Biography
For over 20 years, W. Ross Forbes, Jr. has focused his practice on litigating business disputes in both state and federal courts. Ross chairs the Jackson Walker litigation section, which includes approximately 150 lawyers. Additionally, he represents clients in arbitrations administered under the AAA Rules, UNCITRAL Rules, JAMS Rules, and by FINRA.
Ross has tried and won jury and non-jury trials as well as arbitrations. His substantive areas of practice include representing clients in cases of alleged fraud and negligent misrepresentation; breach of fiduciary duty; breach of contract; tortious interference with contract; partnership and limited partnership disputes; claims relating to non-competition agreements; theft of trade secrets; and other claims arising in business disputes. Ross also has extensive experience representing international clients in litigation, having successfully represented individuals and entities from Afghanistan, Brazil, Belgium, Canada, England, Germany, Mexico, and Pakistan.
Education
B.A., cum laude, Southern Methodist University
J.D., Wake Forest University School of Law
Bar Admissions
Texas
Court Admissions
United States Supreme Court
United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
United States District Courts for the Northern, Southern, Eastern and Western Districts of Texas
Representative Matters
- Won AAA arbitration in 2019 on claimants’ fraud claim relating to their private equity investment in an energy project. Clients/claimants recovered in excess of $5 million.
- Won jury trial in 2016 for limited partner in dispute with several partners and others on claims for breach of fiduciary duty and fraud.
- Won bench trial in 2015 for investor in offshore investment scheme.
- First Dallas Holdings, Inc. v. Humphrey, Cause No. 10-08453, In the 162nd Judicial District Court of Dallas County, Texas.
Represented investment firm in lawsuit for specific performance to obtain a commercial building in Dallas. Won jury verdict and client obtained building. - In re Wachovia Securities, LLC, 312 S.W.3d 243 (Tex. App. – Dallas 2010, no pet.)
Convinced court of appeals to overrule trial court’s denial of motion to compel arbitration on behalf of securities firm facing lawsuit alleging fraud and negligent misrepresentation. - Lone Star Fund v. Barclays Bank, 594 F.3d 383 (5th Cir. 2010)
Represented investment bank in trial court and on appeal and obtained a dismissal with prejudice which was affirmed on appeal against hedge fund alleging securities fraud and common law fraud in the sale of mortgage backed securities. - MRT, Inc. v. Vounckx, 299 S.W.3d 500 (Tex.App. – Dallas 2009, no pet.)
Represented renowned Belgian high technology research institute in a jury trial and on appeal and obtained a take nothing judgment in defense of claims of fraud and negligent misrepresentation which was affirmed on appeal.
- The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.), Commercial Litigation, 2021-2024
- Lawdragon 500 Leading Litigators in America, 2023-2024
- Rising Star, Super Lawyers (Thomson Reuters), 2006-2009, 2011
- Best Lawyers in Dallas Under 40, D Magazine, 2006
- AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
- Wake Forest University School of Law, Law Board of Visitors, 2018-Present
- Greater Dallas Chambers’ Leadership Dallas Program, Graduate
- Leadership Dallas Alumni Association, Board Member, 2011-2016
- Texas Bar Foundation, Life Fellow
- Dallas Bar Foundation, Fellow
October 17, 2023
SpotlightJackson Walker Named BTI Intimidating Opponent Among the 62 Law Firms Most Feared in Litigation
The 62 law firms identified among the “Most Feared in Litigation” are recognized for challenging conventions, taking on thorny issues, sharing early assessments with clients, surmounting obstacles, and linking unconnected ideas. This is Jackson Walker’s third year in a row on the list and its second year as an Intimidating Opponent.
September 14, 2023
Attorney NewsJackson Walker Congratulates 35 Attorneys Named Among the Lawdragon 500 Leading Litigators in America
Jackson Walker announces the selection of 35 attorneys to Lawdragon’s 2024 list of the 500 leading litigators in America.
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.
May 8, 2023
Attorney NewsJackson Walker Welcomes Katie Carmona to Austin Litigation Group
Joining Jackson Walker after serving as a career law clerk to U.S. District Judge Lee Yeakel of the Western District of Texas, Katie Carmona offers over 25 years of experience handling complex trial and appellate cases.
October 11, 2022
SpotlightJackson Walker Identified as BTI Awesome Opponent Among the 46 Firms Most Feared in Litigation
BTI Consulting Group has named Jackson Walker among its selective list of 16 law firms that stand out as BTI Awesome Opponents in its recently released report on the litigation outlook for 2023.
October 7, 2022
Attorney NewsJackson Walker Congratulates 36 Attorneys Named Among the Lawdragon 500 Leading Litigators in America
Jackson Walker announces the selection of 36 attorneys to Lawdragon’s inaugural list of the 500 leading litigators in America.
October 3, 2022
Attorney NewsAndy Keetch Joins Jackson Walker’s Fort Worth Litigation Team
Jackson Walker announces the arrival of Andy Keetch as a partner in the Fort Worth office’s Trial & Appellate Litigation practice. Andy brings more than 25 years of significant experience focused on construction litigation and complex business disputes.
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 7, 2022
Attorney NewsJackson Walker Welcomes Christina Vitale to Houston Litigation Group
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce the arrival of Christina Vitale as a partner in the Houston office. Joining our Trial & Appellate Litigation practice, Christina will focus on complex commercial litigation, class actions, investigations, and regulatory matters.
May 12, 2022
Attorney NewsMarc Fuller Expands Media Law, Appellate, and Class Action Groups at Jackson Walker
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce the addition of Marc Fuller as a partner in the Trial & Appellate Litigation practice in Dallas. Licensed to practice in California and Texas, Marc focuses on the areas of media and First Amendment disputes, class actions, and appeals.