Michael W. Moran
Practice Areas
Experience
- Condemnation & Eminent Domain
- Condemnation & Eminent Domain Litigation
- Construction & Development
- Construction Litigation
- Energy Litigation
- Insurance
- Insurance Coverage & Bad Faith Litigation
- Insurance Policyholder Defense
- Land Use & Municipal Law
- Public-Private Partnerships
- Real Estate Litigation
- Title Insurance & Title Company Litigation
“Michael Moran is a litigation specialist who manages a wide array of construction cases and related commercial litigation. His construction practice also covers design and construction contract negotiations for both public and private projects. Sources noted that Mike 'an excellent construction lawyer' who 'is extremely easy to work with and a brilliant source of information, recommendations, advice and service.'”
— Chambers USA Guide, 2023
“Michael Moran is a litigation specialist who manages a wide array of construction cases and related commercial litigation. His construction practice also covers design and construction contract negotiations for both public and private projects. One interviewee stated: 'He provides excellent work product, is always prompt, and works well with opposing attorneys.'”
— Chambers USA
“Mike Moran has handled millions of dollars in litigation in both business related litigation and construction related litigation for me and has won every time over the last 15 years. I would use no one else.”
— Guy Brignon, President of Glenbrook Residential
Biography
Michael W. Moran is a business litigation attorney whose practice focuses on construction litigation, real estate litigation, land use and municipal law litigation, eminent domain/condemnation, corporate litigation, surety bonds, and business fraud. Mike chairs the Jackson Walker Dallas litigation section. His construction clients have included property owners, developers, governmental entities, general contractors, subcontractors, sureties, architects, engineers, and individual corporate officers and directors. His construction law practice encompasses contract negotiations, breach of contract claims, construction defect claims, mechanic’s liens, bond claims, architect and engineer professional negligence, architectural copyright infringement, insurance coverage, and payment claims. Throughout his career, Mike has handled a wide assortment of construction lawsuits. He is currently the head of JW’s Construction section.
Mike’s construction contract negotiation experience is quite broad. He has negotiated design and construction contracts on public and private projects from the simple to extremely large and complex. Those projects have involved multi-family, industrial, commercial, public-private partnerships (PPP), transportation, and light-rail projects. His government contracting work has included assessing state and federal procurement compliance, procurement protests, and Public Information Act disputes.
Mike also represents businesses and financial institutions in disputes and litigation involving business torts, contracts, fraud, lender liability, real estate, tortious interference, embezzlement, and fiduciary duties. Additionally, he provides representation concerning loan workouts, including litigation related to those matters.
Education
B.A., Southwestern University
J.D., Baylor Law School
- The Order of Barristers, member
Bar Admissions
Texas
Court Admissions
United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
United States District Court for the Northern, Southern, Eastern and Western Districts of Texas
Professional Certifications
Board Certified in Construction Law
- Secured a trial victory in the defense of a Dallas real estate developer in a $10 million lawsuit over delays, construction errors, and alleged fiduciary duty breaches related to a luxury condominium project.
- Secured arbitration victory for a landlord in a multi-million dollar dispute with a tenant.
- Represented a condominium developer in $32 million dollar construction defect arbitration, which also involved allegations regarding payment issues. The construction problems involved extensive water infiltration behind stucco veneer, severely unlevel floors, and nail holes in shower pans, just to name a few. There were 35 parties in the case, and the developer obtained a very favorable settlement just prior to the arbitration hearing.
- One month trial of $6.5 million loan default which also involved a 100,000 square foot assisted living facility destroyed by a water leak. Obtained favorable settlement prior to jury deliberations.
- Represented a governmental entity in the negotiation of a construction contract for a $500+ million commuter rail project, along with negotiating the diesel multiple unit acquisition agreement.
- Obtained $3.3 million judgment for an owner against a contractor for fraudulent billing practices and defective construction. Affirmed on appeal.
- Represented multiple developers in the construction of a 45-story apartment building in the Dallas Arts District.
- Has successfully represented property owners in insurance coverage litigation for claims for insurance coverage and defense costs related to property damage.
- Represented publicly traded company in mechanic’s and materialman’s lien disputes in over 30 states.
- Obtained dismissals for architects and engineers in multiple lawsuits claiming design and construction defects in personal residences with claims valued in excess of $2.5 million.
- Represented industrial developer in the design and construction phases of multiple multi-million square foot industrial facilities.
- As contractor’s counsel, forced Defendant refrigerator manufacturer to pay contractor and factory owner’s full damages, costs, and attorneys’ fees to settle claims for defective materials, negligent installation, breach of warranty, and statutory deceptive trade practice claims.
- Obtained dismissal of lawsuit against Defendant home builder claiming defective construction of a residence and alleged misrepresentations concerning the property and its surroundings.
- Represented surety in a bankruptcy and obtained entirety of amount owed by the bond principal.
- Obtained temporary injunction and restraining order against surety bond principal for improper actions.
- Represented Defendant contractor in favorable settlement of multiple cases alleging that contractor infringed upon copyright interests in architectural drawings.
- Represented sureties in various performance and payment bond disputes throughout Texas, including alleged defaults involving the Austin Convention Center and the Ellis County Justice Center in Waxahachie, Texas.
- Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, Ranked for Construction – Texas, 2013-2025
- The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.), Construction Law, 2014-2025
- Texas Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2013-2024
- Texas Rising Star, Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2005-2009
- “Best Lawyers in Dallas” List, D Magazine, 2014, 2019, 2023
- Board Certified in Construction Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, 2016
- “Filing Mechanic’s Liens and Asserting Payment Bond Claims in Texas,” Lorman Education Services AIA Contracts Seminar, 2010-13
- “Real Estate Considerations and Priorities,” Lorman Educational Services Construction Lien Law in Texas Seminar, 2000-11, 2013
- “Complex Commercial Construction Litigation: A Guide for Non-Litigators and Their Clients, Too,” NBI Construction Defect Litigation: From A to Z, 2011
- “Construction Defect Damage Claims” and “Construction Defect Case Studies,” Half Moon Education Services Construction Defects Seminar, 2007
- “Construction Defect Risk Management and Insurance,” panel speaker at IRMI Conference, 2007
- Regional Editor, A 50 State Compendium of Construction Law Issues, ALFA International, 2007
- “Legislative Update: Construction Issues Facing the Texas Legislature’s 2003 Session,” Dallas Bar Association Construction Section, 2002
- Salesmanship Club of Dallas
- Catholic Foundation Advisory Council
- Catholic Diocese of Dallas, Bishop’s Invitational Golf Tournament Committee
- Dallas Athletic Club – Past President
- Construction Lawyers Society of America
- State Bar of Texas, Construction and Business Litigation Sections
- Dallas Bar Association, Construction Law Section and Business Litigation Section
- The Real Estate Council (TREC)
- NAIOP Commercial Real Estate Development Association
- Member, St. Rita Catholic Community
June 5, 2025
Spotlight
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.
June 4, 2025
Spotlight
Jackson Walker Ranks No. 35 in Construction Executive’s Guide to Top Construction Law Firms
Jackson Walker is honored to be ranked No. 35 on Construction Executive’s 2025 list of Top 50 Construction Law Firms™, recognizing our continued commitment to excellence in construction law. We are proud to serve clients across the industry with trusted counsel and comprehensive legal solutions.
September 17, 2024
Attorney News
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.
August 15, 2024
Attorney News
‘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.
June 6, 2024
Spotlight
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.
September 19, 2023
Attorney News
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.
August 17, 2023
Attorney News
‘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.
June 1, 2023
Spotlight
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.
April 25, 2023
Attorney News
Jackson Walker Congratulates 24 Attorneys Named Among 2023 “Best Lawyers in Dallas” List
Jackson Walker congratulates the 24 attorneys recognized among D Magazine’s list of the “Best Lawyers in Dallas” for 2023. For recognition in the list, Dallas attorneys must be nominated by their peers on the basis that they offer unmatched counsel in one of 40 categories.
September 21, 2022
Attorney News
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.
Practice Experience
- Secured a trial victory in the defense of a Dallas real estate developer in a $10 million lawsuit over delays, construction errors, and alleged fiduciary duty breaches related to a luxury condominium project.
- Secured arbitration victory for a landlord in a multi-million dollar dispute with a tenant.
- Represented a condominium developer in $32 million dollar construction defect arbitration, which also involved allegations regarding payment issues. The construction problems involved extensive water infiltration behind stucco veneer, severely unlevel floors, and nail holes in shower pans, just to name a few. There were 35 parties in the case, and the developer obtained a very favorable settlement just prior to the arbitration hearing.
- One month trial of $6.5 million loan default which also involved a 100,000 square foot assisted living facility destroyed by a water leak. Obtained favorable settlement prior to jury deliberations.
- Represented a governmental entity in the negotiation of a construction contract for a $500+ million commuter rail project, along with negotiating the diesel multiple unit acquisition agreement.
- Obtained $3.3 million judgment for an owner against a contractor for fraudulent billing practices and defective construction. Affirmed on appeal.
- Represented multiple developers in the construction of a 45-story apartment building in the Dallas Arts District.
- Has successfully represented property owners in insurance coverage litigation for claims for insurance coverage and defense costs related to property damage.
- Represented publicly traded company in mechanic’s and materialman’s lien disputes in over 30 states.
- Obtained dismissals for architects and engineers in multiple lawsuits claiming design and construction defects in personal residences with claims valued in excess of $2.5 million.
- Represented industrial developer in the design and construction phases of multiple multi-million square foot industrial facilities.
- As contractor’s counsel, forced Defendant refrigerator manufacturer to pay contractor and factory owner’s full damages, costs, and attorneys’ fees to settle claims for defective materials, negligent installation, breach of warranty, and statutory deceptive trade practice claims.
- Obtained dismissal of lawsuit against Defendant home builder claiming defective construction of a residence and alleged misrepresentations concerning the property and its surroundings.
- Represented surety in a bankruptcy and obtained entirety of amount owed by the bond principal.
- Obtained temporary injunction and restraining order against surety bond principal for improper actions.
- Represented Defendant contractor in favorable settlement of multiple cases alleging that contractor infringed upon copyright interests in architectural drawings.
- Represented sureties in various performance and payment bond disputes throughout Texas, including alleged defaults involving the Austin Convention Center and the Ellis County Justice Center in Waxahachie, Texas.
Recognition & Accolades
- Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, Ranked for Construction – Texas, 2013-2025
- The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.), Construction Law, 2014-2025
- Texas Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2013-2024
- Texas Rising Star, Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2005-2009
- “Best Lawyers in Dallas” List, D Magazine, 2014, 2019, 2023
- Board Certified in Construction Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, 2016
Publications & Speeches
- “Filing Mechanic’s Liens and Asserting Payment Bond Claims in Texas,” Lorman Education Services AIA Contracts Seminar, 2010-13
- “Real Estate Considerations and Priorities,” Lorman Educational Services Construction Lien Law in Texas Seminar, 2000-11, 2013
- “Complex Commercial Construction Litigation: A Guide for Non-Litigators and Their Clients, Too,” NBI Construction Defect Litigation: From A to Z, 2011
- “Construction Defect Damage Claims” and “Construction Defect Case Studies,” Half Moon Education Services Construction Defects Seminar, 2007
- “Construction Defect Risk Management and Insurance,” panel speaker at IRMI Conference, 2007
- Regional Editor, A 50 State Compendium of Construction Law Issues, ALFA International, 2007
- “Legislative Update: Construction Issues Facing the Texas Legislature’s 2003 Session,” Dallas Bar Association Construction Section, 2002
Community Involvement
- Salesmanship Club of Dallas
- Catholic Foundation Advisory Council
- Catholic Diocese of Dallas, Bishop’s Invitational Golf Tournament Committee
- Dallas Athletic Club – Past President
- Construction Lawyers Society of America
- State Bar of Texas, Construction and Business Litigation Sections
- Dallas Bar Association, Construction Law Section and Business Litigation Section
- The Real Estate Council (TREC)
- NAIOP Commercial Real Estate Development Association
- Member, St. Rita Catholic Community
Practice Areas
Experience
- Condemnation & Eminent Domain
- Condemnation & Eminent Domain Litigation
- Construction & Development
- Construction Litigation
- Energy Litigation
- Insurance
- Insurance Coverage & Bad Faith Litigation
- Insurance Policyholder Defense
- Land Use & Municipal Law
- Public-Private Partnerships
- Real Estate Litigation
- Title Insurance & Title Company Litigation