Trial & Appellate Litigation
Jackson Walker is the “go-to” trial firm for many clients in complex or bet-the-company cases in Texas and across the U.S. Clients often tell us, “We hire you for the difficult ones.” Our trial attorneys are known for advocacy, judgment, and responsiveness. Listening, understanding and believing in the goals of our clients are our guideposts in delivering results at the courthouse.
Jackson Walker’s trial group is one of the Southwest’s largest, encompassing about 30 percent of the firm’s approximately 500 attorneys. Our diverse experience covers multiple industry sectors and specialty practice areas and takes us into courthouses across the Lone Star State, from the major markets of Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Austin and San Antonio to the Rio Grande Valley, East and West Texas, and the Gulf Coast. Our trial practice also spans the U.S., as we have litigated cases in nearly every state in the union.
We remind ourselves every day of the privilege we enjoy representing outstanding clients in important cases demanding the best we can offer.
- Results: We are known for our expertise in bet-the-company and high-profile cases in Texas, nationally and internationally. Yet, we bring a client- and results-oriented focus to all cases, regardless of size or amount in controversy.
- Preparation: We prepare each case as if it were going to trial, which increases the opportunity for an early, favorable pre-trial resolution. If the case must be tried, we’re ready.
- Efficiency: We zealously represent our clients in litigation with a steady eye on the bottom line in terms of costs and desired results. We use best practices in project management to ensure predictability and cost control for our clients, and we adapt our fee structure to client needs, from traditional hourly billing at competitive rates to alternative fee arrangements.
- Technology: Here’s how Texas Lawyer described one of our partners in a high-profile trial. He “didn’t just tell the (Court) what he intended to prove, he used his timeline and PowerPoint presentation to prove his case.” Our innovative use of graphics and video exemplifies a commitment to excellence in the courtroom.
- Alternatives: Our attorneys are thoroughly experienced in all forms of alternative dispute resolution, including mediation and arbitration.
US Supreme Court Vacates Richard Glossip’s Conviction, Orders New Trial
February 25, 2025
Jackson Walker Secures Denial of IPR of AS-Schneider Patent
January 21, 2025
Howard Hughes Corp. Beats Hurricane Harvey Flood Suit
November 27, 2024
July 2, 2025
Insights
Texas Business Courts Poised for Growth: New Texas Legislation Means More Corporate Cases Will Be Resolved in Specialized Texas Business Courts
By Chris Bankler
The Texas Legislature has refined the structure and jurisdiction of the Texas Business Court through amendments signed by Governor Abbott on June 21, 2025. The changes aim to broaden the court’s authority, streamline complex proceedings, and ensure judges have ample tools to handle high-stakes commercial disputes.
July 1, 2025
Insights
Texas Business Court Asserts Jurisdiction in $95 Million Texas Lottery Dispute
By Chris Bankler
A recent decision from the Texas Business Court, Reed v. Rook TX, LP, centers on a dramatic claim: Jerry Reed, who “won a $7.5 million Lotto Texas jackpot in May 2023,” alleges that “his winnings would have been $95 million greater if Rook and other defendants had not illegally manipulated the system to enable Rook to claim the $95 million jackpot in April 2023.”
June 24, 2025
Insights
Analysis of Texas S.B. No. 17 Restricting Foreign Ownership of Real Property in Texas
By Robert L. Soza, Jr. and Jenny Roan Forgey
Texas has enacted significant new legislation, effective September 1, 2025, that imposes sweeping restrictions on the purchase or acquisition of real property by certain foreign individuals, entities, and governments.
June 17, 2025
Mentions
Former Texas Chief Justice Nathan Hecht Discusses His New Role at Jackson Walker with ‘Law360’
Jackson Walker partner and former Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Nathan L. Hecht was featured in Law360, where he shared insights on his transition from a distinguished judicial career to private practice, his steadfast commitment to access to justice, and his dedication to mentoring the next generation of legal professionals.
June 11, 2025
Mentions
Cheers to That! Dallas Attorney Builds Wine Empire | Texas Lawyer
In this article from the Texas Lawyer, John Jackson discusses his extensive wine expertise, which has earned him a significant following as @AttorneySomm. He explains how his passion for wine not only enriches his personal life but also positively impacts his legal career by strengthening client relationships and creating distinctive networking opportunities.
June 9, 2025
Insights
Texas Business Court Upholds Exculpation Clause—Limits Fiduciary Duty Exposure
By Chris Bankler
In its May 22, 2025, memorandum opinion, the Business Court of Texas dismissed all claims against Christopher Doyle (PEC’s CEO) and certain Blackstone-affiliated entities. The Court held that § 13.9 of the Third Amended Partnership Agreement (“TAPA”) unambiguously barred liability claims for these parties.
June 9, 2025
Attorney News
Leading Appellate Advocate Jeff Oldham Joins Jackson Walker to Chair Appellate Section
Jackson Walker is proud to announce that Jeff Oldham, one of Texas’s most accomplished appellate lawyers, has joined the firm as a partner in our Austin and Houston offices and as firmwide chair of our appellate practice.
June 9, 2025
Attorney News
Jackson Walker Hires Jeff Oldham to Lead Appellate Group | The Texas Lawbook
Today is Jeff Oldham’s first day at Jackson Walker.
Roughly one month after adding former Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Nathan Hecht to its ranks, the firm has tapped Oldham to be the firmwide chair of its appellate section. Oldham had most recently been an appellate partner in Bracewell’s Houston office.
June 6, 2025
Insights
Fifth Circuit Criminal Opinions: Insights and Analyses Part III
By Joe Magliolo
As we continue our series summarizing recent Fifth Circuit criminal opinions, in April the Court addressed a variety of noteworthy topics, including tax fraud, an interlocutory appeal stemming from a mistrial prompted by alleged government misconduct, the Anti-Kickback Statute, the scope of SEC receiverships in securities fraud cases, restitution related to relevant conduct, the scope of plea agreements, a murder-for-hire case involving Rule 404(b), and other issues.
June 5, 2025
Spotlight
Chambers and Partners Releases 2025 USA Guide Featuring 79 Jackson Walker Attorneys and 28 Ranked Departments
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce that Chambers and Partners has selected 79 attorneys and 28 departments for inclusion in the 2025 edition of the Global and USA guides. Attorneys were ranked across 29 departments, with 4 attorneys listed among multiple areas, 9 ranked nationwide in their respective areas, and 12 recognized for the first time.
