Goranson Bain Ausley (GBA) is expanding its Fort Worth office to further support families and businesses across Tarrant County. The expansion includes the promotion of Cassidy Pearson to Partner and the addition of two experienced associates, Brooke Baker and Hailey Schmitt — all of whom are Fort Worth divorce and family lawyers who live and work in the community.
The announcement follows recognition of five GBA Fort Worth attorneys — Gary L. Nickelson, Chris Nickelson, Cassidy Pearson, Cindy V. Tisdale, and Andrew Tisdale — as Top Attorneys by Fort Worth Magazine in 2025, underscoring the firm’s trusted reputation in the local legal community.
“Fort Worth has always been a place where relationships and community matter,” said Lindley Bain, Managing Partner. “Our attorneys live and work here, and we’re committed to supporting the families and businesses that make Tarrant County strong.”
Expanding to Serve More Fort Worth Families
New Partner — Cassidy Pearson
Board Certified in Family Law; Top Attorney by Fort Worth Magazine
Cassidy represents professionals and parents in complex divorces, custody disputes, and property cases. A Super Lawyers Rising Star, she blends strategic advocacy with practical guidance that protects children’s well-being and family stability.
New Associate — Brooke Baker
15+ years of experience in Tarrant County family courts
Brooke handles contested custody, divorce, and property division matters. She is known for her steady advocacy and her ability to help clients move forward with confidence.
New Associate — Hailey Schmitt
Settlement-first, child-centered representation
Hailey represents clients in divorce, custody, adoption, and property division matters, prioritizing constructive solutions while providing strong courtroom advocacy when necessary.
Fort Worth Leadership with Statewide Impact
Gary L. Nickelson — One of Texas’ most respected family lawyers with over 50 years serving Fort Worth; past President of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (Texas and national).
Chris Nickelson — One of only 11 attorneys in Texas double Board Certified in Family Law and Civil Appellate Law; trusted in high-asset and high-conflict litigation.
Cindy V. Tisdale — Past President of the State Bar of Texas and 2025 President of the Texas Chapter of the American Academy of Family Lawyers; a leader in advancing statewide family law standards.
Andrew Tisdale — Emerging leader in Fort Worth and statewide — Serves on the Texas Young Lawyers Association Board of Directors and the State Bar of Texas Standing Committee for Professionalism and Civility; known for practical, client-centered guidance.
About Goranson Bain Ausley — Fort Worth
Goranson Bain Ausley has also its Granbury office to better serve Hood County clients navigating divorce, custody, and complex property matters. The firm has promoted Granbury resident Clayton Bryant to Partner and welcomed Granbury attorney Samantha Beirne as an Associate.
The expansion builds on the leadership of Cindy V. Tisdale, Past President of the State Bar of Texas, who practiced family law in Granbury for more than 20 years before joining the firm in 2023.
“When people in Granbury face difficult family transitions, they deserve guidance they can trust,” said Partner Clayton Bryant. ”Our role is to deliver clear strategies and sound legal counsel so they can move forward with confidence.”
Bryant brings 15 years of family law experience, including high-asset divorce cases, complex property division, and high-conflict custody matters. He serves the community through Grace Classical Christian Academy and his local church.
Beirne, a graduate of Texas Tech University School of Law, brings strong analytical skills, careful preparation, and a compassionate, client-focused approach to helping Granbury residents navigate family law matters.
For more than 40 years, Goranson Bain Ausley has helped Texas families make confident decisions when navigating divorce, custody, and complex property matters. As the largest family law firm in Texas, GBA pairs statewide resources with a strong Fort Worth team that knows, lives, and works in the community— and whose attorneys are active leaders in Tarrant County.
Read all of our “On the Move” updates.
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