Biography
Jonathan Neerman is a highly skilled trial attorney with experience in all phases of litigation, not only at the trial and appellate levels in federal and state courts, but also in various alternative dispute resolution forums. His experience working with clients from the earliest stages of their disputes allows him to bring a uniquely broad-based perspective to the matters he handles.
Jonathan’s practice includes all aspects of commercial litigation, arbitration, complex business litigation, real estate litigation, securities litigation, and regulatory enforcement, primarily involving financial institutions. He has represented clients in industries ranging from banking and financial services to real estate and media.
Jonathan has handled high-stakes disputes under the ERISA statute. He represents the employer/sponsors of retirement plans, as well as product and service providers to such plans, when the plans’ fiduciaries are alleged to have caused the plans to pay excessive fees, select poor-quality investments, or engage in “prohibited transactions.”
Jonathan has particular experience representing broker-dealers, investment advisors, and clearing firms in state court, federal court, and arbitrations on a nationwide basis. He has also counseled clients involved in federal and state securities investigations and litigation, including those related to the Securities and Exchange Commission and Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. He also has led intense and efficient domestic investigations for companies, broker-dealers, and investment advisors.
Jonathan also regularly counsels individuals and businesses on government relations matters at the local, state, and federal levels. Previously, he served as the Chairman of the Dallas County Republican Party, where he counseled candidates and officeholders regarding compliance with state and federal campaign finance laws.
Jonathan also has an active pro bono practice, primarily working with families returning from China to complete their international adoptions. Since 2006, he has helped more than 200 families throughout Texas complete their journey to adopt.
Education
B.S., Texas A&M University
J.D., cum laude, The George Washington University Law School
- Articles Editor, George Washington International Law Review
Bar Admissions
Texas, 2002
District of Columbia, 2022
- Successfully represented a national airline’s credit union against a 20,000-member ERISA class certification
- Represented brokers and broker-dealers in FINRA arbitrations and court proceedings throughout the nation
- Counseled brokerage firms and brokers during regulatory investigations by the SEC, FINRA, and the Texas State Securities Board
- Represented a client that sought injunctive and other relief for unauthorized use of trademarks, false advertising, and unfair competition
- Represented commercial landlords in tenant disputes
- Advised political candidates and non-candidate clients regarding relevant state and federal campaign finance laws, general election law, and advertising regulations
- Counseled media law clients regarding the Freedom of Information Act, the Texas Public Information Act, and access to public records
- Represented media law clients in libel cases involving parent publications
- Assisted more than 125 families pro bono in recognizing their foreign adoptions in U.S. Courts
- The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.), 2021-2023
- Appellate Practice, 2023
- Commercial Litigation, 2021-2023
- Litigation – ERISA, 2023
- Securities Regulation, 2023
- Lawdragon 500 Leading Litigators in America, 2022
- Fellow, Texas Bar Foundation, 2019
- Rising Star, Thomson Reuters, 2007, 2009-2010, 2013
Publications
- “ERISA Class Suit Covering Hundreds of Plans Undone by 5th Cir.,” Bloomberg Law (April 2020)
- “5th Circ. Axes ERISA Class Due To Judge’s ‘Breezy’ Analysis,” Law360 (April 2020)
Speaking Engagements
- 28th Annual Benefits Compliance Conference, SouthWest Benefits Association (November 2017)
- 28th Annual Benefits Compliance Conference, SouthWest Benefits Association (November 2017)
- Fiduciary Forum, John Hancock Investments and TIAA-CREF (October 2017)
- “Securities Arbitration & Mediation: A 2017 Update” (webinar), The Knowledge Group (May 2017)
- “Shaping America’s Future,” The Real Estate Council (September 2016)
Podcasts
In the News
- Chancellor’s Century Council, Texas A&M University System
- Board of Trustees, A&M Political Action Committee
- Dean’s Circle, George Washington University Law School
- Woodrow Wilson High School Community Foundation, Scholarship Advisory Committee
- National Asian Pacific American Bar Association, Member
- Dallas Asian American Bar Association, Member
- Southwest Benefits Association, Member
- March of Dimes – Dallas, Board of Directors, Former Director
- Dallas Regional Chamber of Commerce, Public Policy Committee
- Texas Bar College, Member
- Texas Bar Foundation, Fellow
- Dallas Bar Foundation, Fellow
- Dallas Bar Association
- Dallas County Republican Party, Former Chairman
- Alumnus of the Texas Lyceum
- American Bar Association Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation Committee
- Center for Survivors of Torture – Board of Directors, Former Director
October 7, 2022
Attorney NewsJackson Walker Congratulates 36 Attorneys Named Among the Lawdragon 500 Leading Litigators in America
Jackson Walker announces the selection of 36 attorneys to Lawdragon’s inaugural list of the 500 leading litigators in America.
August 18, 2022
Attorney News‘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.
February 11, 2022
Attorney NewsJackson Walker Announces Largest Class of Newly Elected Partners to Date
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce the election of 14 attorneys to the Firm’s partnership on Friday, February 11, 2022. In addition to electing 14 new partners, the Firm also congratulates Bart Cicuto, Noah Speck, and Austin Thomas on their promotion from associates to senior counsel.
January 12, 2022
Press ReleasesJackson Walker and PracticePro Announce Pre-Law Diversity Scholarship
Jackson Walker and PracticePro have launched a Pre-Law Diversity Scholarship for underrepresented college students and graduates seeking a legal career. Applications are open until Tuesday, March 22, 2022, and the scholarship recipient will be announced on April 15.
October 5, 2021
NewslettersJW Diversity & Inclusion Newsletter – October 2021
View Jackson Walker’s October 2021 Diversity & Inclusion Newsletter, Perspectives.
September 3, 2021
NewslettersLabor & Employment Dispatch: September 2021
View the September 2021 edition of the Labor & Employment Dispatch.
August 19, 2021
Attorney News‘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.
August 4, 2021
Client ResultsJackson Walker Defends American Airlines Federal Credit Union in 401(k) Management Suit
On July 19, 2021, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed, reversed, and vacated parts of the district court’s decision in a suit brought by two former American Airlines employees who sought to certify a 20,000-member class action.
November 12, 2020
Speaking EngagementsJonathan Neerman to Join Dallas Bar Association Panel Discussion on the 2020 Election
Following the 2020 presidential election, Jackson Walker attorney Jonathan Neerman will join Rafael Anchia, Gromer Jeffers, Jr., and Robert Tobey for a virtual panel discussion presented by the Dallas Bar Association.
October 9, 2020
MentionsChip Babcock and Jonathan Neerman Quoted on the Changing US Supreme Court Bench
Following the passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Jackson Walker partners Chip Babcock and Jonathan Neerman shared insights with local news media about what that means for the future of the U.S. Supreme Court.