Shelby Payne – Partner
Shelby Payne is a litigator with a foundational experience at a large commercial litigation firm and a multidisciplinary practice spanning complex commercial disputes, employment litigation, and complex commercial litigation matters. She now leverages that background in her litigation practice using her technical strengths for detailed factual analysis and strategic case development to pursue full compensation for injured clients. Her research skills and motion-practice strengths allow her to develop arguments that most persuasively advance her clients’ interests in negotiation, mediation, and trial. Her ability to translate complex briefing into compelling oral argument allows her to go toe to toe with appellate counsel at hearings and trial. Shelby critically assess the legal positions of each claim and defense, and utilizes these skills to maximize Clients’ results.
Background
Growing up, I was the kid who loved to argue and analyze everything—my family always joked I’d end up being a lawyer. At the same time, I was drawn to science and technology—so I was a bit torn between becoming an engineer and a profession that would allow me to get up in front of people and telling compelling stories. I was still undecided when applying for colleges. I applied to University of Texas as a political science major and to Texas A&M University as a physics major. Ultimately, I chose the path of physics, diving full steam ahead into hard science. At the same time, I worked in technology commercialization for the university helping startup companies with new technologies develop their businesses and working on programs that helped companies develop, test and market new products.
That experience—translating technical innovations into real-world impact—was my lightbulb moment. I realized that being a lawyer could bring together everything I loved: complex problem-solving, advocacy, and creative communication. When I first started law school I set my sights on intellectual property litigation because I wanted to help inventors protect their innovations and explain complex technologies to juries in a clear, compelling way. Over time, that grew into tackling all sorts of complex cases—whether it’s mechanical issues, technical issues, or complex business operations. It’s all about taking those tough problems and making them simple enough to solve, and that’s what really drives me.
Professional Journey
Shelby’s career began in the technology-commercialization space, where she worked at the University of Texas and Texas A&M supporting licensing initiatives and helping early-stage companies develop business strategies and obtain funding. She later joined the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service, assisting companies in prototyping, testing, and bringing new products to market—work that strengthened her ability to evaluate technical systems and translate complexity into clear strategy. She also worked new companies to develop pitch decks and refine presentations for angel investment through the Aggie Angel Network. She carried those strengths into her legal career at Porter Hedges LLP, where she handled a wide range of complex civil-litigation matters and refined her research, writing, and oral-advocacy skills. She went on to help found The Atlas Law Firm, where she blends her large firm litigation training with a hands on, client driven approach.
Values & Legal Approach
Shelby’s work is guided by integrity, preparation, and respect for the people she represents. Her legal approach centers on early case evaluation, targeted discovery and persuasive briefing enabling her to identify leverage points and position cases for favorable resolution.
Hobbies & Interests
Outside the office, Shelby enjoys live music, comedy, wakesurfing and lake days, cooking, and tending to her growing collection of plants. She loves traveling—especially abroad—and never misses an opportunity to enjoy great food. She often spends time with family in Austin and lives in Houston with her dog, Waffles.
Community Involvement
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Provides pro bono assistance helping low-income individuals obtain criminal record expunctions, improving access to housing and employment opportunities.