Biography
Craig Power is the Principal in charge of the Commercial Litigation practice group at Cokinos | Young and concentrates his practice in complex commercial litigation, construction litigation, bankruptcy matters and debtor-creditor rights issues. Craig has represented creditors, creditor committees and bankruptcy trustees in bankruptcy courts across the country. Craig is a frequent author and speaker on bankruptcy topics and collection issues as they affect the lending, credit and construction industries. Craig also serves as the Firm’s General Counsel, responsible for the handling of the Firm’s legal matters.
Education
- Texas Tech University – J.D., cum laude, 1979
- Indiana University – B.A., with High Distinction, 1976
– Phi Kappa Phi
Recognitions & Distinctions
- Named Best Lawyers in America (2024 – 2025): Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law and Litigation – Bankruptcy
- Named a Texas Super Lawyer by Thomson Reuters (2006 – 2023). Each year, no more than 5 percent of lawyers in the state are selected to receive this honor.
- Named one of Houston’s Top Lawyers by H Texas: (2008 – 2010) & (2014 – 2022)
- Named a Lawyer for the People by H Texas: 2009
- AV-Rated by Martindale Hubbell peer review ratings, the highest rating possible
Representative Experience
- Represented suppliers and subcontractors in defense of voidable preference actions in the bankruptcy cases of multiple home builders.
- Represented 2 gas suppliers to a plant. The gas company (plant) filed bankruptcy and failed to pay the suppliers. Asserted administrative reclamation claim giving client priority on repayment. Defended supplier on voidable preference actions.
- Represented a fabricator of rig components against a major international drilling rig manufacturer.
- Represent multiple community banks in handling collection matters, complex foreclosures and bankruptcy matters. Also consult and advise the community banks on various legal matters in connection with their interaction with the public.
- Represented builder of luxury condominiums in successfully asserting priority constitutional lien of more than $2 million after developer filed bankruptcy and lender foreclosed.
- Represented fabricator/installer of process pipe in asserting constitutional lien against debtor in bankruptcy to establish lien priority.
- After being brought in as appellate counsel for contractor following unfavorable jury verdict, obtained reversal of judgement foreclosing supplier’s mechanics lien.
- Represented finance consultant seeking earned fees for locating financing for major hotel in the Valley.
- Represented general contractor on major hospital construction project in enforcing valid contingent payment clause against unpaid subcontractors and suppliers.
- Successfully defended bank client from lender liability and economic duress claims of principals of borrower.
- Represented a Norwegian fish supplier against U.S. retailer for non-payment.
- Represented owner in obtaining judicial resolution of numerous mechanics liens when general contractor abandoned project, leaving subcontractors and suppliers unpaid.
Publications
- Power, C. E. (2010, February). The impact of bankruptcy on the construction industry: What to do when a party on a construction project goes bankrupt. Paper presented at HBA Construction Law Section, Houston, TX.
- Power, C. E. (2006, January). Something old & something new: Implications of the bankruptcy code and the new bankruptcy act on your construction law practice. Paper presented at HBA Construction Law Section, Houston, TX.
- Power, C. E. (2002, February). What to do when a party on a construction project goes bankrupt. Paper presented at 15th Annual Construction Law Conference.
- Power, C. E. (n.d.). Scope of the automatic stay in suspending multi-party litigation.
Memberships & Affiliations
- American Bar Association
- State Bar of Texas: Former member of District 4-H Grievance Committee
- Texas Bar Foundation – Sustaining Life Member
- Houston Bar Association
- Former Texas Supreme Court Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee, Houston Area Subcommittee, District 4 Chairman
- Moller-Foltz Inns of Court
Admissions
- State Bar of Texas
- United States Claims Court
- United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
- United States District Court: Northern, Eastern, Southern & Western Districts of Texas
- United States Supreme Court
- United States Tax Court