Gary L. Ingram
Practice Areas
Experience
- Affirmative Action & Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs
- Alternative Dispute Resolution
- Arbitration
- Background Checks
- Discrimination & Harassment Claims
- Employee Whistleblower & Retaliation Claims
- Employment & Governmental Investigations
- Employment Policies, Procedures, & Handbooks
- Employment Practice Audits
- Hiring, Performance Management, & Termination
- Labor & Employment Appellate
- Labor & Employment Litigation
- Labor Management & Traditional Labor Relations
- Non-Compete Issues
- Staffing, Independent Contractors, & Contingent Workers
- Trade Secrets
- Unfair Competition & Trade Secrets
- Wage & Hour
- Workplace Ethics, Compliance, & Investigations
- Workplace Safety & Health
- Workplace Training
“An extremely knowledgeable and thorough attorney that will represent your firm as if it were his own. He analyzes the case from all aspects and prepares his arguments very well for your defense. He has won all cases that he has represented us on. We have been using Gary Ingram since 2009 and is our lawyer of choice.”
— Phil OâConnor, CEO, M7 Staffing
Biography
Gary Ingram is a board certified attorney with more than 45 years of experience in successfully handling labor and employment law issues, civil rights litigation, personal injury litigation, and Texas non-subscriber litigation. Gary has repeatedly received peer recognition as being among the âbest,â âtop,â and âsuperâ attorneys in the state in his areas of practice and has received personal accolades from trial judges before whom he has appeared. For more than twenty years, Gary served as the statewide leader of his law firmâs Labor & Employment Practice Group, which has grown to include L&E lawyers in six offices. In addition to being recognized for his legal skills and qualifications, Gary has been honored for maintaining high levels of ethical standards, professionalism and legal scholarship.
Gary has extensive experience in traditional labor relations issues arising under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) and has handled numerous workplace accident and safety-related citation contests under the Occupational Safety and Health Administration Act (OSHA). He regularly assists employers responding to EEOC investigations and related litigation involving discrimination and retaliation under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) and other workplace protection statutes and regulations. Successfully defending large wage and hour collective actions under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and Equal Pay Act are among his many accomplishments. Garyâs experience extends into the public sector, having defended civil rights and whistleblower suits, negotiating labor agreements with police associations, and successfully resolving department-wide wage and benefits claims with law enforcement and firefighting associations. Garyâs advocacy skills in the courtroom have benefited his clients in non-subscriber injury claim arbitrations, in obtaining or resisting enforcement of non-compete agreements, and in presenting briefs and oral arguments to appellate tribunals.
Education
B.A., Hendrix College
J.D., SMU Dedman School of Law
- Post-graduate courses, Labor & Employment Law
Bar Admissions
Texas
Court Admissions
United States Supreme Court
United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth, Tenth, and Eleventh Circuits
United States District Court for the Northern, Southern, Eastern, and Western Districts of Texas
Professional Certifications
Board Certified in Labor and Employment Law
- Prevailed in labor arbitration proceeding brought by union seeking reinstatement and back pay for employee discharged for suspected forgery of union membership cards
- Obtained defense verdict for a major defense contractor in a nation-wide class action discrimination case brought by the EEOC
- Defeated class certification for a major telecommunications company in an Equal Pay Act case brought on behalf of 1,000+ female technicians claiming gender-based pay discrimination
- In a widely-reported case, obtained summary judgment dismissal of reverse discrimination claims filed against a large municipality by a group of firefighters who allegedly were denied promotions to higher-ranking positions
- Successfully defended large defense contractor, including appeal to the NLRB in Washington D.C., in an unfair labor practice complaint seeking a recovery of back pay and benefits for large groups of employees
- Negotiated complete dismissals of OSHA citations and monetary penalties levied against oil and gas well service providers
- The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.), 2006-2026
- Lawyer of the Year, Labor & Employment Litigation, 2015, 2019
- Arbitration, 2023, 2026
- Employment Law – Management, 2011-2026
- Labor Law – Management, 2011-2026
- Litigation – Labor and Employment, 2011-2026
- Lawdragon 500 Leading U.S. Corporate Employment Lawyers, 2020-2025
- Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2003-2020
- “Top Attorneys” List, 360 West, 2018
- Labor and Employment
- “Top Attorneys” List, Fort Worth, Texas Magazine, 2005-2016
- Labor & Employment Law
- Power Attorney, Fort Worth Business Press, 2015
- AV Preeminent, Martindale-Hubbell
- Americaâs Most Honored Professionals, Top 1 Percent, The American Registry
- Life Fellow, Texas Bar Foundation
- Life Fellow, Tarrant County Bar Foundation
- Member, Texas Bar College
- Attended American Arbitration Associationâs Educational Services Program Re: âThe Nuts and Bolts of an Arbitration Hearing: Procedure, Evidence and Practicalitiesâ and âDrafting Arbitration Clauses: The Basics and Beyondâ (2016)
- Attended American Arbitration Associationâs Educational Services Program Re:Â âMediation Advocacyâ (2016)
- Completed Federal Mediation & Conciliation Serviceâs Skills Development Training Re: Interest-Based Problem Solving
- Texas Bar Association
- Dallas Bar Association
- Tarrant County Bar Association
- Federal Bar Association
- Fifth Circuit Bar Association
- American Bar Association
- Society of Human Resource Management
- Texas Bar Foundation
- Tarrant County Bar Foundation
- Texas Bar College
âThe Best Lawyers in Americaâ Features 350 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2026 Edition, Including 10 âLawyers of the Yearâ and 106 âOnes to Watchâ
The Best Lawyers in America, a widely regarded guide to legal excellence, has recognized 350 Jackson Walker attorneys across 87 specialty practice areas in its 2026 edition, including 10 Lawyers of the Year and 106 Ones to Watch.
Attorney News • August 21, 2025
‘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 yearâs 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.
Attorney News • August 15, 2024
‘The Best Lawyers in America’ Honors 287 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2024 Edition, Including 12 “Lawyers of the Year” and 80 “Ones to Watch”
The Best Lawyers in America has recognized 287 Jackson Walker attorneys across 5 offices and 82 specialty practice areas in its 2024 edition, including 12 Lawyers of the Year and 80 Ones to Watch. In this yearâs guide, Jackson Walker saw the largest number of attorneys in the areas of Commercial Litigation (66 attorneys) and Real Estate Law (60 attorneys) and the addition of 35 attorneys as Best Lawyers.
Attorney News • August 17, 2023
‘The Best Lawyers in America’ Honors 214 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2023 Edition, Including 11 “Lawyers of the Year” and 41 “Ones to Watch”
The Best Lawyers in America has recognized 214 Jackson Walker attorneys across 6 offices and 79 specialty practice areas in its 2023 edition, including 11 Lawyers of the Year and 41 Ones to Watch. Best Lawyers listings are based on an exhaustive peer review survey of thousands of attorneys who vote on the legal abilities of others in their practice areas.
Attorney News • August 18, 2022
‘Lawdragon’ Lists 15 Jackson Walker Attorneys Among 500 Leading Lawyers in Environmental, Energy, and Employment Law
Jackson Walker announces the selection of 15 attorneys to Lawdragon‘s list of the 500 leading practitioners in environmental and energy law and corporate employment law.
Attorney News • November 16, 2021
‘The Best Lawyers in America’ Honors 178 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2022 Edition, Including 8 “Lawyers of the Year” and 31 “Ones to Watch”
The Best Lawyers in America has recognized 178 Jackson Walker attorneys across 6 offices and 67 specialty practice areas in its 2022 edition, including 8 Lawyers of the Year and 31 Ones to Watch. Best Lawyers listings are based on an exhaustive peer review survey of thousands of attorneys who vote on the legal abilities of others in their practice areas.
Attorney News • August 19, 2021
Jackson Walker Congratulates 12 Attorneys Named to 2020 Lawdragon 500 Lists
Jackson Walker announces the selection of 12 attorneys to Lawdragon‘s lists of the 500 leading practitioners in Restructuring & Insolvency and Corporate Employment. Honorees are selected based on demonstrated leadership in their practice areas and the noteworthy matters they have handled particularly within the past year.
Attorney News • December 18, 2020
âThe Best Lawyers in Americaâ Honors 164 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2021 Edition, Including 9 âLawyers of the Yearâ and 25 “Ones to Watch”
Jackson Walker congratulates the 164 attorneys who were selected by their peers as Best Lawyers, including 9 Lawyers of the Year and 25 Ones to Watch, across 6 offices and 66 specialty practice areas.
Attorney News • August 20, 2020
Labor & Employment Dispatch: September 2019
Featuring insights on recent cases involving the Family and Medical Leave Act and tips for curbing FMLA abuse; seven employment attorneys who were named 2019 “Texas Super Lawyers”; the 2019 Dallas Labor & Employment Law Symposium; and Ariana Grande’s lawsuit against Forever 21.
Newsletters • September 18, 2019
Labor & Employment Dispatch: August 2019
Featuring insights on the U.S. National Women’s Soccer Team’s lawsuit against the U.S. Soccer Federation to close the gender pay gap; the labor and employment and ERISA attorneys recognized in The Best Lawyers in America 2020 edition; and more.
Newsletters • August 20, 2019
‘The Best Lawyers in America’ Honors 109 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2020 Edition, With Eight Named “Lawyers of the Year”
Jackson Walker congratulates our 109 attorneys named to U.S. News & World Report’s Best Lawyers in America 2020 list, including eight attorneys who were named “Lawyers of the Year.”
Attorney News • August 14, 2019
Best Lawyers in America Recognizes 98 Jackson Walker Attorneys
Best Lawyers listings are based on an exhaustive peer review survey of thousands of attorneys who vote on the legal abilities of others in their practice areas. For over three decades, recognition in Best Lawyers has been regarded by both clients and legal professionals as a significant honor, since an attorney cannot pay to be listed.
Attorney News • August 16, 2018
‘360 West’ Features 12 Jackson Walker Attorneys in “Top Attorneys 2018” List
Jackson Walker congratulates the twelve Fort Worth-based attorneys included in the âTop Attorneysâ list by 360 West, a lifestyle magazine that provides readers who live in the Fort Worth, Southlake, and Arlington areas a full-circle view of where they live. The list was released in the magazine’s July 2018 edition.
Attorney News • July 2, 2018
53 Jackson Walker Attorneys Named to 2017 “Texas Super Lawyers” List
Thomson Reuters has named 53 Jackson Walker attorneys to its 2017 âTexas Super Lawyersâ list. According to Thomson Reuters, the list recognizes a âcredible, comprehensive and diverseâ selection of âoutstanding attorneys,â and serves as a resource for those in search of legal counsel.
Attorney News • September 6, 2017
Best Lawyers in America Recognizes 94 Jackson Walker Attorneys
The Best Lawyers in America, a widely regarded guide to legal excellence, has recognized 94 Jackson Walker attorneys in its 2018 edition. Best Lawyers listings are based on an exhaustive peer review survey of thousands of attorneys who vote on the legal abilities of others in their practice areas.
Attorney News • August 15, 2017
Labor Relations
- Negotiation of collective bargaining agreements in the private sector and âmeet and conferâ agreements in the public sector
- Advising clients in connection with union organizing campaigns and labor strikes
- Counselling clients regarding union grievances and related arbitration proceedings
- Representing clients involved in unfair labor practice proceedings and related NLRB investigations
- Mediating unresolved labor relations issues at the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service
Safety and Health Law Compliance
- Representing clients in connection with OSHA investigations and related citations
- Negotiating favorable OSHA citations and monetary penalties with OSHA Area Directors and attorneys in the Office of the Solicitor of Labor
- Representing and advising clients seeking to appeal OSHA citations and penalties at the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission
- Advising clients responding to retaliation and whistleblower complaints
Employee Compensation
- Advising and representing private sector and public entities in connection with large collective actions involving claims for unpaid overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act and claims of gender-based pay discrimination under the Equal Pay Act and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act
- Advising and representing federal contractors facing âglass ceilingâ and pay discrimination investigations conducted by the OFCCP
- Advising restaurant and hospitality industry clients regarding tip pooling/sharing arrangements and child labor issues
- Advising clients responding to Department of Labor wage-hour investigations and field audits and assisting in the negotiation of favorable settlements and claim dismissals
Other
- Assists clients in the retail, hospitality, and restaurant industries with litigation and arbitration of non-subscriber on-the-job injury claims
- Assists clients with enforcing and resisting non-compete agreements, trade secret agreements, non-solicitation agreements, and confidentiality (non-disclosure) restrictions
- Proactively advises clients on the ever-evolving legal issues regarding employee social media policies, e-mail policies, drug and alcohol policies, and the Texas âopen carryâ and âconcealed carryâ gun control laws
- Represents clients in connection with claims of workplace discrimination and retaliation and related investigations conducted by federal, state, and local agencies
- Represents governmental employers in connection with claims of excessive force, retaliation, whistle-blowing, and other alleged civil rights violations
- Retail (nationwide retail store chains)
- Hospitality (restaurants and hotels)
- Trucking (nationwide/local delivery services)
- Baking (nationwide bakery/supplier)
- Aerospace (large defense contractor and military aircraft maintenance)
- Temporary Labor Service (local/nationwide staffing providers)
- Engineering (large accrediting service and professional civil engineering firm)
- Banking (regional banks)
- Manufacturing (defense, auto, diesel engines, coffee, cabinets, etc.)
- Healthcare (hospital and physician networks)
- Security (airports, private facilities, armored vehicles)
- Oil and Gas (well service companies)
- Publishing (major yearbook publisher)
- Public Utility (electric and water co-operatives)
- Entertainment (motion picture production companies)
- Telecommunications (technology and telephone service providers)
- Food Processing (meat processing and restaurant suppliers)
- Insurance (casualty, EPLI, health/life insurers)
- Governmental (municipalities, county government agencies, correctional facilities)
Practice Experience
- Prevailed in labor arbitration proceeding brought by union seeking reinstatement and back pay for employee discharged for suspected forgery of union membership cards
- Obtained defense verdict for a major defense contractor in a nation-wide class action discrimination case brought by the EEOC
- Defeated class certification for a major telecommunications company in an Equal Pay Act case brought on behalf of 1,000+ female technicians claiming gender-based pay discrimination
- In a widely-reported case, obtained summary judgment dismissal of reverse discrimination claims filed against a large municipality by a group of firefighters who allegedly were denied promotions to higher-ranking positions
- Successfully defended large defense contractor, including appeal to the NLRB in Washington D.C., in an unfair labor practice complaint seeking a recovery of back pay and benefits for large groups of employees
- Negotiated complete dismissals of OSHA citations and monetary penalties levied against oil and gas well service providers
Recognition & Accolades
- The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.), 2006-2026
- Lawyer of the Year, Labor & Employment Litigation, 2015, 2019
- Arbitration, 2023, 2026
- Employment Law – Management, 2011-2026
- Labor Law – Management, 2011-2026
- Litigation – Labor and Employment, 2011-2026
- Lawdragon 500 Leading U.S. Corporate Employment Lawyers, 2020-2025
- Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2003-2020
- “Top Attorneys” List, 360 West, 2018
- Labor and Employment
- “Top Attorneys” List, Fort Worth, Texas Magazine, 2005-2016
- Labor & Employment Law
- Power Attorney, Fort Worth Business Press, 2015
- AV Preeminent, Martindale-Hubbell
- Americaâs Most Honored Professionals, Top 1 Percent, The American Registry
- Life Fellow, Texas Bar Foundation
- Life Fellow, Tarrant County Bar Foundation
- Member, Texas Bar College
- Attended American Arbitration Associationâs Educational Services Program Re: âThe Nuts and Bolts of an Arbitration Hearing: Procedure, Evidence and Practicalitiesâ and âDrafting Arbitration Clauses: The Basics and Beyondâ (2016)
- Attended American Arbitration Associationâs Educational Services Program Re:Â âMediation Advocacyâ (2016)
- Completed Federal Mediation & Conciliation Serviceâs Skills Development Training Re: Interest-Based Problem Solving
Community Involvement
- Texas Bar Association
- Dallas Bar Association
- Tarrant County Bar Association
- Federal Bar Association
- Fifth Circuit Bar Association
- American Bar Association
- Society of Human Resource Management
- Texas Bar Foundation
- Tarrant County Bar Foundation
- Texas Bar College
Areas of Focus
Labor Relations
- Negotiation of collective bargaining agreements in the private sector and âmeet and conferâ agreements in the public sector
- Advising clients in connection with union organizing campaigns and labor strikes
- Counselling clients regarding union grievances and related arbitration proceedings
- Representing clients involved in unfair labor practice proceedings and related NLRB investigations
- Mediating unresolved labor relations issues at the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service
Safety and Health Law Compliance
- Representing clients in connection with OSHA investigations and related citations
- Negotiating favorable OSHA citations and monetary penalties with OSHA Area Directors and attorneys in the Office of the Solicitor of Labor
- Representing and advising clients seeking to appeal OSHA citations and penalties at the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission
- Advising clients responding to retaliation and whistleblower complaints
Employee Compensation
- Advising and representing private sector and public entities in connection with large collective actions involving claims for unpaid overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act and claims of gender-based pay discrimination under the Equal Pay Act and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act
- Advising and representing federal contractors facing âglass ceilingâ and pay discrimination investigations conducted by the OFCCP
- Advising restaurant and hospitality industry clients regarding tip pooling/sharing arrangements and child labor issues
- Advising clients responding to Department of Labor wage-hour investigations and field audits and assisting in the negotiation of favorable settlements and claim dismissals
Other
- Assists clients in the retail, hospitality, and restaurant industries with litigation and arbitration of non-subscriber on-the-job injury claims
- Assists clients with enforcing and resisting non-compete agreements, trade secret agreements, non-solicitation agreements, and confidentiality (non-disclosure) restrictions
- Proactively advises clients on the ever-evolving legal issues regarding employee social media policies, e-mail policies, drug and alcohol policies, and the Texas âopen carryâ and âconcealed carryâ gun control laws
- Represents clients in connection with claims of workplace discrimination and retaliation and related investigations conducted by federal, state, and local agencies
- Represents governmental employers in connection with claims of excessive force, retaliation, whistle-blowing, and other alleged civil rights violations
- Retail (nationwide retail store chains)
- Hospitality (restaurants and hotels)
- Trucking (nationwide/local delivery services)
- Baking (nationwide bakery/supplier)
- Aerospace (large defense contractor and military aircraft maintenance)
- Temporary Labor Service (local/nationwide staffing providers)
- Engineering (large accrediting service and professional civil engineering firm)
- Banking (regional banks)
- Manufacturing (defense, auto, diesel engines, coffee, cabinets, etc.)
- Healthcare (hospital and physician networks)
- Security (airports, private facilities, armored vehicles)
- Oil and Gas (well service companies)
- Publishing (major yearbook publisher)
- Public Utility (electric and water co-operatives)
- Entertainment (motion picture production companies)
- Telecommunications (technology and telephone service providers)
- Food Processing (meat processing and restaurant suppliers)
- Insurance (casualty, EPLI, health/life insurers)
- Governmental (municipalities, county government agencies, correctional facilities)
Practice Areas
Experience
- Affirmative Action & Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs
- Alternative Dispute Resolution
- Arbitration
- Background Checks
- Discrimination & Harassment Claims
- Employee Whistleblower & Retaliation Claims
- Employment & Governmental Investigations
- Employment Policies, Procedures, & Handbooks
- Employment Practice Audits
- Hiring, Performance Management, & Termination
- Labor & Employment Appellate
- Labor & Employment Litigation
- Labor Management & Traditional Labor Relations
- Non-Compete Issues
- Staffing, Independent Contractors, & Contingent Workers
- Trade Secrets
- Unfair Competition & Trade Secrets
- Wage & Hour
- Workplace Ethics, Compliance, & Investigations
- Workplace Safety & Health
- Workplace Training