Biography
William Jenkins is a trial lawyer with more than 25 years of experience and a track record of achieving results for his clients. His national practice is wide-ranging, including matters relating to shareholders, partners, trade secrets, technology, software, construction, real estate, and energy matters. William has appeared as lead counsel for public and private companies and individuals in courts across the country, including Texas, California, New Mexico, Illinois, and New York.
Defending one of the country’s largest natural gas gathering and midstream companies in multiple royalty cases in several states, including Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, with allegations including fraud, conspiracy, violations of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), state and federal antitrust violations, and other business torts. In addition to serving as Texas counsel, William also served as national coordinating counsel.
Throughout his career, leaders in the community have turned to William for advice. William has represented clients including JPMorgan Chase, Crescent Real Estate Equities Company, Texas Rangers Baseball Partners, American Airlines, P2 Energy Solutions, Texas Health Resources, GameStop, Fort Worth Transportation Authority, Frisco RoughRiders, and First Command Bank. William is also Managing Partner of the Fort Worth office, and he sits on the Firm’s Management and Compensation Committees.
William’s success as a trial lawyer is built upon sound judgment and strategic thinking that comes from decades of experience and a commitment to finding solutions to meet his clients’ goals. William has earned the respect of clients and opponents alike for being a dedicated problem solver. William serves as a strategic business partner in litigation matters and as an advisor in the way clients do business to mitigate their exposure if disputes arise. He takes an overall view of his clients’ business goals, needs, and circumstances to provide honest advice and develop litigation strategies best suited for success.
William’s approach to client service emphasizes cooperation, trust, and a commitment to results, efficiency, and value. William is always available to clients and maintains a focus on understanding, communicating, and exceeding expectations to achieve success in the form of favorable pre-trial resolutions, jury verdicts, or winning on appeal.
Over the years, William has found that one of the most rewarding aspects of being an attorney is the positive impact his work has on the people and companies he represents. William is acutely aware that the outcomes of cases affect real people. Because William understands that he helps his clients grow and thrive, business leaders from across the nation have relied on him to handle their most important legal cases – building long-term relationships of trust.
William also is proud to have been entrusted by his partners with the responsibility to serve as the firm’s General Counsel, advising on matters of professional responsibility.
Education
B.B.A., University of Texas at Austin
J.D., SMU Dedman School of Law
Bar Admissions
Texas
Court Admissions
United States Supreme Court
United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
United States District Court for the Eastern, Northern, Southern, and Western Districts of Texas
- Representing a limited partner of a real estate development venture that resulted in a $10 million verdict for his client
- Representing a purchaser of a commercial real estate tract in retrieving his earnest money resulting from a breach of the sales contract by the seller
- Defense of a major real estate development firm against claims that a prior contract to purchase property existed as well as fraud in a real estate transaction
- Prosecution of a lawsuit to determine whether an oil and gas lease had expired due to failure of operator to produce
- Defense of a major real estate development firm in an action involving claims of fraud, misrepresentation, and contractual disputes
- Representation of an equipment manufacturer in an appeal of a $10 million judgment
- Defense of a national banking association in actions alleging breach of fiduciary duty, fraud, and negligence related to trust accounts
- Prosecution of a securities fraud matter on behalf of a convertible debenture holder
Representative Matters
- Pamela Lee Meinzer v. American Airlines, Inc. and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport Board (Tarrant County District Court). Our client American Airlines, Inc. was awarded a directed verdict at the close of Plaintiff’s case, resulting in a take-nothing judgment.
- George F. Cravens, M. and Center for Neurological Disorders Hospital, LP, et al., v. Richard Myers and Realty Capital Corporation, et al. (Tarrant County District Court). Obtained a judgment for over $10 million after a five week trial in this fraud case where the defendants represented that they had specific knowledge as to the development of surgical hospitals.
- McLean Food Service, Inc. v. Scot Wederqvist (U.S. District Court, Western District of Texas). Successfully exonerated an alleged guarantor at trial from a damage claim of over $700,000 before Judge Walter S. Smith, Jr.
- David Wilbanks and Mark Coker v. Falconstor AC, Inc. and Falconstor Software, Inc. (United Stated District Court, Northern District of Texas). Represented the defendants in the trial of this lawsuit related to a payout provision in a stock purchase agreement. The case was resolved before the completion of trial.
- JP Morgan Chase v. Alemat Corporation and Rickie W. Long (Tarrant County District Court). Obtained a $1.8 million judgment in a bench trial of this loan/guaranty lawsuit.
- Gerald W. Haddock v. William F. Quinn, John C. Goff et al. (Tarrant County District Court). Obtained ruling from the trial court that Haddock was required to present his claims in court as opposed to arbitration. Successfully defended appeals to the Fort Worth Court of Appeals and Texas Supreme Court. The underlying dispute is continuing in the Tarrant County District Court.
- Sargent v. Vitality Foodservice, Inc., et al. (U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas/U.S. Court of Appeals, 5th Circuit). Represented several defendants in a case involving breach of contract and fraud claims based upon alleged oral agreement to purchase companies for $6 million. Won summary judgment on behalf of defendants as to all claims.
- Meleyco Partnership No. 2 v. Tandy Corporation, (U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas/U.S. Court of Appeals, 5th Circuit). Obtained summary judgment exonerating an alleged guarantor from over $8 million in damages related to a breach of nine real property leases in three states. Summary judgment was affirmed on appeal to the Fifth Circuit.
- Texas Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2019-2022
- Lawdragon 500 Leading Litigators in America, 2022
- “Top Attorneys” List – Civil Law/Litigation and Construction, 360 West Magazine, 2018, 2021-2022
- “Top Attorneys” List, Fort Worth Magazine, 2004-2016, 2013
- Recognized at C-Suite Awards, Fort Worth Business Press, 2018
- Power Attorney, Fort Worth Business Press, 2013
- Inaugural Member of Texas Verdicts Hall of Fame, Texas Lawyer
- Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, Board Member
- American Bar Association – Zoning and Land Use Subcommittee of the Real Estate Litigation and Condemnation Committee, Co-Chair
- State Bar of Texas
- Tarrant County Bar Association
- Texas Bar Foundation
- Sedona Conference Working Group on Electronic Document Retention and Production
- Eldon B. Mahon Inn of Court, Former Associate & Barrister
- State Bar of Texas – Computer & Technology Section, Former Council Member
- Arts Council of Fort Worth & Tarrant County, Former Member
- Board of Building Appeals for the City of Southlake, Texas, Former Member
- Affordable Housing Subcommittee for Downtown Fort Worth, Inc., Former Member
- Leadership Fort Worth
- The Cliburn, Board Member
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.
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.
July 25, 2022
Attorney News‘360 West Magazine’ Names Seven Jackson Walker Attorneys Among Fort Worth’s “Top Attorneys” of 2022
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce the selection of seven Fort Worth-based attorneys to 360 West Magazine’s “Top Attorneys” list for 2022. To be selected for inclusion, attorneys with an active license and who practice within the Tarrant County area can nominate up to three attorneys in 42 specialty areas who reflect relevant practice areas in the region.
March 1, 2022
Attorney NewsWilliam Jenkins Named General Counsel of Jackson Walker
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce William R. Jenkins has assumed the role of General Counsel of the Firm, effective March 1, 2022. As General Counsel, William will serve as the Firm’s chief legal officer.
October 21, 2021
Attorney NewsJackson Walker Welcomes Corporate & Securities Team Led by Evan Malloy and Chelsea Wood to Fort Worth
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce the addition of Evan M. Malloy and Chelsea T. Wood as partners in the Fort Worth office, along with new associates Taylor Cummins, Kayla Matus, and Nathan McCune. Joining our Chambers-ranked Corporate & Securities practice, Evan and Chelsea and their team will expand the Firm’s experience handling mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance matters, and capital markets transactions.
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 25, 2021
Attorney NewsJackson Walker Congratulates the Fort Worth Attorneys Named to the “Top Attorneys 2021” List in ‘360 West Magazine’
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce the selection of 15 Fort Worth-based attorneys to 360 West Magazine’s “Top Attorneys” list for 2021. To be selected for inclusion, attorneys with an active license and who practice within the Tarrant County area can nominate up to three attorneys in 44 specialty areas who reflect relevant practice areas in the region.
January 22, 2021
Attorney NewsJackson Walker Expands Commercial Leasing Experience With Addition of Fort Worth Partner Travis McNellie
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce the addition of Travis W. McNellie as a partner in the Fort Worth office. Joining our Real Estate practice, Travis boosts the Firm’s experience handling commercial leases, particularly involving office and industrial properties, across Texas and the United States.
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.
June 30, 2020
InsightsAs Texas Mayors and County Judges Issue Orders Regarding Local Restrictions, City of Laredo Brings Back Stay-at-Home Order
After Governor Abbott issued a proclamation on June 23, 2020, permitting mayors and county judges to impose restrictions on outdoor gatherings of over 100 people, several cities and counties have taken action.