Ancel Escobar

Ancel Escobar is the Chair of the firm’s Trial Department. He focuses his practice on the representation of business and governmental entities and private individuals in high-stakes commercial disputes. His experience includes breach of contract, fraud, civil RICO, trade secret, and commercial construction matters in state and federal forums, appellate courts, and before arbitration tribunals. Ancel also maintains an active practice representing public entities in federal and state constitutional takings claims. He is skilled at translating highly technical and industry-specific concepts into terms accessible to judges and juries alike. Ancel has secured favorable outcomes for clients across every stage of disputes — from pre-litigation assessment and settlement through trial and appeal, including briefing before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.

A native of El Paso, Ancel earned his B.S. in Economics from the University of Houston and went on to earn his J.D. from Baylor University School of Law in 2016. Prior to joining Kemp Smith, his practice included the prosecution and defense of commercial claims, as well as the defense of FELA, product liability, catastrophic injury, and wrongful death matters, and pre-litigation investigation for national clients facing significant exposure.

Ancel is licensed to practice in Texas, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, and the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas. He was named a Super Lawyers Rising Star in 2025 and 2026. An active member of his community, Ancel is the Incoming President of the El Paso Opera and was a member of Leadership El Paso’s Class of 2025.

Professional & Civic Involvement

• El Paso Opera - Board of Directors
• George A. McAlmon American Inn of Court
• Leadership El Paso