Overview

Tara Hanley is a seasoned trial lawyer and trusted advisor with over 25 years of experience representing major companies in complex, high-stakes litigation, including business disputes, product liability, and employment matters. In addition to her litigation practice, Ms. Hanley regularly counsels and advises clients on pre-litigation strategy and risk management, helping them implement practical solutions to minimize exposure and achieve their business objectives efficiently.
Before joining Kessler Collins, Ms. Hanley sharpened her litigation skills at the global law firm Vinson & Elkins LLP, and later as a co-founding and co-managing partner of Markland Hanley, a boutique Dallas-based litigation firm. These experiences reinforced her belief that every case must be prepared from day one as though it will proceed to trial or arbitration. Her trial-focused approach informs all aspects of her strategy—from early factual investigations and discovery to motion practice, depositions, and pretrial advocacy.
Ms. Hanley has significant trial and arbitration experience in a broad range of high-risk, high-exposure cases across the United States. She has obtained numerous dismissals and summary judgments for leading retailers, manufacturers, and other businesses in state and federal courts. Her national practice has included handling individual cases throughout the United States as well as collaborating with trial teams across jurisdictions to protect her clients’ interests as part of national and regional counsel programs in mass tort and other recurring types of litigation.
Ms. Hanley is consistently recognized for excellence in her field. She has been named a Texas Super Lawyer every year from 2019 to 2025 and has held an AV Preeminent® rating—the highest possible peer review distinction—in litigation since 2001. Notably, she was the youngest attorney at Vinson & Elkins to receive this honor at the time of recognition.
Ms. Hanley earned her Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy and Economics, cum laude, from Duke University, where she was the recipient of a funded, merit-based academic scholarship. She also received a funded academic scholarship to attend SMU Dedman School of Law, where she earned her J.D. and served as Notes and Comments Editor for the SMU Law Review.