Naman Howell Partner Stephanie Potter Argues Before U.S. Court of Appeals
Last month, Naman Howell partner
Stephanie Potter had the opportunity to travel to New Orleans to argue before the United
States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Obtaining oral argument
in an immigration appeal is a major accomplishment -- last year, the Fifth
Circuit heard argument in less than 5% of its immigration appeals. Stephanie
reports that argument before Judges King, Smith, and Willett went very
well, despite the high legal burdens borne by asylum applicants such as
her client. Stephanie typically represents telephone and electric utilities
and other businesses in Texas state and federal courts or administrative
proceedings, so getting to argue immigration issues against the U.S. Department
of Justice was an unforgettable experience. A ruling is expected later
this year.
This was Stephanie's first asylum case. She was referred the client by American Gateways during the earliest phase of the client's asylum application in 2016. The client is a former police officer who fled threats from a violent Central American gang with his then 8-year-old son. The family is incredibly appreciative of Stephanie's years-long support, and she is humbled by Naman Howell's support of this significant pro bono effort. San Antonio partner Jamie Parker lent his appellate expertise to her preparation, Austin associate Rachel Heckelman helped with written briefing, and Austin law clerk Robert Fuqua performed extensive case law research before argument.
Many other Austin-area attorneys volunteered their support for Stephanie's efforts in this case over the years, including American Gateways supervising attorney Robert Painter; immigration law mentors Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch (Lincoln-Goldfinch Law) and Elizabeth Henneke (Lone Star Justice Alliance); professors Denise Gilman, Barbara Hines, Stephen Vladeck, and Ranjana Natarajan (UT School of Law); Leah Buratti and Mitch Verboncoeur (McKool Smith); Ryan Anderson (Law Offices of Ryan Anderson); Shannon Bangle and Brian Potter (Bangle & Potter); and Karen Vladek (Witliff Cutter).
About Stephanie Potter
Stephanie’s practice focuses on civil litigation and administrative law with a significant portion being devoted to public utilities law. Stephanie has represented utility clients in regulatory proceedings involving hundreds of millions of dollars before the State Office of Administrative Hearings, the Public Utility Commission of Texas, in state district and appellate courts, and in arbitration. She also assists utility clients with Federal Energy Regulatory Commission filings. Stephanie represents non-utility clients in a wide-ranging regulatory and administrative proceedings, assisting businesses and individuals with permits, licensing, and enforcement actions before various Texas state agencies including the Railroad Commission, the Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation, the Texas Real Estate Commission, and others
In addition to her administrative practice, Stephanie represents business clients in state and federal court disputes throughout Texas, both at the trial and appellate lawyers. She also performs pro bono work in divorce and immigration cases as outlined above.
To learn more about Stephanie Potter or the many other skilled attorneys in the firm, please visit the firm’s attorney profiles section.
About Naman Howell Smith & Lee, PLLC
Since 1917, Naman Howell Smith & Lee has been providing individuals and businesses throughout Texas with the personal attentiveness and expertise they need on their legal matters when they need it most. We pride ourselves on our heritage, vision, and exceptional results. For more information about Naman Howell, please visit namanhowell.com.