LJ

Lawrence J. West, Business Attorney in Houston, Texas

Over 38 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Construction, and Litigation

West Mermis PLLC

Houston, TX

Practicing business in Houston since 1988.

38+
Years practicing
1
Bar admission

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Quick answer

Lawrence J. West is an attorney based in Houston, TEXAS. The practice focuses on Business, Construction, and Litigation. Lawrence has over 38 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at West Mermis PLLC.

Based in
Houston, TEXAS
Experience
over 38 years
Known for
Business · Construction · Litigation
  • Handles Business, Construction, and Litigation matters from Houston, TEXAS.
  • Over 38 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026).

About Lawrence J. West: Lawrence J. West is an attorney based in Houston, TEXAS. The practice focuses on Business, Construction, and Litigation. Lawrence has over 38 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at West Mermis PLLC.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Lawrence takes on

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

Business cases in Houston, Texas

Lawrence 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 Lawrence agrees to represent you.

Construction cases in Houston, Texas

Lawrence takes construction 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 Lawrence agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in Houston, Texas

Lawrence 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 Lawrence agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Lawrence J. West — business lawyer in Houston

Lawrence J. West is an attorney based in Houston, TEXAS. The practice focuses on Business, Construction, and Litigation. Lawrence has over 38 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at West Mermis PLLC.

Mr. West is the Managing partner, of West Mermis PLLC. He is in his 30th year of practice handling cases all over the State of Texas. His practice includes complex commercial litigation, construction defect litigation, business litigation and worksite accidents. He is AV Rated by Martindale-Hubbell, which is the highest rating in legal ability & ethical standards. This year he was again named both as a Super Lawyer and one of Texas’ Top Rated Lawyers. He was also named as a Best Lawyer and one of the Premier 100 by the National Academy of Jurisprudence. Mr. West is a frequent lecturer on business litigation, construction litigation, and risk shifting provisions in commercial contracts.

Working with Lawrence on a business matter

Mr. West is the Managing partner, of West Mermis PLLC. He is in his 30th year of practice handling cases all over the State of Texas. His practice includes complex commercial litigation, construction defect litigation, business litigation and worksite accidents. He is AV Rated by Martindale-Hubbell, which is the highest rating in legal ability & ethical standards. This year he was again named…

Clients Lawrence works with

Lawrence reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, construction, and litigation matters in Houston and the surrounding Texas area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

  • Southern Methodist University

    J.D. · 1988

  • The University of Texas

    B.B.A. · 1984

Jurisdictions

Lawrence's state bar admissions

  • Texas

    1988 · ACTIVE

Lawrence studied at J.D. in Southern Methodist University and B.B.A. in The University of Texas.

Law school and academic background

Lawrence completed J.D. in Southern Methodist University and B.B.A. in The University of Texas. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Lawrence runs in Texas is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

Lawrence has received 8 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Construction

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Insurance

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Awards:

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Texas Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2014-2019

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — National Academy of Jurisprudence Premier 100

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — AV Preeminent rating by Martindale-Hubbell

    2026

Legal awards and honors

Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Construction (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Insurance (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Awards: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Texas Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2014-2019 (2026).

Locations

Lawrence J. West's office in Houston

Lawrence's primary office is at 1301 McKinney Street, Suite 3120, Houston, Texas, 77010. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

West Mermis PLLC

1301 McKinney Street, Suite 3120

Houston, Texas 77010

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Lawrence J. West

Lawrence 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 Lawrence J. West — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

Lawrence charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Lawrence'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; Lawrence will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a business attorney in Houston, Texas

A short list to run through before you commit: How many business 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 Lawrence

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every business 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. Lawrence confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

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

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Lawrence J. West

  • How much does it cost to hire Lawrence for a business case?

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

  • Does Lawrence offer a free consultation?

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

  • How long do business cases in Texas typically take?

    Simple business 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. Lawrence gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

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

    Lawrence 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 — Lawrence 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 Lawrence?

    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. Lawrence will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Lawrence accepting new business clients right now?

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

Areas served

Business attorneys serving Houston, Dallas and Austin in Texas

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

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If Lawrence's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these business attorneys in Houston handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.