Offices in The Woodlands & Houston 281.419.6200
Attorneys
Michael D. Martin
Michael D. Martin is a licensed Texas attorney engaged in the general practice of law and is Board Certified in Estate Planning and Probate by the Texas Board of Legal Special- ization. He earned his Bachelor of Journalism in 1973 from the University of Texas at Austin, and his J.D. in 1979 from South Texas College of Law. He continued post-graduate studies in Estate Planning at The American University in Bryn Mawhr, PA. He received clinical training in Marriage and Family Systems Therapy, as well as Organizational Dynamics and Consulting, at the Houston-Galveston Institute. He is a member of the State Bar of Texas, Real Estate, Probate and Trust Law, and Tax Sections, The Woodlands Bar Associations and the American Bar Association.
Since January of 1991, Michael has provided legal, financial and tax counsel to affluent families with closely held businesses, including tax, trust, estate and financial planning, as well as probate matters. He is licensed to practice in the U.S. Supreme Court and the U.S. Tax Court. Michael was counsel of record, along with colleagues Carol Cantrell and Dr. Peter Rubin, in Knight v. Commissioner of Internal Revenue, 128 S. Ct. 782 (2008), relating to the deductibility of investment advisory fees by trustees of non-grantor trusts. He has published and authored various Continuing Legal Education presentations and is actively engaged in charitable and community activities, including The Woodlands Bar Association's Pro Bono "Wills for Heroes" Project and the Pavilion Partners.
James H. Stilwell
James H. Stilwell is a licensed Texas attorney who handles a wide-range of litigation matters within the practice, including probate, trust and fiduciary litigation, homeowners’ association work, builder and developer litigation, and commercial litigation. James earned his Bachelor of Arts double degree in Economics and Political Science from Baylor University in 1992 and his Juris Doctorate in 1995 from the University of Texas School of Law.
In addition to the vast number of Articles, Publications, Briefings, Seminars and Speeches that James has authored and presented, several of the cases in which he was the lead trial lawyer have been published, including: McDuffee v. Miller, 102810 TXCA9, 09-10-00293-CV (Tex.App.—Beaumont, October 28, 2010); Bryer v. The Woodlands Land Development Co., L.P., 090910 TXCA9, 09-09-00326-CV (Tex.App.—Beaumont, September 9, 2010); In re Estate of Hersey, 223 S.W.3d 457, (Tex.App.—Amarillo, April 25, 2006); Lee v. Hersey, 223 S.W.3d 439, (Tex.App.—Amarillo, March 24, 2006), Paul v. Merrill Lynch Trust Co. of Texas, 183 S.W.3d 805 (Tex.App.—Waco, December 14, 2005); and Parks v. Landfill Marketing Consultants, Inc., 2004 WL 1351545 (Tex.App.—Houston [1st Dist.], June 17, 2004).
James serves our profession and community as Vice-President of The Woodlands Bar Association, a member of The State Bar of Texas, a Director for the South Montgomery County Woodlands Chamber of Commerce, and a Director for Leadership Montgomery County. James received the 2005 South Montgomery County Woodlands Chamber of Commerce Chairman’s Award and has participated in the Woodlands Bar Association’s Pro Bono “Wills for Heroes” Project since its inception.
Karla LaFitte
Karla LaFitte, Associate Attorney, joined the Firm in September 2011. Her primary areas of practice are: probate; estate planning including wills and trusts; and animal law. Karla earned a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from Texas A&M University in 2001. While working in marketing for Malcolm Pirnie, Inc. in Houston, she earned her juris doctorate from South Texas College of Law, graduating in December 2009. She was licensed in the state of Texas in May 2010, and founded an estate planning, probate, and animal law solo practice based in The Woodlands. Karla is a Director and Vice President of Membership for The Woodlands Bar Association, as well as founder and Chairwoman of the Solo and Small Firms Section of The Woodlands Bar Association. She is also a member of the Montgomery County Bar Association, and the Harris County Bar Association, where she is a Council Member of the HBA Animal Law Section. Karla is a member of the Leadership Montgomery County 2012 class.
Staff
Kim Wade
Kim Wade, Office Manager and Legal Assistant, started as an assistant and paralegal with The Martin Law Firm in August of 2005. In 2006, through her hard work and dedication, Kim became Office Manager for The Martin Law Firm, and has continued in her role since the opening of the firm in March of 2009. She presently assists Michael D. Martin in all respects, with regard to Estate Planning, Probate and Business Law matters. Kim is always eager to offer support with research and the preparation of documentation. In addition, she takes an active role in overseeing the operations, including coordination and implementation of Administrative items within the firm.
In 2003, Kim graduated Magna Cum Laude from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a heavy concentration on Accounting. Kim is happily married to her husband, Allen, and has two beautiful children, Alec and Taylor. Kim is a valuable associate who is always ready to assist others. Her inquisitive nature inspires her to seek knowledge, propelling herself and the firm towards a successful future.
Joanie O'Hare
Joanie O’Hare, Assistant Office Manager and Bookkeeper, joined the team in December 2011. Before coming to M&S, Joanie was the owner/operator of her own personnel placement agency. She also has over 10 years experience as a Legal Accounting Specialist. At M&S, Joanie is responsible for the financial operations of the firm, for clients and the Firm itself. She also assists with the coordination and implementation of the administrative items that are vital for the success of the Firm. Joanie takes a proactive approach to her role with the Firm.
Joanie is married to her wonderful husband, Xav and is a mother to her two children, Reagan and Pearce. Joanie is a resident of The Woodlands is also a Member of the South Montgomery Chamber of Commerce and regularly volunteers at Bridgewood Farms, as well as a team mother to her children’s extracurricular activities.
Rachel Frank
Rachel Frank, Front Office Assistant, joined the Firm in September of 2010. As the newest addition to the office, she has experience as an administrative assistant and looks forward to learning about Texas law procedures. She is continuing her education and is currently attending college classes in pursuit of her Bachelor’s Degree in Science and Nursing. At Martin & Stilwell, LLP, she greets clients, receives and routes phone calls and assists with the daily operations at the office in addition to providing overflow support to the attorneys and staff.
Rachel and her family are originally from Texas, though they have lived in California and Arkansas for a short time. She has a three year old son named Caleb and a miniature Schnauzer named Molly. Rachel and her family are also members of North Star Church in The Woodlands.
