Jackson Walker proudly congratulates Dallas partner Brian H. Oates on his selection as a “20 Under Forty” award honoree by People Newspapers. Brian will be recognized with his fellow honorees on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at the Communities Foundation of Texas.
Leading up to the awards ceremony, People Newspapers published a feature on Brian as he shared about his career, what motivates and inspires him, and advice for young professionals. In the profile, he noted:
“Long term, sustained motivation comes from within. I think years of attempting to be a high achiever in baseball has carried over to my career as a lawyer. I’ve always been a fan of setting short-term and long-term goals so that you have an objective measurement for your success and/or failures. Plus, now it is important for me to set an example for my kids so they understand that anything they choose to do should be done to the very best of their abilities.
“Motivating others can be hard. But I think being a good leader and teammate is key. You have to lead by example and have people buy into the group’s end goal. If you can get people to understand that they are part of a team and others are counting on them to achieve a result, it usually is a real motivator. That is especially true if the group’s leader is in the trenches working hard next to them.”
About Brian
Before becoming a trial lawyer focused on trademark, oil and gas, and real estate disputes, Brian started out as a professional baseball player in the Seattle Mariners’ organization. Now, he leverages his prior experience to assist athletes in all sports, including representing top 10 round picks in the Major League Baseball First Year Player Draft, advising National Basketball Association Lottery Picks, and providing guidance to those preparing for the National Football League’s Scouting Combine.
Outside of Jackson Walker, Brian coaching his kids’ sports teams through the Moody Family YMCA, Upward Athletics, and Dallas Hardball. He’s also active in the Bradfield Dad’s Club, which includes a softball league against dads from the other Highland Park ISD elementary schools.
Brian obtained his B.A. from Trinity University and his J.D., summa cum laude, from Texas Tech University School of Law, where he graduated second in his class and received a number of honors, including induction into the Order of the Coif and recognition for earning the highest grade in his class seven times.
About the “20 Under 40”
People Newspapers highlights individuals in Park Cities and Preston Hollow who are making a name for themselves and a difference in their communities. During the nomination process, readers solicit recommendations for those who have outstanding career accomplishments, community ties, and philanthropic work. The “20 Under 40” honorees are hand-picked by a selection committee comprise newspaper staff and members of the Rotary Club of Park Cities.
