Jay K. Rutherford
Practice Areas
Experience
- Affirmative Action & Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs
- Alternative Dispute Resolution
- 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
“I don’t know what success would look like without Jay Rutherford. He has been a highly valued member of the leadership team for the extremely influential lead Texas business association and state chamber.”
— Sara Tays, Texas Association of Business, Chairman 2016
“No one ever wants to need an attorney. However, when you do, you want one who is at the top of their game, steady, smart, cost effective, and above all, makes you feel comfortable with the vision, strategy and the path forward. Jay Rutherford is all of those in one attorney.”
— Eric V. Fox, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co.
Biography
Jay has more than 35 years of experience representing management clients in all types of employment litigation and serving as a trusted advisor to clients in dealing with employee issues. Jay’s proactive approach often enables clients to anticipate and resolve employment issues before they end up in court; however, when litigation is unavoidable, Jay is a skilled and zealous advocate for his clients with a track record for achieving results.
Jay’s litigation experience includes having successfully represented clients in labor issues such as labor arbitration, collective bargaining issues and defense of unfair labor practice charges, employment discrimination, wrongful termination, sexual harassment, civil rights, and other employment related matters, such as hiring and disciplining employees, compensation, employee benefit plans, insurance benefits disputes, management training, employment handbooks, employment contracts, independent contractor agreements, reductions in force, covenants not-to-compete and the protection of confidential and proprietary information. In his advisory role, Jay counsels clients on all aspects of personnel and employment policies and practices and all matters affecting the employer-employee relationship and compliance with all state and federal employment laws and regulations, including:
- Discrimination and wrongful termination laws
- The Fair Labor Standards Act
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 and 1991
- The Age Discrimination in Employment Act
- The Americans With Disabilities Act
- The Family and Medical Leave Act
- All other state and federal labor and employment statutes
- Union Issues
Jay is the Managing Partner of the Fort Worth Office and the Chair of the Labor and Employment practice group for Jackson Walker. He previously served as Co-Chair from 2014-2021 and was the hiring partner for the Fort Worth office from 2013-2018.
Education
B.S., Texas Tech University
J.D., The University of Texas School of Law
Bar Admissions
Texas
Court Admissions
United States Supreme Court
United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
United States District Court for the Eastern, Northern, Southern, and Western Districts of Texas
Professional Certifications
Board Certified in Labor and Employment Law
- The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.), 2010-2026
- Lawyer of the Year – Dallas/Fort Worth, Employment Law – Management, 2026
- Lawyer of the Year – Dallas/Fort Worth, Labor Law – Management, 2021-2022
- Lawyer of the Year – Dallas/Fort Worth, Litigation – Labor and Employment, 2024
- Employment Law – Management, 2011-2019, 2021-2026
- Labor Law – Management, 2011-2019, 2023-2026
- Litigation – Labor and Employment, 2020-2026
- Lawdragon 500 Leading U.S. Corporate Employment Lawyers, 2020-2025
- Texas Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2003-2004, 2006-2025
- The 400: Fort Worth’s Most Influential People, Fort Worth Magazine, 2020-2024
- “Top Attorneys” List – Labor & Employment – Employer and Civil Law & Litigation, Fort Worth Magazine, 2001-2017, 2019-2020, 2022-2024
- “Top Attorneys” List – Labor and Employment, 360 West Magazine, 2018-2022, 2025
- Chairman’s Award, Texas Association of Business, 2016
- Law “Good Scout” Award, Longhorn Council of the Boy Scouts of America, 2016
- AV Preeminent Peer-Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
- Power Attorney, Fort Worth Business Press, 2011
- BTI Client Service All Star, 2010
- President’s Award, Camp Fire USA First Texas Council, 2003
- “40 Under 40” List, Fort Worth Business Press, 2002
- John Collier Award, Camp Fire USA First Texas Council, 2002
- Who’s Who in American Law, 2002
- “Effect of Sarbanes-Oxley on Employment Law”
- “Basic Sexual Harassment Training and Guidelines”
- “Employee Privacy: Monitoring and Controlling Employee Conduct”
- “Employment At Will”
- “Employment Issues for the Cattle Raiser”
- “Employment Law”
- “Fair Credit Reporting Act”
- “Fair Labor Standard Act”
- “Harassment is a Form of Discrimination”
- “Headline News: The Latest in Law Developments”
- “Hiring the Right Employee Legally”
- “Interplay Among the ADA, FMLA and Worker’s Compensation Statute”
- “Joint Employment Relationship and the EEOC”
- “Keeping Your Company Out of the Courthouse”
- “Managing Your Employee Issues for Your Business”
- “Performance Evaluation”
- “Performance Evaluations: Documenting Employee Discharge”
- “Reductions In Force: Here We Go Again”
- “Responding to EEOC and TWCCRD Charges of Discrimination”
- “Sarbanes Oxley – If they Whistle While They Work”
- “Sexual Harassment – A Refresher and Developments”
- “Texas Headline News”
- “The Alphabet Soup of Employment Law”
- “The Hiring Process: Hiring Do’s and Don’ts”
- “The Latest Employment Developments”
- “Things To Know About the Hiring Process, Documenting Employee Performance & Participating in the Disciplinary Process”
- “Top Ten Things to Know Before You Fire an Employee”
- “Understanding the Law and the Status of the At-Will Employee”
- “Update On Recent Employment Changes and Trends”
- “Update on Recent Employment Law Changes and Trends”
- “Worst Things to See on Your Performance Evaluation”
Professional
- Texas Association of Business
- General Counsel, 2015-Present
- Statewide Chair, 2007
- Tarrant County Chapter, Chairman, 1999
- Lecturer
- Texas Board of Legal Specialization
- Labor & Employment Advisory Council, 2019
- Labor & Employment Exam Commission, Examiner, 2014
- State Bar of Texas, Labor and Employment Section
- American Bar Association, Labor and Employment Section
- Texas Bar Foundation, Fellow
- Tarrant County Bar Association
- Labor and Employment Law Section, Chairman, 2003-2004
- Past Secretary, Treasurer, Vice-Chairman, and Chairman
Community
- Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT), Board Member, 2019
- Texas Aspires (formerly known as Texas Institute for Education Reform)
- Secretary
- Treasurer
- Director, 2015
- The Texas Lyceum
- Chairman, 2010
- Past President, 2009
- Vice President of Finance
- Executive and Nominating Committees
- Junior Achievement of the Chisholm Trail
- Board of Directors, 1996
- Past-Chairman of the Board
- Former member, Executive Committee
- Past Vice President
- Past Secretary/Treasurer
- First Texas Council of Campfire USA
- Administration
- Past Chair, Board Member, and Vice Chairman
- Leadership Fort Worth, Class of 2000
- Lorman Business Institute, Lecturer
Jackson Walker Again Named Among Top Firms for Employment Litigation in BTI’s 2026 Rankings
Jackson Walker announces its continued recognition by BTI Consulting Group as one of the nation’s top law firms for employment litigation. In the newly released BTI Litigation Outlook 2026, the firm is recognized as one of “The BTI Employment Litigation Leaders,” marking a second consecutive year of distinction.
Spotlight • October 16, 2025
Jackson Walker Congratulates 2025 Texas Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce the recognition of 75 attorneys by Thomson Reuters’ Super Lawyers in the 2025 “Texas Super Lawyers” list, as well as 66 attorneys as “Texas Rising Stars” for 2025. Each year, less than 5% of attorneys are selected to Super Lawyers and 2.5% to Rising Stars. Selection is based off of peer nominations that are then reviewed by a research team. Each nominee is evaluated on his or her professional accomplishments, peer recognition, and community involvement.
Attorney News • September 18, 2025
‘The Best Lawyers in America’ Features 350 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2026 Edition, Including 10 “Lawyers of the Year” and 106 “Ones to Watch”
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
Nineteen Jackson Walker Attorneys Recognized by ‘360 West Magazine’ as Top Fort Worth Lawyers in 2025
Jackson Walker is proud to celebrate 19 attorneys recognized as 2025 “Top Attorneys” by 360 West Magazine for their outstanding work across Fort Worth’s legal community. Congratulations to all the honorees!
Attorney News • July 21, 2025
‘Fort Worth Magazine’ Lists 27 Jackson Walker Attorneys Among the “Top Attorneys” of 2024
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce the selection of 27 Fort Worth-based attorneys to Fort Worth Magazine’s “Top Attorneys” list for 2024. To be selected for inclusion, attorneys with an active license and who practice within the Tarrant County area must be nominated by their peers within the region. The list of nominees then goes through a “rigorous panel review to assure the highest of quality is met.”
Attorney News • December 20, 2024
Clients Recognize Jackson Walker Among Leading Firms for Employment Litigation
Jackson Walker proudly announces the firm’s inclusion in BTI Consulting Group’s list of the 52 top law firms for employment litigation, as featured in its annual “BTI Litigation Outlook” report.
Spotlight • October 17, 2024
Jackson Walker Congratulates Its “Texas Super Lawyers” of 2024
Jackson Walker proudly announces the selection of 71 attorneys to Thomson Reuters’ 2024 “Texas Super Lawyers” list.
Each year, less than 5% of attorneys in Texas are named to the list. Selection is based off of peer nominations that are then reviewed by a research team. Each nominee is evaluated on his or her professional accomplishments, peer recognition, and community involvement.
Attorney News • September 17, 2024
‘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.
Attorney News • August 15, 2024
‘Fort Worth Magazine’ Lists 16 Jackson Walker Attorneys Among the “Top Attorneys” of 2023
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce the selection of 16 Fort Worth-based attorneys to Fort Worth Magazine’s “Top Attorneys” list for 2023. To be selected for inclusion, attorneys with an active license and who practice within the Tarrant County area must be nominated by their peers within the region. The list of nominees then goes through a “rigorous panel review to assure the highest of quality is met.”
Attorney News • December 12, 2023
Jackson Walker Congratulates Its “Texas Super Lawyers” of 2023
Each year, less than 5% of attorneys in Texas are named to the list. Selection is based off of peer nominations that are then reviewed by a research team. Each nominee is evaluated on his or her professional accomplishments, peer recognition, and community involvement.
Attorney News • September 19, 2023
‘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 year’s 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
Andy Keetch Joins Jackson Walker’s Fort Worth Litigation Team
Jackson Walker announces the arrival of Andy Keetch as a partner in the Fort Worth office’s Trial & Appellate Litigation practice. Andy brings more than 25 years of significant experience focused on construction litigation and complex business disputes.
Attorney News • October 3, 2022
Jackson Walker Congratulates Its 64 “Texas Super Lawyers” of 2022
Each year, less than 5% of attorneys in Texas are named to the list. Selection is based off of peer nominations that are then reviewed by a research team. Each nominee is evaluated on his or her professional accomplishments, peer recognition, and community involvement.
Attorney News • September 21, 2022
‘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
‘360 West Magazine’ Names Seven Jackson Walker Attorneys Among Fort Worth’s “Top Attorneys” of 2022
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce the selection of seven Fort Worth-based attorneys to 360 West Magazine’s “Top Attorneys” list for 2022. To be selected for inclusion, attorneys with an active license and who practice within the Tarrant County area can nominate up to three attorneys in 42 specialty areas who reflect relevant practice areas in the region.
Attorney News • July 25, 2022
Jay Rutherford Elevated to Office Managing Partner, and Jesse S. Lotay and Christian Triantaphyllis Named Firmwide Practice Leaders
Congratulations to Jay Rutherford on his appointment as managing partner of the Fort Worth office. In addition, Jesse S. Lotay and Christian Triantaphyllis now serve as firmwide chairs of the Energy and Business Immigration & Compliance practices, respectively.
Attorney News • February 14, 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
Recognition & Accolades
- The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.), 2010-2026
- Lawyer of the Year – Dallas/Fort Worth, Employment Law – Management, 2026
- Lawyer of the Year – Dallas/Fort Worth, Labor Law – Management, 2021-2022
- Lawyer of the Year – Dallas/Fort Worth, Litigation – Labor and Employment, 2024
- Employment Law – Management, 2011-2019, 2021-2026
- Labor Law – Management, 2011-2019, 2023-2026
- Litigation – Labor and Employment, 2020-2026
- Lawdragon 500 Leading U.S. Corporate Employment Lawyers, 2020-2025
- Texas Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2003-2004, 2006-2025
- The 400: Fort Worth’s Most Influential People, Fort Worth Magazine, 2020-2024
- “Top Attorneys” List – Labor & Employment – Employer and Civil Law & Litigation, Fort Worth Magazine, 2001-2017, 2019-2020, 2022-2024
- “Top Attorneys” List – Labor and Employment, 360 West Magazine, 2018-2022, 2025
- Chairman’s Award, Texas Association of Business, 2016
- Law “Good Scout” Award, Longhorn Council of the Boy Scouts of America, 2016
- AV Preeminent Peer-Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
- Power Attorney, Fort Worth Business Press, 2011
- BTI Client Service All Star, 2010
- President’s Award, Camp Fire USA First Texas Council, 2003
- “40 Under 40” List, Fort Worth Business Press, 2002
- John Collier Award, Camp Fire USA First Texas Council, 2002
- Who’s Who in American Law, 2002
Publications & Speeches
- “Effect of Sarbanes-Oxley on Employment Law”
- “Basic Sexual Harassment Training and Guidelines”
- “Employee Privacy: Monitoring and Controlling Employee Conduct”
- “Employment At Will”
- “Employment Issues for the Cattle Raiser”
- “Employment Law”
- “Fair Credit Reporting Act”
- “Fair Labor Standard Act”
- “Harassment is a Form of Discrimination”
- “Headline News: The Latest in Law Developments”
- “Hiring the Right Employee Legally”
- “Interplay Among the ADA, FMLA and Worker’s Compensation Statute”
- “Joint Employment Relationship and the EEOC”
- “Keeping Your Company Out of the Courthouse”
- “Managing Your Employee Issues for Your Business”
- “Performance Evaluation”
- “Performance Evaluations: Documenting Employee Discharge”
- “Reductions In Force: Here We Go Again”
- “Responding to EEOC and TWCCRD Charges of Discrimination”
- “Sarbanes Oxley – If they Whistle While They Work”
- “Sexual Harassment – A Refresher and Developments”
- “Texas Headline News”
- “The Alphabet Soup of Employment Law”
- “The Hiring Process: Hiring Do’s and Don’ts”
- “The Latest Employment Developments”
- “Things To Know About the Hiring Process, Documenting Employee Performance & Participating in the Disciplinary Process”
- “Top Ten Things to Know Before You Fire an Employee”
- “Understanding the Law and the Status of the At-Will Employee”
- “Update On Recent Employment Changes and Trends”
- “Update on Recent Employment Law Changes and Trends”
- “Worst Things to See on Your Performance Evaluation”
Community Involvement
Professional
- Texas Association of Business
- General Counsel, 2015-Present
- Statewide Chair, 2007
- Tarrant County Chapter, Chairman, 1999
- Lecturer
- Texas Board of Legal Specialization
- Labor & Employment Advisory Council, 2019
- Labor & Employment Exam Commission, Examiner, 2014
- State Bar of Texas, Labor and Employment Section
- American Bar Association, Labor and Employment Section
- Texas Bar Foundation, Fellow
- Tarrant County Bar Association
- Labor and Employment Law Section, Chairman, 2003-2004
- Past Secretary, Treasurer, Vice-Chairman, and Chairman
Community
- Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT), Board Member, 2019
- Texas Aspires (formerly known as Texas Institute for Education Reform)
- Secretary
- Treasurer
- Director, 2015
- The Texas Lyceum
- Chairman, 2010
- Past President, 2009
- Vice President of Finance
- Executive and Nominating Committees
- Junior Achievement of the Chisholm Trail
- Board of Directors, 1996
- Past-Chairman of the Board
- Former member, Executive Committee
- Past Vice President
- Past Secretary/Treasurer
- First Texas Council of Campfire USA
- Administration
- Past Chair, Board Member, and Vice Chairman
- Leadership Fort Worth, Class of 2000
- Lorman Business Institute, Lecturer
Practice Areas
Experience
- Affirmative Action & Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs
- Alternative Dispute Resolution
- 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