Joshua A. Romero
Practice Areas
Experience
- Appellate
- Arbitration
- Blockchain & Digital Assets
- Business Litigation
- Digital
- Digital Infrastructure & Data Centers
- Entertainment Litigation
- Entertainment, Digital, & Sports
- Media
âJosh is exceptional in all areas. He expertly balances legal and business interests, and effectively interacts with the legal team and business leadership.â
— Source Quoted in Chambers USA Guide, 2025
Biography
Josh is a trial lawyer and the Chair of the Firmâs Litigation Section in Austin. He began his career with judicial clerkships at the Texas Supreme Court and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Over the past 21 years, he has represented both plaintiffs and defendants in high-stakes cases across the country in complex commercial litigation, bad-faith insurance claims, trade-secret cases, whistleblower and qui tam cases, and First Amendment litigation. Josh has successfully tried cases to juries ranging from multimillion-dollar corporate disputes and fraud cases to commercial construction cases. In prior years, he assisted his clients in obtaining the largest settlement in Texas, and the fourth-largest settlement in the United States, as featured in The National Law Journal.
Josh has received the highest rating, AV Preeminent, from Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings. He has been repeatedly recognized by Chambers USA: Americaâs Leading Lawyers for Business and featured in The Best Lawyers in America publication. Lawdragon has also named Josh as one of the â500 Leading Litigators in America.â In addition, Josh has been named âTexasâ Top Rated Lawyersâ by ALM Legal Publishing and recognized as a âSuper Lawyerâ by Thomson Reuters. Josh has also consistently been named a âTop Attorneyâ in Austin by Austin Monthly Magazine.
He was appointed to the Texas Supreme Court Rules Committee by the State Bar of Texas to advise the Court on the rules governing trial practice and the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure. He also serves as the Immediate President of the Hispanic Bar Association of Austin. While he is honored by these accolades, the results he has obtained for his clients are far more important.
As a member of the firmâs appellate section, clients have entrusted Josh to handle appeals in a wide spectrum of cases, including complex commercial disputes, contract disputes, class actions, and business torts. He has presented oral argument numerous times at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Over the past decade, Josh has handled appeals in the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, the Texas Supreme Court, and appellate courts across Texas.
Education
B.S., cum laude, Stephen F. Austin State University
J.D., cum laude, Northwestern Pritzker School of Law
Bar Admissions
Texas
Court Admissions
United State Supreme Court
United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth and Fifth Circuits
United States District Court for the Northern, Southern, Eastern and Western Districts of Texas
Litigation
- $23,550,000.00 recovery against hospital in qui tam/False Claims Act case in federal court.
- $9,500,000.00 recovery for corporate client in bad-faith insurance claim in federal court.
- $9,354,892.00 jury verdict and final judgment (no appeal) in complex financial fraud case.
- $8,000,000.00 recovery for three physician clients in complex litigation with hospital in federal court.
- $6,500,000.00 recovery obtained against a national armored vehicle company. This recovery was many times more than the defendant’s pre-trial offer and was obtained on day five of a seven-day jury trial in Houston.
- $5,000,000.00 recovery for client in business disparagement and tortious interference case in federal court.
- $1,100,000.00 recovery for corporate client in breach-of-contract case in arbitration.
- Obtained confidential seven-figure settlement on behalf of client in securities fraud case.
- Secured confidential six-figure settlement for corporate client in data breach case against computer security firm.
- Obtained dismissal of Fortune 50 company from federal lawsuit involving development of a large data center, which was upheld on appeal at the Fifth Circuit.
- Obtained complete dismissal of qui tam/False Claims Act case for corporate client in federal court.
- Obtained complete dismissal of dramshop case on summary judgment against corporate client.
- Won complete defense verdict for corporate client in high-stakes Deceptive Trade Practices Act case in arbitration.
- Obtained dismissal of all claims against corporate client in wrongful termination suit in federal court.
- Obtained dismissal of numerous lawsuits under the Anti-SLAPP statute and obtained awards of attorneys’ fees and sanctions in clients’ favor.
Appellate
- Regalado v. ExamWorks, LLC, 2025 WL 1904487 (5th Cir. July 10, 2025) (obtained affirmance of complete dismissal of fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, and contract claims).
- Dodson v. ExamWorks, LLC, 2025 WL 655055 (5th Cir. Feb. 28, 2025) (obtained affirmance of complete dismissal of fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, and contract claims).
- Rockett Special Utility Dist. v. Alamo Mission, 858 F. App’x 160 (5th Cir. 2021) (obtain affirmance of district court’s dismissal of Google entity).
- Equity Trust Co. v. Hampton, 2020 Tex. App. LEXIS 5674 (Tex. App.–Austin July 23, 2020, pet. denied) (obtained complete reversal and render of adverse jury verdict).
- Chavez v. Plan Benefit Services, Inc., 957 F.3d 542 (5th Cir. 2020) (obtained reversal of certification of nationwide class action).
- Title Source, Inc v. HouseCanary, Inc., 2019 Tex. App. LEXIS 5768 (Tex. App.–San Antonio July 10, 2019, no pet. h.) (obtained sealed records for media client, the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press).
- Warner Bros. Entm’t, Inc. v. Jones, 538 S.W.3d 781 (Tex. App.–Austin 2017, pet. granted) (obtained dismissal of claims against Warner Bros. and TMZ under Anti-SLAPP law).
- United States ex rel. Parikh, M.D. v. Citizens Med. Ctr., 2014 WL 4854217 (5th Cir. Oct. 1, 2014) (obtained affirmance of district court’s denial of defendants’ motion to dismiss in qui tam/False Claim Act litigation).
- Westminster Falcon/Trinity, LLP v. Shin, 2012 WL 5231851 (Tex. App.–Amarillo Oct. 23, 2012) (obtained reversal of verdict against client in construction dispute and obtained take-nothing judgment in favor of defendant-client).
- Citizens Med. Ctr. v. Gaalla, 460 F. Appâx. 469 (5th Cir. Feb. 16, 2012) (obtained affirmance on interlocutory appeal of denial of defendants’ motions for summary judgment based on governmental immunity).
- Comm’n of Tex. v. Constellation Energy Commodities Group, Inc., 351 S.W.3d 588 (Tex. App.–Austin 2011, pet. denied) (obtained reversal of PUC ruling against client).
- Las Palmas Med. Ctr. v. Moore, 349 S.W.3d 57 (Tex. App.–El Paso 2010, pet. denied) (appellate court affirmed seven-figure arbitration award for hospital client).
- New Wave Dist. Co. v. LSKR, Inc., 2007 WL 178465 (Tex. App.–Austin Jan. 24, 2007) (obtained expedited reversal of temporary injunction imposing restrictions on corporate client’s business).
- Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, 2021-2025
- Ranked for Litigation: General Commercial – Texas: Austin & Surrounds, 2025
- Up and Coming in Litigation: General Commercial – Texas: Austin & Surrounds, 2021-2023
- The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.), 2023-2026
- Appellate Practice, 2023-2026
- Commercial Litigation, 2024-2026
- Texas Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2022-2025
- âAustinâs Top Attorneysâ List – Commercial Litigation, Austin Monthly Magazine, 2019-2025
- Lawdragon 500 Leading Litigators in America, 2023-2026
- âTexas’ Top Rated Lawyers,â ALM, 2014-2025
- AVVO Rating 10 (highest rating), 2020-2025
- Texas Bar Foundation Fellow, 2018
- Texas Rising Star, Super Lawyers – Rising Stars by Thomson Reuters, 2013-2019
- AV Preeminent, Martindale-Hubbell
- 2015 Big Money Wins – Top 50 Settlements of 2015, The National Law Journal, 2015
- State Bar of Texas Court Rules Committee
- Hispanic Bar Association of Austin
- Board of Directors-President, 2024
- Vice President and President-Elect, 2023
- President, 2024
- American Bar Association
- Texas Bar Association
- Austin Bar Association
- Austin Young Lawyers Association
- Texas Bar College
- Northwestern University
- Alumni Club of Austin, Past President
- Young Wigmore Club
- School of Law, Volunteer Admissions Interviewer
- Open Door Preschools, Board Member
Jackson Walker Congratulates 2025 Texas Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce the recognition of 75 attorneys by Thomson Reutersâ 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
Jackson Walker Congratulates 36 Attorneys Named Among the Lawdragon 500 Leading Litigators in America for 2026
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce the selection of 36 attorneys to Lawdragonâs 2026 list of the 500 leading litigators in America. This is Lawdragonâs fourth edition of its leading litigators list, recognizing some of Americaâs top litigation talent.
Attorney News • September 5, 2025
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
âAustin Monthlyâ Lists 44 Jackson Walker Attorneys Among âAustinâs Top Attorneysâ of 2025
Jackson Walker congratulates the 44 attorneys recognized among Austin Monthlyâs list of âAustinâs Top Attorneysâ for 2025. For recognition in the list, Austin attorneys must be nominated by their peers on the basis that they offer experienced counsel in one of 40 categories.
Attorney News • July 15, 2025
Chambers and Partners Releases 2025 USA Guide Featuring 79 Jackson Walker Attorneys and 28 Ranked Departments
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce that Chambers and Partners has selected 79 attorneys and 28 departments for inclusion in the 2025 edition of the Global and USA guides. Attorneys were ranked across 29 departments, with 4 attorneys listed among multiple areas, 9 ranked nationwide in their respective areas, and 12 recognized for the first time.
Spotlight • June 5, 2025
Jackson Walker Congratulates Its âTexas Super Lawyersâ of 2024
Jackson Walker proudly announces the selection of 71 attorneys to Thomson Reutersâ 2024 âTexas Super Lawyersâ 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
Jackson Walker Congratulates 36 Attorneys Named Among the Lawdragon 500 Leading Litigators in America
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce the selection of 36 attorneys to Lawdragonâs 2025 list of the 500 leading litigators in America. The third edition of this list recognizes Americaâs top talent in antitrust, financial and securities litigation, intellectual property, commercial litigation, real estate, mergers and acquisitions, cybersecurity, and white collar and investigations.
Attorney News • September 9, 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 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
‘Austin Monthly’ Lists 21 Jackson Walker Attorneys Among “Austin’s Top Attorneys” of 2024
Jackson Walker congratulates the 21 attorneys recognized among Austin Monthlyâs list of âAustinâs Top Attorneysâ for 2024. For recognition in the list, Austin attorneys must be nominated by their peers on the basis that they offer experienced counsel in one of 39 categories.
Attorney News • July 11, 2024
Chambers and Partners Releases 2024 USA Guide Featuring 67 Jackson Walker Attorneys and 23 Ranked Departments
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce that Chambers and Partners has selected 67 attorneys and 23 departments for inclusion in the 2024 edition of the Global and USA guides. Attorneys were ranked across 27 departments, with 3 attorneys listed among multiple areas, 8 ranked nationwide in their respective areas, and 15 recognized for the first time.
Spotlight • June 6, 2024
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 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
‘Austin Monthly’ Lists 12 Jackson Walker Attorneys Among “Austin’s Top Attorneys” of 2023
Jackson Walker congratulates the 12 attorneys recognized among Austin Monthlyâs list of âAustinâs Top Attorneysâ for 2023. For recognition in the list, Austin attorneys must be nominated by their peers on the basis that they offer experienced counsel in one of 39 categories.
Attorney News • July 17, 2023
Chambers and Partners Recognizes Jackson Walker Attorneys and Practices in 2023 USA and Global Guides
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce that Chambers and Partners has selected 51 attorneys and 17 departments for inclusion in the 2023 edition of the Global and USA guides. Attorneys recognized in the guides were ranked in 19 practice areas, with 4 attorneys listed among multiple areas and 6 named among the top attorneys nationwide in their respective areas.
Spotlight • June 1, 2023
- âNirvana Album Cover Defeats Child Pornography Claims,â Texas Lawyer (October 2025)
- “Smells Like Dismissal: Court Rules Album Cover Is Not Child Porn,” The Texas Lawbook (October 2025)
- “Lawsuit against Austin photographer of Nirvana’s ‘Nevermind’ album dismissed,” Fox 7 Austin (September 2022)
- “Austin lawyers with Jackson Walker win Nirvana ‘Nevermind’ album cover lawsuit,” Austin Business Journal (September 2022)
- âJudge dismisses lawsuit over Nirvanaâs âNevermindâ cover,” Austin American-Statesman (September 2022)
- “‘Nirvana Baby,’ All Grown Up, Waited Too Long To Sue,” Law360 (September 2022)
Practice Experience
Litigation
- $23,550,000.00 recovery against hospital in qui tam/False Claims Act case in federal court.
- $9,500,000.00 recovery for corporate client in bad-faith insurance claim in federal court.
- $9,354,892.00 jury verdict and final judgment (no appeal) in complex financial fraud case.
- $8,000,000.00 recovery for three physician clients in complex litigation with hospital in federal court.
- $6,500,000.00 recovery obtained against a national armored vehicle company. This recovery was many times more than the defendant’s pre-trial offer and was obtained on day five of a seven-day jury trial in Houston.
- $5,000,000.00 recovery for client in business disparagement and tortious interference case in federal court.
- $1,100,000.00 recovery for corporate client in breach-of-contract case in arbitration.
- Obtained confidential seven-figure settlement on behalf of client in securities fraud case.
- Secured confidential six-figure settlement for corporate client in data breach case against computer security firm.
- Obtained dismissal of Fortune 50 company from federal lawsuit involving development of a large data center, which was upheld on appeal at the Fifth Circuit.
- Obtained complete dismissal of qui tam/False Claims Act case for corporate client in federal court.
- Obtained complete dismissal of dramshop case on summary judgment against corporate client.
- Won complete defense verdict for corporate client in high-stakes Deceptive Trade Practices Act case in arbitration.
- Obtained dismissal of all claims against corporate client in wrongful termination suit in federal court.
- Obtained dismissal of numerous lawsuits under the Anti-SLAPP statute and obtained awards of attorneys’ fees and sanctions in clients’ favor.
Appellate
- Regalado v. ExamWorks, LLC, 2025 WL 1904487 (5th Cir. July 10, 2025) (obtained affirmance of complete dismissal of fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, and contract claims).
- Dodson v. ExamWorks, LLC, 2025 WL 655055 (5th Cir. Feb. 28, 2025) (obtained affirmance of complete dismissal of fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, and contract claims).
- Rockett Special Utility Dist. v. Alamo Mission, 858 F. App’x 160 (5th Cir. 2021) (obtain affirmance of district court’s dismissal of Google entity).
- Equity Trust Co. v. Hampton, 2020 Tex. App. LEXIS 5674 (Tex. App.–Austin July 23, 2020, pet. denied) (obtained complete reversal and render of adverse jury verdict).
- Chavez v. Plan Benefit Services, Inc., 957 F.3d 542 (5th Cir. 2020) (obtained reversal of certification of nationwide class action).
- Title Source, Inc v. HouseCanary, Inc., 2019 Tex. App. LEXIS 5768 (Tex. App.–San Antonio July 10, 2019, no pet. h.) (obtained sealed records for media client, the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press).
- Warner Bros. Entm’t, Inc. v. Jones, 538 S.W.3d 781 (Tex. App.–Austin 2017, pet. granted) (obtained dismissal of claims against Warner Bros. and TMZ under Anti-SLAPP law).
- United States ex rel. Parikh, M.D. v. Citizens Med. Ctr., 2014 WL 4854217 (5th Cir. Oct. 1, 2014) (obtained affirmance of district court’s denial of defendants’ motion to dismiss in qui tam/False Claim Act litigation).
- Westminster Falcon/Trinity, LLP v. Shin, 2012 WL 5231851 (Tex. App.–Amarillo Oct. 23, 2012) (obtained reversal of verdict against client in construction dispute and obtained take-nothing judgment in favor of defendant-client).
- Citizens Med. Ctr. v. Gaalla, 460 F. Appâx. 469 (5th Cir. Feb. 16, 2012) (obtained affirmance on interlocutory appeal of denial of defendants’ motions for summary judgment based on governmental immunity).
- Comm’n of Tex. v. Constellation Energy Commodities Group, Inc., 351 S.W.3d 588 (Tex. App.–Austin 2011, pet. denied) (obtained reversal of PUC ruling against client).
- Las Palmas Med. Ctr. v. Moore, 349 S.W.3d 57 (Tex. App.–El Paso 2010, pet. denied) (appellate court affirmed seven-figure arbitration award for hospital client).
- New Wave Dist. Co. v. LSKR, Inc., 2007 WL 178465 (Tex. App.–Austin Jan. 24, 2007) (obtained expedited reversal of temporary injunction imposing restrictions on corporate client’s business).
Recognition & Accolades
- Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, 2021-2025
- Ranked for Litigation: General Commercial – Texas: Austin & Surrounds, 2025
- Up and Coming in Litigation: General Commercial – Texas: Austin & Surrounds, 2021-2023
- The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.), 2023-2026
- Appellate Practice, 2023-2026
- Commercial Litigation, 2024-2026
- Texas Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2022-2025
- âAustinâs Top Attorneysâ List – Commercial Litigation, Austin Monthly Magazine, 2019-2025
- Lawdragon 500 Leading Litigators in America, 2023-2026
- âTexas’ Top Rated Lawyers,â ALM, 2014-2025
- AVVO Rating 10 (highest rating), 2020-2025
- Texas Bar Foundation Fellow, 2018
- Texas Rising Star, Super Lawyers – Rising Stars by Thomson Reuters, 2013-2019
- AV Preeminent, Martindale-Hubbell
- 2015 Big Money Wins – Top 50 Settlements of 2015, The National Law Journal, 2015
Community Involvement
- State Bar of Texas Court Rules Committee
- Hispanic Bar Association of Austin
- Board of Directors-President, 2024
- Vice President and President-Elect, 2023
- President, 2024
- American Bar Association
- Texas Bar Association
- Austin Bar Association
- Austin Young Lawyers Association
- Texas Bar College
- Northwestern University
- Alumni Club of Austin, Past President
- Young Wigmore Club
- School of Law, Volunteer Admissions Interviewer
- Open Door Preschools, Board Member
In the News
- âNirvana Album Cover Defeats Child Pornography Claims,â Texas Lawyer (October 2025)
- “Smells Like Dismissal: Court Rules Album Cover Is Not Child Porn,” The Texas Lawbook (October 2025)
- “Lawsuit against Austin photographer of Nirvana’s ‘Nevermind’ album dismissed,” Fox 7 Austin (September 2022)
- “Austin lawyers with Jackson Walker win Nirvana ‘Nevermind’ album cover lawsuit,” Austin Business Journal (September 2022)
- âJudge dismisses lawsuit over Nirvanaâs âNevermindâ cover,” Austin American-Statesman (September 2022)
- “‘Nirvana Baby,’ All Grown Up, Waited Too Long To Sue,” Law360 (September 2022)