G. Scott Fiddler
Practice Areas
Experience
- Business Litigation
- Discrimination & Harassment Claims
- Hiring, Performance Management, & Termination
- Labor & Employment Litigation
- Non-Compete Issues
- Wage & Hour
“Scott is an integral source to our legal strategy, he is ethical and highly regarded.” “He is a fantastic lawyer, comprehensive and a great writer.”
— Sources Quoted in Chambers USA Guide, 2024
Biography
Scott Fiddler is board certified in both labor & employment law and civil trial law, placing him among only approximately 25 attorneys in Texas board certified in both specialties. As lead trial attorney, Scott has tried nearly 60 cases, including 40 jury trials and nearly 20 arbitrations and bench trials. Scott’s resume is one of impressive wins in jury trials and published cases. He has obtained jury verdicts for clients in FLSA wage and hour cases, non-compete and misappropriation of trade secret cases, discrimination, executive termination, and sexual harassment cases.
Scott’s focus is on high-stakes employment litigation involving non-compete agreements and trade secret misappropriation, executive terminations, and wage and hour class and collective actions. He has successfully defended FLSA class and collective action cases across the country in bet-the-company litigation, and he is routinely either seeking or opposing applications for temporary and preliminary injunctions on behalf of companies in state and federal court in trade secret and non-compete litigation. In litigation Scott has represented companies in the oil and gas, technology, software, staffing, insurance, food, medical, home building, hotel, industrial cleaning, and energy industries, among others.
Scott’s litigation experience is broad and has included representation of executives, physicians, and lawyers, as well as celebrities, professional athletes, and a professional basketball coach, among others. His versatility as a trial lawyer has been demonstrated by his having obtained one of the largest verdicts in Texas for a plaintiff in a race discrimination retaliation case, and having obtained one of the few attorney fee awards for an individual in Texas in defending a case under the Texas Covenants Not to Compete Act. He is recognized for his work by his peers and publications alike and has been featured in the attorney profile sections of Forbes and Newsweek.
Education
B.A., cum laude, Stephen F. Austin State University
J.D., University of Houston Law Center
Bar Admissions
Texas
Court Admissions
U.S. Supreme Court
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
U.S. District Courts for the Eastern, Southern, and Western Districts of Texas
Professional Certifications
Board Certified in Civil Trial Law
Board Certified in Labor and Employment Law
- Defended company and two individuals in non-compete and misappropriation of trade secrets case where the plaintiff sought $30 million in damages. After a six-week trial, the jury in less than 90 minutes rendered defense verdict for clients on all 25 claims and found in favor of client on the sole counterclaim in the case, allowing client to recover attorney’s fees through trial and in the event of any appeal.
- Represented oilfield services company in misappropriation of trade secrets case where employee secretly stole CAD drawings of company’s principal piece of proprietary equipment and built a prototype with the intent to compete against his employer. After obtaining a temporary restraining order against the former employee, obtained permanent injunction against the former employee and start-up company imposing lifetime competitive ban and obtaining forfeiture of all rights to and return of the prototype former employee and start-up company had built, in addition to a financial settlement.
- Represented Canadian technology company in breach of non-compete agreement and misappropriation of trade secrets case against departing employees who set up competing company, obtaining temporary restraining order and temporary injunction after full evidentiary hearing, which quickly led to favorable settlement.
- Represented a German manufacturer of mobile electrification products as the respondent with a counterclaim in an employment arbitration tribunal by the American Arbitration Association. The arbitrator awarded the client the full amount presented in the damages model, including pre- and post-judgment interest, and attorneys’ fees.
- Represented oilfield inspection company in class and collective action FLSA wage and hour case in federal court in Ohio, avoiding a class action, and negotiating a favorable collective action class, and then resolving the case favorably to client to avoid potential seven-figure liability.
- Obtained jury verdict for client in FLSA wage and hour case based on alleged tip credit violations.
- Represented high-profile nonprofit in case against former contractor for diverting company funds to her company; obtained jury verdict for company with findings of fraud and breach of contract. When the contractor filed for bankruptcy, represented company in bankruptcy trial and obtained a finding of fraud and that the debt was non-dischargeable.
- Obtained jury verdict for physicians’ group against physician on breach of an employment contract for failing to start with group after group had hired and nearly completed credentialing process for physician.
- Obtained one of the largest jury verdicts in Texas in a race discrimination retaliation case in 2008 against one of the largest companies in the world.
- Tried one of the first jury trials in the Fifth Circuit under the American with Disabilities Act.
- Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, Ranked for Labor & Employment – Texas, 2024
- The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.), Employment Law – Management; Labor Law – Management; Litigation – Labor and Employment, 2024-2025
- Lawdragon 500 Leading U.S. Corporate Employment Lawyers, 2022-2024
- Leadership Excellence Award, National Diversity Council, 2021
- Fellow, Texas Bar Foundation, 2008-2020
- Texas Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2007-2024
- “Top 100: Houston Super Lawyers,” Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2012, 2023-2024
- “Top Lawyer” in Best of Houstonia, Houstonia Magazine, 2016
- “Lawyer of the Week,” Texas Lawyer, February 2014
Publications
- Author, “Top Termination Mistakes Employers Make,” Texas Lawyer (June 2024)
- Co-Author, “Overtime Exemptions Will Now Cost Employers More,” Jackson Walker Insights (April 2024)
- Co-Author, “Federal Trade Commission Issues Rule Banning Non-Competes in the Workplace,” Jackson Walker Insights (April 2024)
- Co-Author, “Imagine There’s No Non-Competes,” Texas Lawyer (subscription required) (February 2023)
- Co-Author, “Employers Face Unique Legal Questions During Pandemic,” Texas Lawyer (subscription required) (October 2020)
- Co-Author, “Frequently Asked Questions: Labor & Employment for Nonprofit Organizations,” Jackson Walker Insights & Resources (August 2020)
- Co-Author, “Navigating the Pandemic: An Employee’s Guide in Uncharted Waters,” The Houston Lawyer magazine (July 2020)
Speaking Engagements
- “Let’s Talk… Immigration, Employment, and Tax,” BABC Seminar (May 2024)
- “Essential Negotiation Skills,” 2023 Diversity & Leadership Conference (April 2023)
- “Changes in FLSA Collective Actions You Need to Know About,” Texas General Counsel Forum Virtual CLE Program (April 2021)
- “Creating Your Personal Board – The Power of Mentors & Allies,” National Diversity Council’s 17th Annual Diversity & Leadership Conference (April 2021)
- “5 Considerations for Employers as They Reopen Businesses,” Jackson Walker Fast Takes Podcast (May 2020)
- “Trying an Employment Case – Voir Dire to Closing,” Houston Bar Association Labor & Employment Section (May 2019)
- “Creating Healthy and Respectful Work Environments,” Panelist, The Texas Diversity Council 14th Annual Diversity & Leadership Conference (April 2018)
- “Two Case Studies: Anatomy of an Employment Case from Intake to Judgment,” Guest Lecturer, Thurgood Marshall School of Law Employment Law Class (February 2018)
- “Protected Conduct and Social Media and Anatomy of a Retaliation Case: Price v. Federal Express Corporation,” Guest Lecturer, Thurgood Marshall School of Law Employment Law Class (June 2016)
- “Anatomy of Back to the Future in Workplace Regulation: Protected Conduct and Social Media,” Judicial Conference of the Fifth Circuit (May 2016)
- “When Every Day Counts – Best Practices Regarding Injunctive Relief,” Continuing Legal Education Committee of the Houston Bar Association (November 2013)
- “Retaliation Law Update,” Continuing Legal Education Committee of the Houston Bar (December 2011)
- “Keys to Representing Clients in Wrongful Termination Suits – Employee,” Houston Bar Association 2009 Employment Institute (October 2009)
- “When An Arbitration Agreement Goes Too Far,” Alternative Resolutions, Newsletter of the State Bar of Texas Alternative Dispute Resolution Section (November 2005)
- “Covenants Not to Compete Case Law Update,” Harris County Judicial Conference (August 2005)
- “Privacy in the Workplace,” University of Houston Law Foundation Employment Law Seminar (February 2001)
- “Liability of Employment Agencies,” University of Houston Law Foundation Employment Law Seminar (February 2000)
- “Alternate Staffing Relations in Employment Law,” Stromar Educational Services, Inc., Employment Law Seminar (June 1999)
- “Liability of Employment Agencies: Temporary, Permanent, Leasing,” University of Houston Law Foundation Employment Law Seminar (February 1999)
- Texas Board of Legal Specialization Labor & Employment Law Exam Commission, 2017-2019
- Texas Association of Civil Trial and Appellate Specialists, Board of Directors, 2013-2019
- Houston Bar Association Labor & Employment Law Section
- Council Member, 2008-2010
- Chair-Elect, 2010-2011
- Chair, 2011-2012
- National Employment Lawyers Association – Houston Chapter, President, 2011
- City Life Church, Board of Directors, 2009-2023
September 23, 2024
Attorney News
Jackson Walker Congratulates 12 Attorneys Named to ‘Lawdragon 500 Corporate Employment Lawyers’ List
Jackson Walker announces the selection of 12 attorneys to Lawdragon‘s lists of the 500 leading practitioners in corporate employment law.
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.
September 17, 2024
Attorney News
Super Lawyers Names Scott Fiddler and Alfie Meyerson to Texas Top Lists
G. Scott Fiddler and Alfred Meyerson have been selection by Thomson Reuters’ Super Lawyers to the “Top 50: Central/West Texas Super Lawyers” and “Top 100: Houston Super Lawyers” lists, respectively.
September 13, 2024
Insights
Employment Law for Dummies (and Other Types of Attorneys) | Texas Lawyer
In this Texas Lawyer article, G. Scott Fiddler addresses the challenges faced by attorneys who occasionally “dabble” in employment law rather than specialize in it. Scott clarifies key concepts, providing guidance on how to handle employment law.
August 28, 2024
Insights
FTC Rule Banning Non-Competes Found Unenforceable
By G. Scott Fiddler and Michael A. Drab
On Tuesday, August 20, 2024, employers throughout the country breathed a sigh of relief when a federal trial judge in Dallas struck down the FTC’s rule banning non-competes. It brought to a conclusion a tumultuous and chaotic summer that had turned employers and workers into court-watchers.
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.
July 9, 2024
Insights
Court Issues Injunction Against Enforcement of FTC Non-Compete Rule
By G. Scott Fiddler and Michael Drab
A federal court in the Northern District of Texas has issued an injunction against enforcement of the Federal Trade Commission’s rule banning non-compete agreements, which is scheduled to go into effect on September 4, 2024. The Court has stated it intends to issue a ruling on the merits on August 30, 2024, less than a week before the Rule is scheduled to take effect.
June 21, 2024
Insights
Top Termination Mistakes Employers Make | Texas Lawyer
G. Scott Fiddler provides an in-depth analysis of frequent missteps in wrongful termination cases and outlines strategic practices for employers to reduce the risk of litigation.
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.
April 26, 2024
Insights
Overtime Exemptions Will Now Cost Employers More
The U.S. Department of Labor has released a Final Rule increasing the minimum salary an employee must receive to be excluded from overtime payments. This will result in millions more employees either being entitled to overtime or receiving higher salaries. Previously, updates to salary levels for exemptions could remain stagnant for years or decades and, according to some, were out of touch with current income data.
By Jackie Staple and G. Scott Fiddler
Practice Experience
- Defended company and two individuals in non-compete and misappropriation of trade secrets case where the plaintiff sought $30 million in damages. After a six-week trial, the jury in less than 90 minutes rendered defense verdict for clients on all 25 claims and found in favor of client on the sole counterclaim in the case, allowing client to recover attorney’s fees through trial and in the event of any appeal.
- Represented oilfield services company in misappropriation of trade secrets case where employee secretly stole CAD drawings of company’s principal piece of proprietary equipment and built a prototype with the intent to compete against his employer. After obtaining a temporary restraining order against the former employee, obtained permanent injunction against the former employee and start-up company imposing lifetime competitive ban and obtaining forfeiture of all rights to and return of the prototype former employee and start-up company had built, in addition to a financial settlement.
- Represented Canadian technology company in breach of non-compete agreement and misappropriation of trade secrets case against departing employees who set up competing company, obtaining temporary restraining order and temporary injunction after full evidentiary hearing, which quickly led to favorable settlement.
- Represented a German manufacturer of mobile electrification products as the respondent with a counterclaim in an employment arbitration tribunal by the American Arbitration Association. The arbitrator awarded the client the full amount presented in the damages model, including pre- and post-judgment interest, and attorneys’ fees.
- Represented oilfield inspection company in class and collective action FLSA wage and hour case in federal court in Ohio, avoiding a class action, and negotiating a favorable collective action class, and then resolving the case favorably to client to avoid potential seven-figure liability.
- Obtained jury verdict for client in FLSA wage and hour case based on alleged tip credit violations.
- Represented high-profile nonprofit in case against former contractor for diverting company funds to her company; obtained jury verdict for company with findings of fraud and breach of contract. When the contractor filed for bankruptcy, represented company in bankruptcy trial and obtained a finding of fraud and that the debt was non-dischargeable.
- Obtained jury verdict for physicians’ group against physician on breach of an employment contract for failing to start with group after group had hired and nearly completed credentialing process for physician.
- Obtained one of the largest jury verdicts in Texas in a race discrimination retaliation case in 2008 against one of the largest companies in the world.
- Tried one of the first jury trials in the Fifth Circuit under the American with Disabilities Act.
Recognition & Accolades
- Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, Ranked for Labor & Employment – Texas, 2024
- The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.), Employment Law – Management; Labor Law – Management; Litigation – Labor and Employment, 2024-2025
- Lawdragon 500 Leading U.S. Corporate Employment Lawyers, 2022-2024
- Leadership Excellence Award, National Diversity Council, 2021
- Fellow, Texas Bar Foundation, 2008-2020
- Texas Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2007-2024
- “Top 100: Houston Super Lawyers,” Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2012, 2023-2024
- “Top Lawyer” in Best of Houstonia, Houstonia Magazine, 2016
- “Lawyer of the Week,” Texas Lawyer, February 2014
Publications & Speeches
Publications
- Author, “Top Termination Mistakes Employers Make,” Texas Lawyer (June 2024)
- Co-Author, “Overtime Exemptions Will Now Cost Employers More,” Jackson Walker Insights (April 2024)
- Co-Author, “Federal Trade Commission Issues Rule Banning Non-Competes in the Workplace,” Jackson Walker Insights (April 2024)
- Co-Author, “Imagine There’s No Non-Competes,” Texas Lawyer (subscription required) (February 2023)
- Co-Author, “Employers Face Unique Legal Questions During Pandemic,” Texas Lawyer (subscription required) (October 2020)
- Co-Author, “Frequently Asked Questions: Labor & Employment for Nonprofit Organizations,” Jackson Walker Insights & Resources (August 2020)
- Co-Author, “Navigating the Pandemic: An Employee’s Guide in Uncharted Waters,” The Houston Lawyer magazine (July 2020)
Speaking Engagements
- “Let’s Talk… Immigration, Employment, and Tax,” BABC Seminar (May 2024)
- “Essential Negotiation Skills,” 2023 Diversity & Leadership Conference (April 2023)
- “Changes in FLSA Collective Actions You Need to Know About,” Texas General Counsel Forum Virtual CLE Program (April 2021)
- “Creating Your Personal Board – The Power of Mentors & Allies,” National Diversity Council’s 17th Annual Diversity & Leadership Conference (April 2021)
- “5 Considerations for Employers as They Reopen Businesses,” Jackson Walker Fast Takes Podcast (May 2020)
- “Trying an Employment Case – Voir Dire to Closing,” Houston Bar Association Labor & Employment Section (May 2019)
- “Creating Healthy and Respectful Work Environments,” Panelist, The Texas Diversity Council 14th Annual Diversity & Leadership Conference (April 2018)
- “Two Case Studies: Anatomy of an Employment Case from Intake to Judgment,” Guest Lecturer, Thurgood Marshall School of Law Employment Law Class (February 2018)
- “Protected Conduct and Social Media and Anatomy of a Retaliation Case: Price v. Federal Express Corporation,” Guest Lecturer, Thurgood Marshall School of Law Employment Law Class (June 2016)
- “Anatomy of Back to the Future in Workplace Regulation: Protected Conduct and Social Media,” Judicial Conference of the Fifth Circuit (May 2016)
- “When Every Day Counts – Best Practices Regarding Injunctive Relief,” Continuing Legal Education Committee of the Houston Bar Association (November 2013)
- “Retaliation Law Update,” Continuing Legal Education Committee of the Houston Bar (December 2011)
- “Keys to Representing Clients in Wrongful Termination Suits – Employee,” Houston Bar Association 2009 Employment Institute (October 2009)
- “When An Arbitration Agreement Goes Too Far,” Alternative Resolutions, Newsletter of the State Bar of Texas Alternative Dispute Resolution Section (November 2005)
- “Covenants Not to Compete Case Law Update,” Harris County Judicial Conference (August 2005)
- “Privacy in the Workplace,” University of Houston Law Foundation Employment Law Seminar (February 2001)
- “Liability of Employment Agencies,” University of Houston Law Foundation Employment Law Seminar (February 2000)
- “Alternate Staffing Relations in Employment Law,” Stromar Educational Services, Inc., Employment Law Seminar (June 1999)
- “Liability of Employment Agencies: Temporary, Permanent, Leasing,” University of Houston Law Foundation Employment Law Seminar (February 1999)
Community Involvement
- Texas Board of Legal Specialization Labor & Employment Law Exam Commission, 2017-2019
- Texas Association of Civil Trial and Appellate Specialists, Board of Directors, 2013-2019
- Houston Bar Association Labor & Employment Law Section
- Council Member, 2008-2010
- Chair-Elect, 2010-2011
- Chair, 2011-2012
- National Employment Lawyers Association – Houston Chapter, President, 2011
- City Life Church, Board of Directors, 2009-2023