TK

Terry Kernell, Business Attorney in Houston, Texas

focused on Business and Litigation

Trusted business attorney serving Houston.

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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.

Main office

Rusty Hardin & Associates LLP

1401 McKinney Street

Houston, Texas 77010

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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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Hiring 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.

More counsel

If Terry'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.