JOHNSON, VAUGHN &  HEISKELL

Attorneys at Law (Not a Partnership)

500 W. Seventh Street, Suite 700

Fort Worth, Texas 76102

Office: 817-457-2999

Facsimile: 817-496-1102

E-mail: firm@johnson-vaughn-heiskell.com

IN MEMORIAM:



On February 15, 2025, the Honorable L. Clifford Davis passed at the age of 100 years. Judge Davis, a true pioneer and legendary figure, not just in the legal field but in society as a whole, was formerly "Of Counsel" to the firm. Davis was a tireless leader and advocate. In 1955 he  filed the first desegregation lawsuit in Texas after the Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court  decision in 1954. His zealous  advocacy lead to the desegregation  of the Mansfield Independent School District  and the Fort Worth Independent School District. He shattered  racial barriers in both the public and private sectors and after his election to the Criminal District Court he was a leader by establishing the first drug diversion court in Tarrant County.


Judge Davis was a true icon whose efforts changed the history and landscape of Tarrant County, the State of Texas, and of this nation. His legacy is everlasting.



Past President, NACDL

External link opens in new tab or windowhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mh6XcQpmang


2022 Baylor Lawyer of the Year

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"FROM COURTHOUSE CRUSADER TO HALL OF FAMER"

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 "PREEMINENT: Having paramount rank, superiority, dignity or importance; Distinction above others; OUTSTANDING." Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary

 

For the past twenty five (25) years, Johnson, Vaughn & Heiskell has attained the highest rating ("AV") for professional legal standards and ethics as certified and listed by the Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers of the Martindale-Hubbell Bar Register.  Experienced and trusted attorneys and judges determine this highly coveted rating.


Johnson, Vaughn & Heiskell, was created in 1984 when three (3) Assistant United States Attorneys joined forces to provide legal services of a varied nature to the public. It was initially comprised of William "Bill" Johnson, the former Civil Chief of the U.S. Attorney's office for the Northern District of Texas; Anthony Vaughn, an Assistant in the Civil Division; and Michael P. Heiskell, an Assistant in the Criminal Division. Both Johnson and Vaughn met their untimely deaths in 1987 and 1992, respectively. However, Heiskell retains  the firm name due to the  stellar reputation it enjoys as a result of  the consistent hard work and high ethical standards adhered to by the lawyers associated with the firm.

 

The office currently consists of Michael P. Heiskell,  a Past President of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyer's organization, a Fellow of the prestigious  and exclusive American College of Trial Lawyers as well as the American Board of Criminal Lawyers. He is also a 2015 Texas Criminal Defense Lawyer's Association Hall of Fame Inductee. He is a past recipient of the Blackstone Award, the highest honor extended by the Tarrant County Bar Association.  External link opens in new tab or windowhttps://fwtx.com/news/michael-heiskell/. Heiskell's trial skills and legal acumen has resulted in numerous trial victories and a stellar reputation. His clients,  among others, have included corporate entities such as The Boeing Company, Daystar Ministries, and the  Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.


As a former federal and state prosecutor, Heiskell provides counsel in internal investigations as well as services in complex fraud and securities matters. In addition, Heiskell defends individuals  accused of Murder, Manslaughter and other serious offenses.


The office is conveniently located a block from the U.S. Courthouse and related federal agencies.