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
May 21, 2025
Insights
Business Court of Texas Rebuffs Member’s Duty Claim, Reaffirms Freedom of Contract in LLC Agreement
By Chris Bankler
A recent decision from the Business Court of Texas, Eighth Division (Fort Worth), underscores that an LLC’s company agreement can effectively eliminate fiduciary duties between its members and managers.
May 19, 2025
Insights
Business Court of Texas Clarifies “Qualified Transaction” Jurisdiction
By Chris Bankler
A recent Texas Business Court decision clarified that a “qualified transaction” under Chapter 25A is measured based on the aggregate value of consideration at the time of the transaction, including anticipated interest on demand notes if alleged in good faith. The court also held that the amount in controversy includes both principal and interest due at the time of filing, not just principal alone.
May 9, 2025
Attorney News
Former Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Nathan L. Hecht Joins Jackson Walker
Jackson Walker is proud to announce that the Hon. Nathan L. Hecht, former Chief Justice of the Texas Supreme Court, has joined Jackson Walker as a partner in our Austin office.
April 29, 2025
Insights
Fifth Circuit Criminal Opinions: Insights and Analyses Part II
By Joe Magliolo
As we continue our series summarizing recent Fifth Circuit criminal opinions, the latter half of March proved to be particularly noteworthy. The Fifth Circuit addressed a range of cases, including those involving the False Claims Act, the death penalty, and several other criminal matters.
April 24, 2025
Insights
Understanding “Action Over” Claims and Third-Party Over Indemnity
By Andrew D. Keetch
An “action over” (also called a “third-party over action”) is a type of legal action (lawsuit or arbitration) in which an injured employee, after collecting workers’ compensation benefits from his employer, files a tort claim against a third-party whose negligence allegedly caused the employee’s injury.
April 10, 2025
Insights
Texas Supreme Court Clarifies Fiduciary Duties Between Business Partners
By Chris Bankler
The Texas Supreme Court has provided clarity on the fiduciary duties between business partners, particularly in the context of limited partnerships. The case, Bertucci v. Watkins, involved a dispute between two business partners, Anthony R. Bertucci and Eugene L. Watkins, who were engaged in developing low-income housing projects through various entities they co-owned.
April 4, 2025
Insights
Texas Business Court Upholds Fiduciary Duty Waivers and Clarifies Limits on Partnership Agreement Provisions
By Chris Bankler
Only six months into a complicated partnership dispute, the Business Court of Texas, 1st Division, issued a thorough summary judgment opinion and order in the case of Primexx Energy Opportunity Fund, LP v. Primexx Energy Corporation, et al.
April 3, 2025
Insights
Fifth Circuit Criminal Opinions: Insights and Analyses
By Joe Magliolo
This is the first of a continuing series of summaries written by Jackson Walker partner, Joe Magliolo, and his colleagues, of new, published Fifth Circuit criminal opinions, with occasional forays into other subjects of interest to White Collar/False Claims Act practitioners.
April 1, 2025
Speaking Engagements
Demi Williams Coles Joins Sports and Entertainment Law Fireside Chat Celebrating Women’s History Month
Demi Williams Coles took part in an inspiring all-women fireside chat in celebration of Women’s History Month. Hosted by the SMU Dedman Sports and Entertainment Law Association, the event brought together leading female attorneys in the sports industry to share their stories, career advice, and insights.
