Bell Nunnally attorneys Nathan Cox, Mason G. Jones, Sydnie A. Shimkus and Saba F. Syed have been named to D Magazine’s 2026 “Best Lawyers Under 40 in Dallas” list, highlighting the region’s “up-and-coming” attorneys.
D Magazine compiles its “Best Lawyers Under 40” list by asking lawyers to nominate up to two lawyers outside their firm and one within their firm, keeping this question in mind, “Which lawyers under 40, of those whose work you have witnessed firsthand, would you rank among the current best?” Answers may include co-counsel, lawyers they have observed in court and opposing counsel.
“Bell Nunnally takes great pride in the growth and development of our attorneys and professionals. This concerted effort, which includes a robust mentorship program and a focus on working directly with clients, has yielded a steady pipeline of incredible, next-gen leadership and talent – seen here with Nathan, Mason, Sydnie and Saba,” said Bell Nunnally Managing Partner Christopher B. Trowbridge. “We congratulate all named for this great honor, selected by our business community peers and compiled by one of our most-respected local business news outlets.”
Recognized Bell Nunnally attorneys and their corresponding areas of the law include:
- Nathan Cox (Partner) – Business/Commercial Litigation
- Mason G. Jones (Senior Associate) – Business/Commercial Litigation
- Sydnie A. Shimkus (Partner) – Labor and Employment
- Saba F. Syed (Partner) – Business/Commercial Litigation
Cox, a partner in the firm’s Litigation and Labor and Employment practices where he represents individuals and businesses in a wide range of civil litigation matters in state and federal courts, including complex commercial and business ownership disputes, business torts and trade secret litigation. He also defends employers in discrimination, harassment and retaliation claims and has tried cases before juries, judges and arbitration panels. An active writer, Cox has authored numerous articles on Texas Lawbook and frequently co-authors firm client alerts. He is chair-elect of Young Professionals Advisory Council for the Dallas Regional Chamber, and he is a member of the board of directors for both the Dallas Chamber Symphony and Primos Dallas.
Cox was named to D Magazine‘s “Best Lawyers Under 40 in Dallas” list (2025), The Best Lawyers in America® ”Ones to Watch” list (2024-2026) and selected by his peers for inclusion among Texas Super Lawyers Rising Stars® (2024-2025). He is a graduate of Baylor University Law School (J.D., 2017) and the University of California, Davis (B.A., 2013). After law school, Cox clerked for the Honorable Jeffrey C. Manske, in the Western District of Texas, Waco Division.
Jones, a senior associate with the firm’s Litigation and Labor and Employment practices, focuses on complex commercial litigation across a wide range of industries, including private equity, oil and gas, banking, construction, real estate and manufacturing. His commercial work includes disputes involving breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, fraud and partnership disputes. Jones also represents companies and individuals in disputes involving noncompete agreements, confidentiality obligations and enforcement of trade secret protections. He also has significant experience in employment litigation, representing organizations in disputes involving sexual harassment and discrimination; claims under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and the Equal Pay Act (EPA); and claims related to workplace policies, discipline and termination. Jones routinely advises employers on compliance and risk-management issues involving employment practices.
Jones has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® “Ones to Watch” list (2021-2026) and has been selected by attorney peers for inclusion in “Texas Super Lawyers Rising Stars” (2024-2025). He is a graduate of Baylor University School of Law (J.D., 2019) and Baylor University (B.B.A., 2016).
Shimkus, a partner in the firm’s Labor and Employment practice, handles a mix of labor and employment litigation and counseling on behalf of clients in a wide range of industries, including home health care, home security, manufacturing and telecommunications. She is experienced with both arbitration proceedings and jury trials in state and federal courts, as well as claims before various administrative bodies. Shimkus also handles the niche area of ERISA services, including guiding clients on maintaining compliance with the federal statute’s requirements for retirement and medical benefit plans, and when needed, defending companies and plan sponsors in litigation involving alleged ERISA violations, including class actions.
Shimkus has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® “Ones to Watch” list (2021-2026) and selected by her peers for inclusion in Super Lawyers’ “Texas Rising Stars” by Thomson Reuters (2023-2025). She has also been named to Lawdragon’s “500 X – The Next Generations” list (2025) and its “500 Leading Corporate Employment Lawyers” guide (2026). Shimkus is a graduate of SMU’s Dedman School of Law (J.D., cum laude, 2016) and Texas A&M University’s Mays Business School (B.A., cum laude, 2013).
Syed, a partner and member of the firm’s Litigation practice, routinely represents companies and high-net-worth individuals in complex commercial litigation involving renewable energy construction disputes, contract disputes, business torts and partnership disputes. She works across a range of industries, including energy, manufacturing, real estate and finance.
Syed’s recent accolades include being named to the “40 & Under” list in Benchmark Litigation (2025-2026) and the Legal 500’s inaugural “U.S. City Elite 2025” list (2025). She has also been named to Texas Lawyer‘s “On the Rise” list (2024) and Dallas Business Journal‘s “40 Under 40” list (2023). Syed was selected by her peers for inclusion in Super Lawyers’ “Texas Rising Stars” by Thomson Reuters (2020-2025) and is a past recipient of the Dallas Bar Association’s “Outstanding Minority Attorney Award” (2019). She is a graduate of Baylor University School of Law (J.D., cum laude, 2013) and the University of Texas at Austin (B.A., magna cum laude, 2009). This is Syed’s sixth selection to D Magazine’s “Best Lawyers Under 40 in Dallas” list (2021-2026).
Media Contact:
Brittany Lewis
Marketing Manager
214-880-6661
blewis@bellnunnally.com