D Magazine Best Lawyers
DALLAS, Texas (May 1, 2026) – Dan G. Baucum, Kelly J. Kubasta, and Todd Shadle of FBFK Law have been named to D Magazine’s 2026 Best Lawyers list, a recognition shaped by peer nomination and a rigorous, multi-step selection process.
Candidates are evaluated by fellow attorneys for both legal skill and character, followed by independent review and final selection by a panel of respected legal leaders.
This recognition highlights the trust these attorneys have built in the legal community and their ongoing commitment to providing clear, business-focused counsel that supports clients at every stage.
The 2026 Best Lawyers list will appear in an upcoming issue of D Magazine, highlighting attorneys making a meaningful impact across their respective practice areas.
Dan Baucum, Chair of FBFK Law’s Tax, Trusts and Estates Section, advises clients on complex federal tax matters tied to business transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, restructurings, and entity formations. He brings deep experience working with pass-through entities and high-net-worth estate planning, while also representing clients in IRS controversies at the highest levels. A former Special Assistant to the IRS Assistant Chief Counsel, Dan has played a direct role in shaping key tax guidance and regulations, giving him a rare, insider perspective that informs his strategic, business-focused approach. In addition to his practice, he is a respected leader and educator in the tax community, with decades of involvement in bar leadership and legal education. View Profile
Kelly J. Kubasta, Shareholder at FBFK Law, focuses his practice on developing and executing intellectual property strategies that strengthen and protect clients’ competitive advantages. He advises clients across the full lifecycle of IP, from building and managing domestic and international portfolios to monetizing assets through complex technology transactions and enforcing rights in high-stakes disputes. A registered patent attorney, Kelly brings a comprehensive perspective shaped by experience before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board, the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board, and in federal court, allowing him to align legal strategy with business outcomes. View Profile
Todd Shadle, Shareholder at FBFK Law, has developed an expertise in labor and employment law based on 30 years of experience in the field. Demonstrating these capabilities, he is board-certified in Labor and Employment Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. His employment law experience includes counseling and preparation of policies and handbooks, conducting investigations, handling administrative matters before state and federal agencies, and litigating claims that cannot be resolved. These issues include claims under Title VII, ADA, ADEA, FLSA, FMLA, state causes of action, covenants not to compete, and trade secret litigation. Todd also handles complex business disputes, including cases involving breach of contract, partnership disputes, fraud, and breach of fiduciary duty. View Profile
Media Contact:
Ekaterina Ferguson
Chief Marketing Officer, FBFK Law
[email protected]
About FBFK Law
With more than 20 years of legal expertise and success across Texas and the United States, Dallas-based FBFK Law is a people-first, entrepreneurial, full-service business law firm with offices in Plano, Houston, and Austin, Texas, as well as Orange County, San Diego and Century City, California. Driven by a commitment to building lasting client relationships grounded in high-quality representation and exceptional service, FBFK Law partners with clients nationwide across its core capabilities, including Corporate & M&A, Litigation & Trial, Intellectual Property, Labor & Employment, Tax, Bankruptcy & Restructuring, Commercial Real Estate, Health Law, and International Transactions & Dispute Resolution.
