Practice Areas And Experience

Fiduciary and Probate Litigation

John has represented corporate fiduciaries, individual fiduciaries, and beneficiaries in both high-stakes trust and estate litigation and in smaller, but no less important, pro bono probate matters.

Read More About Fiduciary and Probate Litigation
  • Represented pro bono client in contesting provisions in his mother’s will that resulted from a relative’s undue influence.
  • Defended major financial institution in month-long trial of breach of fiduciary duty claims brought by heirs of intestate corporate executive.
  • Defended financial institution against trust beneficiary’s claims of breach of fiduciary duty.
  • Defended major financial institution against breach of fiduciary duty claims brought by trust beneficiaries seeking nine-figure damages relating to Eagle Ford Shale oil and gas leases.
  • Represented two Texas families in asserting claims for breach of fiduciary duty and mismanagement against clients’ uncles arising out of the administration of nine family trusts and the management of several substantial family-owned businesses, including a residential real estate development company and a home building company.
  • Defended trust beneficiaries and their trusts against claims brought by beneficiaries’ half-sisters seeking in excess of $100 million arising out of deceased father’s alleged contract to make a will.
  • Defended major financial institution and trusts against claims for undue influence and breach of fiduciary duty in 13-week trial of will contest and trust contest case, after obtaining summary judgment on tortious interference with inheritance claims before trial.
  • Defended major financial institution against trust beneficiaries’ putative class action claims for breach of fiduciary duty relating to the Enron failure where Plaintiffs unsuccessfully sought to invalidate the ethical wall between the bank’s trust and investment banking operations.

Business Torts and Contract Disputes

John has represented both plaintiffs and defendants in fraud, negligence,  fraudulent transfer, deceptive trade practices and breach of contract litigation.

Read More About Business Torts and Contract Disputes
  • Represented Texas investors in asserting securities fraud claims against promoters of Italian fire-suppressant businesses.
  • Defended client in bill of review action in which the State of Texas sought to set aside a judgment in a prior case and recover over $300 million.
  • Represented Texas family in asserting securities fraud claims arising out of purchase of interest in luxury resort development in the Bahamas.
  • Tried fraudulent conveyance cases successfully attacking $50 million loan guarantee arising out of leveraged buyout of real estate syndication company.
  • Defended major telecommunications carrier in several putative class actions alleging deceptive billing and advertising claims.
  • Defended financial institution in multiple RICO lawsuits arising out of former president’s involvement in multi-million dollar check kiting scheme.
  • Defended a financial services company in trial of professional malpractice case.
  • Defended financial institution in trial of lender liability case arising out of failed real estate project.
  • Represented corporate executive in trial of claims relating to stock repurchase agreement

Insurance Coverage Litigation

John has investigated and prosecuted claims for policyholders, and counseled them about coverage issues,  under fidelity bonds, directors and officers liability policies, cyber policies, and general liability policies. He has extensive trial experience representing the interests of insureds.

Read More About Insurance Coverage Litigation
  • Represented financial institutions in trials of fidelity bond claims arising out of complex fraud and embezzlement schemes by former officers.
  • Conducted numerous internal investigations of complex fraud schemes at financial institutions and other businesses and successfully pursued related insurance recoveries
  • Tried case for a federal agency involving coverage under a directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policy.
  • Represented a major automobile retailer in the trial of an insurance coverage dispute arising out of a complex credit repair scam.