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.
Jackson Walker Secures Pro Bono Victory Before Texas Supreme Court Preserving Parental Rights
In a significant pro bono appellate victory, Jackson Walker secured a reversal and render in the Supreme Court of Texas in favor of a mother whose parental rights to her three children had been terminated.
Client Results • June 17, 2026
Jackson Walker Secures Texas Supreme Court Reversal for JPMorgan Chase Bank in First-Impression Case Concerning Economic Development Agreements
Jackson Walker secured a significant appellate victory for JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., on May 8, 2026, when the Texas Supreme Court reversed a lower-court ruling that had declared economic development agreements unconstitutional under article III, section 52-a of the Texas Constitution.
Client Results • June 15, 2026
Jackson Walker Wins Dismissal of Defamation Lawsuit Brought by FBI Director Kash Patel against Frank Figliuzzi
A federal judge in the Southern District of Texas has dismissed a defamation lawsuit brought by FBI Director Kash Patel against Jackson Walker client Frank Figliuzzi, a former senior FBI official and current television news analyst, concluding that the challenged statement was protected speech and not actionable as defamation.
Client Results • April 23, 2026
Jackson Walker Secures Major Victory for Power Generator Clients in Winter Storm Uri MDL
Jackson Walker played a significant role in a definitive defense victory in the Winter Storm Uri multidistrict litigation (MDL), one of the largest and most complex mass‑tort proceedings ever brought in Texas. On March 27, 2026, the Texas Supreme Court denied all mandamus petitions challenging the First Court of Appeals’ landmark decision, in which Jackson Walker also was instrumental, ordering dismissal of all remaining claims against the hundreds of power generators in the Winter Storm Uri MDL.
Client Results • March 29, 2026
Jackson Walker Secures Favorable Resolution for Velocis in Bee Cave Development Dispute
Jackson Walker represented Velocis, a private equity real estate manager, in a contentious land use and development dispute with the City of Bee Cave, Texas, culminating in a favorable settlement and the profitable sale of the development to aerospace company CesiumAstro.
Client Results • March 16, 2026
Jackson Walker Secures Favorable Trademark Injunction and Global Resolution for Otiima Industries
Jackson Walker announces a significant victory on behalf of Otiima Industries, S.A., a Portugal‑based manufacturer of high‑performance, luxury window systems. Following coordinated litigation and trademark proceedings, the firm obtained preliminary injunctive relief and guided the client to a favorable resolution that preserves Otiima’s U.S. trademark rights and market position.
Client Results • February 9, 2026
Jackson Walker Secures Dismissal of Claims Against Jed Wallace in ‘It Ends With Us’ Defamation Suit
Jackson Walker obtained a dismissal of all claims asserted in New York federal court against Jed Wallace, a Texas-based social media strategist and principal of Street Relations, Inc. On November 5, 2025, Judge Lewis J. Liman of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York granted Mr. Wallace’s motion to dismiss for lack of personal jurisdiction. The court held that the claims—rooted in allegations of reputational harm tied to publicity surrounding the film It Ends With Us—fall within New York’s defamation exception to the state’s long-arm statute and therefore could not proceed in New York.
Client Results • November 6, 2025
Len Wade Secures Complete Defense Victory for Dallas Renal Group in Shareholder Dispute
Jackson Walker partner Len Wade obtained a complete defense victory for client Dallas Renal Group, P.A. (DRG) after trial in the 116th District Court of Dallas County, Texas. The case was brought by departing physician-shareholder Cristina Arce, M.D., who asserted claims for breach of contract. DRG sought valuation of Dr. Arce’s interest in a joint venture and declaratory relief arising from disputes related to Dr. Arce’s departure from the practice.
Client Results • October 8, 2025
Jackson Walker Secures Summary Judgment for Kirk Weddle in Nirvana ‘Nevermind’ Album Cover Lawsuit
Jackson Walker secured a complete victory for renowned photographer Kirk Weddle, with the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California granting summary judgment on September 30, 2025, and holding that Nirvana’s Nevermind album cover is not child pornography as a matter of law. The court dismissed the case with prejudice.
Jackson Walker partners Joshua A. Romero and Emilio B. Nicolas led the defense for Mr. Weddle alongside California counsel at Kendall Brill & Kelly LLP.
Client Results • October 1, 2025
Jackson Walker Guides Client to Favorable Closure of DOJ Antitrust Investigation
Jackson Walker partner Erica Benites Giese secured a complete victory for a technology-sector client that had been under investigation by both the U.S. Department of Justice Antitrust Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York.
Client Results • August 20, 2025
Jackson Walker’s Corporate and Litigation Practices Ranked in Legal 500’s 2026 United States Nationwide Guide
Jackson Walker announces its inclusion in Legal 500’s United States 2026 Nationwide guide, with rankings in General Commercial Disputes – Mid-Market ($0–250M) and M&A: Middle-Market ($0–250M).
Spotlight • June 24, 2026
Joshua Romero Invited to Join American Board of Trial Advocates
Jackson Walker proudly congratulates partner Joshua A. Romero on his invitation to join the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), one of the legal profession’s most selective and respected organizations dedicated to preserving the right to a civil jury trial.
Attorney News • June 18, 2026
The U.S. Government Appeals IEEPA Tariff Refund Order — What Importers Need to Know Now
By Dyana Mardon, Cameron A. Secord, and Robert L. Soza
As we discussed in our prior publications (Supreme Court Rules IEEPA Does Not Authorize Tariffs and How Companies Can Protect Their Rights to IEEPA-based Tariff Refunds), the Supreme Court’s February 20, 2026 decision in Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump held that IEEPA does not authorize the President to impose tariffs, and importers have since pursued various paths to recover the unlawfully collected duties.
Insights • June 17, 2026
‘Texas Lawyer’ Highlights Chris Bankler’s Experience with Texas Business Court
Texas Lawyer recently featured Jackson Walker partner Chris Bankler in an article examining the early performance of the Texas Business Court, highlighting the court’s speed, focused handling of complex business disputes, and growing body of written opinions.
Mentions • June 11, 2026
Texas Business Court Holds Future Governance Rights Do Not Create Present Affiliate Status
By Chris Bankler
In Energy Founders Fund, LP v. Daskevich, Judge Brian Stagner addressed a recurring issue in M&A transactions: when should affiliate status be measured? The court’s answer was unequivocal: at the time of the transaction, based on who actually possesses control, not on rights that come into existence only after closing.
Insights • June 10, 2026
Texas Business Court Holds LLC Transfer Restrictions “Travel With the Property”
By Chris Bankler
In Camino Real Developers, LLC v. RivenRock, LLC, Judge Brian Stagner addressed a question that arises whenever an LLC interest changes hands: can a purchaser acquire the benefits of a membership interest while avoiding the obligations imposed by the company agreement?
Insights • June 10, 2026
Jackson Walker’s Appellate Practice Ranked in 2026 Chambers USA Guide
Jackson Walker proudly announces the ranking of the Litigation: Appellate practice in the prestigious Chambers USA Guide released today. In addition, litigation partners Brett Kutnick, Danica Milios, and Jeffrey Oldham were recognized among the top attorneys in Texas.
Spotlight • June 4, 2026
Chambers and Partners Releases 2026 USA Guide Featuring 88 Jackson Walker Attorneys and 30 Ranked Departments
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce that Chambers and Partners has selected 88 attorneys and 30 departments for inclusion in the 2026 edition of the Global and USA guides. Attorneys were ranked across 29 departments, with 6 attorneys listed among multiple areas, 9 ranked nationwide in their respective areas, and 12 recognized for the first time.
Spotlight • June 4, 2026
