Lewis Brisbois Enhances Appellate and Business Litigation Capabilities in Lone Star State with Addition of Commercial Litigation Team

Dallas, Tex. (August 7, 2024) - Lewis Brisbois is pleased to welcome Mark Cronenwett and Vivian Lopez to its Dallas office. Mr. Cronenwett joins the firm as a partner in the Appellate and Complex Business & Commercial Litigation Practices, and Ms. Lopez joins as an associate in the Bankruptcy and Complex Business & Commercial Litigation Practices. Both attorneys join Lewis Brisbois from a mid-size litigation firm in Dallas where Mr. Cronenwett practiced for 11 years and Ms. Lopez practiced for four years.

Mark Cronenwett

Mr. Cronenwett, who served as the director of litigation at his former firm, has deep and extensive experience in appellate and trial law. He has successfully handled thousands of matters – including appeals – in state and federal courts throughout Texas and in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Following the housing crisis of 2008, Mr. Cronenwett began focusing his practice on defending banks, mortgage lenders, and loan servicers in litigation concerning residential and commercial loan defaults. He also manages a variety of professional liability, premises defect, construction, employment, and financial services cases.

Outside of his practice, Mr. Cronenwett is a thought leader and has given several industry presentations to financial services clients on relevant state and federal laws. In addition, he is active in his community, representing the greater Las Colinas area on the Irving City Council and working with non-profit organizations. He currently serves as a member of the board and pro bono counsel for a charitable organization in Dallas that provides housing and financial assistance to financially distressed families.

In discussing his decision to join Lewis Brisbois, Mr. Cronenwett explained, “Receiving an offer to join Lewis Brisbois was like receiving an offer to come back home. After the housing crisis hit in 2008, I focused more on the financial services litigation, as that case volume exploded. That work enabled me to develop a specialty in that field and to make some amazing friends in the industry. The national reach of Lewis Brisbois will allow me to grow this practice area and to get back to other practice areas in addition to financial services. Beyond that, the people are fantastic – so welcoming and so available both to help with the transition and to tackle litigation strategies as a team!” He added, “I am particularly excited to work with lawyers in Texas on appellate matters.”

Mr. Cronenwett earned his law degree from the Catholic University of America and his undergraduate degree from the University of Dallas. He is admitted to practice in state and federal court in Texas.

Vivian Lopez

Ms. Lopez handles a wide range of matters including mortgage default litigation, commercial disputes, bankruptcy matters, and financial services litigation. With a particular proficiency in managing adversary proceedings in bankruptcy court, she has experience representing mortgage companies, consumers, and corporate debtors in a variety of bankruptcy proceedings. In addition, Ms. Lopez has defended several mortgage companies in litigation under various federal laws.

In describing how she decided to join Lewis Brisbois, Ms. Lopez noted that she was interested in gaining broader experience, particularly in the financial services space. “I am hoping that I can work with Mark to apply our combined knowledge and expand our practice. I am happy to be at a large firm with a national platform, and I am looking forward working with additional clients on more complex matters.”

Ms. Lopez earned her law degree from the Puerto Rico InterAmerican School of Law and her undergraduate degree, magna cum laude, from Puerto Rico Sacred Heart University. She is admitted to practice in state and federal court in Texas and in the U.S. District Court for the District of Puerto Rico.

Dallas Managing Partner Nichol Bunn expressed enthusiasm regarding the arrival of Mr. Cronenwett and Ms. Lopez, stating, “We are so pleased that Mark and Vivian have joined us in Dallas. They will elevate the appellate and other services that we offer to our clients throughout Texas.”

Dallas Administrative Partner John Lynch agreed, noting, “Mark and Vivian have been wonderful additions to our team in Dallas. They are exceptional attorneys and individuals. I have worked with Mark previously and know what a talented and well-respected member of our legal community he is. I look forward to working with Mark and Vivian and to seeing the valuable contributions that I know they will make to their practices and the firm.”