The Houston office of Fisher & Phillips, a management-side labor and employment law firm, announced today that Jeff Barnes and Mauro Ramirez have been named to the 2016 Texas Super Lawyers® Rising Stars list. This exclusive list recognizes less than 3 percent of Texas lawyers. Additionally, attorneys must be under 40 years of age or have been practicing less than 10 years.

Jeff Barnes, a partner in Fisher & Phillips’ Houston office, has been named to the list of Rising Stars every year since 2007. Barnes is Board Certified in Labor and Employment Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. He represents employers in all aspects of labor and employment law. He has developed a special expertise in cases involving violations of non-compete agreements, theft of trade secrets, and unfair competition, and he is a frequent speaker on these issues. Barnes also has significant experience representing employers in Fair Labor Standards Act collective actions and advising clients regarding wage and hour compliance. He graduated from the University of Virginia School of Law in 2004.

Mauro Ramirez, associate in the Houston office of Fisher & Phillips, graduated from the University Of Texas School Of Law in May 2007. He has spent his career representing clients in all matters of employment law and has successfully defended employers across Texas in lawsuits alleging discrimination, hostile-work environments, retaliation, improper denial of medical leave, and wage and hour violations. He has achieved the dismissal of claims through summary judgment and has been part of trial teams that secured favorable outcomes. He also regularly counsels clients in various industries concerning day-to-day employment issues.

Selections for the list are based upon independent research and peer nominations from the Thomson Reuters-owned publication. Recognition in Super Lawyers Rising Stars demonstrates an exemplary degree of respect and professional achievement the lawyer has earned from peers.