Terry Kernell, Business Attorney in Houston, Texas
focused on Business and Litigation
Houston, TX
Trusted business attorney serving Houston.
- 1
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Practices in
Are you Terry Kernell?
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Quick answer
Terry Kernell is an attorney based in Houston, TEXAS. The practice focuses on Business and Litigation. Currently practicing at Rusty Hardin & Associates LLP.
- Based in
- Houston, TEXAS
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Business · Litigation
- Handles Business and Litigation matters from Houston, TEXAS.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026).
About Terry Kernell: Terry Kernell is an attorney based in Houston, TEXAS. The practice focuses on Business and Litigation. Currently practicing at Rusty Hardin & Associates LLP.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Terry takes on
Terry concentrates on business and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Terry handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business cases in Houston, Texas
Terry 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 Terry agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Houston, Texas
Terry 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 Terry agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Terry Kernell — business lawyer in Houston
Terry Kernell is an attorney based in Houston, TEXAS. The practice focuses on Business and Litigation. Currently practicing at Rusty Hardin & Associates LLP.
With nearly 30 years of experience, Terry D. Kernell assists clients in complex commercial litigation, although he often lends his experience and expertise in probate litigation and personal injury matters. Mr. Kernell has handled cases in federal and state courts as well as domestic and international arbitrations. His experience includes business contracts and torts, trade secrets, antitrust, and qui tam claims under the federal False Claims Act. He has served as lead counsel for individuals and businesses on both sides of the aisle in a wide variety of cases in industries such as health care, energy, banking and finance, entertainment, and commercial and residential real estate and construction. In fact, there are very few industries Mr. Kernell hasn’t dealt with in some shape or form.
In each case he handles, Mr. Kernell’s goal is always the same: further his clients’ interests by finding creative and practical solutions. His approach has resulted a high level of success. This success doesn’t always come easy.
Those who have worked with Mr. Kernell have come to depend on his unwaveringly zealous advocacy for their positions and expect him to always give the unvarnished truth, whatever that may be. This is an indispensable part of his job and helps to solve his clients’ issues as efficiently and expeditiously as possible. He has always believed that the best decisions are made after the hardest conversations.
Mr. Kernell received his law degree from Baylor Law School, graduating second in his class. From there, he practiced at Mayer Brown in Houston for 16 years. After working with Rusty Hardin for three years, he cofounded the Commercial Litigation and Employment Law boutique of Hoover Kernell in 2010. There, he continued representing and counseling businesses, business owners, and individuals in complex commercial litigation matters. He returned to Rusty Hardin & Associates in 2017, where he now serves as managing partner.
Terry's approach to business cases
With nearly 30 years of experience, Terry D. Kernell assists clients in complex commercial litigation, although he often lends his experience and expertise in probate litigation and personal injury matters. Mr. Kernell has handled cases in federal and state courts as well as domestic and international arbitrations. His experience includes business contracts and torts, trade secrets, antitrust,…
The kind of cases Terry takes
Terry reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business and litigation matters in Houston and the surrounding Texas area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Baylor University
J.D. · 1991
University of Oklahoma - Tulsa
B.A. · 1988
Jurisdictions
Terry's state bar admissions
Texas, State Bar of
ACTIVE
Terry studied at J.D. in Baylor University and B.A. in University of Oklahoma - Tulsa.
Law school and academic background
Terry completed J.D. in Baylor University and B.A. in University of Oklahoma - Tulsa. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Terry runs in Texas is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Terry has received 5 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Lawdragon 500 Leading Litigators in America, 2023-2026
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Texas Super Lawyers, Thomson Reuters, 2008-2025
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Texas Rising Stars, Thomson Reuters, 2006-2007
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Awards: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Lawdragon 500 Leading Litigators in America, 2023-2026 (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Texas Super Lawyers, Thomson Reuters, 2008-2025 (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Texas Rising Stars, Thomson Reuters, 2006-2007 (2026).
Locations
Terry Kernell's office in Houston
Terry's primary office is at 1401 McKinney Street, Houston, Texas, 77010. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Terry Kernell
Terry 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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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Terry Kernell — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Terry usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Terry charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Terry'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; Terry 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 Terry
Terry 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. Terry confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Terry'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 Terry Kernell
How much does it cost to hire Terry for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Terry walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Terry offer a free consultation?
Terry charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Terry's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Terry'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. Terry gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Terry take my case if I'm outside Houston?
Terry 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 — Terry 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 Terry?
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. Terry will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Terry accepting new business clients right now?
Terry'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
Terry 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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