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
- Successfully represented The American Airlines Federal Credit Union in a 401(k) investment option suit
- 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.)
- Commercial Litigation, 2021
- 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
- Dallas Bar Foundation, Fellow
- Texas 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