Gary Paul Earns AAJ Lifetime Achievement Honor as Chris Johnson Named Chair of Minority Caucus

Waters Kraus Paul & Siegel’s longstanding commitment to leadership in the plaintiffs’ bar was recognized in multiple ways at the American Association for Justice’s 2026 Annual Convention.

WKPS partner Gary M. Paul received one of the organization’s highest honors – the 2026 American Association for Justice (AAJ) Lifetime Achievement Award. Meanwhile, partner Chris Johnson was elected by AAJ members to be Chair of the influential Minority Caucus.

Together, the honors reflect both the lasting impact of Gary’s career and the continued emergence of the firm’s younger partners among the next generation of trial lawyers.

The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes Paul’s decades of service to the legal profession. In addition to his trial practice, he has served as president of AAJ and the National Civil Justice Institute (formerly known as the Pound Civil Justice Institute) and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Trial Advocates.

In a career spanning five decades, Paul has tried more than 200 cases to jury verdict and secured countless settlements for individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma from exposure to asbestos and talc, as well as exposure to harmful pesticides and other toxic chemicals and injuries caused by dangerous and defective products.

“We’ve watched Gary’s passion and commitment for so many years and the impact he’s had on this firm and our clients,” said firm co-founder Peter Kraus. “He is so deserving of this honor and we’re all proud to see him recognized by his many friends and colleagues in the plaintiffs bar.”

Johnson’s election as Chair of the Minority Caucus continues a pattern of national service within the American Association for Justice, the Texas Trial Lawyers Association and other organizations. He was also appointed this year as Texas Co-Chair of the PAC Development Committee and to the AAJ’s National Finance Council and the Fairness, Access, Integration and Representation Committee. He continues to serve on the organization’s Voter Protection Committee and the Board of Governors.

“Chris represents the bright future of our profession,” Kraus said. “He’s an outstanding trial lawyer whose willingness to lead and serve makes our firm—and the plaintiffs’ bar—stronger.”

Together, the honors highlight Waters Kraus Paul & Siegel’s longstanding commitment to leadership within the plaintiffs’ bar—recognizing both a founding generation that helped shape the profession and the next generation that continues to advance it.