Jackson Walker’s Trial Victory for AT&T Affirmed on Appeal

March 20, 2018 | Client Results



Last week, the First Court of Appeals in Houston affirmed a judgment for Jackson Walker’s client AT&T Mobility LLC. In 2016, Jackson Walker, representing AT&T, prevailed after a bench trial in Harris County District Court. Two adverse parties claimed ownership of a property in Houston that is the site of an AT&T cell tower. After one of the parties – AIC Management Company – threatened to deny AT&T access to its cell tower, Jackson Walker filed an interpleader action on behalf of AT&T to resolve the competing claims to ownership of the property and the right to receive future rents under a lease with AT&T.  In response, AIC sued AT&T seeking 11 years of back rent, attorney’s fees, and interest.

At trial, the court granted AT&T’s motion to declare that AIC’s correction deed was legally invalid. The court also rendered judgment that AT&T did not breach any agreement with AIC and that AIC would recover no damages from AT&T.

On appeal, the Houston court of appeals found that AT&T properly asked the trial court to determine the validity of both parties’ deeds, it affirmed the Trial Court’s judgment that AIC’s deed was invalid, and it affirmed the trial court’s decision that AT&T is not liable to AIC.  The result is a complete victory for AT&T.

Jackson Walker litigation partner Richard A. Howell represented AT&T in the trial and the appeal.

This win demonstrates Jackson Walker’s depth of experience in representing companies in real estate litigation.