Branch M. Sheppard | Senior Associate
Branch was born and raised in Houston, Texas. He graduated with high honors from the University of St. Thomas and received his J.D. from South Texas College of Law in 2001. Branch has worked in the areas of first party and third party insurance defense, personal injury representing both plaintiffs and defendants, toxic tort defense, mass actions, business litigation, commercial litigation, and estate planning, while also representing debtors in a handful of Chapter 7 cases.
While Branch continues to work in other areas of the law, since 2005, he has focused his practice on creditor’s rights. He represents lenders and other secured creditors in real estate foreclosures, bankruptcy matters, evictions, and mortgage litigation. Branch has handled matters for clients relating to the servicing of mortgage loans and other issues in the mortgage banking industry in United States Bankruptcy Courts, United States District Courts, and in Texas state courts.
Branch strives to give his clients, in the U.S. and abroad, his closest personal attention. He believes that the cornerstone to excellent representation is communication. He makes himself available to his clients whenever they call upon him and his legal expertise is needed.
On a personal level, Branch and his wife Haley have three children. He also has an extensive movie memorabilia and autograph collection, and is the proud owner of a 1969 Dodge Charger.
Focus Areas
Bankruptcy Law
Business Litigation
Commercial Litigation
Creditor’s Rights
Estate Planning
Real Estate Foreclosure
Bar Admissions
State Bar of Texas, 2001
United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, 2011
United States District and Bankruptcy Courts, Southern District of Texas, 2005
United States District and Bankruptcy Courts, Eastern District of Texas, 2006
United States District and Bankruptcy Courts, Northern District of Texas, 2006
United States District and Bankruptcy Courts, Western District of Texas, 2006
Education
South Texas College of Law, Houston, Texas, J.D., 2001
University of St. Thomas, Houston, Texas, B.A., Political Science/Pre-Law (Magna Cum Laude), 1997
St. Thomas Episcopal School, Houston, Texas (Magna Cum Laude), 1993
Professional Associations and Memberships
State Bar of Texas – Member
Houston Association of Young Bankruptcy Lawyers – Member
Houston Racquet Club – Member
Notable Cases
In re Mullin, ___ B.R. ___, 2010 WL 2680868 (Bankr. S.D. Tex. 2010)
In re McLaughlin and associated cases, 09-60340-RBK-13 (Bankr. W.D. Tex. 2009)
In re Walker, Case No. 05-31704-H4-13 (Bankr. S.D. Tex. 2007)
In re Maxey, 2006 WL 3834218 (Bankr. S.D. Tex. 2006)
Annie L. Lewis v. Deutsche Bank National Trust Co., Case No. H-06-2651 (S.D. Tex. 2006)
Homecomings Financial Network, Inc. vs. Linda Bell and Bob Bell, Case No. 3:06-CV-1342-P (Bankr. N. D. Tex. 2006)
Publications and Speaking Engagements
Co-Author, “The New and Improved RESPA: What Is It? What Was Amended? Why Do We Need to Know About It?” presented at the Advanced Consumer Bankruptcy Course in Dallas, Texas, June, 2010.
Community Involvement
West Houston Christian Sports Association – Volunteer Baseball and Basketball Coach for St. Michael Catholic School
West U Little League – Volunteer Baseball Coach