Biographical Information:
Craig Albert Phone: 214.265.7007
Board Certified — Consumer and Commercial Law Practice Areas Experience In serving the needs of his clients in complex commercial litigation, real estate litigation and financial services litigation, Mr. Albert tries lawsuits to juries and judges with an eye toward best overall outcomes for each client. He works to identify lightening rods in transactions that might lead to litigation down the road. Understanding triggers, he helps clients prevent litigation where possible and enhance a client’s position of strength. Craig has also acted as an arbitrator related to commercial lease issues and has been called at trial as an expert witness on attorney fee issues. During his 20-plus year career as a trial lawyer, Mr. Albert has geared his practice to meet the following objectives: every client phone call or email message is returned promptly; the firm’s billings are consistently accurate and communicate the value delivered and the progress achieved on the client’s case; and his team consistently plans out the “next step” as it wisely conducts litigation on behalf of the client. Education Court Admissions Texas State Courts Commercial Litigation 2012 Effective prosecution of business dispute through receivership to produce new start for construction industry client. 2011 Plaintiffs’ jury verdict in federal court in Houston on multiple claims of fraud and fiduciary breach against commercial real estate broker. 2011 Successful defense of $30 million of pooled mortgage repurchase claims asserted in California lawsuit. 2010 Bench trial prosecution of equipment lease claims in bankruptcy court, including defeat of counterclaims for repair costs. 2010 Successful prosecution of indemnity claims against equipment manufacturer in defense of trade secret misappropriation lawsuit. 2009 Prosecution of injunctive claim against trade association to the effect of blocking decertification of client by association. 2009 Prosecution of fraudulent transfer claims in Illinois lawsuit against individual principals in real estate development company related to excess distributions of net proceeds. 2009 Favorable settlement against regional bank of statutory conversion claim related to disloyal employee’s theft and deposit of health insurance reimbursement checks. 2007 Defeat of injunction request sought by national restaurant franchisor seeking decharacterization of former franchise store. 2005 Effective defense of multi-million dollar fiduciary claim against former regional vice-president of national automotive dealership company. Commercial Lease and Other Real Estate Litigation 2012 Full summary judgment for Victory Park entity, dismissing plaintiff’s claim to parking revenue for events at American Airlines Center. 2011 Multi-contractor compromise settlement to secure release of mechanic’s liens from landlord premises related to tenant default. 2010 Successful defense of claims brought under Interstate Land Sales Act related to condo purchase contracts. 2009 Favorable settlement of claim for wrongful termination of commercial lease allegedly based upon racial discrimination. 2008 Service as arbitrator in commercial lease dispute involving triple net lease. 2006 Effective defense of commercial lessee which abandoned office premises with multi-year term balance and multi-million dollar accelerated rent delinquency. 2006 Prosecution of commercial lessee’s claim against landlord related to cap on controllable operating expenses. 2006 Successful defense of mechanic’s lien claim and lis pendens related to alleged partnership with real estate developer. 2005 Multi-million dollar jury verdict against railroad which caused collapse of drainage culvert and resulting flood of manufacturing facility. 2005 Summary judgment for commercial lessee against landlord related to unpaid tenant allowance exceeding $1 million. 2005 Successful prosecution of commercial subtenant claim stemming from landlord’s failure to provide attornment election upon termination of prime lease. 2005 Summary judgment against defaulting lessee by which the court rejected a constructive eviction claim based upon alleged rat infestation. 2004 Jury verdict awarding damages to lessee wrongfully denied trade fixtures upon termination of lease. Condemnation 2012 Award in excess of $2 million in condemnation in favor of landowner against high voltage transmission line operator. 2012 Effective prosecution of water supply district’s superior rights against condemnation initiated by highway department. 2011 Property owner’s jury verdict against gas pipeline operator for damages to Denton County ranchette from easement condemnation, leading to settlement of companion case. 2009 Unanimous jury verdict against gas pipeline company in favor of ranch owner recovering compensation for remainder damage caused by pipeline easement condemnation. 2008 Recovery of $3.85 million award related to taking of 12,000 square feet of frontage from office tower property for expansion of Interstate 35. 2007 Recovery of $1.8 million award related to city’s taking of retail store site for construction of park. 2007 Settlement of gas pipeline easement condemnation claim after selection of jury hostile to private company use of eminent domain authority. Real Estate Brokerage Disputes 2009 Dismissal of fiduciary claim against real estate broker of purchaser claim alleging confidentiality of 1031 exchange status. 2009 Defeat of fraud and fiduciary claims asserted against real estate broker related to listing of medical office building for sale lease-back. 2007 Preparation and successful prosecution of broker’s lien for full payment of commission for sale of substantially same property to identified purchaser. Residential Construction Liability Litigation 2005 Successful defense of developer in action brought by condominium association for construction defects with resolution being achieved through participation of insurers of design professionals. Insurance Policy Litigation 2011 Pre-suit settlement from insurance company for ammonia-based explosion of cold storage plant. 2011 Enforcement against insurance company of appraisal provision in property policy and recovery of fees. Employment Related Claims 2007 Defense of sales commission claims related to security clearance sales out of territory prescribed by company. 2007 Effective defense of nationally syndicated radio personality from injunction suit to enforce non-compete covenant prohibiting particular radio format. Attorney Fee Expert and General Counsel 
Kevin Cherry Phone: 214.265.7007 Kevin Cherry’s practice encompasses most aspects of commercial real estate including acquisitions and dispositions, leases, development, brokerage agreements, loan originations, loan acquisitions and dispositions (including loan portfolios), loan restructuring and workouts, and foreclosures. He also has substantial experience in entity structuring and commercial lending. Prior to joining the firm, he served as in house counsel to a real estate asset management company and as an associate in a large Dallas law firm. He also has experience as a director of a municipal utility district, as the department head of a CMBS Special Servicer, as a broker and as a real estate financial analyst. Kevin has also assisted with several local churches and Christian ministries with real estate and other legal concerns. Kevin, his wife Kris and their four children live in Dallas, Texas. 
Trey Dyer Phone: 214.265.7007
Practice Areas Experience Trey Dyer is a versatile attorney whose legal practice areas include commercial litigation, real estate, financial services, securities litigation, mass torts litigation, telecommunications, trade secrets, and restaurant services. He earned his B.S. in Business Finance from the University of Southern California in 1999 and his J.D. from Southern Methodist University School of Law in 2002. Prior to attending college, he graduated from St. Mark’s School of Texas where he remains active in alumni relations. In serving the needs of each of his clients, Mr. Dyer works closely with each client to provide each client with a personalized legal action plan that when implemented creates a value added addition to the client’s overall needs. He consistently looks for ways to think outside the box to provide clients with valuable information in both their transactional and litigation needs. Finding ways to avoid or lessen the need for litigation is his primary focus in the early stages of any representation. During his 10-plus year career as a lawyer, Mr. Dyer has geared his practice to creating an environment which is specifically tailored to present the issues in ways to maximize the outcome for the client. Mr. Dyer has geared his practice to meet the following objectives: every client phone call or email message is returned promptly; the firm’s billing are consistently accurate and communicate the value delivered and the progress achieved on the client’s case; and his legal action plan is delivered in a succinct and understandable manner to the client. Court Admissions Admitted to practice before: Commercial Litigation 2009 Prosecution of breach of contract and misappropriation of trade secret claims by owner of certain web base technology against licensor of said technology. 2008 Successful defense of fraud and security claims brought by note holders of Defendant’s subsidiary company. 2006 Successful prosecution of security claims of shareholders of Defendant Corporation for appropriate distribution of sales proceeds. Real Estate Brokerage Disputes 2009 Dismissal of fiduciary claim against real estate broker of purchaser claim alleging confidentiality of 1031 exchange status. 2009 Defeat of fraud and fiduciary claims asserted against real estate broker related to listing of medical office building for sale lease-back. 2007 Preparation and successful prosecution of broker’s lien for full payment of commission for sale of substantially same property to identified purchaser. Employment Related Claims 2007 Defense of sales commission claims related to security clearance sales out of territory prescribed by company. Memberships 
Jennifer Knott Phone: 214.265.7007
Practice Areas Experience Jennifer Knott is a member of the Firm’s Litigation Section. Her practice includes all aspects of commercial disputes, with an emphasis in real estate, financial services, contract disputes, condemnation, and construction. Her real estate experience involves disputes arising out of real-estate transactions, including commission disputes between brokers, as well as disputes between brokers and their clients, all of which implicate issues involving the Texas Real Estate Commission and the Real Estate Licensing Act. Ms. Knott has also litigated a variety of landlord-tenant and real estate development disputes including cases regarding subordination and attornment issues, repair and surrender covenants, parking rights, tenant improvements and default. Ms. Knott has litigated numerous eminent domain cases, representing property owners in actions initiated by the condemning authorities, as well as in inverse condemnation cases. Her banking experience includes cases involving numerous issues under the Uniform Commercial Code, specifically including the provisions governing the bank-customer relationship and the application for and payment on letters of credit, as well as cases involving foreclosure on real and personal property. Ms. Knott has also litigated cases involving mortgage repurchase issues. Her construction experience includes representing owners, developers, contractors, and architects as both plaintiffs and defendants in construction defect litigation. Ms. Knott also has experience litigating a variety of commercial litigation issues including cases involving fraud, negligent misrepresentation, breach of fiduciary duty, misappropriation of trade secrets, covenants not to compete, deceptive trade practices, partnership disputes and breach of contract. Commercial Litigation 2012 Obtained summary judgment for commercial developer in case involving a dispute over parking rights 2011 Defended mortgage repurchase action brought by the servicer of a syndicated pool involving multiple residential home loans 2011 Successfully prosecuted fraud and fiduciary duty claims against real estate broker on behalf of purchase of several real properties as part of 1031 exchange 2009 Favorable settlement against regional bank on statutory conversion claim related to disloyal employee’s theft and deposit of health insurance reimbursement checks 2009 Unanimous jury verdict awarding remainder damages in condemnation case involving gas pipeline easement 2007 Assist in recovery of $ 1.8 million award related to city’s taking of retail store site for construction of park 2006 Prosecution of commercial lessee’s claim against landlord related to cap on controllable operating expenses 2005 Assisted builder in case against surveyor and title company involving negligent survey of property 2005 Represented homeowner in case involving construction company’s failure to design and build improvements in compliance with zoning ordinances and building codes 2005 Represented developer and owner of condominium project in a dispute with homeowner’s association regarding numerous alleged construction defects on the premises Defense of commercial lessee which abandoned office premises with multiyear term balance and multi-million dollar accelerated rent delinquency 2004 Provided counsel for insurance company in subrogation dispute involving construction defects associated with installation of EIFS on the exterior of an insured’s residence 2003 Litigated case for bank involving allegations of wrongful payment on letter of credit and foreclosure on real property 2003 Represented bank in case involving default on residential mortgage 2003 Assisted business in case involving architect’s failure to properly supervise construction of medical facility 2003 Litigated case for hospital involving general contractor and subcontractor’s failure to properly install medical equipment in operating rooms Education Memberships 
Terry Landry Phone: 214.265.7007 Terry Landry joined the firm in September, 2001. A native of Houston, Texas, Mr. Landry is a 1988 graduate of Texas Tech University, where he received his B.B.A. in accounting, and a 1993 graduate of the Texas Tech School of Law. Since 1993, Mr. Landry has represented real estate investors, lenders, developers, managers and financial institutions in connection with all aspects of commercial real estate transactions. Mr. Landry was a member of the board of editors of the Texas Tech Law Review and the Order of the Coif. Prior to his arrival with the firm, Mr. Landry was associated with the Dallas office of Patton Boggs LLP, a Washington, D.C. based law firm, where he practiced in the Real Estate section from 1999-2001. Mr. Landry began his legal career in the real estate section of the Dallas office of Liddell, Sapp, Zivley, Hill & LaBoon, LLP. Prior to his entering the legal profession, Mr. Landry was employed in the audit department of the Dallas office of the accounting firm of KPMG Peat Marwick. Mr. Landry is a member of the State Bar of Texas, Real Estate, Probate and Trust Section. 
Rachel Oliver Phone: 214.265.7007 We welcomed Rachel Oliver to the firm in 2008. Prior to joining us, Rachel practiced real estate law for seven years at Haynes and Boone, LLP. She graduated magna cum laude from Texas Tech University in 1998 with a B.A. in Philosophy and earned her J.D. from Texas Tech University School of Law in 2001. She served as an editor on the Texas Tech Law Review and was a member of the Order of the Coif. Rachel specializes in real estate development and leasing. She has over ten years’ experience representing both landlords and tenants in retail and restaurant lease transactions. She routinely represents developers in the acquisition, development and leasing of retail shopping centers and mixed-use projects. She also has vast experience with industrial leasing. Rachel was named a “Rising Star” by Texas Monthly Magazine in 2005, 2008, 2009 and 2010. |
Jon Petersen Phone: 214.265.7007 Admitted to the State Bar of Texas in 1981, Jon Petersen is a member of the State Bar of Texas, Real Estate, Probate and Trust Section and Business Law Section. He a member of the Dallas Bar Association, Real Property Section and Construction Law Section. Jon earned his Juris Doctor degree from Southern Methodist University, Dedman School of Law, Dallas, Texas, in 1981. Previously, he had earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Baylor University, Waco, Texas, in 1978. Before joining the firm early in its history, Jon worked with the accounting firm of KMPG Peat Marwick. Mr. Petersen’s experience covers real estate law, commercial lending, business law, corporate law, and construction law. 
Sarah Shadonix Phone: 214.265.7007
Practice Areas Experience Unanimous jury verdict on claim against transportation logistics company for wrongful taking of sales accounts Provided counsel to technology company in case involving misappropriation of trade secrets Handle cases for landlord involving tenant’s failure to pay rent Represented former restaurant franchisee in dispute involving purported violations of a non-compete Represented professional association of anesthesiologists in case involving breach of contract and fraudulent inducement Represented contractor in breach of contract cases
Education
Memberships 
Stephanie Urano Phone: 214.265.7007 Stephanie Urano is a member of the firm’s Transactions Practice section. She represents purchasers, sellers, developers, landlords and tenants in a wide variety of commercial real estate transactions. Her background includes acquisition, development and disposition of commercial real estate (including raw land, industrial and office properties), commercial leasing, and commercial lending. Ms. Urano is a member of the State Bar of Texas, Real Estate, Probate and Trust Section, Dallas Bar Association, Dallas Association of Young Lawyers. Stephanie received her J.D. from Texas Tech University School of Law in 1999, where she was a Board of Barristers competitor and had an appointment to the Legal Research and Writing Board. She graduated summa cum laude from Lubbock Christian University in 1996 with a B.A. in Liberal Arts, where she was also on the Varsity women’s basketball team. 
Dan Walls Phone: 214.265.7007
Dan joined the firm’s Real Estate Section in 2010. Prior to that, Dan served as in-house counsel for a prominent commercial real estate development and investments company in Dallas, Texas, specializing in big-box retail development. In that role, he handled nearly every aspect of commercial real estate development—assembling, entitling and acquiring land; closing and re-working development loans; negotiating and closing sales transactions and operating agreements with various major national anchors; negotiating retail leases, including leases with various major national anchors; negotiating ground leases and build-to-suits; closing sales of developed properties to major national REITs and investors; and performing day-to-day asset management and investor relations functions. In 2008, Dan opened his own law practice to counsel and assist additional clients in various commercial real estate and general commercial transactions. Dan earned a B.A. at the University of Texas, Austin in 2000 and a J.D. from the Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law in 2004, and is a member of the State Bar of Texas, Corporate Counsel and Real Estate, Probate and Trust Sections, and the Dallas Bar Association. 
Jennifer P. Sibley Phone: 214.265.7007 Jennifer Sibley joined the Firm’s Litigation section in 2012. A Dallas native, Jennifer received a Bachelor of Arts in Classics, cum laude, from the University of Mississippi, a Master of Science in Personal Financial Planning from Texas Tech University, and a Juris Doctorate, magna cum laude, from the Texas Tech School of Law. Jennifer is a member of the State Bar of Texas, Dallas Bar Association, and Dallas Association of Young Lawyers. Education & Honors Admissions & Affiliations 
Larry McFarland Phone: 214.265.7007 Larry McFarland has an extensive background in the commercial real estate industry. Prior to attending law school Larry was a commercial real estate broker with a national commercial estate brokerage firm specializing in representing real estate users in site selection, acquisition and disposition. Larry then went to work for another national brokerage and assisted in the evolution of its service delivery platform for national multi-locational real estate users. Larry also has been in-house real estate director for a national communications company where he was responsible for establishing and growing the Dallas/Fort Worth market. Subsequent to his tenure with the communications company, Larry was a consultant with a Big 4 accounting firm where he assisted real estate clients in acquisition due diligence, lease cost pass-through compliance, lease administration best practices and various other aspects of strategic real estate management and decision making. Larry spent his first year of law practice in a Dallas, Texas boutique real estate and commercial litigation firm representing entrepreneurial developers and investors in real estate transactions and in litigation matters. Larry then worked at a mid-size Dallas law firm also representing entrepreneurial developers and investors through the real estate transaction process but with an added emphasis on the construction aspect. Larry came to Cherry Petersen Landry Albert LLP from a position as in–house general counsel for a national student housing developer where he oversaw all legal aspects of the development, construction, and asset management functions of the company as well as managing all litigation involving the company. Larry has experience in all aspects of acquisition, development, leasing, disposition, lending, construction, and management of nearly all types of commercial real estate. Larry is a 1992 graduate of Texas A&M University with a B.S. in Agri-Business and was named a Distinguished Student. Larry remains active with Texas A&M through his membership in the Association of Former Students Century Club, the Corps of Cadets Association, and attending Aggie athletic and social events. Larry is also a 2005 cum laude graduate of SMU Dedman School of Law where he was named to the Dean’s List. Larry is a member of the American Bar Association, the State Bar of Texas, the Dallas Bar Association, the SMU Real Estate Society, and holds a Texas Real Estate Broker’s License. Larry enjoys spending time with his family and coaching his children’s baseball and football teams. |
