Biography
An aggressive and tactical litigator, Chance Decker focuses on resolving high-stakes disputes for businesses in the energy, pipe and steel distribution, construction, and real estate industries. Chance also represents clients in a variety of employment litigation matters, including non-competition and trade secret disputes. He enjoys working on cases with challenging issues and helping his clients navigate the legal system boldly and efficiently.
Education
- University of Houston Law Center – J.D., 2009
- Texas A&M University – B.S. Geography: GIS Specialization, 2006
Recognitions & Distinctions
- Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® for Commercial Litigation (2025–2026)
- Named a Texas Super Lawyer in Business Litigation by Thomson Reuters (2024–2025)
Fewer than 5% of attorneys in the state are selected annually
- Named a Texas Super Lawyers® Rising Star in Business Litigation by Thomson Reuters (2018–2023)
The top 2.5% of attorneys in the state who are 40 or younger, or in practice for 10 years or less
- Named a Houstonia Magazine Top Lawyer in Houston (2018–2020)
Representative Experience
- Obtained dismissal of interstate pipeline company from lawsuit seeking twelve million dollars in engineering fees under an alter ego and common law partnership claim.
- Obtained favorable settlement in a dispute over allegedly fraudulent purchase orders issued for over twelve million dollars of steel tubing.
- Successfully defended a Houston energy brokerage firm at trial, alleging discrimination under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act by a former employee.
- Successfully defended a commercial flatbed trailer manufacturer in a multi-million-dollar lawsuit by its Chinese supplier.
- Successfully defended two Houston area automobile dealerships in multi-million dollar lawsuits by their former floorplan finance providers.
- Played a pivotal role in obtaining a jury verdict on behalf of Jani-King International, Inc. in a suit against a New York franchisee.
- Obtained summary judgment and case dismissal for home builder accused of race discrimination, violations of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act, and breach of construction contract.
- Successfully defended a commercial tenant in a multi-property eviction and tortious interference case.
- Obtained a complete judgment on behalf of a major oilfield services manufacturing company for the nonpayment of several hundred thousand dollars of unpaid equipment.
- Obtained a favorable judgment against former employees of a Houston energy brokerage firm who breached the non-competition and non-disclosure provisions of their employment agreements.
Speaking Engagements & Presentations
- “Executive Rights: Texas Outfitters v. Nicholson,” Gas & Mineral Title Examination Course, TexasBarCLE Oil, June 19, 2020
- “Top 10 Texas Oil & Gas Cases of 2019,” East Texas Association of Petroleum Landmen, January 16, 2020
- “Concerning Self-Interest: The Executive Duty After Texas Outfitters v. Nicholson,” Energy Law Institute, August 28, 2019
- “Top 10 Cases of 2018,” Fort Worth Association of Professional Landmen, February 28, 2019
- “Top 10 Cases of 2018,” East Texas Association of Petroleum Landmen, January 17, 2019
- “Top 10 Cases Texas Energy Cases from the Past Twelve Months,” Dallas Bar Association’s Energy Law: Review of Oil & Gas Law XXXIII, August 2, 2018
- “Top 10 Texas O&G Cases of 2017 (So Far),” Lunch and Learn Series, Next Generation Landmen (DAPL) & Young Professionals in Energy, December 4, 2017
- “Top 10 Texas O&G Cases of 2017 (So Far),” AAPL Southwest Land Institute, September 25, 2017
- “The Slow Death of the Handshake: Best Practices from a Litigator’s Perspective,” National Association of Steel Pipe Distributors 2017 Summer Conference, June 15, 2017
Publications
- “OSHA’s New Guidance for the Energy Arena,” ALTAPL Register, September 1, 2020
- “OSHA’s New Guidance for the Energy Arena,” Houston Association of Professional Landmen Newsletter, August 2020
- “OSHA’s New Guidance for the Energy Arena,” Gray Reed Legal Alert, July 22, 2020
- “Top 10 Texas Oil and Gas Cases of 2019,” Landman Magazine, March/April 2020
- “Top 10 Texas Oil & Gas Cases of 2019,” Various publications, 2020
- “Top Ten Texas Oil and Gas Cases of 2018,” Texas Association of Defense Counsel Magazine, Summer 2019
- “Top Texas Oil and Gas Cases of 2018,” Landman Magazine, January/February 2019
- “Top 10 Texas Oil and Gas Cases of 2018,” Various Publications, 2018/2019
- “Texas Court Divides On Offset Well Case,” The American Oil & Gas Reporter, August 2018
- “Must an Offset Well Clause be Reasonably Calculated to Prevent Drainage? Not in the Eagle Ford, According to the Texas Supreme Court,” Gray Reed Legal Alert, June 28, 2018
- “Show Me the Money!”: Who is a “Payor” Under the Texas Natural Resources Code?” Gray Reed Legal Alert, May 25, 2018
- “Top 10 Texas O&G Cases in the First 11 Months of 2017,” Landman Magazine, January/February 2018
- “Top 10 Texas Oil and Gas Cases of 2017,” Various Publications, 2017/2018
- “Texas Supreme Court Ruling Requires Careful Analysis of Mineral Deeds,” Gray Reed Legal Alert, August 9, 2017
Memberships & Affiliations
- State Bar of Texas
- Litigation Section
- Houston Bar Association
- American Bar Association
- Texas Young Lawyers Association
Admissions
- State Bar of Texas
- United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
- United States District Courts: Southern and Western Districts of Texas
Community Involvement
- Calf Scramble Committee Member, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
- Texas Trophy Hunters Association
- 12th Man Foundation
- Houston A&M Club
- Luke’s United Methodist Church
- Hermann Park Conservancy