Ms. Cates is an associate in the Litigation section of the firm.  Her practice focuses on employment litigation and consulting, business litigation, and construction litigation.

Ms. Cates joined the firm in 2005.

Representative Experience

• Representation of plaintiffs and defendants in cases involving contractual covenants not to compete and trade secret issues.
• Obtaining temporary restraining orders and temporary injunctions in employment-related disputes.
• Representation of employers before administrative agencies, including the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Texas Workforce Commission.
• Representation of general contractors in litigation to foreclose on liens.
• Representation of manufacturers in products liability cases.
• Representation of subcontractor in case involving alleged construction defects and indemnity issues.
• Post-judgment collection proceedings, including garnishment actions.
• Defense of various companies in contract disputes.

Professional / Civic Affiliations

• American Bar Association, Litigation and Labor and Employment Sections
• State Bar of Texas
• Houston Bar Association
• Member of the Defense Research Institute
• Board Member of the Child Care Council of Greater Houston, Inc., a United Way Agency
• Member of the Firm's Recruiting Committee and Diversity Committee

Publications

• "Noncompete Agreements and Related Issues: Protecting Confidential Information (Or Can Your Client Start a New Business Without Getting Sued)," University of Houston, Advanced Labor & Employment Law Seminar (3/20/2007)

Events

• "Noncompete Agreements and Related Issues: Protecting Confidential Information (Or Can Your Client Start a New Business Without Getting Sued)," University of Houston, Advanced Labor & Employment Law Seminar (3/20/2007)