Marina Banks McLaughlin, IP & Transactional Attorney
Marina Banks McLaughlin is a business attorney with a genuine passion for helping entrepreneurs navigate contracts, trademarks, and business formation — the legal foundation every growing business needs to get right. Named a 2024, 2025, and 2026 Super Lawyers Texas Rising Star, she's built a reputation as a trusted advisor to entrepreneurs across Houston.
As IP & Transactional Attorney at The Curry Law Firm, Marina helps clients protect what they've built — their business, their brand, and the ideas behind both.
Practice Focus
Marina's practice centers on contracts, trademarks, and business formation, guiding entrepreneurs through the legal complexities of building and protecting a business while managing risk and staying ahead of critical deadlines. Her experience spans government, business, and law firm environments, giving her a rare, well-rounded view of both the legal and business sides of intellectual property.
Her clients tend to be entrepreneurs who want more than a document drafted — they want a strategic partner who understands both the business and legal stakes of every decision. Marina brings a creative, entrepreneurial spirit to her work, and she's an active member of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, the Houston Lawyers Association, The Downtown Group, and the Association of Women Attorneys.
A Firm Built to Serve the Full Picture
One of the things that sets Eleanor's approach apart is what she built around her. Because The Curry Law Firm covers business law, estate planning, intellectual property, and litigation under one roof, clients don't have to start over with a new firm every time a new legal need comes up. Eleanor coordinates directly with her fellow attorneys to make sure clients get the right specialist for every situation — without losing the continuity of a team that already knows their story.
That kind of seamless cross-referral isn't something most firms can offer. It's one of the reasons clients who come in for a business formation question often stay for years.
Serving Houston and Beyond
Eleanor and the firm are based in Houston, TX, and serve clients across the greater Houston area — including The Woodlands, Sugar Land, Missouri City, Pearland, Cypress, and Alvin — as well as clients in the Atlanta metro through the firm's Georgia practice. Trademark and intellectual property matters are handled federally and nationwide.
If you're looking for a business attorney in Houston who will treat your goals like they matter, you're in the right place.
Our practice areas.
We approach every legal matter with a broad perspective and a sharp focus, integrating insights across our practice areas to deliver unparalleled results for our clients.
"Stephen is an asset to our company. He skillfully reviews and negotiates multimillion-dollar contracts, he artfully drafts subcontracts and leases, and he has successfully represented us in court and before municipal boards. He is an accomplished lawyer that is always there when we need him. He is our confidant and friend."
Furino & Sons Inc. (Brothers Four)
"It is truly our pleasure to recommend Stephen to any individual or corporation looking for highly skilled legal counsel. He has represented us on a variety of corporate legal matters and he is a master with both contract and lease negotiations, always offering exceptional strategic advice. More recently, he represented us in front of the Township Planning Board and helped us achieve our desired results when it seemed impossible. We highly endorse Stephen both personally and professionally."
HEC Holding Co., LLC
"Stephen has successfully represented our company’s interests in several matters involving intricate fact patterns and novel legal theories. In one, a particularly aggressive plaintiff was convinced by Stephen to voluntarily dismiss a lawsuit in which it sought significant monetary damages. These favorable outcomes have resulted from Stephen’s thorough and careful review of all facts and circumstances and his dedication to the best interests of his client. In every matter in which we have retained Stephen he has sought to obtain the best possible result in the shortest possible time. We recommend Stephen without reservation."
RPM Development Group
What sets your approach apart?
Our attorneys combine academic rigor, industry leadership, and a deep understanding of complex legal landscapes to deliver strategies uniquely tailored to each client.
How do you handle intricate legal challenges?
We thrive on complexity, leveraging decades of experience to uncover solutions others might miss. Every case is approached with precision, diligence, and creativity.
What kind of communication can clients expect?
We prioritize direct and consistent communication, offering clear updates and actionable insights throughout the legal process, so you remain confident and informed.
How do you approach long-term legal partnerships?
We build enduring relationships by aligning with our clients’ long-term objectives, acting as trusted advisors who guide and support through every phase of their ventures.
What can I expect during my consultation?
Your initial consultation will involve an in-depth discussion of your goals and challenges, allowing our attorneys to outline tailored strategies and next steps. See below for a typical process cadence.
Ready to Talk Through Your Legal Needs?
The consultation is free, and there's no pressure to commit. Eleanor and the team are here to help you figure out what you actually need — and whether the firm is the right fit to help you get there.