Wood Smith Henning & Berman is pleased to announce that Sara Vanderford, a strategic and solutions-driven trial attorney with more than a decade of experience in defense litigation, has joined the firm's Houston office as a partner effective April 1, 2026.
Vanderford is known for providing high-level legal and strategic advice to corporate leadership, particularly in complex and fast-moving risk environments. Her practice focuses on defense litigation, risk management, regulatory and operational issue spotting, commercial contract strategy, and crisis response. She has extensive experience advising clients in the transportation, construction, product liability, and heavy industry sectors, where she works closely with leadership teams to align legal strategy with business objectives and operational realities.
"Sara Vanderford brings exactly the kind of strategic, business-focused legal thinking that our clients are looking for," said Houston Managing Partner Spencer Dunn. "She understands the complex risk landscapes, communicates effectively with leadership teams, and provides practical, high-judgment counsel in situations where business and legal decisions must move quickly and decisively."
In addition to her trial and litigation work, Vanderford advises clients on corporate governance, privacy and data-handling considerations, regulatory compliance, and risk mitigation strategies. She is known for identifying risk patterns across operations and helping organizations implement practical solutions and alternative mitigation strategies that support both legal compliance and business goals.
"I am excited to join WSHB and to work with a team that is deeply committed to client service, practical problem-solving, and high-level litigation strategy," said Vanderford. "I look forward to working with clients across Texas and nationally to help them navigate complex litigation, regulatory challenges, and operational risk while supporting their broader business objectives."
Vanderford is licensed to practice law in Texas and is based in WSHB’s Houston office.
Wood Smith Henning & Berman: Your Trusted Partner
Experience the power of a proven industry leader in the law. Wood Smith Henning & Berman (WSHB) is renowned globally for our exceptional trial results and expertise in handling complex litigation. With our nationwide network of over 500 lawyers across 43 office locations, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive litigation and counsel to both public and private companies. From start-ups to Fortune 100 corporations, we deliver unrivaled legal representation that consistently achieves favorable outcomes for our clients.
At WSHB, our strength lies in our diverse and accomplished team of attorneys. We boast thought leaders and defense specialists in over 41 fields of practice, covering an extensive range of specialties. Founded in 1997, we are proud to be among the top ten law firms in the nation for diversity, female partners, female lawyers, and Hispanic lawyers. This rich tapestry of diversity forms the foundation of our success when presenting cases to juries of our peers, ensuring we understand the unique nuances underlying each claim.
Our expansive geographic footprint allows us to provide effective and efficient representation to clients nationwide, regardless of their location, background, or legal expertise. By prioritizing strategic and cost-effective approaches to litigation, our dedicated attorneys work tirelessly to protect the interests of our clients. We have a track record of success, securing numerous victories such as summary judgments and defense verdicts on behalf of our clients. As a trial firm, we have taken over 2,000 cases to verdict, making us well-equipped to handle even the most complex and high-stakes litigation matters across the country.