Trial & Appellate Litigation
Jackson Walker is the “go-to” trial firm for many clients in complex or bet-the-company cases in Texas and across the U.S. Clients often tell us, “We hire you for the difficult ones.” Our trial attorneys are known for advocacy, judgment, and responsiveness. Listening, understanding and believing in the goals of our clients are our guideposts in delivering results at the courthouse.
Jackson Walker’s trial group is one of the Southwest’s largest, encompassing about 30 percent of the firm’s approximately 500 attorneys. Our diverse experience covers multiple industry sectors and specialty practice areas and takes us into courthouses across the Lone Star State, from the major markets of Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Austin and San Antonio to the Rio Grande Valley, East and West Texas, and the Gulf Coast. Our trial practice also spans the U.S., as we have litigated cases in nearly every state in the union.
We remind ourselves every day of the privilege we enjoy representing outstanding clients in important cases demanding the best we can offer.
- Results: We are known for our expertise in bet-the-company and high-profile cases in Texas, nationally and internationally. Yet, we bring a client- and results-oriented focus to all cases, regardless of size or amount in controversy.
- Preparation: We prepare each case as if it were going to trial, which increases the opportunity for an early, favorable pre-trial resolution. If the case must be tried, we’re ready.
- Efficiency: We zealously represent our clients in litigation with a steady eye on the bottom line in terms of costs and desired results. We use best practices in project management to ensure predictability and cost control for our clients, and we adapt our fee structure to client needs, from traditional hourly billing at competitive rates to alternative fee arrangements.
- Technology: Here’s how Texas Lawyer described one of our partners in a high-profile trial. He “didn’t just tell the (Court) what he intended to prove, he used his timeline and PowerPoint presentation to prove his case.” Our innovative use of graphics and video exemplifies a commitment to excellence in the courtroom.
- Alternatives: Our attorneys are thoroughly experienced in all forms of alternative dispute resolution, including mediation and arbitration.
Jackson Walker Secures Major Victory for Power Generator Clients in Winter Storm Uri MDL
Jackson Walker played a significant role in a definitive defense victory in the Winter Storm Uri multidistrict litigation (MDL), one of the largest and most complex mass‑tort proceedings ever brought in Texas. On March 27, 2026, the Texas Supreme Court denied all mandamus petitions challenging the First Court of Appeals’ landmark decision, in which Jackson Walker also was instrumental, ordering dismissal of all remaining claims against the hundreds of power generators in the Winter Storm Uri MDL.
Client Results • March 29, 2026
Jackson Walker Secures Favorable Resolution for Velocis in Bee Cave Development Dispute
Jackson Walker represented Velocis, a private equity real estate manager, in a contentious land use and development dispute with the City of Bee Cave, Texas, culminating in a favorable settlement and the profitable sale of the development to aerospace company CesiumAstro.
Client Results • March 16, 2026
Jackson Walker Secures Favorable Trademark Injunction and Global Resolution for Otiima Industries
Jackson Walker announces a significant victory on behalf of Otiima Industries, S.A., a Portugal‑based manufacturer of high‑performance, luxury window systems. Following coordinated litigation and trademark proceedings, the firm obtained preliminary injunctive relief and guided the client to a favorable resolution that preserves Otiima’s U.S. trademark rights and market position.
Client Results • February 9, 2026
Jackson Walker Secures Dismissal of Claims Against Jed Wallace in ‘It Ends With Us’ Defamation Suit
Jackson Walker obtained a dismissal of all claims asserted in New York federal court against Jed Wallace, a Texas-based social media strategist and principal of Street Relations, Inc. On November 5, 2025, Judge Lewis J. Liman of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York granted Mr. Wallace’s motion to dismiss for lack of personal jurisdiction. The court held that the claims—rooted in allegations of reputational harm tied to publicity surrounding the film It Ends With Us—fall within New York’s defamation exception to the state’s long-arm statute and therefore could not proceed in New York.
Client Results • November 6, 2025
Len Wade Secures Complete Defense Victory for Dallas Renal Group in Shareholder Dispute
Jackson Walker partner Len Wade obtained a complete defense victory for client Dallas Renal Group, P.A. (DRG) after trial in the 116th District Court of Dallas County, Texas. The case was brought by departing physician-shareholder Cristina Arce, M.D., who asserted claims for breach of contract. DRG sought valuation of Dr. Arce’s interest in a joint venture and declaratory relief arising from disputes related to Dr. Arce’s departure from the practice.
Client Results • October 8, 2025
Jackson Walker Secures Summary Judgment for Kirk Weddle in Nirvana ‘Nevermind’ Album Cover Lawsuit
Jackson Walker secured a complete victory for renowned photographer Kirk Weddle, with the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California granting summary judgment on September 30, 2025, and holding that Nirvana’s Nevermind album cover is not child pornography as a matter of law. The court dismissed the case with prejudice.
Jackson Walker partners Joshua A. Romero and Emilio B. Nicolas led the defense for Mr. Weddle alongside California counsel at Kendall Brill & Kelly LLP.
Client Results • October 1, 2025
Jackson Walker Guides Client to Favorable Closure of DOJ Antitrust Investigation
Jackson Walker partner Erica Benites Giese secured a complete victory for a technology-sector client that had been under investigation by both the U.S. Department of Justice Antitrust Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York.
Client Results • August 20, 2025
Jackson Walker Client American Midstream Secures Unanimous Texas Supreme Court Victory
In a unanimous decision, the Supreme Court of Texas on Friday, May 23, 2025, reversed a judgment against American Midstream and provided important guidance for future energy litigation, contract interpretation, and lost profits damages. Today’s decision also reinstates American Midstream’s counterclaim.
Client Results • May 23, 2025
Jackson Walker Files Amicus Brief on Behalf of Hindu American Foundation in First Amendment Case
In a significant case concerning free speech and religious freedom, the Hindu American Foundation (HAF) filed an amicus brief, in Dubash v. City of Houston et al., a Fifth Circuit case challenging the arrest of Mr. Dubash for peacefully advocating against factory farming in a Houston public park.
Jackson Walker partner Jennifer S. Freel, and associate West M. Bakke of Jackson Walker LLP, provided their services pro bono in support of the Hindu American Foundation’s efforts to safeguard religious expression and free speech
Client Results • March 12, 2025
US Supreme Court Vacates Richard Glossip’s Conviction, Orders New Trial
The United States Supreme Court on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, vacated the murder conviction of Richard Glossip, citing significant prosecutorial misconduct and false testimony by a key witness. This decision marks a rare victory for a death row inmate.
Client Results • February 25, 2025
6th Circ. Can Extend Insurance Valuation Clarity Beyond Auto | Law360
In this article featured in Law360, Marc Fuller and Christopher Thompson explore how the Sixth Circuit has a pivotal opportunity to align with the growing consensus among federal circuits rejecting class certification of “total loss” insurance claims. Since 2022, the Third, Fourth, Fifth, Seventh, and Ninth Circuits have held that challenging a single component of a complex valuation methodology isn’t enough to prove predominance under Rule 23(b)(3).
Insights • April 1, 2026
Kathleen Tanner Beduze and Jocelyn Slater to Speak at TexasBarCLE’s Advanced Elder Law & Guardianship Courses
Jackson Walker partner Kathleen Tanner Beduze and senior counsel Jocelyn Slater will be featured presenters at the 26th Annual Advanced Elder Law & Advanced Guardianship Law Courses. This event, organized by TexasBarCLE, is scheduled for April 16-17, 2026 at the Westin Dallas Park Central in Dallas, Texas.
Speaking Engagements • March 26, 2026
Texas Business Court Enforces Noncompete—But Rejects Trade Secret and Nonsolicitation Claims
By Chris Bankler
In Galderma Laboratories, L.P. v. Brenner, Cause No. 26-BC08B-0003 (Tex. Bus. Ct., Mar. 12, 2026), Judge Stagner addressed a familiar scenario in business litigation: a senior executive leaves and immediately joins a direct competitor.
Insights • March 20, 2026
Texas Business Court Finds Jurisdiction Over Employee-Raid Case Based on Managerial-Official Allegations and Intellectual-Property Nexus
By Chris Bankler
In Alamo Title Company v. WFG National Title Company of Texas, LLC, the Texas Business Court denied a motion to remand and held that the dispute fell within the court’s jurisdiction under Chapter 25A. The opinion offers a detailed discussion of the Texas Business Court’s topical jurisdiction provisions, concluding that the lawsuit satisfied the statute through two independent pathways.
Insights • March 20, 2026
John Jackson Discusses Privacy Suits Under California Wiretap Law
Jackson Walker partner John Jackson was featured in Bloomberg Law discussing the ongoing split in opinion among courts over whether the California Invasion of Privacy Act applies to online tracking technologies in recently filed suits.
Mentions • March 16, 2026
How Companies can Protect their Rights to IEEPA-based Tariff Refunds
By Dyana Mardon, Cameron A. Secord, and Robert L. Soza
On February 20, 2026, the Supreme Court ruled (6-3) that IEEPA does not allow the President to impose tariffs. See our prior publication on this decision here: Supreme Court Rules IEEPA Does Not Authorize Tariffs. The majority explained that imposing tariffs is a core power reserved for Congress, and while IEEPA allows the President to “regulate…importation,” it does not include the power to tax or impose tariffs.
Insights • March 12, 2026
