Juan M. Alcala
Partner, Austin
Experience
- Arbitration
- Energy Litigation
- International
- Latin America Inbound – Spanish
- Latin America Outbound – English
- Product Liability
- Upstream Oil & Gas
Biography
Juan Alcala is a seasoned trial attorney whose practice concentrates on international arbitration and cross-border litigation, with a particular focus on disputes connected to Latin America. His practice is defined by extensive experience navigating complex procedural, discovery, and jurisdictional issues that frequently arise in transnational matters. With a deep understanding of dispute resolution, fluency in Spanish, and a strong cultural affinity to Latin America, Juan represents clients with matters in international tribunals, foreign courts, and U.S. courts.
In addition to his international work, Juan has robust domestic litigation experience, including significant trial and appellate experience in several dozen high-exposure cases.
With experience across industries including the energy, financial, real estate, automotive, medical device, and manufacturing sectors, Juan’s practice covers a wide array of complex issues, such as business torts, partnership disputes, intricate lending transactions, fiduciary duty claims, copyright and trademark litigation, misappropriation of trade secrets, breach of contract matters, and product defects.
Juan serves as an adjunct professor at Baylor Law School, where he teaches a course on International Transactions and Disputes. He previously served as chair of the International Law Section of the State Bar of Texas and as regional president of the Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA).
Additional Languages
Spanish
Education
B.A., Yale University
J.D., The University of Texas School of Law
Bar Admissions
Texas
Court Admissions
All State & Federal Courts in Texas
All Federal Courts in Texas
Energy & Natural Resources
- Represented a global energy company in a multibillion-dollar environmental dispute in South America arising from exploration & production (E&P) operations, including oversight of local litigation, parallel enforcement actions, and investor-state arbitration before the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague.
- Represented an E&P company in ICDR arbitration over a multimillion-dollar oil and gas E&P dispute in Colombia.
- Represented Mexican investors in a commercial dispute regarding a renewable natural gas (RNG) facility involving operations in the U.S. and Mexico.
- Represented a downstream affiliate of a major oil and gas company in proceedings related to Mexico’s energy policy changes, including an amparo proceeding against 2021 amendments to Mexico’s Hydrocarbon Law and multiple administrative proceedings.
- Represented a downstream affiliate of a major oil and gas company in an advertising dispute with Mexico’s consumer protection agency (PROFECO).
- Represented a downstream affiliate of a major oil and gas company in a tax controversy with Mexico’s tax authority (SAT).
- Represented the lubricants business of a global energy company in ICC arbitration involving fraud and breach of contract claims related to a $180 million sale of a manufacturing plant in Mexico.
- Represented a Spanish construction company in post-arbitral recognition/enforcement proceedings involving an ICC arbitration award related to an ethanol plant.
- Represented a global lubricants company in a licensing dispute subject to AAA arbitration with a South American manufacturer.
- Represented a global energy company in a defamation lawsuit brought by indigenous communities in South America.
- Evaluated commercial and treaty-based investment claims involving energy infrastructure and natural resources across Latin America and Texas.
- Represented an independent commodities trading company in a breach of contract dispute involving ethanol sales to Colombia.
- Represented a Mexican manufacturer in an ICC dispute over a breach of joint venture agreement related to hazardous material containers.
- Represented lithium extraction company concerning various global licensing agreements.
- Represented a solar development company in a shareholder derivative lawsuit brought by a former member and manager.
- Represented a solar development company in a breach of contract dispute with a turnkey provider for a photovoltaic solar project in Louisiana.
- Represented an energy-efficiency firm in multiple matters, including enforcement of restrictive covenants and a trade-secret dispute arising under the Texas Public Information Act.
- Represented a provider of measurement-while-drilling services in a breach of contract case against a directional drilling company.
- Counseled a Mexican hazardous container manufacturer under investigation by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
- Counseled a measurement-while-drilling services provider regarding market entry into Latin America.
Financial Services
- Representing a South American bank in a $27 million dispute seeking to set aside an arbitration agreement and revive previously settled claims.
- Represented a South American bank in a $40 million commercial dispute involving claims of RICO, FCPA violations, breach of contract, and fraud.
- Represented a South American bank in parallel bankruptcy proceedings in Mexico and New York.
- Represented a construction company in a multimillion-dollar fraud and breach of contract dispute against a financial services firm related to a factoring agreement.
- Representing a lender in a commercial loan dispute valued at approximately $6 million.
Automotive
- Tried several product liability cases for major auto manufacturer in various courts throughout Central and South Texas, including in the Rio Grande Valley, Eagle Pass, Crystal City, El Paso and San Diego, Texas.
- Represented a major auto manufacturer in a commercial dispute with a Mexican distributor.
- Represented a major auto manufacturer in product liability cases in the U.S. with parallel proceedings across Mexico, Venezuela, Argentina, Colombia, and Panama.
- Represented a tire manufacturer in investigation and discovery related to product liability matters arising from events in Mexico.
- Provided strategic appellate advice to an auto manufacturer in over a dozen product liability trials.
Technology
- Represented an English company in a global technology outsourcing dispute; resolved with a favorable $50+ million settlement.
- Represented a wiring systems manufacturer in ICC arbitration over the purchase of assets in Mexico.
- Represented the same manufacturer in an ICDR dispute with a private equity investor regarding assets in Brazil.
- Counseled an imaging technology company during NDA negotiations with a Mexican entity.
- Represented an education software company in a trade secret dispute with the Texas Attorney General under the PIA, resulting in partial trial and favorable settlement.
- Defended an arbitration award on appeal involving fraud claims against a multinational telecommunications company.
Retail & Consumer Products
- Representing fragrance manufacturer in a NAFTA dispute with the Mexican Tax Authority (SAT).
- Represented fashion company in a commercial dispute with a Mexican distributor.
- Represented fashion company in talc-related asbestos matter.
- Tried several asbestos-related cases for paint company in various courts throughout South Texas.
- Represented a U.S. beverage company in a multimillion-dollar ICC dispute with a Mexican licensee.
- Represented a container manufacturer in a Texas product liability case involving Mexican corporate law.
- Counseled a pharmaceutical company conducting clinical trials in Argentina, Mexico, and Colombia.
- Represented a South American investor in a closely held corporation dispute arising from a restaurant franchise investment.
- Represented a South American fruit distributor in a contract dispute related to improper fumigation.
Real Estate
- Obtained a multimillion-dollar jury verdict in a real estate development case involving fiduciary duty and fraud, and defended the result on appeal to the Fifth Circuit.
- Represented a creditor in a pre-bankruptcy distressed asset matter involving fraudulent conveyance and receivership claims over a major Houston mall.
- Represented a restaurant management company in a lease dispute that resulted in a favorable bench trial ruling.
- Representing a construction company in a personal injury case.
Other Commercial Experience
- Obtained multimillion-dollar award in business dispute arising from various financial agreements related to a winery.
- Represented individuals and middle-market businesses in breach of contract, fraud, and business tort matters.
- Represented a large reinsurance company in ICC arbitration against a Mexican soccer team.
- Defended a document management company in a jury trial against fraud and breach of contract claims by a subcontractor.
- The Legal 500 USA
- Energy Transactions: Oil and Gas, 2022
- Energy Renewable/Alternative Power, Energy Litigation: Oil and Gas, 2022-2024
- IFLR1000, The Guide to the World’s Leading Financial Law Firms
- Leading Lawyer, Energy and Infrastructure 2013-2015, 2017, 2018
- Mergers & Acquisitions, 2017, 2018
- The Legal 500 Latin America, Litigation/Arbitration, 2013, 2018
- Minority Powerbroker, Law360, 2015
Publications
- Enhanced Energy Capabilities to Help You Capitalize on Opportunities in 2022 and Beyond, Oil & Gas Journal, December 6, 2021
- Year One of Mexican Energy Reforms Under President Lopez Obrador, State Bar of Texas International Law Section Newsletter, January 2020
- Arbitrator Disclosure Standards: The Uncertainty Continues, Handbook on International Arbitration Practice American Arbitration Association and Juris, 2013
- Arbitrator Disclosure Standards in a State of Flux, ICD Awards and Commentaries, American Arbitration Association and Juris, 2012
- Transnational Disputes in a Global Economy, Texas Bar Journal, July 1, 2012
- Arbitration in Latin America: A First Look at the Impact of Legislative Reforms, Law and Business Review of the Americas, 2007
Speaking Engagements
- Going Global, State Bar of Texas Annual Conference, June 19, 2025
- Unpacking the Energy Reform: Its Legal Implications Across Borders, 2025 Mexican Legal Perspective Symposium, SMU Dedman School of Law, May 8, 2025
- New Energy, Old Challenges: A Closer Look at the Human Rights Implications Facing New Energy Projects, Texas International Law Journal Symposium, University of Texas School of Law, April 2025
- Compliance & Ethics International Forum, ANADE Nuevo León, Phi Delta Phi, Holland & Knight, November 13 – 15, 2024
- Non-Competes No More? Employment Litigation, 32nd Annual Texas Minority Counsel Program, October 24, 2024
- Leveraging Your Latinidad – Lawyers, Lawtina Summit, St. Mary’s University School of Law, October 7, 2023
- Hispanic National Bar Association 2nd Annual Region XII Summit, May 18 – 19, 2023
- Hispanic National Bar Association 2023 Corporate Counsel Conference, March 9 – 11, 2023
- Texas and Winter Storm Uri: Legal Implications and Considerations for Energy Stakeholders, Holland & Knight Program, March 17, 2021
- Complying With Cybersecurity & Data Privacy Requirements in the Global Information Age, State Bar of Texas CLE, Advisory Board of the International Law Section, September 26, 2018
- Why’s and How’s of Drafting Arbitration Clauses, Holland & Knight Webinar, March 28, 2017
- Resolving Cross Border Intellectual Property Disputes Via International, IP Inn of Court, March 23, 2017
- 29th Annual Professional Development Conference for Trade Show and Corporate Event Marketers, March 12-16, 2017
- La problemática de los expertos parcializados: ¿pueden afectar a la calidad de la justicia?, Programa X Conferencia Internacional de Arbitraje, March 9, 2017
- A Modernization of Legal Regimes in Latin America and the Impact On International Disputes, Third Annual “Nuts & Bolts of International Law” Seminar & Networking Lunch, February 12, 2016
- Estimation of Damages in Investment Arbitrations, Second Central American Congress on Investment Arbitration: 50 Years of the ICSID Convention, February 1, 2016
- Congreso Nacional de Derecho de la ConstrucciĂłn, DistribuciĂłn de Riesgos y AdministraciĂłn Contractual, August 3, 2015
- The Mexican Energy Reforms and Their Impact on the Texas Legal Market, Texas Hispanic Journal of Law and Policy Lunch Event, March 24, 2015
- The Role of Domestic Law in International Investment Arbitration – Illegality Clauses and Double Renvoi, SeminarioInternacional de Arbitraje de Inversion, October 2, 2014
- Introduction to International Arbitration, National Latino Law Students Association at the University of Texas School of Law, September 20, 2014
- Is There a Right Balance? Human Rights and the Environment in Energy Disputes, Emerging Trends in International Arbitration in Latin America Conference, June 6, 2014
- La Nueva Ley Mexicana de Acciones Colectivas: Casos de la Vida Real, Consejo Ejecutivo de Empresas Globales, March 3, 2014
- New Mexican Class Action Law, La Escuela Libre de Derecho Collective Actions Seminar, March 3, 2014
- La Nueva Ley Mexicana de Acciones Colectivas Dentro del Marco Internacional, Consejo Ejecutivo de Empresas Globales, February 10, 2014
- The New Mexican Law of Class Actions Within the International Framework, Escuela Libre de Derecho, February 10, 2014
- Cross-Border Transactions: Minimizing Your Client’s Risks, American Bar Association of Texas Summer CLE Program, August 2, 2013
- Developments in Deep Water Horizon Litigation – Class Action Filed in Mexico Against BP, Environmental Law Section Meeting, January 9, 2013
- La Ley Mexicana de Acciones Colectivas Dentro del Marco Internacional, Consejo Ejecutivo de Empresas Globales, September 24, 2012
- Hispanic National Bar Association
- Regional President for Region XII (Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas), 2022-Present
- Deputy Regional President, 2020-2022
- State Bar of Texas International Law Section
- Chair, 2021-2022
- Chair-Elect, 2020
- Council Member, 2019-2020
- Kay Bailey Hutchison Center for Energy, Law & Business at the University of Texas, Advisory Board Member, 2010-2017
July 10, 2025
Attorney News
Juan Alcala Joins Jackson Walker, Expanding International Arbitration and Cross-Border Litigation Capabilities
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce that Juan M. Alcala, a highly respected trial attorney with a distinguished record in international arbitration and cross-border litigation, has joined the firm as a partner in the Trial & Appellate Litigation group in our Austin office.
Practice Experience
Energy & Natural Resources
- Represented a global energy company in a multibillion-dollar environmental dispute in South America arising from exploration & production (E&P) operations, including oversight of local litigation, parallel enforcement actions, and investor-state arbitration before the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague.
- Represented an E&P company in ICDR arbitration over a multimillion-dollar oil and gas E&P dispute in Colombia.
- Represented Mexican investors in a commercial dispute regarding a renewable natural gas (RNG) facility involving operations in the U.S. and Mexico.
- Represented a downstream affiliate of a major oil and gas company in proceedings related to Mexico’s energy policy changes, including an amparo proceeding against 2021 amendments to Mexico’s Hydrocarbon Law and multiple administrative proceedings.
- Represented a downstream affiliate of a major oil and gas company in an advertising dispute with Mexico’s consumer protection agency (PROFECO).
- Represented a downstream affiliate of a major oil and gas company in a tax controversy with Mexico’s tax authority (SAT).
- Represented the lubricants business of a global energy company in ICC arbitration involving fraud and breach of contract claims related to a $180 million sale of a manufacturing plant in Mexico.
- Represented a Spanish construction company in post-arbitral recognition/enforcement proceedings involving an ICC arbitration award related to an ethanol plant.
- Represented a global lubricants company in a licensing dispute subject to AAA arbitration with a South American manufacturer.
- Represented a global energy company in a defamation lawsuit brought by indigenous communities in South America.
- Evaluated commercial and treaty-based investment claims involving energy infrastructure and natural resources across Latin America and Texas.
- Represented an independent commodities trading company in a breach of contract dispute involving ethanol sales to Colombia.
- Represented a Mexican manufacturer in an ICC dispute over a breach of joint venture agreement related to hazardous material containers.
- Represented lithium extraction company concerning various global licensing agreements.
- Represented a solar development company in a shareholder derivative lawsuit brought by a former member and manager.
- Represented a solar development company in a breach of contract dispute with a turnkey provider for a photovoltaic solar project in Louisiana.
- Represented an energy-efficiency firm in multiple matters, including enforcement of restrictive covenants and a trade-secret dispute arising under the Texas Public Information Act.
- Represented a provider of measurement-while-drilling services in a breach of contract case against a directional drilling company.
- Counseled a Mexican hazardous container manufacturer under investigation by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
- Counseled a measurement-while-drilling services provider regarding market entry into Latin America.
Financial Services
- Representing a South American bank in a $27 million dispute seeking to set aside an arbitration agreement and revive previously settled claims.
- Represented a South American bank in a $40 million commercial dispute involving claims of RICO, FCPA violations, breach of contract, and fraud.
- Represented a South American bank in parallel bankruptcy proceedings in Mexico and New York.
- Represented a construction company in a multimillion-dollar fraud and breach of contract dispute against a financial services firm related to a factoring agreement.
- Representing a lender in a commercial loan dispute valued at approximately $6 million.
Automotive
- Tried several product liability cases for major auto manufacturer in various courts throughout Central and South Texas, including in the Rio Grande Valley, Eagle Pass, Crystal City, El Paso and San Diego, Texas.
- Represented a major auto manufacturer in a commercial dispute with a Mexican distributor.
- Represented a major auto manufacturer in product liability cases in the U.S. with parallel proceedings across Mexico, Venezuela, Argentina, Colombia, and Panama.
- Represented a tire manufacturer in investigation and discovery related to product liability matters arising from events in Mexico.
- Provided strategic appellate advice to an auto manufacturer in over a dozen product liability trials.
Technology
- Represented an English company in a global technology outsourcing dispute; resolved with a favorable $50+ million settlement.
- Represented a wiring systems manufacturer in ICC arbitration over the purchase of assets in Mexico.
- Represented the same manufacturer in an ICDR dispute with a private equity investor regarding assets in Brazil.
- Counseled an imaging technology company during NDA negotiations with a Mexican entity.
- Represented an education software company in a trade secret dispute with the Texas Attorney General under the PIA, resulting in partial trial and favorable settlement.
- Defended an arbitration award on appeal involving fraud claims against a multinational telecommunications company.
Retail & Consumer Products
- Representing fragrance manufacturer in a NAFTA dispute with the Mexican Tax Authority (SAT).
- Represented fashion company in a commercial dispute with a Mexican distributor.
- Represented fashion company in talc-related asbestos matter.
- Tried several asbestos-related cases for paint company in various courts throughout South Texas.
- Represented a U.S. beverage company in a multimillion-dollar ICC dispute with a Mexican licensee.
- Represented a container manufacturer in a Texas product liability case involving Mexican corporate law.
- Counseled a pharmaceutical company conducting clinical trials in Argentina, Mexico, and Colombia.
- Represented a South American investor in a closely held corporation dispute arising from a restaurant franchise investment.
- Represented a South American fruit distributor in a contract dispute related to improper fumigation.
Real Estate
- Obtained a multimillion-dollar jury verdict in a real estate development case involving fiduciary duty and fraud, and defended the result on appeal to the Fifth Circuit.
- Represented a creditor in a pre-bankruptcy distressed asset matter involving fraudulent conveyance and receivership claims over a major Houston mall.
- Represented a restaurant management company in a lease dispute that resulted in a favorable bench trial ruling.
- Representing a construction company in a personal injury case.
Other Commercial Experience
- Obtained multimillion-dollar award in business dispute arising from various financial agreements related to a winery.
- Represented individuals and middle-market businesses in breach of contract, fraud, and business tort matters.
- Represented a large reinsurance company in ICC arbitration against a Mexican soccer team.
- Defended a document management company in a jury trial against fraud and breach of contract claims by a subcontractor.
Recognition & Accolades
- The Legal 500 USA
- Energy Transactions: Oil and Gas, 2022
- Energy Renewable/Alternative Power, Energy Litigation: Oil and Gas, 2022-2024
- IFLR1000, The Guide to the World’s Leading Financial Law Firms
- Leading Lawyer, Energy and Infrastructure 2013-2015, 2017, 2018
- Mergers & Acquisitions, 2017, 2018
- The Legal 500 Latin America, Litigation/Arbitration, 2013, 2018
- Minority Powerbroker, Law360, 2015
Publications & Speeches
Publications
- Enhanced Energy Capabilities to Help You Capitalize on Opportunities in 2022 and Beyond, Oil & Gas Journal, December 6, 2021
- Year One of Mexican Energy Reforms Under President Lopez Obrador, State Bar of Texas International Law Section Newsletter, January 2020
- Arbitrator Disclosure Standards: The Uncertainty Continues, Handbook on International Arbitration Practice American Arbitration Association and Juris, 2013
- Arbitrator Disclosure Standards in a State of Flux, ICD Awards and Commentaries, American Arbitration Association and Juris, 2012
- Transnational Disputes in a Global Economy, Texas Bar Journal, July 1, 2012
- Arbitration in Latin America: A First Look at the Impact of Legislative Reforms, Law and Business Review of the Americas, 2007
Speaking Engagements
- Going Global, State Bar of Texas Annual Conference, June 19, 2025
- Unpacking the Energy Reform: Its Legal Implications Across Borders, 2025 Mexican Legal Perspective Symposium, SMU Dedman School of Law, May 8, 2025
- New Energy, Old Challenges: A Closer Look at the Human Rights Implications Facing New Energy Projects, Texas International Law Journal Symposium, University of Texas School of Law, April 2025
- Compliance & Ethics International Forum, ANADE Nuevo León, Phi Delta Phi, Holland & Knight, November 13 – 15, 2024
- Non-Competes No More? Employment Litigation, 32nd Annual Texas Minority Counsel Program, October 24, 2024
- Leveraging Your Latinidad – Lawyers, Lawtina Summit, St. Mary’s University School of Law, October 7, 2023
- Hispanic National Bar Association 2nd Annual Region XII Summit, May 18 – 19, 2023
- Hispanic National Bar Association 2023 Corporate Counsel Conference, March 9 – 11, 2023
- Texas and Winter Storm Uri: Legal Implications and Considerations for Energy Stakeholders, Holland & Knight Program, March 17, 2021
- Complying With Cybersecurity & Data Privacy Requirements in the Global Information Age, State Bar of Texas CLE, Advisory Board of the International Law Section, September 26, 2018
- Why’s and How’s of Drafting Arbitration Clauses, Holland & Knight Webinar, March 28, 2017
- Resolving Cross Border Intellectual Property Disputes Via International, IP Inn of Court, March 23, 2017
- 29th Annual Professional Development Conference for Trade Show and Corporate Event Marketers, March 12-16, 2017
- La problemática de los expertos parcializados: ¿pueden afectar a la calidad de la justicia?, Programa X Conferencia Internacional de Arbitraje, March 9, 2017
- A Modernization of Legal Regimes in Latin America and the Impact On International Disputes, Third Annual “Nuts & Bolts of International Law” Seminar & Networking Lunch, February 12, 2016
- Estimation of Damages in Investment Arbitrations, Second Central American Congress on Investment Arbitration: 50 Years of the ICSID Convention, February 1, 2016
- Congreso Nacional de Derecho de la ConstrucciĂłn, DistribuciĂłn de Riesgos y AdministraciĂłn Contractual, August 3, 2015
- The Mexican Energy Reforms and Their Impact on the Texas Legal Market, Texas Hispanic Journal of Law and Policy Lunch Event, March 24, 2015
- The Role of Domestic Law in International Investment Arbitration – Illegality Clauses and Double Renvoi, SeminarioInternacional de Arbitraje de Inversion, October 2, 2014
- Introduction to International Arbitration, National Latino Law Students Association at the University of Texas School of Law, September 20, 2014
- Is There a Right Balance? Human Rights and the Environment in Energy Disputes, Emerging Trends in International Arbitration in Latin America Conference, June 6, 2014
- La Nueva Ley Mexicana de Acciones Colectivas: Casos de la Vida Real, Consejo Ejecutivo de Empresas Globales, March 3, 2014
- New Mexican Class Action Law, La Escuela Libre de Derecho Collective Actions Seminar, March 3, 2014
- La Nueva Ley Mexicana de Acciones Colectivas Dentro del Marco Internacional, Consejo Ejecutivo de Empresas Globales, February 10, 2014
- The New Mexican Law of Class Actions Within the International Framework, Escuela Libre de Derecho, February 10, 2014
- Cross-Border Transactions: Minimizing Your Client’s Risks, American Bar Association of Texas Summer CLE Program, August 2, 2013
- Developments in Deep Water Horizon Litigation – Class Action Filed in Mexico Against BP, Environmental Law Section Meeting, January 9, 2013
- La Ley Mexicana de Acciones Colectivas Dentro del Marco Internacional, Consejo Ejecutivo de Empresas Globales, September 24, 2012
Community Involvement
- Hispanic National Bar Association
- Regional President for Region XII (Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas), 2022-Present
- Deputy Regional President, 2020-2022
- State Bar of Texas International Law Section
- Chair, 2021-2022
- Chair-Elect, 2020
- Council Member, 2019-2020
- Kay Bailey Hutchison Center for Energy, Law & Business at the University of Texas, Advisory Board Member, 2010-2017