Cornell Smith Mierl Brutocao Burton Attorneys Recognized in Best Lawyers 2026

Cornell Smith Mierl Brutocao Burton LLP is proud to announce that seven of our attorneys have been recognized in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America® for their work across multiple areas of labor and employment law.

2026 Best Lawyers Honorees

• Andrew J. Broadaway – Litigation: Labor and Employment
• Scott Brutocao – Employment Law – Management; Litigation – Labor and Employment
• Susan Burton – Employment Law – Management; Litigation – Labor and Employment
• Connie Cornell – Employment Law – Management; Labor Law – Management
• Theresa M. Gallion – Employment Law – Management; Litigation – Labor and Employment
• Steven L. Mierl – Employment Law – Individuals; Employment Law – Management; Labor Law – Management; Litigation – Labor and Employment
• Ted Smith – Employment Law – Management; Labor Law – Management

2026 Lawyer of the Year

In addition to being named to The Best Lawyers in America®, Steven L. Mierl was recognized as Best Lawyers® Litigation – Labor and Employment "Lawyer of the Year" in Austin. This prestigious honor is awarded to only one attorney in each practice area and geographic region each year. Mierl has previously been honored with multiple "Lawyer of the Year" awards, including in 2023, 2019, 2018, 2016, and 2015.

"Our firm takes great pride in this recognition, not only because it reflects the talent of individual lawyers but because it underscores the collaborative strength of our team and the trust of our clients.” said Ted Smith. “We are deeply committed to continuing to serve our clients with integrity, dedication, and excellent legal services."

At CSMBB, we are honored to see our attorneys consistently recognized by their peers for excellence in employment and labor law. These accolades reflect our firm’s long-standing commitment to delivering trusted counsel and advocacy for employers and executives in Texas and beyond.