team, which advises leading financial institutions in lending and finance, bankruptcy and restructuring, commercial litigation and government investigations.
This new Dallas team brings deep experience advising creditors on workouts, restructurings, foreclosures, asset dispositions and related litigation complementing the capabilities of the existing Phelps’ bankruptcy and reorganization team that handles chapters 7, 11 and 13 bankruptcy cases, consolidations and enforces creditors’ rights, lien rights and security interests.
“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,” said Marshall Redmon, Phelps’ managing partner. “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.”
About the New Dallas Lawyers
Kenneth C. Johnston (partner) represents banks, lenders and financial institutions in financial services litigation and complex disputes involving significant exposure, governance and regulatory frameworks, including consumer protection claims. He regularly counsels clients in the financial services and energy sectors in corporate governance disputes and special situations, including distressed asset matters, receivership proceedings and litigation at the intersection of bankruptcy and insolvency. Johnston also maintains an active commercial litigation practice where he handles business disputes and oil-and-gas matters in state and federal courts.
Robert W. Gifford (partner) works with businesses and financial institutions in federal and state courts, often as plaintiffs seeking to recoup losses from fraud, conflicts of interest, and other serious commercial misconduct. He has also led successful representations in the energy and health care sectors. Gifford’s cases have frequently presented novel legal issues and substantial financial exposure, both in arbitration and at trial.
P. Blaine Grant (counsel) advises clients in high-stakes disputes before state and federal trial and appellate courts, as well as in arbitration. A trusted legal and business advisor and strategist, he represents clients across the full life cycle of a dispute—from early risk assessment and strategy through trial and appeal—focusing on building leverage and driving efficient, business-aligned outcomes. His practice spans key industries, including energy, financial services, health care, insurance, real estate, construction, automotive and transportation, where disputes are complex, fast-moving, and consequential. He represents large companies, closely held businesses, financial institutions, and executives in high-exposure commercial and financial matters. Grant regularly handles disputes involving fiduciary duties, fraud, professional liability, regulatory and contract claims, along with other complex business litigation.
Kodie Bennion (counsel) leads business owners, investors and equity holders through litigation to resolve disruptive conflicts, contract breaches and other commercial disputes. He roots his counsel in a deep understanding of the business litigation process and legal options, which he then overlays to clients’ unique enterprises, industries and circumstances. His custom and candid approach navigating plaintiffs and defendants through conflict resolution leads to settlements that clients readily approve as well as favorable outcomes in court and arbitration forums. His experience spans industries—finance and banking, private investment, manufacturing, technology, aerospace, entertainment and medical cannabis, among others. His representation regularly involves written and oral advocacy in Texas state and federal courts and arbitration venues, as well as in other states around the country.
Catherine (Kate) Gaither (counsel) represents clients in appeals before federal and state courts, including the Fifth and Eleventh Circuits and state appellate courts throughout Texas. She regularly briefs and argues issues involving lender rights, federal jurisprudence and practice, jurisdictional challenges and evolving regulatory and statutory frameworks. Gaither also handles complex banking disputes, including enforcement of loan documents, fair credit reporting claims, foreclosure-related claims and actions arising from defaulted commercial and consumer loans.
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Phelps is an AmLaw-ranked firm whose collaborative strategies help clients thrive. We deliver practical, business-minded solutions to clients with interests in admiralty, business, health care, insurance, labor and employment, and litigation. Our more than 450 lawyers work in tandem to share forward-thinking approaches for businesses in the global economy. Phelps’ reputation is rooted in 150 years of legal excellence, and we reimagine it every day from our 18 locations across the Gulf South, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and the London Market. Learn more at phelps.com.