our philosophy
Overview
Donato, Brown, Pool & Moehlmann is a Houston-based boutique litigation firm known for its deep bench of experienced trial attorneys and focus on sophisticated, high-stakes civil litigation. Founded in 1995, the firm now comprises lawyers, partners, senior attorneys, associates, and litigators, who collectively boast over 150 years of combined legal experience
Core Philosophy
Our firm combines cutting-edge technology with a traditional courtroom approach, emphasizing advanced document management and trial presentation systems to efficiently manage large‑loss, document‑intensive cases. Our willingness and reputation for taking cases to trial allow us to secure fair and equitable settlements.
Practice Strengths
Our main areas of expertise include:
Insurance Defense & Coverage, including bad-faith claims and first-party property disputes
Large-loss Subrogation, with domestic and international insurers in chemical, petrochemical, and refinery-related disputes
Trucking & Transportation, Construction Litigation, Products Liability, Maritime, Professional Liability, Premises Liability, Fire/Explosion, General Civil Litigation, and Commercial Transactions
Recognized regionally, our firm maintains a Tier 1 ranking in Houston for Personal Injury Litigation (Defendants) and a Tier 2 placement in Admiralty & Maritime Law
“Our reputation for being willing and able to try cases makes it easier for us to achieve fair and equitable settlements for our clients.”
— Bob Brown
Leadership Team
Randy G. Donato – founding partner
Robert “Bob” D. Brown – partner, noted for his litigation prowess
Aaron M. Pool – partner, experienced in both trial-level and appellate cases; named Texas Super Lawyer (2012–2014)
Robbie A. Moehlmann – partner with 22 years defending insurers, strong in coverage counseling, policy drafting, and trial advocacy; involved in major verdicts and summary judgments, including a $455M verdict in subrogation
Additional partners include Brad Bedwell, Jeff Haas, Sara Vanderford, David Brill, Todd Vance, Sean Russell, Ross Bale, Sabrina Karels, plus senior and associate counsel
Industry Recognition & Affiliation
A proud member of the Primerus International Society of Law Firms, we serve a diverse roster of clients—major insurers, utilities, manufacturers, oil & gas firms, pipeline and maritime entities, refineries, petrochemical operators, and trucking companies. Our reputation for tackling multi‑million‑dollar subrogation cases is well‑established.
Exceptional industry insight
Whether seeking a coverage opinion, defense, subrogation, or commercial litigation, you can be confident we will attack your dispute with enthusiasm and integrity. Rest assured, the size of the claim never determines the quality of our work.
Sophisticated lawyering
While we embrace our reputation as trial lawyers, we also recognize the need to efficiently address your claim. Our clients benefit from the edge our courthouse reputation brings to the negotiation table.
From the beginning, we made a commitment to utilizing cutting edge technology in the practice of law. This continuing commitment to technology prepares us for large-loss, document-intensive, and otherwise complex civil litigation.
Technology
The firm is committed to supporting many community organizations throughout Texas and nationwide. The firm's attorneys and staff engage in a wide variety of public service activities, including funding scholarship programs, sponsoring nonprofit events, nonprofit board leadership positions and participating in volunteer work.