Practice Areas
Education
Baylor University School of Law, J.D., 2005, cum laude; Senior executive editor, Baylor Law Review
Southwestern University, B.A., 2002
Admissions
State Bar of Texas
Persis’ proactive approach and extensive background in complex commercial and energy litigation matters consistently deliver favorable outcomes for her clients. Known for her sharp diligence and unwavering tenacity, Persis excels in unraveling intricate legal issues and crafting innovative solutions. Clients turn to her for practical, strategic guidance that aligns with their objectives, minimizing both risk and litigation costs. Whether in state and federal courts or arbitration settings, Persis’ ability to provide informed counsel ensures clients receive the tailored support needed to navigate challenging legal landscapes effectively.
Prior to joining Hicks Johnson, Persis served as counsel in the Gas & Power Marketing Company at Exxon Mobil Corporation. In this role, she advised clients on all areas of the natural gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) value chain and project lifecycle, and secured permits and authorizations from various federal and state agencies. Persis also spent four years as a litigation associate at Vinson & Elkins, where she represented clients in large-scale commercial lawsuits and appeals.
Notable Experience
- Represented client in a $200 million expert determination concerning the construction of a gas processing plant in west Texas and the execution of a Gas Treatment and CO2 Delivery Agreement. Despite conceding liability for substantial penalties owing due to our client’s failure to deliver contractually required volumes of CO2, we obtained a reduction in liability of approximately $20 million by arguing offsets from a separate contract between the parties and compensation for CO2 deliveries from a time period not contemplated by the contract.
- Represented energy industry client in a $100 million-plus domestic arbitration concerning the propriety of amounts charged by the operator under the parties’ joint operating agreement.
- Represented major oil company in several audit disputes concerning amounts charged by the operator under the parties’ joint operating agreement.
- Represented Natural Resource Partners in a case pertaining to mine operator’s declaration of force majeure after the Hillsboro Mine in the Illinois Coal Basin experienced underground spontaneous combustion. Case involved highly technical issues of mine ventilation, regulatory oversight, and longwall mining and ultimately Natural Resource Partners obtained one of the largest settlements in Illinois: $190 million on the eve of trial.
- Represented energy industry client in several adversary proceedings regarding the propriety of client’s termination of certain purchase orders.
- Represented major oil company in obtaining favorable settlement in dispute regarding whether vendor was entitled to payment for alleged damage to equipment.
Honors and Awards
- Future Litigation Star, Benchmark Litigation (2025)
- Texas Rising Star, Thomson Reuters’ Super Lawyers® (2020)
Professional Affiliations
- American Bar Association