Biography
Prior to his retirement, Donald W. Griffis served Jackson Walker and his clients in trial and appellate litigation, will and trusts litigation, and general business litigation. Don’s extensive litigation experience included practicing for more than 40 years in West Texas and, prior to that, serving as a law clerk to Honorable Joe E. Estes, United States District Judge, in Dallas. Before going to work for Judge Estes, he served for three years on active duty as an Officer in the United States Marine Corps. He served in Vietnam as both a Staff Legal Officer and as an Infantry Officer and then was assigned to teach military law at the Marine Corps Basic School, Quantico, Virginia. Jackson Walker celebrates his achievements and contributions during our long association.
Jackson Walker features profiles of its Retired Partners in recognition of their long and accomplished service to the firm, our clients, and our communities. Our Retired Partners are no longer practicing law. If you are interested in consulting with a Jackson Walker lawyer in the practice area where Don worked, please email us here. We will connect you with someone who can be most helpful for your inquiry, or pass along a personal message to our Retired Partner.
Education
B.A., with honors, University of the South
LL.B., University of Texas School of Law
Bar Admissions
Texas, 1967
Court Admissions
United States Supreme Court
United States District Court for the Northern, Southern, Eastern and Western Districts of Texas
United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
With extensive personal injury and commercial litigation experience, Don appeared in a variety of state and federal courts. His primary areas of interest included personal injury defense, wills and trusts litigation, and general business litigation.
- Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers
- Member, American Board of Trial Advocates
- Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2003-2018
- The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.)
- Lawyer of the Year, 2015
- Alternative Dispute Resolution, 2007-2010
- Commercial Litigation, 2007-2019
- Litigation – Labor & Employment, 2012-2019
- Arbitration, 2012-2019
- Mediation, 2012-2019
- Jefferson Award, San Angelo Standard-Times, 2009
- Citizen of the Year, San Angelo Chamber of Commerce
- Civic Leader of the Year Award
- San Angelo Chamber of Commerce, Past President
- Boy Scouts of America for 20 years, Troop I Scoutmaster
- Boy Scouts of America – Concho Valley Council, Past President
- San Angelo YMCA – Director and Past President
- Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council for the Concho Valley, Past President
- Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, Senior Vestryman
- San Angelo City Council (1976 – 1979 and 1980 – 1983)
- University of the South – Sewanee, TN, Trustee
- University of the South Athletic Hall of Fame, Inductee
- Author, Eagle Days, A Marine Legal/Infantry Officer in Vietnam
- American College of Trial Lawyers
- American Board of Trial Advocates
- Texas Association of Defense Counsel
- Texas Bar Association – Tom Green County Bar Association
- District 15A-2 Grievance Committee, Past Chairman
- Texas Bar Foundation, Life Fellow