SBSB Eastham Founder John Schouest Named 2025 ‘Lawyer of the Year’ by The Best Lawyers in America

Nine firm partners also recognized for legal excellence in peer-reviewed guide

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Schouest, Bamdas, Soshea, BenMaier & Eastham PLLC (SBSB Eastham) is pleased to announce that firm founder John Schouest has been named admiralty and maritime law “Lawyer of the Year” by The Best Lawyers in America, one of the oldest and most respected legal guides in the industry.

2025 marks the fourth year Mr. Schouest has been named “Lawyer of the Year,” a pinnacle honor which only 0.4% of attorneys receive. It is awarded to attorneys who, in their selection to the Best Lawyers guide, received the highest overall feedback in a specific practice area and geographic region. Mr. Schouest was honored in Chicago.

Joining him on the Best Lawyers list are SBSB Eastham partners Limor Ben-Maier, James Bailey, Richard Cozad, Thomas Deen, Kelly Haas, Sarah Clinton Jones, Robert L. Klawetter and Christina K. Schovajsa, who also received nods for admiralty and maritime law. Partner David Merkley and Mr. Bailey received recognition for products liability litigation for defendants, and Mr. Bailey was also named for transportation law.

Best Lawyers recognition is considered among the top hallmarks of legal excellence. Honorees are chosen through peer review and examination by the publication’s editorial team.

“I am so grateful for this honor and proud of our incredible team of lawyers,” said Mr. Schouest. “I know I speak for everyone when I say it means the world to us to receive recognition from our peers.”

2024 continues to be a standout year for SBSB Eastham. In March, the firm launched a Dallas office to extend its geographic reach and enrich its service portfolio. The new office, led by a six-partner team, will focus on construction law, personal injury defense, commercial litigation and insurance defense, and labor and employment.

Most recently, SBSB Eastham opened a new law office in one of Corpus Christi’s most historic buildings. The firm will now occupy 4,475 square feet of office space on the second floor of The Chamberlain, located at 807 N. Upper Broadway in Corpus Christi. The building was the site of the original 1857 Corpus Christi Lighthouse.

About SBSB Eastham:

SBSB Eastham is a group of experienced attorneys who have come together to form a law firm focused on client needs. The firm’s goal is to be the go-to resource at every stage of the legal process, bringing deeper experience, deeper commitment and deeper insights to help solve the most complex issues. In consultation or in the courtroom, the firm will aggressively pursue a client’s best interests. For more information about the firm and its team of attorneys, visit www.sbsb-eastham.com.