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
Board Certifications
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, 2013-2022
- The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.), Construction Law, 2014-2023
- Texas Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2013-2022
- Texas Rising Star, Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2005-2009
- “Best Lawyers in Dallas” List, D Magazine, 2014, 2019
- 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
- Dallas Athletic Club
- Former Board Member
- Past President
- State Bar of Texas, Construction and Business Litigation Sections
- Dallas Bar Association, Construction Law Section and Business Litigation Section
- American Bar Association, Tort & Insurance Practice Section
- Defense Research Institute, Construction and Business Litigation Sections
- TEXO, The Construction Association
- National Association of Home Builders
- Texas Association of Builders
- Home Builders Association of Greater Dallas
September 21, 2022
Attorney NewsJackson 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.
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.
June 1, 2022
SpotlightChambers and Partners Recognizes Jackson Walker Attorneys and Practices in 2022 USA and Global Guides
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce that Chambers and Partners has selected 48 attorneys and 16 departments for inclusion in the 2022 edition of the Global and USA guides.
September 22, 2021
Attorney NewsJackson Walker Congratulates Its 57 “Texas Super Lawyers” of 2021
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 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.
May 20, 2021
SpotlightChambers and Partners Recognizes Jackson Walker Attorneys and Practices in 2021 USA and Global Guides
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce that Chambers and Partners has selected 41 attorneys and 14 departments for inclusion in the 2021 edition of the Global and USA guides.
October 19, 2020
Attorney NewsJackson Walker Congratulates Its 54 “Texas Super Lawyers” of 2020
Spanning five offices, 19 practice areas, and experience ranging from 12 to 52 years, Jackson Walker’s 2020 “Texas Super Lawyers” have been nominated by peers within and outside the Firm.
August 20, 2020
Attorney News‘The Best Lawyers in America’ Honors 164 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2021 Edition, Including 9 “Lawyers of the Year” and 25 “Ones to Watch”
Jackson Walker congratulates the 164 attorneys who were selected by their peers as Best Lawyers, including 9 Lawyers of the Year and 25 Ones to Watch, across 6 offices and 66 specialty practice areas.
May 8, 2020
InsightsDallas County Amends COVID-19 Public Health Control Order as State Enters Phase Two of Open Texas Plan
On May 8, Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins issued an amended public health control order to more closely align with recent statewide orders issued by Texas Governor Greg Abbott.
April 28, 2020
InsightsGovernor Abbott’s Order Updating Essential Critical Infrastructure Areas Adds Clarity for Certain Construction Activities
On April 27, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced his plan for beginning to reopen businesses in Texas. In doing so, he issued a new executive order that, effective May 1, expands the scope of permitted business activities across the state.