About Us
The philosophy of DumasNeel is simple: provide excellent representation to our clients with unmatched personable quality customer service.
Our Mission
DumasNeel strives for goals and results-oriented collaboration with our clients. As a result, the majority of our clients have maintained long-term relationships with our attorneys throughout the years. Our clients know who is handling their matters and have an open line of communication with the lead attorney. DumasNeel is keenly aware that every business interaction has possible litigation consequences; because of this, DumasNeel vets its clients’problems and solutions through both a transactional and litigation lens.
Cody Dumas
Member Attorney — Corporate Law, Mergers & Acquisitions, Litigation
Cody Dumas is a seasoned corporate attorney with deep expertise in entity structuring, governance, mergers and acquisitions, sophisticated transactions, and commercial litigation. He leads the firm’s Corporate Division, counseling companies of all sizes—from emerging startups to established multi-million-dollar and multinational enterprises—on how to structure, scale, and safeguard their operations. Recognized for balancing legal precision with practical strategy, Mr. Dumas supports owners and executives through formation, capitalization, restructurings, acquisitions, divestitures, and high-stakes disputes. He also serves as outside general counsel to businesses seeking ongoing strategic legal guidance without the overhead of a full-time in-house legal department.
Mr. Dumas launched his legal career in-house as Associate General Counsel for a vertically integrated healthcare organization comprised of freestanding emergency departments, physician staffing companies, and a medical billing operation, later advancing to Chief Legal Officer for a health system experiencing rapid expansion in Houston, Texas.
Cody Dumas
Member Attorney — Corporate Law, Mergers & Acquisitions, Litigation
Cody Dumas is a seasoned corporate attorney with deep expertise in entity structuring, governance, mergers and acquisitions, sophisticated transactions, and commercial litigation. He leads the firm's Corporate Division, counseling companies of all sizes—from emerging startups to established multi-million-dollar and multinational enterprises—on how to structure, scale, and safeguard their operations. Recognized for balancing legal precision with practical strategy, Mr. Dumas supports owners and executives through formation, capitalization, restructurings, acquisitions, divestitures, and high-stakes disputes. He also serves as outside general counsel to businesses seeking ongoing strategic legal guidance without the overhead of a full-time in-house legal department.
Mr. Dumas launched his legal career in-house as Associate General Counsel for a vertically integrated healthcare organization comprised of freestanding emergency departments, physician staffing companies, and a medical billing operation, later advancing to Chief Legal Officer for a health system experiencing rapid expansion in Houston, Texas. These leadership positions provided him with nuanced insight into how legal decisions shape operations, compliance, and sustained growth. Since entering private practice in 2019, he has expanded his focus beyond healthcare to serve a diverse range of sectors—including technology, professional services, manufacturing, and international enterprises—helping organizations pursue expansion while managing risk with confidence.
Beyond transactional matters, Mr. Dumas advocates for companies in sophisticated commercial litigation, including partnership and shareholder disputes, breach of contract claims, restrictive covenant enforcement, and other high-impact conflicts. His dual perspective—built on years as an executive-level in-house counsel and a seasoned outside advisor—allows him to navigate disputes with keen awareness of operational realities while protecting clients' legal and financial interests.
Mr. Dumas's combination of executive in-house tenure, transactional skill, and courtroom strength makes him a valued partner to entrepreneurs and established organizations alike—delivering clear, actionable guidance across the entire corporate lifecycle, from startup structuring to sophisticated acquisitions and dispute resolution.
Megan Neel
Member Attorney — Health Law (Board Certified), Mergers & Acquisitions
Megan Neel is a Board Certified Health Law attorney with more than two decades of involvement in counseling healthcare organizations on intricate operational and regulatory matters. She leads the firm’s Health Division, supporting direct primary care practices, counseling groups, medical spas, multi-site physician practices, national telehealth providers, and integrated healthcare enterprises through transactions, regulatory compliance, strategic contractual relationships, ownership structures, and operational risk management. Recognized for her practical, results-oriented approach, she helps healthcare clients grow and innovate while remaining fully compliant with state and federal requirements.
Before entering private practice, Ms. Neel collaborated with leading pharmaceutical companies on FDA labeling compliance and later served as Chief Compliance Officer for a network of ambulatory surgical centers, gaining firsthand insight into building robust compliance programs and counseling executive leadership. This blend of real-world industry knowledge and legal acumen now informs her role as a trusted outside general counsel to healthcare groups, where she delivers comprehensive support in governance, compliance, contract strategy, and planning.
Megan Neel
Megan Neel is a Board Certified Health Law attorney with more than two decades of involvement in counseling healthcare organizations on intricate operational and regulatory matters. She leads the firm’s Health Division, supporting direct primary care practices, counseling groups, medical spas, multi-site physician practices, national telehealth providers, and integrated healthcare enterprises through transactions, regulatory compliance, strategic contractual relationships, ownership structures, and operational risk management. Recognized for her practical, results-oriented approach, she helps healthcare clients grow and innovate while remaining fully compliant with state and federal requirements.
Before entering private practice, Ms. Neel collaborated with leading pharmaceutical companies on FDA labeling compliance and later served as Chief Compliance Officer for a network of ambulatory surgical centers, gaining firsthand insight into building robust compliance programs and counseling executive leadership. This blend of real-world industry knowledge and legal acumen now informs her role as a trusted outside general counsel to healthcare groups, where she delivers comprehensive support in governance, compliance, contract strategy, and planning.
A significant portion of Ms. Neel’s practice centers on healthcare mergers and acquisitions. She advocates for buyers and sellers in practice acquisitions, physician group roll-ups, medical spa transactions, joint ventures, and strategic consolidations, shepherding clients through due diligence, deal structuring, risk allocation, and post-closing integration. Her ability to anticipate regulatory pitfalls, design compliant ownership models, and negotiate favorable terms makes her an invaluable advisor in sophisticated healthcare transactions. She also counsels on HIPAA, Stark Law, the Anti-Kickback Statute, FDA regulations, and other key requirements; develops operational and human resources policies; provides HIPAA compliance training; and defends providers in HIPAA breach investigations and enforcement actions.
By combining board-certified health law credentials, deep operational insight, and transactional prowess, Ms. Neel delivers clear, actionable counsel that allows healthcare organizations to expand, protect value, and focus on delivering quality patient care with confidence in their legal foundation.
H. Julian Frachtman
Member Attorney — Litigation, Employment Law
H. Julian Frachtman is a proven trial lawyer and trusted legal strategist, shepherding businesses and individuals through their most intricate disputes. He leads the firm’s Litigation Division, where he handles high-stakes matters in both state and federal courts. His practice spans the full spectrum of employment law and commercial litigation, including wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, restrictive covenant disputes, contract litigation, and business torts. Recognized for his sharp courtroom skills and practical, results-driven mindset, he helps clients protect their operations while positioning them for sustained success.
Before joining DumasNeel in 2025, Mr. Frachtman built and led his own boutique practice—the Law Offices of H. Julian Frachtman—where he counseled startups, growing companies, and established corporations on mission-critical matters. His work included employee matters, commercial contract negotiation, and sophisticated dispute resolution.
H. Julian Frachtman
Member Attorney — Litigation, Employment Law
H. Julian Frachtman is a proven trial lawyer and trusted legal strategist, shepherding businesses and individuals through their most intricate disputes. He leads the firm’s Litigation Division, where he handles high-stakes matters in both state and federal courts. His practice spans the full spectrum of employment law and commercial litigation, including wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, restrictive covenant disputes, contract litigation, and business torts. Recognized for his sharp courtroom skills and practical, results-driven mindset, he helps clients protect their operations while positioning them for sustained success.
Before joining DumasNeel in 2025, Mr. Frachtman built and led his own boutique practice—the Law Offices of H. Julian Frachtman—where he counseled startups, growing companies, and established corporations on mission-critical matters. His work included employee matters, commercial contract negotiation, and sophisticated dispute resolution. This unique combination of boardroom insight and litigation prowess enables him to approach every case with both a strategist’s vision and a litigator’s precision.
A native Houstonian and fourth-generation Texan, Mr. Frachtman launched his legal career while completing his B.A. in History and English at the University of Texas at Austin, working for the 133rd Civil District Court and clerking with several prominent law firms. He earned his Juris Doctor from Texas Southern University’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law in 2013. Deeply committed to the profession and his community, Mr. Frachtman mentors emerging attorneys, volunteers with nonprofit organizations, and coaches graduates preparing for the Texas Bar Exam.
Meagan McNeely
Member Attorney — Corporate Law, Sports Law
Meagan McNeely is a valued advisor to entrepreneurs, proprietors, and student-athletes, agents, and academic institutions seeking strategic direction and exceptional client service. Recognized for her practical, results-driven approach, Ms. McNeely combines her diverse background in social services, management, and litigation to deliver counsel that is both forward-thinking and highly effective. Her practice spans the full spectrum of corporate law, including entity formation and governance, contract negotiation, sophisticated transactions, and regulatory compliance. In addition, she is an acknowledged authority in sports law, regularly counseling athletes and professionals on name, image, and likeness (NIL) agreements, regularly presenting and publishing insights on this rapidly evolving area.
Ms. McNeely earned a full academic scholarship to Penn State Law, where she distinguished herself as a lead intern with the Entrepreneur Assistance Clinic, counseling startups and small businesses across Pennsylvania—including a client later named to Forbes’ “30 Under 30” list.
Meagan McNeely
Meagan McNeely is a valued advisor to entrepreneurs, proprietors, and student-athletes, agents, and academic institutions seeking strategic direction and exceptional client service. Recognized for her practical, results-driven approach, Ms. McNeely combines her diverse background in social services, management, and litigation to deliver counsel that is both forward-thinking and highly effective. Her practice spans the full spectrum of corporate law, including entity formation and governance, contract negotiation, sophisticated transactions, and regulatory compliance. In addition, she is an acknowledged authority in sports law, regularly counseling athletes and professionals on name, image, and likeness (NIL) agreements, regularly presenting and publishing insights on this rapidly evolving area.
Ms. McNeely earned a full academic scholarship to Penn State Law, where she distinguished herself as a lead intern with the Entrepreneur Assistance Clinic, counseling startups and small businesses across Pennsylvania—including a client later named to Forbes’ “30 Under 30” list. She graduated with her Juris Doctor and a specialized concentration in Corporate Law and Practice, building on years of prior management experience to offer clients strategic counsel that extends beyond legal compliance to operational success.
Licensed to practice in both Texas and Washington, Ms. McNeely is deeply committed to safeguarding her clients’ interests and positioning them for sustained growth. She is equally invested in advancing the legal profession through mentorship and bar preparation support for future attorneys. Outside of her legal work, she enjoys reading, music of every genre, Penn State Football, and playing with her two cats, Bonnie and Bellatrix.
Cindy Peters
Of Counsel — Health Law
Cindy Peters serves as Of Counsel to DumasNeel’s Health Law Division. With more than twenty years of involvement in healthcare strategy, compliance, and regulatory affairs, she counsels providers across the acute and post-acute care continuum, including long-term acute care hospitals (LTACHs), long-term care facilities, home health agencies, and hospice providers. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Ms. Peters is recognized for her ability to bridge legal requirements with operational goals, helping healthcare organizations navigate intricate regulations while pursuing strategic expansion.
Before joining DumasNeel, Ms. Peters held senior leadership positions within healthcare organizations, where she built compliance programs, led managed care strategies, and negotiated provider agreements. She directed initiatives focused on reimbursement structures, provider relations, and regulatory audits, ensuring adherence to state and federal laws while improving operational efficiency.
Cindy Peters
Cindy Peters serves as Of Counsel to DumasNeel’s Health Law Division. With more than twenty years of involvement in healthcare strategy, compliance, and regulatory affairs, she counsels providers across the acute and post-acute care continuum, including long-term acute care hospitals (LTACHs), long-term care facilities, home health agencies, and hospice providers. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Ms. Peters is recognized for her ability to bridge legal requirements with operational goals, helping healthcare organizations navigate intricate regulations while pursuing strategic expansion.
Before joining DumasNeel, Ms. Peters held senior leadership positions within healthcare organizations, where she built compliance programs, led managed care strategies, and negotiated provider agreements. She directed initiatives focused on reimbursement structures, provider relations, and regulatory audits, ensuring adherence to state and federal laws while improving operational efficiency. Her background provides her with practical understanding of how regulations impact day-to-day healthcare delivery and sustained planning.
Beyond compliance and regulatory matters, Ms. Peters counsels on development and corporate structuring for healthcare entities. She supports clients on managed care strategies, licensing and accreditation requirements, and regulatory due diligence for transactions, including acquisitions and reorganizations. Her ability to integrate legal risk management with operational strategy helps providers remain compliant, competitive, and financially sustainable in a rapidly evolving industry.
Ms. Peters is committed to helping healthcare organizations thrive in a highly regulated environment by taking a proactive, strategic approach to compliance and governance. Her blend of industry knowledge, operational insight, and legal acumen—combined with her fluency in English and Spanish—makes her a valued advisor for providers seeking practical solutions to intricate challenges.
Ashley Lemon
Senior Paralegal & Lead Investigator
Ashley Lemon is a highly skilled Senior Paralegal and Lead Investigator with extensive involvement in supporting sophisticated litigation and transactional matters. Recognized for her precision, discretion, and strategic insight, Ms. Lemon plays a pivotal role in case development and trial preparation, collaborating closely with the firm’s attorneys to deliver exceptional results for clients. Her work includes managing discovery, analyzing evidence, coordinating investigative efforts, and preparing cases for negotiation, mediation, or trial.
Born in Okinawa, Japan into a proud military family, Ms. Lemon relocated to the United States in the mid-1990s and has called Texas home since 1999. She earned a full academic scholarship to Sam Houston State University, graduating Summa Cum Laude with dual degrees in Psychology and Criminal Justice. Following her studies, she served as a Federal Corrections Officer, gaining valuable insight into high-security environments and human behavioral analysis.
Ashley Lemon
Ashley Lemon is a highly skilled Senior Paralegal and Lead Investigator with extensive involvement in supporting sophisticated litigation and transactional matters. Recognized for her precision, discretion, and strategic insight, Ms. Lemon plays a pivotal role in case development and trial preparation, collaborating closely with the firm’s attorneys to deliver exceptional results for clients. Her work includes managing discovery, analyzing evidence, coordinating investigative efforts, and preparing cases for negotiation, mediation, or trial.
Born in Okinawa, Japan into a proud military family, Ms. Lemon relocated to the United States in the mid-1990s and has called Texas home since 1999. She earned a full academic scholarship to Sam Houston State University, graduating Summa Cum Laude with dual degrees in Psychology and Criminal Justice. Following her studies, she served as a Federal Corrections Officer, gaining valuable insight into high-security environments and human behavioral analysis. She later earned her license as a Private Investigator in the State of Texas, further strengthening her ability to uncover critical facts and develop sound litigation strategies.
Ms. Lemon’s unique background in psychology, criminal justice, and investigative work enhances her ability to anticipate case needs and support attorneys in achieving successful outcomes. She is valued for her meticulous case management, deep understanding of sophisticated litigation, and ability to handle sensitive matters with the highest level of professionalism. Her blend of investigative credentials, litigation support prowess, and client-focused approach makes her an essential member of the firm’s legal team.
Christy Daffern
Office Administrator
Christy Daffern serves as the Office Administrator for DumasNeel, where she oversees the firm’s daily operations and provides critical administrative support to attorneys and staff. She manages scheduling, workflow coordination, document handling, and office procedures to ensure matters progress efficiently and deadlines are consistently met. Her ability to organize intricate tasks and maintain operational discipline allows the firm’s lawyers to remain focused on delivering exceptional representation.
With more than six years of involvement in the legal industry, Ms. Daffern brings a deep understanding of office management in professional services environments. Before joining DumasNeel, she served as an Office Administrator in the estate planning and probate field and spent nearly a decade in the durable medical equipment industry, where she specialized in customer service and Medicare compliance review. This background has provided her with strong insight into regulated industries and the importance of accuracy, discretion, and efficiency in high-stakes work.
Christy Daffern
Christy Daffern serves as the Office Administrator for DumasNeel, where she oversees the firm’s daily operations and provides critical administrative support to attorneys and staff. She manages scheduling, workflow coordination, document handling, and office procedures to ensure matters progress efficiently and deadlines are consistently met. Her ability to organize intricate tasks and maintain operational discipline allows the firm’s lawyers to remain focused on delivering exceptional representation.
With more than six years of involvement in the legal industry, Ms. Daffern brings a deep understanding of office management in professional services environments. Before joining DumasNeel, she served as an Office Administrator in the estate planning and probate field and spent nearly a decade in the durable medical equipment industry, where she specialized in customer service and Medicare compliance review. This background has provided her with strong insight into regulated industries and the importance of accuracy, discretion, and efficiency in high-stakes work.
Respected for her professionalism and steady support, Ms. Daffern plays an essential role in sustaining the firm’s high standard of client service. She also serves as part of the leadership collective of the Houston Region Veteran’s Chamber of Commerce, where she supports and promotes veteran proprietors and entrepreneurs throughout Houston and the surrounding areas.
Get In Touch
Address
1800 West Loop South
Suite 2100
Houston, Texas 77027
Phone
713-462-0993