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J. Stephen Barrick, Appellate Attorney in Houston, Texas

Over 30 years of legal practice · focused on Appellate, Business, and Insurance

Hicks Thomas LLP

Houston, TX

Practicing appellate in Houston since 1996.

30+
Years practicing
1
Bar admission

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J. Stephen Barrick is an attorney based in Houston, TEXAS. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and Insurance. J. has over 30 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Hicks Thomas LLP.

Based in
Houston, TEXAS
Experience
over 30 years
Known for
Appellate · Business · Insurance
  • Handles Appellate, Business, and Insurance matters from Houston, TEXAS.
  • Over 30 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Appellate Practice (2026).

About J. Stephen Barrick: J. Stephen Barrick is an attorney based in Houston, TEXAS. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and Insurance. J. has over 30 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Hicks Thomas LLP.

Areas of practice

J.'s practice areas in Houston

J. concentrates on appellate, business, insurance, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case J. handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Appellate cases in Houston, Texas

J. takes appellate matters in Houston, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before J. agrees to represent you.

Business cases in Houston, Texas

J. takes business matters in Houston, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before J. agrees to represent you.

Insurance cases in Houston, Texas

J. takes insurance matters in Houston, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before J. agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in Houston, Texas

J. takes litigation matters in Houston, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before J. agrees to represent you.

Biography

J. Stephen Barrick, appellate attorney serving Houston

J. Stephen Barrick is an attorney based in Houston, TEXAS. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and Insurance. J. has over 30 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Hicks Thomas LLP. J. works from Houston, Texas and takes on appellate matters across the region.

Stephen Barrick began his career more than 20 years ago as a law clerk in Houston, Texas, where he worked at the federal district court. He later joined international firm Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, where he practiced trial and appellate law. Since 2008, Mr. Barrick has made his home at Hick Thomas LLP, where he focuses on business litigation and appeals.

Mr. Barrick is Board Certified in Civil Appellate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. He has earned selection to Texas Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters every year since 2012 for his appellate and business litigation expertise.

Mr. Barrick received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of California at Berkeley. He later attended University of Houston Law Center, where he graduated magna cum laude. There, he was a member of the Order of the Coif and the Order of the Barons. He also served as the Notes and Comments editor of the Houston Law Review. He is licensed to practice in all Texas state and federal courts, as well as the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth, Ninth, and Tenth Circuits, and the United States Supreme Court.

J.'s approach to appellate cases

Stephen Barrick began his career more than 20 years ago as a law clerk in Houston, Texas, where he worked at the federal district court. He later joined international firm Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, where he practiced trial and appellate law. Since 2008, Mr. Barrick has made his home at Hick Thomas LLP, where he focuses on business litigation and appeals. Mr. Barrick is Board Certified in…

Clients J. works with

J. reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, business, and insurance matters in Houston and the surrounding Texas area.

Credentials

Credentials — where J. studied and practices

  • University of Houston Law Center

    J.D. · 1996

  • University of California Berkeley

    B.A. · 1989

Jurisdictions

J.'s state bar admissions

  • Texas

    1996 · ACTIVE

J. studied at J.D. in University of Houston Law Center and B.A. in University of California Berkeley.

Law school and academic background

J. completed J.D. in University of Houston Law Center and B.A. in University of California Berkeley. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice J. runs in Texas is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

J.'s legal honors and published work

J. has received 10 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • Best Lawyers in America — Appellate Practice

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Insurance

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Energy Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Insurance Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Awards:

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — 500 Leading Litigators in America by Lawdragon, 2023-2026

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Named to Texas Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2012-2025

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Texas Rising Stars by Thomson Reuters, 2004-2007

    2026

Legal awards and honors

Best Lawyers in America — Appellate Practice (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Insurance (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Energy Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Insurance Law (2026).

Locations

J. Stephen Barrick's office in Houston

J.'s primary office is at 700 Louisiana Street, Suite 2300, Houston, Texas, 77002. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Hicks Thomas LLP

700 Louisiana Street, Suite 2300

Houston, Texas 77002

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Client feedback

Client reviews of J. Stephen Barrick

J. has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

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Hiring guide

How to hire J. Stephen Barrick — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new appellate attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with J. usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

J. charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain J.'s office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; J. will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a appellate attorney in Houston, Texas

A short list to run through before you commit: How many appellate matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for J.

J. discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in appellate practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every appellate matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. J. confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

J.'s office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many appellate practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about J. Stephen Barrick

  • How much does it cost to hire J. for a appellate case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. J. walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does J. offer a free consultation?

    J. charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain J.'s office. Some appellate attorneys offer free consults — check J.'s current terms during booking.

  • How long do appellate cases in Texas typically take?

    Simple appellate matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. J. gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can J. take my case if I'm outside Houston?

    J. is licensed in Texas. Matters governed by Texas law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — J. will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

  • What should I bring to my first meeting with J.?

    Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. J. will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is J. accepting new appellate clients right now?

    J.'s intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Appellate attorneys serving Houston, Dallas and Austin in Texas

J. handles appellate matters throughout Texas. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified appellate attorneys in that community.

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