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Dakota Johnson is a dedicated legal professional with a strong engineering background and a commitment to securing the best possible outcomes for his clients. He earned his Juris Doctor degree from South Texas College of Law Houston, where he distinguished himself academically by making the Dean’s Honor List. His accolades include the prestigious CAPT Kevin J. Barry, USCG Endowed Student Award, as well as a scholarship from the Oil, Gas & Energy Resources Law Section of the State Bar of Texas.
Before embarking on his legal career, Dakota gained invaluable experience in the United States Navy, where he worked at two separate nuclear facilities. While stationed on a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, he trained over 150 personnel on the design and operation of nuclear power plants and oversaw the execution of chemistry and radiological control plans to ensure safe reactor operations. This experience not only deepened his technical knowledge but also instilled in him a strong sense of responsibility and dedication to safety and compliance. During his time in the Navy, Dakota graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technologies from Old Dominion University.
Dakota’s legal focus centers on product liability and personal injury cases, where he effectively leverages his engineering experience to advocate for clients impacted by complex technical issues. His analytical skills, honed through years of rigorous engineering training, enable him to dissect complicated cases and present compelling arguments that resonate in the courtroom. Dakota understands the nuances of technical subjects, allowing him to communicate intricate concepts effectively with both clients and juries.
Outside of his professional life, Dakota is a devoted family man, happily married and the proud father of two children. He values quality time with his family and enjoys adventures that foster a strong family bond. This personal commitment inspires his dedication to helping others through his legal career. Dakota believes that the same care and support he provides to his family should extend to his clients, ensuring they receive the representation and justice they deserve.
J.D., South Texas College of Law Houston
B.S., Old Dominion University, Mechanical Engineering Technologies
Navy Nuclear Power Training Program
Recognized as a Rising Star in 2019, 2020 and 2021 by Texas Super Lawyers, Phil is also a Fellow in the Texas Bar Foundation. Prior to becoming a lawyer, taught in the Houston Independent School District at an inner-city middle school. He also served as a bandmaster and musician on Norwegian, Celebrity, Holland America and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. He is admitted to the Fifth Circuit, Southern District of Texas and Western District of Texas in the federal court system.
Phil lives in Houston with his wife and their two young boys. When not working, Phil can be found coaching or assisting with his kids’ sports, enjoying Houston’s vibrant arts scene with his wife, or cheering on the Astros.
J.D., University of Virginia School of Law
M.A., The Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies
B.A., Washington & Lee University, Politics
Randy is the past President of the Texas Association of Civil Trial and Appellate Specialists, and past Chair of the Fellows of the Texas Bar Foundation. He has served as the President of the Houston Bar Association, President of the Houston Trial Lawyers Association, President of the Houston Trial Lawyers Foundation, Vice President of the Texas Trial Lawyers Association, Trustee of the Texas Bar Foundation, Director of the State Bar of Texas (two terms), Commissioner of the Equal Access to Justice Commission, Trustee of the Texas Supreme Court Historical Society, and is currently on the Board of Directors at South Texas College of Law Houston.
Randy started his legal career at Fulbright & Jaworski, where he represented doctors, hospitals, insurance companies, and businesses in the state of Texas who were accused of civil wrongdoing. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from South Texas College of Law Houston in 1987, where he was on the Law Review and was a member of the nationally recognized Board of Advocates. South Texas College of Law Houston has honored Randy with its highest honor— the Dean’s Medal, as well as its Public Service Award (the inaugural award). South Texas College of Law Houston has renamed its legal clinics The Randall O. Sorrels Legal Clinics, which represents 15,000 square feet of new, state-of-the-art facilities to bring together clients with unmet legal needs and students who are eager to work with those clients under the direct supervision of their professors. In 2018, South Texas College of Law Houston honored Randy with the Distinguished Alumni Award.
Prior to law school, Randy graduated Magna Cum Laude from Houston Baptist University— where he was recognized as an NCAA Academic All-American in 1984. He attended HBU on a soccer scholarship, and the soccer field at the university now carries his name— Randall O. Sorrels Field. While at school, he was recognized as the Outstanding Student in both Political Science and Speech Communications. In the greatest honor, the university gives to alumni, Randy was named as HBU’s Outstanding Alumnus of the Year for 2009, and he continues to be involved in alumni events and meetings.
Randy is married to his law partner, Alex L. Farias-Sorrels, and considers her one of the smartest lawyers he knows. He is also a father of five children and one granddaughter. His oldest daughter is a teacher and helps with the Sorrels Law communications efforts. His second daughter is a speech language pathologist in New York. His twin son and daughter are law students at the University of Texas. And his youngest son is in a Montessori program.
He has published numerous articles, including:
He lives in Bellaire, Texas with his wife Carol, and has two adult children. He is an avid cyclist and consumer of political news. He and Carol are active members at Christ the King Presbyterian Church.
You can trust that the Sorrels Law team of attorneys and staff has the experience and the skills to meticulously and strategically handle your case. We know what we are doing and we will guide you every step of the way. Ask us any question and call us at any time.
©2025, Sorrels Law. All Rights Reserved.
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