Cynthia Dooley
Cynthia Dooley
Phone: 214-220-1220
Fax: 214-220-2770
Personal and Powerful
Cynthia knows the practice of law is hard. “Nothing is ever easy,” she says – meaning, even matters that look simple always turn out to be as complex as the humans involved. But therein lies the reward: Put all those complicated pieces together, advocate like a mother lion for the client’s best outcome, and solve a real person or company’s problem. She won’t stop until she does.
In one of Cynthia’s recent cases, she represented a resident of Los Angeles who had inherited a 50% interest in a South Dallas home from her mother several years hence. The inheritor of the other 50%, a nephew, lived in the house and refused to sell it or buy the aunt’s interest for a reasonable price. Simple, right? Sue the nephew and force the sale? No: Nothing is ever easy. There was no known proof of the client’s title to 50%. Cynthia found an old affidavit of heirship in the Dallas County Deed Records, and the nephew admitted to his aunt’s 50% interest in the lawsuit discovery process. Title problem solved. The nephew agreed to sell the house and move out. Cynthia made sure the sale closed and her client received the agreed amount. Cynthia and the client, who is in her 80s, remain great friends.
More Than Just a Lawyer
Cynthia’s Texas roots run deep. Her grandparents on both sides came from Denton County. She was born on Galveston Island, grew up in Tarrant County, and has lived in Dallas County for more than 30 years. Cynthia values nothing more than time with her family and her many pets. She is an accomplished cook and baker, voracious reader, and confessed news junkie. She volunteers at Faith Presbyterian Hospice when she can, recently acting as a scribe at their drive- through COVID-19 vaccination clinics. Most dear to her heart are the numerous pro bono probate clients she has represented for the nonprofit Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program. The Los Angeles grandmother with the house in South Dallas was one of them!
Cynthia started thinking about becoming a lawyer at the age of 20, when she was still in college. A relative of hers had been murdered. She got to know the dedicated Tarrant County prosecutors who put the offender on trial and ultimately behind bars. She admired their analytical thought process and appreciated the service they did for the public. She realized the legal world could be a perfect home for her, too.
Traditional yet Innovative
All of the attorneys at Brousseau Naftis Erick & Massingill believe there is power in words. Words, proverbs, sayings, and quotations have the power to connect the present to the past. The words and sayings that each attorney holds onto are meaningful in shaping the firm’s culture and philosophies.
Cynthia’s favorite quotation is, “Keep your eyes on the Prize.” The tricky part is that this always begs the question: “What’s the Prize?” In moments of great stress or anger, it’s easy to forget that the Prize is – for most people – “a peaceful, financially secure life in the company of those I love.” Short-term goals can sound emotionally gratifying but may be counterproductive to the Prize.
Maryann Sarris Brousseau
Maryann Sarris Brousseau
In Memoriam
Maryann lived to stand up for others – both in her legal work and in her community. She balanced compassion and a fighting spirit to find victory in even the most challenging of cases or circumstances.
As a strategic thinker and energetic multi-tasker, Maryann practiced law for decades, and over the years she prevailed for her clients in many pinnacle cases. She thrived on helping clients who faced sometimes insurmountable challenges — often making such an impact on them that these relationships formed into lifelong friendships.
Maryann had a close-knit family that meant the world to her. Her faith, family, and work were the primary pillars of her life, and she incorporated her personal values into the firm culture at Brousseau Naftis Erick & Massingill. She believed in nothing less than complete devotion to her work and family and refused to neglect one for the sake of the other.
Maryann also believed that education is a necessity for success in life and devoted considerable time in helping educational institutions and organizations who assist the underserved. Her impact on the community she served is beyond measure.
Maryann’s favorite quote was “Remember the 3 A’s: ability, availability, and affability.” It’s a saying that her father always used and one which became Maryann’s principle in life and as the leader of the firm. As the founder of Brousseau Naftis Erick & Massingill, and as a mentor to each member of the firm, she led by example, reminding everyone to always do their best, while also being accessible and friendly with each other, clients and colleagues. This remains the guiding tenet of Brousseau Naftis Erick & Massingill and the way the firm will continue to honor her legacy.
Educational Background
Southern Methodist University School of Law,
Dallas, Texas, J.D., 1984; LL.M Taxation, 1985
Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas
B.B.A., cum laude 1981
The Hockaday School, Dallas, Texas, cum laude 1978
Bar Admissions
Admitted to Practice Law, Texas Supreme Court, 1984
U.S. District Court Northern District of Texas
U.S. District Court Southern District of Texas
U.S. District Court Eastern District of Texas
U.S. District Court Western District of Texas
U.S. Court of Appeals 5th Circuit
Professional Associations
Member of the Texas Bar Association and Texas Bar Foundation
Life Fellow
Member of the Dallas Bar Association and Dallas Bar Foundation
Life Fellow
Member of the American Bar Association and American Bar Foundation
Life Fellow
Former Member, State Bar of Texas Grievance Committee
District 6A
Member of Bar Association of the Fifth Federal Circuit
Civic Activities
The Hockaday School
-Board of Trustees Chairman, 2013-2015
-Vice Chair, 2009-2012
-Secretary, 2008
-Executive Committee, 2007-present
-Chairman, Centennial Capital Campaign, 2008-2013
-President, Parents’ Association, 2001-2002
The St. Mark’s School of Texas
-Board of Trustees, 2005-2008
-President, Parents’ Association, 2005-2006
University of Texas Southwestern
-President’s Advisory Board of Trustees, 2017-present
Cristo Rey Dallas College Preparatory School
-Board of Trustees, 2018-present
-Chair, Presidential Search Committee
-Co-Chair, Grow the Grove 2018-2019
-Chair, Strategic Planning Committee
University of Texas Southwestern Medical School/Heart and Lung Foundation
-Board of Trustees, 2006-2016
-Co-Chair, Legends 2008
Planned Parenthood of North Texas
-Board of Trustees, 2005-2009
-Chair, Annual Awards Luncheon, 2006
Children’s Medical Center Foundation
-Chair, Circle of Friends, 2003
Crystal Charity Ball
-Member, 1997-present
-Board of Directors, 2000
-Treasurer, 2000
Girls, Inc.
-Board of Trustees, 2002-2005
-Chair, Awards Luncheon, 2004
Parkland Hospital Foundation
-Board of Directors, 1998-2002
TACA
-Board of Directors, 2000-2004
-Chair, Silver Cup Luncheon, 2002
Genesis Women’s Shelter Auxiliary
-Board of Directors, 2000-2002
-Chair, Annual Luncheon, 2000
Bryan’s House/Open Arms, Inc.
-Board of Directors, 1996-2002
Junior League of Dallas
-Financial Vice President/Treasurer, 1997-1998
-Board of Directors, 1995-1996; 1997-1998
-Junior League Sustainer
Hockaday Alumnae Association
-Board of Directors
-Secretary, 1992-1993
-Vice-President Development 1993-1994
-Leadership Dallas Graduate, 1992
-Leadership Dallas Alumnae Association
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
-Board of Trustees, 1988-1993
-President, 1990-1993
Honors and Professional Accomplishments
AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory
Reported Case: Robbins v. Capozzi, 100 S.W.3d 18
(Tex. App.—Tyler 2002)
D Magazine, Best Lawyers in Dallas (2010)
Speaker, “The Fundamentals of Debt Collection,” November 2010
Power to Potential Seminar, Women’s Business Council – SW
Personal History
Married to Frank Mihalopoulos with three children and two grandchildren
Real Estate
Real Estate
For many clients, real estate is their life. We understand the financial repercussions caused by delays and deals-gone-wrong and we are here to help your transaction proceed smoothly. We represent some of the most prominent real estate professionals in the Dallas area and have built a strong reputation among commercial landlords, developers, and brokers.
Often, clients do not retain counsel during the negotiation phases of real estate matters in an attempt to save money. Unfortunately, this can lead to unintended consequences and more expense in the long run (especially if things go sour).
Brousseau Naftis Erick & Massingill provides a cost-effective approach during the negotiations in order to help you avoid costly litigation later.
Family Law
You can count on us for concierge assistance on a full suite of family law services:
Contested and uncontested divorces
Child custody
Parenting plans
Child support
Complex asset divisions for divorcing couples
Spousal support (alimony)
Pre-marital, post-marital and cohabitation agreements
Post-divorce/custody modifications
Adoption
Family Law
Our clients are bigger than their problems. Because we serve our clients in a variety of capacities, we know our clients’ lives are not one-dimensional. One-size-fits-all solutions do not work for clients trying to balance the responsibilities of their families, careers, and everything else.
In fact, it’s safe to say that many of our clients are super-moms and super-dads, trying their hardest to live their best life and provide for their families. So, when family troubles arise, we know just how heartbreaking, stressful, and devasting things can feel. We build lasting relationships with our clients and get to see the full picture – so we don’t judge, we understand.
We have families ourselves, so we approach family law matters with compassion and empathy. At Brousseau Naftis Erick & Massingill, our attorneys utilize a cooperative approach when possible to help families deal with these emotionally charged situations.
Brousseau Naftis Erick & Massingill has been recognized by Best Law Firms for its expertise in Family Law and was selected by the readers of Texas Lawyer as one of the top three family law firms in Dallas.
Wills, Trusts, Estates & Probate
Wills, Trusts, Estates & Probate
You have worked hard to earn everything you have and want to ensure your family is taken care of in any circumstance. A well-drafted and personalized estate plan is the ideal way to meet those goals.
There are plenty of online programs that ask a few basic questions and fit you into a template. This is not estate planning-this is just the churning out of documents.
Brousseau Naftis Erick & Massingill offers a much more personalized experience. We’ll educate you, take the time to get to know you, your family, and your goals. Then we will answer all of your questions to produce an estate plan that is exactly right for you.
Business Litigation & Corporate Law
Business Litigation & Corporate Law
Many of our clients are business owners. We represent entrepreneurs because we are entrepreneurs. We’ll help you find creative, cost-effective ways to achieve your objectives, whether you need an aggressive courtroom victory or a quick settlement.
We foster a lifetime, ongoing relationship with our clients so we can guide you through all of your business’s stages. Many business lawyers take a “one-size-fits-all” approach with their clients; they do this so they can work with as many people as possible in a short period of time.
One problem with this is that you receive an impersonal experience; but even worse than that, it can lead to unintended results in the long run.
At Brousseau Naftis Erick & Massingill, we take the time to listen, understand, and truly consider your individual circumstances to ensure your business works for you.
Ron Massingill
Ron Massingill
Phone: 214-220-1220
Fax: 214-220-2770
Personal and Powerful
Ron loves to fight for the underdog. In fact, his favorite cases are those he is told cannot be won. Never a wallflower, Ron makes his presence known in every room he enters – whether it’s a courtroom or a conference room. After decades of practice, he knows everyone at the courthouse by name.
He brings his friendly, energetic nature to each of his cases and challenges excite him. He limits his practice to family law matters and never shies away from litigating any of them if needed. In Ron’s mind, the tougher the case, the more invigorated he is to fight. He is an advocate for his clients, keeping his caseload limited in order to devote as much of his time to each case as needed.
More Than Just a Lawyer
Ron is married with two grown children and a granddaughter who is the apple of his eye. When he isn’t practicing law, he is at home on the ranch with his family and tending to their horses. As a former JAG, Ron is still committed to community service work that helps veterans. He also supports local law enforcement and proudly hosts an annual elk chili lunch for Hood County law enforcement officers at his ranch every year.
Ron grew up in El Campo, Texas, and in high school, was voted “most likely to NEED a lawyer.” Yet, he recognized the importance of education and had the ambition to make a better life for himself and his family. He was the first in his family to attend college and chose to continue his education through law school. Since then, he has been passionate about excelling as an attorney and a community servant – ultimately leading to his election as Hood County judge.
Traditional yet Innovative
All of the attorneys at Brousseau Naftis Erick & Massingill believe there is power in words. Words, proverbs, sayings, and quotations have the power to connect the present to the past. The words and sayings that each attorney holds onto are meaningful in shaping the firm’s culture and philosophies.
Ron’s favorite quote is, “I never let the law stand in the way of justice for my client,” which captures his dedication to his clients. His larger-than-life personality leaves a lasting impression on everyone he meets. He always gives 100% and has fun doing it.
Educational Background
Southern Methodist University School of Law,
Dallas, Texas, J.D., 1969
University of Dallas, Dallas, Texas
B.B.A., magna cum laude 1966
Bar Admissions
Admitted to Practice Law, Texas Supreme
Court, 1969
Professional Associations
Member of Dallas Bar Association
Member of American Bar Association
Member of State Bar of Texas
Life Fellow of the State Bar of Texas Foundation
Civic Activities
Hood County Hospital District Board (Treasurer)
Hood County Juvenile Board
Hood County Bail Bond Board
North Texas Workforce Solutions Board
Leadership Council – Granbury Chamber of
Commerce
Hood County Director of Emergency Management
North Texas Regional Transportation Committee
– Alternate
Honors and Professional Accomplishments
Named in Super Lawyers(Thomson Reuters)
2003-Present
Listed in The Best Lawyers in America 2006-
2019
D Magazine, Best of Big D (2009)
Personal History
Married with two children and one grandchild
Matthew Naftis
Matthew Naftis
Shareholder
Phone: 214-220-1220
Fax: 214-220-2770
Personal and Powerful
Matthew is an attorney whose practice transforms to fit his clients’ needs. He handles real estate, small business matters, and creative arts issues from start to finish. Over the course of a regular week, Matthew may negotiate an asset purchase agreement, lead a deposition in a commercial litigation matter, or counsel a client regarding a business loan.
Matthew is a go-to advisor for small business clients, no matter what challenge they may be facing. He provides advice on employment matters, real estate transactions, and commercial business matters. Matthew makes himself accessible to his clients at all times of the day, always ready to offer advice they can trust and rely upon even in emergencies.
More Than Just a Lawyer
Matthew has been married for more than 17 years and shares three children with his wife, Megan. With three children, most of Matthew’s “free time” is spent helping the kids with their homework and attending their athletic games and musical and theater performances.
Before fatherhood, Matthew was a member of some of Dallas’s most unknown and unlistenable garage bands. While he did not find fame as a rock-star, he shares his love of music with his children who play bass and drums. His family, with the family dogs, Arlo and Winnie, love spending time outdoors as well, typically around White Rock Lake.
With his family, Matthew volunteers his time delivering food, furniture and other necessities to local refugees from parts of the world ravaged by war and famine. He also assists Austin Street Center in real estate matters and serves as general counsel to the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Dallas where he has been a lifelong member.
Traditional yet Innovative
All of the attorneys at Brousseau Naftis Erick & Massingill believe there is power in words. Words, proverbs, sayings, and quotations have the power to connect the present to the past. The words and sayings that each attorney holds onto are meaningful in shaping the firm’s culture and philosophies.
Matthew’s favorite quote is, “Our heads are round so that our thoughts can change direction.” This echoes his creativity and flexibility in life – always open to new perspectives and willing to change course when needed. With a little open-mindedness and creative thinking, Matthew finds a way to make almost anything work (whether in his own life or for his clients). And, by understanding the perspective of others, Matthew is better able to facilitate a real estate transaction, reach a beneficial settlement in litigation, and achieve the best results for his clients.
Educational Background
J.D., Texas A&M University School of Law, Fort Worth, Texas, May 2001
M.L.A., Southern Methodist University, Dallas,
Texas, May 2001
B.A., Southern Methodist University, Dallas,
Texas, Major: Psychology, May 1996
Cistercian Preparatory School, Irving, Texas,
May 1992
Legal Experience
Attorney, Brousseau Naftis Erick & Massingill, P.C.,
Dallas, Texas
Research assistant to Professor Frank W.
Elliott, Texas Wesleyan University School of
Law, Fort Worth, Texas
Professional Licenses
State Bar of Texas, November 2001,
Texas Department of Insurance, Escrow Officer
Bar Admissions
Admitted to Practice Law, Texas Supreme
Court, 2001
U.S. District Court Northern District of Texas
U.S. District Court Eastern District of Texas
Professional Associations
Member, State Bar of Texas
Member, Dallas Bar Association
Member, The Real Estate Council
Member, International Council of Shopping Centers
Fellow, Texas Bar Foundation
Honors and Professional Accomplishments
Texas Super Lawyers, 2023-Present
Personal History
Married to Megan Naftis with three children
Elayna Naftis Erick
Elayna Naftis Erick
Shareholder
Phone: 214-220-1220
Fax: 214-220-2770
Personal and Powerful
Elayna lives to empower others – often serving as a champion for her clients and advocating for them until they can find a voice of their own. She brings a sense of compassion and empathy to her work – leading most clients to leave their initial consultation with her saying, “I feel so much better now.”
In one of Elayna’s first family law cases, she helped reunite a mother and daughter who had been estranged for ten years. Despite the emotional toll of the case, Elayna’s representation was unflappable. After a contentious courtroom battle, mother and daughter were able to heal their relationship and happy to take advantage of a fresh start. This is only one example of Elayna’s unfailing dedication to her clients. While a lawyer needs to lead with logic, Elayna leads with both logic and compassion.
More Than Just a Lawyer
For Elayna, reuniting parents and children brings her unparalleled joy and pride. This is probably because Elayna is a mother herself. Elayna spends each day balancing her career while trying to be the best mother possible to her sons, and she does both successfully. Elayna has been recognized by Texas Super Lawyers since 2023 and The Best Lawyers in America (published by BL Rankings, LLC) since 2020. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of Goodwill Dallas, and previously served on the Boards of the Lamplighter Parents Association and Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church.
Through her volunteerism, she has been able to support organizations that are near to her heart and demonstrate the value of community service to her growing children.
Elayna’s spark to become a lawyer was ignited by nights spent as a child watching “L.A. Law” and other legal dramas. She knew from a young age that her career path would lead to practicing law and her passion for advocating for others has never waned.
Traditional yet Innovative
All of the attorneys at Brousseau Naftis Erick & Massingill believe there is power in words. Words, proverbs, sayings, and quotations have the power to connect the present to the past. The words and sayings that each attorney holds onto are meaningful, shaping the firm’s culture and philosophies.
Elayna’s favorite quote is, “This too shall pass.” She often reminds clients that their current situation is temporary: the challenges will be resolved, and life will move on. She understands that legal issues can be all-consuming and finds it important to remind clients that by addressing issues in the right way, the clients will resolve their legal matters and will have better days ahead.
Educational Background
J.D., Baylor University School of Law, Waco,
Texas, May 2003
M.L.A., Southern Methodist University, Dallas,
Texas, May 2004
B.A., Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, New
York Major: English, June 1999
The Hockaday School, Dallas, Texas, June
1996
Legal Experience
Attorney, Brousseau Naftis Erick & Massingill, P.C.,
Dallas, Texas
November 2003 to present
Professional License
State Bar of Texas, November 2003
Bar Admissions
Admitted to Practice Law, Texas Supreme
Court, 2003
U.S. District Court Northern District of Texas
U.S. District Court Eastern District of Texas
Civic Activities
Goodwill Industries of Dallas, Inc.
-Member, Board of Directors
St. Marks Parents’ Association
-Board Member
The Hockaday School
-Former Member, Alumnae Board
The Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
-Former Member, Board of Trustees
Lamplighter Parents’ Association, Former Member and Executive Board Member
Lamplighter Annual Fund Committee, Former Member
Honors and Professional Accomplishments
Rising Stars (Thomson Reuters), 2008
Best Lawyers in America (BL Rankings, LLC),
2020-2025
Texas Super Lawyers, 2023-Present
Personal History
Married to Casey Erick with two children