Austin attorneys recognized for their work in business and corporate disputes

Cleveland Krist co-founders Tim Cleveland and Austin Krist and associate Lourdes “Lulu” Ortiz are recognized among other top lawyers in the state with their selection to the 2026 edition of Texas Super Lawyers and Texas Rising Stars.

Super Lawyers uses independent research and peer input in compiling its annual lists of the country’s top attorneys. Honorees represent the top 5% of attorneys in each state.

“We have such immense appreciation for this recognition,” said Mr. Cleveland. “And none of it would be possible without the trust our clients have placed in us over the years.”

Mr. Cleveland is recognized for his work in business litigation. Known for his effective advocacy in the courtroom and his strategic counsel in complex business disputes, he has tried and won high-stakes cases involving multiple industries and subjects, including partnership disputes, post-M&A trials related to alleged fraud and financial misrepresentations, contractual disputes related to ownership and control of technology companies and energy interests. Mr. Cleveland has also been recognized in Chambers USA for his work in business litigation, and is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates.

Mr. Krist, also recognized for business litigation, is a third-generation attorney who previously clerked for Judge Sam Sparks at the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas. In 2025, he was selected as one of Lawdragon’s 500 Leading Litigators and an Up-and-Coming commercial litigator by Chambers USA.

Marking her first time as a Texas Rising Star, Ms. Ortiz is recognized for business/corporate law excellence. She represents plaintiffs and defendants in commercial disputes at the state and federal levels and previously clerked for Judge Robert Pitman of the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas. Ms. Ortiz has also served as an adjunct professor at The University of Texas School of Law.

About Cleveland Krist PLLC

Cleveland Krist PLLC is an Austin-based litigation firm handling complex commercial cases in state and federal courts and arbitration tribunals across the country. The firm’s lawyers have an established track record of consistently winning at trial for plaintiffs and defendants in high-stakes cases. The firm’s lawyers are honors graduates from some of the best law schools in the country, including the University of Texas, Harvard, and Columbia, and have clerked for federal judges at both the trial and appellate levels. To learn more, visit https://clevelandkrist.com/.

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