The two powerhouse attorneys going head to head in the arbitration hearing of a fired Port Arthur Police detective are considered to be the top in their fields.

Don B. Hayes, arbitrator in the case regarding Mickey Sterling, said the two — Bettye Lynn, attorney for the city, and Bob Thomas, attorney with the Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas, representing Sterling, are some of the best.

“Both are outstanding, credible, well educated lawyers which makes this easier for me,” Hayes said after the hearing was moved to recess on Thursday.

Bettye Lynn is a partner of Lynn Ross and Gannaway LLP.

According to her website, she is certified as a specialist in labor and employment law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Lynn practices exclusively in management labor and employment law and represents employers in both the public and private sectors.

Bob Thomas is an attorney with the Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas or CLEAT.

According to their website, he has been a licensed attorney in Texas for more than 20 years and has represented Texas peace officers in federal and state civil and criminal district court trials.

Prior to his legal career he served 20 years with the Houston Police Department and honorably retired at the rank of sergeant. While at HPD he was the founding president of the Patrolman’s union among other titles.