SENIOR COUNSEL Chauntelle Wood White
Chauntelle Wood White is a first-chair trial lawyer who has successfully tried over 40 jury and bench trials in both criminal and civil disputes. In a career spanning public service and big-law firm experience, Chauntelle is known for her poise, charisma, courtroom presence, and practical problem-solving skills. Chauntelle brings particular experience to DHM in the areas of Criminal Litigation, Oil & Gas Litigation, Commercial Litigation, and Internal and White-Collar Investigations.
Chauntelle’s practice in criminal law and investigations prominently features high-stakes criminal cases and aggressive inquiries by the federal government, where expertise in handling complex and sensitive matters is essential. Her deep understanding of federal regulations and criminal law equips Chauntelle to tackle some of the most challenging and high-pressure cases in the field, including environmental investigations, breaches of fiduciary duties, violations of company codes of conduct, conflicts of interest, and other matters related to corporate governance and compliance.
Chauntelle’s oil and gas practice has involved significant lease disputes, royalty litigation, pipeline matters, and breach of contract cases. Her strong problem-solving skills and deep industry knowledge make Chauntelle particularly adept at resolving intricate disputes.
Chauntelle’s commercial litigation experience has involved corporate breach of contract cases, fraud claims, non-disclosure and non-compete agreements, and various business torts. Chauntelle’s clients praise her ability to navigate diverse commercial disputes with versatility and strategic acumen.
Before entering private practice, Chauntelle served as a Felony Prosecutor in Houston. She is also a respected Veteran of the United States Air Force Reserves, having served for eight years. DHM is thrilled to utilize Chauntelle’s commitment, discipline, and leadership in the firm’s diverse array of practice areas, clients, and matters.
Education
Southern University Law Center
Juris Doctorate, cum laude
Member, Southern University Law Review
Member, Southern University Moot Court Board
Cameron University
Bachelor of Science, Psychology
Court Admissions
State of Texas
U.S. District Courts for the Northern, Western, and Southern Districts of Texas
State of Louisiana
U.S. District Courts for the Eastern, Middle, and Western Districts of Louisiana
State of Illinois
Professional Associations
Federal Bar Association
Houston Bar Association
Houston Young Lawyers Association
American Bar Association
Texas Bar Foundation, Lifetime Fellow
Innocence Project of Texas, Board Member
University of Houston, Adjunct Professor
- Best Lawyers® – “Ones to Watch” – Commercial Litigation, Environmental Litigation, Mass Tort/Defense Litigation – 2021-2024
- Institute for Energy Law, Leadership Class – 2020-2021
- “40 under 40” – National Bar Association
- Air Force Commendation Medal
- Air Reserve Meritorious Service Medal