Our Story
Michael founded HLG in 2019 with a simple conviction: the practice of law could be done better. Having seen firsthand how traditional firms often prioritize billable hours over client outcomes, he set out to build something different: a modern law firm that takes the time to truly understand each client’s business and aligns legal strategy with real-world goals.
His practice focuses on complex business transactions and commercial disputes; handling matters from initial structuring and drafting through litigation and trial. Though a litigator by birth according to his family, Michael has built his approach around mastering both litigation and transactional work. He believes the best results come when attorneys can think from both perspectives—anticipating disputes while structuring deals to avoid them.
Over the past decade, Michael has advised clients across a broad range of matters, including contract negotiations, corporate transactions, banking and financial issues, intellectual property, construction, employment, cryptocurrency, oil and gas, and cybersecurity. Known for his practical, business-minded approach, he becomes a trusted partner to his clients—often the first call when something goes wrong, or when they want to make sure it doesn’t.
Because of their approach and tireless attention to detail and communication, Michael and the team at HLG have been consistently recognized in local, state, national, and international publications for their top-tier legal services:
Best Lawyers®: 2026 Best Law Firms - Dallas/Fort Worth - Commercial Litigation • Tier 1 & 2026 US Best Lawyers
D Magazine Best Lawyer: 2025, 2026
Super Lawyers®: Rising Stars: 2020, 2025-2026
Meet The Experts Behind Holmes Law Group
Get to know the team, values, and mission that drive Holmes Law Group. In this short video, we share what sets us apart and how we help businesses in Dallas and beyond protect what matters most.
Our Team
Michael Holmes is a Dallas native and fourth-generation Texan, who stayed in the great country of Texas for his undergrad at Texas A&M, and his law degree at Baylor. Michael and Kelsey, his wife, were married in 2016 and now have two children.
When he’s not drafting superior business agreements or eviscerating opposing counsel’s arguments (some days), Michael and Kelsey spend their time outdoors in East Dallas, exploring the local food scene, or traveling and experiencing new cultures. Michael is also active in his community and is a member of Lakepointe Church, President of the Texas A&M Club, a Dallas Bar Foundation Fellow, and the National Shooting Sports Foundation.
EDUCATION
Baylor Law School – Waco, Texas Graduated: May 2012
Texas A&M University – College Station, Texas Graduated: May 2009, magna cum laude Degree: BBA in Management, Business School Honors Program
ADMITTANCES AND ASSOCIATIONS
Admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Northern, Southern, Western, and Eastern Districts of Texas
Dallas Association of Young Lawyers – Leadership Class, 2013
Co-Chair for the Aid to the Homeless and Leader of DAYL Community Court Project, 2013 – 2017
American Arthritis Foundation, Board Member, 2018 – 2019
Pegasus Fellowship, Mentor, 2018 – 2020
Meet Michael
Founder & Partner
Garrett Bruner is a litigator with a background in both accounting and law, giving him a practical understanding of the financial and business issues at the center of most commercial disputes. Before earning his law degree, Garrett studied accounting at Boise State University, a foundation that gives him a practical understanding of financial records, business structures, and the economic realities that drive commercial disputes.
Garrett received his law degree from Willamette University College of Law in 2024, where he gained early litigation experience representing clients through the school’s immigration clinic under Oregon’s supervised practice rules. After passing the bar, he joined a large firm, where he hit the ground running, taking depositions and handling the full range of litigation tasks from the earliest stages of his career.
Joining Holmes Law Group marks the next step in his practice. Garrett focuses on complex commercial and business litigation, representing clients in disputes where understanding how a business operates is just as important as knowing the law. His accounting background allows him to engage directly with the financial and operational details at the heart of most business disputes, and to present those details to courts in a way that is clear, organized, and persuasive.
EDUCATION
Willamette University College of Law (J.D., 2024)
Boise State University 2021 (B.B.A., Accounting and Business Administration)
ADMITTANCES AND ASSOCIATIONS
Texas State Courts
Meet Garrett
Attorney
Trevor C. Martin is a litigator with experience representing an array of clients in all aspects of litigation. After receiving his law degree from the University of Texas, Trevor joined a large international law firm, where he represented both individuals and businesses in a variety of commercial and employment disputes, including suits involving trade secrets, breach of fiduciary duty, breach of contract, fraud, failed mergers and acquisitions, oil and gas, shareholder disputes, trademark infringement, and employment discrimination. In 2020, he left his firm to clerk for the Honorable Sean D. Jordan, United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Texas.
Joining Holmes Law Group marks Trevor's return to private practice. These days, Trevor chiefly focuses his practice on the craft of legal writing, turning complex legal issues into readable, persuasive briefs and motions. Through his writing, Trevor guides the courts, navigating them through the often murky waters of complex commercial litigation, leading them to winning decisions for his clients.
EDUCATION
The University of Texas School of Law (J.D., 2018), with honors
Baylor University (B.B.A., 2013), business fellow in economics, English minor
ADMITTANCES AND ASSOCIATIONS
Texas State Courts
U.S. District Courts for the Northern, Eastern, Southern and Western Districts of Texas
Meet Trevor
Partner
Kara Tinsley holds an Advanced Certified Paralegal and Certified Paralegal certification through National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA). Kara received her Associate’s degree in Paralegal Studies from Amarillo College in 2005. She is a member of NALA and Paralegal Division, State Bar of Texas.
Kara supports all aspects of the litigation process, including discovery, motion practice, hearings, and trials. Kara has a number of years of experience in commercial litigation, insurance defense, breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, transactional, and employment law.
In her free time, Kara enjoys volunteering at Faith City Mission, cooking, mountain biking, and hiking.
Meet Kara
Litigation Paralegal
Trish Baer comes to Holmes Law Group after starting and managing her own electrical contracting business for 21 years. Prior to starting her business she worked in the legal field conducting criminal investigations after obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration. She excels at creating, improving and implementing processes that enable a business to grow to its full potential. Trish’s responsibilities at HLG include assisting with marketing, accounting, and client support and management.
When not working, Trish enjoys spending time with her family and fur babies, gardening, volunteering in the community and serving with Selah Hills Church.
Meet Trish
Business Manager
Kelsey Holmes has lived just about everywhere. Her love for spontaneity matches Michael’s witty personality, and together they make a power couple.
With a background in non-profit program management, Kelsey cut her teeth in the legal world working for Advocates for Community Transformation, where she learned just how powerful justice could be. She then moved to TREC (The Real Estate Council) where she handled the Leadership and Programs departments, executing corporate events and leadership programs for Dallas Commercial Real Estate professionals.
Meet Kelsey
Director of Operations
Giving Back
Holmes Law Group believes that part of being an attorney is being involved in every aspect of the community. We encourage our attorneys to give back and get their hands dirty! HLG is proud to be part of the following organizations:
Holmes Law Group ultimately desires to help businesses succeed while making the surrounding community a better place. We are so glad you’re here.