Jackson Walker partner Len Wade obtained a complete defense victory for client Dallas Renal Group, P.A. (DRG) after trial in the 116^th 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.

Following a bench trial before the Honorable Tonya Parker, the Court applied the valuation formula in the governing agreements, as asserted by DRG, and determined that the value of Dr. Arce’s interest in Murphy Dialysis Partners, L.P.—the joint venture at issue—was $0. The Court further dismissed Dr. Arce’s remaining claims, including breach of contract and requests for declaratory judgment, concluding that she failed to establish any entitlement to relief under Texas law.

Dr. Arce had sought actual damages in the high six figures, plus significant attorney’s fees. As a result of the Court’s rulings, DRG owes no damages or attorney’s fees, and Dr. Arce “take[s] nothing by way of all other claims asserted against Dallas Renal Group in this action.”

The case is Cristina Arce, M.D. v. Dallas Renal Group, P.A., Cause No. DC-23-13960, in the 116th District Court of Dallas County, Texas.

Meet Len

Len A. Wade is a partner in Jackson Walker’s Litigation group, focused on complex litigation, mediation, and arbitration. A former judge, Len is an accomplished mediator, a member of the Association of Attorney-Mediators, serves on the commercial panel of neutrals for the American Arbitration Association, and has chaired the Tarrant County Bar Association Business Litigation Section. He is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) and is recognized among The Best Lawyers in America, Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, Lawdragon’s list of “The 500 Leading Litigators in America,” and as a “Top Attorney” in Fort Worth by 360 West Magazine and Fort Worth Magazine.

Meet Jackson Walker

Founded in 1887, Jackson Walker is the largest firm in Texas with over 500 attorneys across six offices, 30% of whom practice litigation. Our firm has garnered significant accolades, including as an Intimidating Opponent in BTI Consulting Group’s list of the firms “Most Feared in Litigation,” as a top Texas firm in the area of Litigation: General Commercial in the recently released Chambers USA Guide, and among the Best Law Firms® by Best Lawyers with 26 national and 140 metropolitan rankings in the 2025 edition. To explore the firm’s experience, visit our Trial & Appellate Litigation practice page.