Wright Close Barger & Guzman Recognized in 2026 Chambers USA

Firm advances its appellate ranking in Texas and five attorneys recognized for excellence in appellate work

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Wright Close Barger & Guzman is proud to announce its recognition in the 2026 Chambers USA guide. The firm achieved an elevated ranking as a Texas Litigation: Appellate Firm, and five firm attorneys received individual recognition for expertise in their appellate work.

This recognition highlights the firm’s commitment to delivering exceptional legal services with a laser-focused client approach. One of the firm’s clients remarked, “Across the board, Wright Close Barger & Guzman's ability to create briefs that are effective in arguing the appellate issues, its excellent oral advocacy skills in court and its knowledge of the law in Texas and the judges are of great depth and value. Its lawyers also provide phenomenal communications and responsiveness and are very receptive to our needs."

In addition to firm-wide recognition, five firm partners also earned individual recognition:

• Tom Wright - Litigation: Appellate
  Tom’s client commented, “Thomas has a big-picture view of appellate work and where a case has been and needs to go. He is the captain of the ship and gives it direction. He is proactive with communications, keeps us up to date on cases and is also very responsive.”
  
  
• Jessica Barger - Litigation: Appellate
  Jessica’s client said, “Jessica is personable, thorough and the consummate professional. She is easy to talk to but is also aggressive in the way she moves cases forward. I trust her strategies implicitly and she is very competent and successful in what she does.”
  
  
• Justice Eva Guzman - Litigation: Appellate
  Justice Guzman’s client remarked, “Justice Guzman is knowledgeable of the law and of how cases are analyzed and decided in the judicial system."
  
  
• Justice Wanda McKee Fowler - Litigation: Appellate
  Justice Fowler’s client stated, “Wanda is very bright and brings good judgment and insight, with a strong background as a Court of Appeals judge."
  
  
• Raffi Melkonian - Litigation: Appellate
  Raffi’s client noted, “Raffi is very precise and extremely up to date on appellate law. He is very responsive and proactive with communications, keeping us abreast of developments on cases.”

“This latest Chambers recognition is a true testament to our firm’s dedication and longstanding track record of excellence,” commented Russ Hollenbeck, managing partner at Wright Close Barger & Guzman. “We are honored to be acknowledged, as it underscores our position as a leader in appellate law in Texas.”

About Chambers USA

Chambers USA is one of the most prestigious legal guides in the industry. Published by London-based Chambers and Partners, the guide is distributed every year following one of the industry’s most rigorous and in-depth review processes. It includes comprehensive research, peer and client interviews, and a review by Chambers analysts.

About Wright Close Barger & Guzman

Wright Close Barger & Guzman LLP is a Houston-based civil trial and appellate firm handling complex appellate and trial work for clients across Texas. Our lawyers have a track record for achieving favorable results in cases involving catastrophic personal injury, insurance coverage, intellectual property, oil and gas, product defects, commercial disputes, trade secrets, and trust and estate litigation, among others. We provide appellate support at every stage of litigation, including pretrial and post-trial motions, emergency mandamus practice, and the critical work of shaping the court’s charge to the jury. To learn more, visit http://www.wcbglaw.com.