HOUSTON – AZA earned top ratings in Texas for two practice areas and five individual lawyers from Chambers USA, the gold standard of legal ratings. This marks the 11th year AZA was rated in the general commercial litigation category and the fourth year for its intellectual property (IP) practice. 

“Ahmad, Zavitsanos & Mensing are phenomenal. They're always creative and are always looking for angles to win the case,” an AZA client told Chambers researchers.  

John Zavitsanos earned a top ranking as one of the best Texas trial lawyers and is in the top band among lawyers rated for general commercial litigation.  

“John is an incredible trial lawyer who understands the judge, the jury and the way courts work. He eviscerates our opponents. He's so good at just jumping in and winning trials at short notice,” an AZA client told Chambers.  

Co-founder Joe Ahmad was again named as a “Star” for his labor and employment work for companies and executives. A reviewer told Chambers that Mr. Ahmad “is the most skilled trial attorney I have ever gone up against.”   

Todd Mensing and Tim Shelby  also were highly rated for their expertise in general commercial litigation. Jason McManis  was rated for his prowess in intellectual property. 

AZA clients told Chambers USA 2024 reviewers: 


  • “The team is impressive, has a very deep bench with very talented junior lawyers. They are given experience very early on, including at hearings and trials, and it shows.” 
  • “The firm sets the bar for excellence in advocacy. The team as a whole is so experienced, demonstrating an ability to work seamlessly together, leverage each other's strengths and skills, and maintain an agile working relationship with the client. They have the experience, the technology, the mindset and the support staff to win.” 
  • “The lawyers possess great attention to both detail and client needs. It is a really good firm.” 
  • “The team make you feel that yours is the only case they are working on. Their responsiveness, attention to every detail and availability is very important.” 
  • “AZA brought an immense amount of resources to bear at trial and left no stone unturned in defending their (IP) clients.” 
  • “I am very impressed with the firm's ability to creatively find solutions to complex (IP) issues and legal dilemmas.” 
  • “AZA is a highly resourceful (IP) team with a wide range of technical backgrounds. They are well connected and highly regarded within the industry.” 

 

About Mr. Zavitsanos: 


  • “He is a master of cross-examination.” 
  • “John is a skilled advocate who is not scared of trying cases.” 
  • “I like his trial instincts and confidence. Not a lot of lawyers out there try cases as frequently as he does, and it shows. John loves being in the courtroom.” 

 

About Mr. Ahmad: 


  • “He produces a great work product on both sides of the docket with a good grasp of the issues and strategies. Joseph is good in every respect of the word.” 
  • “He is a top lawyer in town.” 

 

About Mr. Mensing: 


  • “Todd provides superb service. He is always attentive to the matter, communicates extremely well and achieves excellent results for my company every single time.” 
  • “He's a razor-sharp strategist and is intuitive, decisive and driven to win, but also able to pivot easily as a case develops or client needs shift. He has an imposing presence backed up by a keen intellect, but also has a thoughtful and inclusive attitude, which brings out the best in the people working with him.” 
  • “Todd is an aggressive lawyer who will listen and work to the outcome we want. He is not afraid of a trial. He gives us solid advice.” 

 

About Mr. Shelby: 


  • “Tim is an excellent trial lawyer.” 
  • “Tim has good common sense and comes up with great strategy, which always leads to good results.” 

 


About Mr. McManis: 


  • “Jason was highly responsive and had an excellent level of technical understanding. He quickly grasped concepts which were very niche and industry specific.” 
  • “I have never seen anyone better in a courtroom. Jason is professional, extremely prepared and great under pressure.” 

 

Chambers USA, published by London-based Chambers and Partners, is considered the best international legal guide for business law firms. Ranked firms and practitioners are selected through thorough research and thousands of interviews with clients and lawyers. Selection criteria include technical legal ability, professional conduct, client service, commercial astuteness and other qualities valued by clients. 

AZA, or Ahmad, Zavitsanos & Mensing, is a Houston-based law firm that is home to true courtroom lawyers with a formidable track record in complex commercial litigation, including energy, healthcare, intellectual property and business dispute cases. AZA is recognized by Chambers USA 2024 as among the best in Texas in commercial law and intellectual property; has been listed by Best Lawyers’ Best Law Firms as one of the country’s best commercial litigation firms for 12 years; has been named Litigation Department of the Year by Texas Lawyer three times; and was previously dubbed a Texas Powerhouse law firm by Law360.