Today we’d like to introduce you to John Nechman, Mitchell Katine.
Founded in 2008, Katine & Nechman brings together the diverse talents and storied reputations of its founding partners, Mitchell and John; the skill and dedication of associate attorneys Ashley J. Scott and Neil H. Mclaurin and a seasoned paralegal staff, an effective, efficient, and fearless approach to accomplishing the needs of its clients, the personal touch of a boutique firm coupled with the array of services and access expected of a large firm, commitment and understanding of the vibrant city of Houston and its diverse population. Houston is the only major US city without zoning laws. Most neighborhoods are governed by homeowner associations and complex deed restrictions. Commercial and personal real estate acquisitions call for attorneys well-versed in the unique system of rules and regulations that affect Houston and much of the Texas Gulf Coast. Over his career, Mitchell has established a reputation as an exceptional attorney on real estate matters, particularly homeowner association law.
He represents associations as well as individuals in disputes with associations. His experience as a Commissioner with the Texas Real Estate Commission and the invaluable connections he has made over his career position him and the firm well in handling the real estate needs of Houston and those looking to establish businesses or homes here.
Mitchell also handles employment matters, second parent adoptions, and estate planning.
John, who handles immigration and criminal cases, has championed immigrant rights for his entire career. He speaks fluent Spanish, and he works to cement the firm’s role as a leader in the fight to better the lives of Houston’s immigrants and assist businesses navigating the bewildering maze of immigration-related rules and regulations. Associate attorney Neil McLaurin handles real estate transactional and litigation matters, and Ashley J. Scott handles family law, business formations, and civil litigation matters. The firm is also well known for its commitment, dedication, and success in fighting for equality for the LGBT and HIV communities. Mitchell was lead counsel in the most important U.S. Supreme Court decision to date on LGBT rights–Lawrence v. Texas.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Our biggest struggles have been finding ways to achieve our clients’ goals when the laws were not always in our favor. A substantial part of our practice has involved working on behalf of often-marginalized, under-represented communities. For example, every second Tuesday of every month, in a partnership with AiDS Foundation Houston and Organización Latina Transgénera de Texas, our office offers free consultations to those whose lives are affected by HIV as well as transgender individuals. Our office has been involved in some of the most important cases affecting these communities as well as others in the immigrant and LGBT community. We often had the challenge of finding legal ways for same-sex binational couples to stay together, for example, when the law precluded the ability of US citizens to sponsor their same-sex spouses for legal residence, a right that heterosexual citizens had. We had to fight for incredibly difficult to obtain waivers of inadmissibility when the US was one of the only countries in the world that barred the entry of HIV positive individuals. And we’ve often found ourselves in the heat of the legal battle itself, working with other firms and national organizations such as Lambda Legal and the ACLU to improve the plight of so many of the communities whose rights we have championed.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Katine & Nechman LLP story. Tell us more about the business.
Our primary difference is that we are an LGBT-0wned firm. We are proud of our work on behalf of the LGBT community but equally as proud of our representation of people from all communities. Our immigration practice means, too, that we have a substantial international focus, which serves us well in the amazing diverse city of Houston.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
We are particularly lucky that the day that the National Buffalo Soldiers Museum put their former headquarters at 1834 Southmore up for sale. We just happened to see the posting. We knew the historical significance of the museum and its tremendous location in Houston’s historic Third Ward, just blocks from Hermann Park and the Museum District/Medical Center. Most of the courts where we practice are close by and the building has a parking lot with space for 20 cars. We jumped at the chance to own this historical site, and we have been thrilled with our home ever since. We have maintained close ties with the Buffalo Soldiers, who moved to a new location in Midtown, and memorabilia from the Museum is still on display in our office.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1834 Southmore Boulevard Houston, Texas 77004
- Website: http://www.lawkn.com
- Phone: 7138081000
- Email: info@lawkn.com
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Katine.Nechman
- Twitter: http://twitter.com/Katine_nechman
- Yelp: http://www.yelp.com/biz/katine-and-nechman-llp-houston
- Other: http://www.avvo.com/attorneys/77004-tx-john-nechman-55383.html
Image Credit:
John Nechman
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