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, 2021-2023
- Lawdragon 500 Leading Litigators in America, 2022
- 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 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.
October 8, 2021
SpotlightClients Identify Jackson Walker as One of 39 Firms Most Feared in Litigation
BTI Consulting Group has named Jackson Walker among the 39 firms “Most Feared in Litigation” that demonstrate a fearless nature, urgency, relentlessness, and an aggressive strategy.
September 27, 2021
Attorney NewsJackson Walker Expands Dallas Litigation Section With Addition of Demi Williams
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce the addition of Demi Williams as a senior counsel in the Dallas office. In her practice, Demi focuses on all facets of complex litigation, including sports, media, and entertainment matters, as well as government investigations.
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.
June 30, 2021
Attorney NewsJackson Walker Expands Intellectual Property Litigation Practice With Addition of Arthur Gollwitzer
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce the addition of Arthur Gollwitzer as a partner in the Austin office. Combining his experience gained as a federal prosecutor with 25 years in private practice, Arthur focuses on intellectual property litigation and also is highly experienced in criminal matters and internal investigations.