Chris Bankler
Practice Areas
Experience
- Arbitration
- Banking Litigation
- Business Litigation
- Corporate & Securities Litigation
- Special Investigations
Biography
Chris Bankler is a Texas trial lawyer who focuses on complex corporate governance and fiduciary duty litigation. He represents directors, officers, shareholders, boards, and financial institutions in high-stakes business disputes across Texas and beyond.
A recognized leader in Texas Business Court litigation, Chris handles shareholder derivative actions, partnership disputes, expedited injunctions, and corporate control battles. He frequently appears in cases involving breach of fiduciary duty, internal investigations, and disputes between business partners or stakeholders. Whether the client is a Fortune 100 board confronting a books-and-records demand, a private-equity sponsor waging a high-stakes control contest, or a special committee dissecting a conflicted M&A transaction, Chris is relied upon to devise the strategy, marshal the facts, and win in the courtroom.
Chris is a lead litigation partner on a full range of disputes in complex bankruptcy proceedings. As a trial lawyer with experience in federal bankruptcy courts, Chris leads investigations, and prosecutes and defends fraud, fraudulent transfer, and fiduciary claims that often decide the course of the reorganization.
Education
B.A., University of Texas at Austin
B.B.A., University of Texas at Austin
J.D., cum laude, SMU Dedman School of Law
Bar Admissions
Texas
Court Admissions
United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
United States District Court for the Eastern, Northern, Southern, and Western Districts of Texas
Corporate Governance and Fiduciary Duty Lawsuits
Chris is at the forefront of corporate governance disputes, including shareholder litigation, entity control disputes, and challenges to M&A and other strategic transactions. He has successfully litigated plaintiff and defense-side derivative and class actions, takeover battles, books and records demands, founder disputes, and disputes between stockholders.
Chris has experience representing officers and directors not only in the Business Court of Texas, but also in other common jurisdictions for business disputes, including Nevada and Delaware. Chris has particular experience in Delaware, having appeared and argued in the Delaware Chancery Court in several cases in recent years. For example, Chris recently served as lead trial counsel in a multibillion-dollar governance battle involving data-center developers, leading the litigation in the Business Court of Texas and simultaneously defending companion proceedings in the Delaware Court of Chancery.
Chris has successfully handled a multitude of corporate governance disputes, including:
- Breach of Fiduciary Duty
- Shareholder and Investor Claims, including derivative lawsuits
- Claims on behalf of directors and controlling shareholders
- Majority/Minority shareholder disputes
- Founder disputes
- Disputes arising out of limited liability company, limited partnership, and investor agreements
- Disputes related to changes in control
- Prosecuting and defending books and records demands
- M&A related litigation
- Representing special committees of outside directors
- Bankruptcy Adversary Proceedings
Recent corporate governance and fiduciary representation includes:
- Thorburn vs. Pro Line Products, Business Court of Texas (2025)
- Quantum Loophole v. TPG RE III Volt Holdings, Business Court of Texas (2024)
- TPG RE III Volt Holdings, v. Quantum Loophole, Delaware Chancery Court (2024)
- Lenois v. Camac Energy et al, Delaware Chancery Court (2021)
- Classic Truck Sales v. Morrow, Dallas County, Texas (2021)
- E Squared Tech v. Garg, Dallas County, Texas (2020)
- Live Oak Rail Road v. Howard Midstream Energy Partners, Bexar County, Texas (2018)
- Balfe v. Glenn Beck; Mercury Radio Arts v. Balfe, Dallas County, Texas (2017)
Financial Institution Representation
Chris’ deep understanding of the matters important to financial institutions has made him the go-to counselor for many of Jackson Walker’s financial services clients. Chris represents a diverse range of financial institutions, including several national banks (3 of the top 10 largest banks in the United States), trust companies, community banks, and credit unions.
Chris has helped financial institutions resolve a variety of legal claims and disputes, including:
- Contract Disputes
- Lender Liability Suits
- Claims Involving Agented Loans
- Trust and Estate Fiduciary Claims
Corporate Investigations
Chris is the leader of the firm’s Special Investigations practice. He has been a lead special independent investigator multiple times on corporate and accounting issues, with particular focus on examining corporate director and officer fiduciary duties. Chris has worked closely with chief legal officers, corporate boards and committees to scope and complete the investigations. Chris has produced voluminous detailed reports or summary presentations of findings, as required by the circumstances.
- The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.), Commercial Litigation, 2024-2025
- Texas Rising Star, Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2018-2024
- Named to “Up-and-Coming 100: 2022 Texas Rising Stars” list, Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2022-2024
- “Best Lawyers in Dallas,” D Magazine, 2019-2020
- “Best Lawyers Under 40,” D Magazine, 2021
A thought leader on corporate governance and fiduciary duties, Chris frequently writes and speaks on developments in fiduciary duty jurisprudence. He is the publisher of TexasBusinessCourts.com, authoring regular analysis of the Business Court of Texas.
- Author, “Texas Supreme Court Clarifies Fiduciary Duties Between Business Partners,” Jackson Walker Insights (April 2025)
- Author, “Texas Supreme Court Clarifies Limits on Business Fiduciary Duties,” Jackson Walker Insights (February 2025)
- Author, “Texas Supreme Court Reaffirms Personal Liability for Corporate Officers and Directors in Fraud Cases,” Jackson Walker Insights (July 2024)
- Co-Author, “Texas Legislature Creates the Business Court of Texas and Companion Court of Appeals,” Jackson Walker Insights (June 2023)
- North Texas Food Bank, Advisory Council Member, 2018-2025
- Taste! At The Star, Host Committee Member
- Cedars Union Arts Incubator, Board of Directors, 2020-2024
July 1, 2025
Insights
Texas Business Court Asserts Jurisdiction in $95 Million Texas Lottery Dispute
By Chris Bankler
A recent decision from the Texas Business Court, Reed v. Rook TX, LP, centers on a dramatic claim: Jerry Reed, who “won a $7.5 million Lotto Texas jackpot in May 2023,” alleges that “his winnings would have been $95 million greater if Rook and other defendants had not illegally manipulated the system to enable Rook to claim the $95 million jackpot in April 2023.”
June 9, 2025
Insights
Texas Business Court Upholds Exculpation Clause—Limits Fiduciary Duty Exposure
By Chris Bankler
In its May 22, 2025, memorandum opinion, the Business Court of Texas dismissed all claims against Christopher Doyle (PEC’s CEO) and certain Blackstone-affiliated entities. The Court held that § 13.9 of the Third Amended Partnership Agreement (“TAPA”) unambiguously barred liability claims for these parties.
May 21, 2025
Insights
Business Court of Texas Rebuffs Member’s Duty Claim, Reaffirms Freedom of Contract in LLC Agreement
By Chris Bankler
A recent decision from the Business Court of Texas, Eighth Division (Fort Worth), underscores that an LLC’s company agreement can effectively eliminate fiduciary duties between its members and managers.
May 19, 2025
Insights
Business Court of Texas Clarifies “Qualified Transaction” Jurisdiction
By Chris Bankler
A recent Texas Business Court decision clarified that a “qualified transaction” under Chapter 25A is measured based on the aggregate value of consideration at the time of the transaction, including anticipated interest on demand notes if alleged in good faith. The court also held that the amount in controversy includes both principal and interest due at the time of filing, not just principal alone.
April 10, 2025
Insights
Texas Supreme Court Clarifies Fiduciary Duties Between Business Partners
By Chris Bankler
The Texas Supreme Court has provided clarity on the fiduciary duties between business partners, particularly in the context of limited partnerships. The case, Bertucci v. Watkins, involved a dispute between two business partners, Anthony R. Bertucci and Eugene L. Watkins, who were engaged in developing low-income housing projects through various entities they co-owned.
April 4, 2025
Insights
Texas Business Court Upholds Fiduciary Duty Waivers and Clarifies Limits on Partnership Agreement Provisions
By Chris Bankler
Only six months into a complicated partnership dispute, the Business Court of Texas, 1st Division, issued a thorough summary judgment opinion and order in the case of Primexx Energy Opportunity Fund, LP v. Primexx Energy Corporation, et al.
February 27, 2025
Insights
Texas Supreme Court Clarifies Limits on Business Fiduciary Duties
By Chris Bankler
On February 21, 2025, the Supreme Court of Texas delivered a significant ruling in the case of Pitts v. Rivas, addressing the issue of fiduciary duties within professional relationships. The Court concluded that no fiduciary duty existed between the parties involved, emphasizing the absence of such duties in the accountant-client context under the specific facts of the case.
January 9, 2025
Insights
The Business Court of Texas Issues Key Opinions on Jurisdiction
By Chris Bankler
The Business Court of Texas, established on September 1, 2024, has issued its first round of major opinions. These rulings, authored by judges across its divisions, largely address jurisdictional questions stemming from the Business Court’s enabling legislation.
August 15, 2024
Attorney News
‘The Best Lawyers in America’ Features 306 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2025 Edition, Including 9 “Lawyers of the Year” and 75 “Ones to Watch”
The Best Lawyers in America has recognized 306 Jackson Walker attorneys across 81 specialty practice areas in its 2025 edition, including 9 Lawyers of the Year and 75 Ones to Watch. In this year’s guide, Jackson Walker saw the largest number of attorneys in the areas of Commercial Litigation (75 attorneys) and Real Estate Law (55 attorneys) and the addition of 27 attorneys as Best Lawyers.
July 11, 2024
Insights
Texas Supreme Court Reaffirms Personal Liability for Corporate Officers and Directors in Fraud Cases
By Chris Bankler
On June 28, 2024, the Supreme Court of Texas issued a ruling clarifying the personal liability of individuals acting in a corporate capacity. The case, Keyes v. Weller, addressed whether individuals can be held personally liable for fraudulent acts committed as corporate agents, even when those individuals own an interest in the company.
Recent Officer, Director, and Shareholder Lawsuits
- Barricade Therapeutics v. Perabo, Dallas County, Texas (2018)
- Live Oak Rail Road v. Howard Midstream Energy Partners, Bexar County, Texas (2018)
- Lenois v. Camac Energy et al, Delaware Chancery Court (2017)
- Balfe v. Glenn Beck; Mercury Radio Arts v. Balfe, Dallas County, Texas (2017)
- Vianet Group v. Tap Acquisition, Northern District of Texas (2016)
Recent Energy Representation
- Erin Energy Corporation v. Public Investment Corporation Ltd, New York (2018)
- WFW Family LP v. Dinero Energy Corporation (2018)
- Trinity Royalty Partners v. Bold Energy et al, Midland County, Texas (2017)
- FLST, Ltd et al v. Explorer Pipeline Company, Eastern District of Texas (2017)
Recent Breach of Contract Claims
- Stannard et al v. National Indoor RV Centers, LLC, Eastern District of Texas (2018)
- Triple Helix Healthcare v. Texas State Clinical, Dallas County, Texas (2018)
- Diversified Pure Chem v. Clean Harbors Environmental Services, Northern District of Texas (2015)
Practice Experience
Corporate Governance and Fiduciary Duty Lawsuits
Chris is at the forefront of corporate governance disputes, including shareholder litigation, entity control disputes, and challenges to M&A and other strategic transactions. He has successfully litigated plaintiff and defense-side derivative and class actions, takeover battles, books and records demands, founder disputes, and disputes between stockholders.
Chris has experience representing officers and directors not only in the Business Court of Texas, but also in other common jurisdictions for business disputes, including Nevada and Delaware. Chris has particular experience in Delaware, having appeared and argued in the Delaware Chancery Court in several cases in recent years. For example, Chris recently served as lead trial counsel in a multibillion-dollar governance battle involving data-center developers, leading the litigation in the Business Court of Texas and simultaneously defending companion proceedings in the Delaware Court of Chancery.
Chris has successfully handled a multitude of corporate governance disputes, including:
- Breach of Fiduciary Duty
- Shareholder and Investor Claims, including derivative lawsuits
- Claims on behalf of directors and controlling shareholders
- Majority/Minority shareholder disputes
- Founder disputes
- Disputes arising out of limited liability company, limited partnership, and investor agreements
- Disputes related to changes in control
- Prosecuting and defending books and records demands
- M&A related litigation
- Representing special committees of outside directors
- Bankruptcy Adversary Proceedings
Recent corporate governance and fiduciary representation includes:
- Thorburn vs. Pro Line Products, Business Court of Texas (2025)
- Quantum Loophole v. TPG RE III Volt Holdings, Business Court of Texas (2024)
- TPG RE III Volt Holdings, v. Quantum Loophole, Delaware Chancery Court (2024)
- Lenois v. Camac Energy et al, Delaware Chancery Court (2021)
- Classic Truck Sales v. Morrow, Dallas County, Texas (2021)
- E Squared Tech v. Garg, Dallas County, Texas (2020)
- Live Oak Rail Road v. Howard Midstream Energy Partners, Bexar County, Texas (2018)
- Balfe v. Glenn Beck; Mercury Radio Arts v. Balfe, Dallas County, Texas (2017)
Financial Institution Representation
Chris’ deep understanding of the matters important to financial institutions has made him the go-to counselor for many of Jackson Walker’s financial services clients. Chris represents a diverse range of financial institutions, including several national banks (3 of the top 10 largest banks in the United States), trust companies, community banks, and credit unions.
Chris has helped financial institutions resolve a variety of legal claims and disputes, including:
- Contract Disputes
- Lender Liability Suits
- Claims Involving Agented Loans
- Trust and Estate Fiduciary Claims
Corporate Investigations
Chris is the leader of the firm’s Special Investigations practice. He has been a lead special independent investigator multiple times on corporate and accounting issues, with particular focus on examining corporate director and officer fiduciary duties. Chris has worked closely with chief legal officers, corporate boards and committees to scope and complete the investigations. Chris has produced voluminous detailed reports or summary presentations of findings, as required by the circumstances.
Recognition & Accolades
- The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.), Commercial Litigation, 2024-2025
- Texas Rising Star, Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2018-2024
- Named to “Up-and-Coming 100: 2022 Texas Rising Stars” list, Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2022-2024
- “Best Lawyers in Dallas,” D Magazine, 2019-2020
- “Best Lawyers Under 40,” D Magazine, 2021
Publications & Speeches
A thought leader on corporate governance and fiduciary duties, Chris frequently writes and speaks on developments in fiduciary duty jurisprudence. He is the publisher of TexasBusinessCourts.com, authoring regular analysis of the Business Court of Texas.
- Author, “Texas Supreme Court Clarifies Fiduciary Duties Between Business Partners,” Jackson Walker Insights (April 2025)
- Author, “Texas Supreme Court Clarifies Limits on Business Fiduciary Duties,” Jackson Walker Insights (February 2025)
- Author, “Texas Supreme Court Reaffirms Personal Liability for Corporate Officers and Directors in Fraud Cases,” Jackson Walker Insights (July 2024)
- Co-Author, “Texas Legislature Creates the Business Court of Texas and Companion Court of Appeals,” Jackson Walker Insights (June 2023)
Community Involvement
- North Texas Food Bank, Advisory Council Member, 2018-2025
- Taste! At The Star, Host Committee Member
- Cedars Union Arts Incubator, Board of Directors, 2020-2024
Career Highlights
Recent Officer, Director, and Shareholder Lawsuits
- Barricade Therapeutics v. Perabo, Dallas County, Texas (2018)
- Live Oak Rail Road v. Howard Midstream Energy Partners, Bexar County, Texas (2018)
- Lenois v. Camac Energy et al, Delaware Chancery Court (2017)
- Balfe v. Glenn Beck; Mercury Radio Arts v. Balfe, Dallas County, Texas (2017)
- Vianet Group v. Tap Acquisition, Northern District of Texas (2016)
Recent Energy Representation
- Erin Energy Corporation v. Public Investment Corporation Ltd, New York (2018)
- WFW Family LP v. Dinero Energy Corporation (2018)
- Trinity Royalty Partners v. Bold Energy et al, Midland County, Texas (2017)
- FLST, Ltd et al v. Explorer Pipeline Company, Eastern District of Texas (2017)
Recent Breach of Contract Claims
- Stannard et al v. National Indoor RV Centers, LLC, Eastern District of Texas (2018)
- Triple Helix Healthcare v. Texas State Clinical, Dallas County, Texas (2018)
- Diversified Pure Chem v. Clean Harbors Environmental Services, Northern District of Texas (2015)