Firm News, Press
Cain & Skarnulis welcomes four new lawyers and two new practice areas
Cain & Skarnulis welcomed four new lawyers in the last two months, expanding its ranks from seven to eleven attorneys. C&S is proud to introduce partner Blair Dancy, of counsel John Dorsey, and associates Taylor Romero and Chris von der Gruen.
Blair Dancy specializes in insurance coverage and risk transfer, providing counsel and litigating first and third-party insurance and contractual indemnity claims in disputes ranging from construction defect to wrongful death and serious injury. His clientele include carriers, policyholders, and others with an interest in who may be financially responsible for loss. Mr. Dancy is an active board member of the Austin Bar Association and recognized by the legal industry, including being rated Preeminent AV by Martindale-Hubbell, recognized as a Texas Super Lawyer by Thomson Reuters, and listed in The Best Lawyers of America by Woodward/White, Inc. Mr. Dancy previously practiced with founding partners Charlie Cain and Steve Skarnulis prior to the founding of C&S and will lead the firm’s insurance coverage practice.
John Dorsey is a transactional lawyer. His extensive experience includes startup and private equity financing, including SAFEs and convertible and preferred equity structures, entity formation, mergers and acquisitions, and intellectual property licensing for software, entertainment, manufacturing, and distribution companies. Mr. Dorsey has been recognized as a Rising Star by Thomson Reuters and will serve as the C&S lead attorney overseeing the transactional practice.
Taylor Romero established a thriving solo practice prior to joining C&S. She brings a broad experience base to the firm, including a niche role as a consultant on jury selection and witness preparation for various central Texas firms and a quality of brief writing that only comes from former award-winning English teachers. While attending Baylor Law School, Ms. Romero rose to become one of the school’s top advocates, winning regional, state, and national competitions and awards. Her practice will continue to focus on litigation while assisting other practice groups at C&S as needed.
Chris von der Gruen graduated from Baylor Law School last year, where he interned twice for U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeffrey Manske in the Western District of Texas and received awards for academic achievement and participation in law school competitions. Prior to law school, Mr. von der Gruen served in the U.S. Army and obtained a degree in film and animation which he has used to volunteer legal services for artists in the community. His practice at C&S will include both litigation and transactional work, building on transactional experience from school and his work with Judge Manske.
“On our firm’s tenth anniversary,” founding partner Steve Skarnulis said, “we are proud to count eleven talented attorneys as part of the firm, including these four outstanding additions. Our focus remains to provide our clients the best legal services possible, keeping their interests above all else.”
ABOUT CAIN & SKARNULIS PLLC
Since 2007, C&S has represented both plaintiffs and defendants in a tailored litigation approach to meet clients’ individual needs. The firm combines the high‑end legal service of a large firm with the flexibility and value afforded by a smaller boutique, to achieve outstanding client results.
The firm is a growing business law boutique with expertise in litigation, arbitration, and transactional services. C&S boasts accomplished trial lawyers and advisers with experience in a broad range of areas, including contractual and business disputes, securities, antitrust, labor and employment law, insurance and risk transfer, and a litany of other practice areas. The firm has represented clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to individuals, across many industries including oil and gas, insurance/reinsurance, technology, software, construction, banking and finance, hospitality, real estate, music, and fashion.