Biography
Kyle A. Zunker focuses on construction law and civil appeals. He has represented owners, general contractors, subcontractors, material suppliers, and engineers across a wide range of legal, factual, and technical issues arising from industrial and commercial construction projects. Kyle is a go-to lawyer in complicated and high-pressure disputes because of his ability to distill voluminous facts and complex issues into succinct and persuasive arguments. As an attorney who handles appeals, litigation, arbitration, and contract drafting, Kyle advocates with a holistic perspective and is driven by his passion to provide clients with effective and efficient solutions rather than aimless and expensive legal busywork.
Kyle is a proud husband and father of two boys. He is a published author and writes regularly on Christian apologetics, drawing on his legal training and experience.
Education
- Southern Methodist University, Dedman School of Law – J.D., magna cum laude, 2015
– SMU Law Review Association, Staff Editor - Texas Lutheran University – B.A., magna cum laude, 2012
– Triple Major in Philosophy, English (Writing Specialization), and Spanish Studies
Recognitions & Distinctions
- Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America (2024 – 2025): Construction Law
- Super Lawyers Rising Stars 2024
- Order of the Coif, Southern Methodist University Chapter
- Hutchison Scholarship: merit-based, full-tuition scholarship awarded to three students per year at Southern Methodist University, Dedman School of Law
Representative Experience
- Represented Spanish EPCM contractor in multi-party, multi-million-dollar international construction arbitration involving complex legal issues arising from $800 million industrial project.
- Represented California-based installation subcontractor in multi-million-dollar arbitration regarding contract interpretation and delay and impact claims arising from an industrial construction project
- Represented Louisiana-based pipeline contractor in multi-million-dollar arbitration regarding delay and additional-cost claims regarding numerous issues, including impact of several major storms that hit a Gulf Coast pipeline project.
- Represented Texas-based general contractor on appeal, which resulted in reversal of adverse, seven-figure jury verdict and rendition of take-nothing defensive judgment in favor of client. 2021 WL 4754835
- Represented several large general contractors in multi-million-dollar state-court lawsuits regarding alleged defects in commercial construction projects in multiple counties in Texas.
- Represented owner in federal-court lawsuit regarding a construction defect that compromised the integrity of a multi-million-dollar commercial building.
Speaking Engagements & Presentations
- Host of The Basic Course in Texas Construction Law, 2022 and 2023
- Liens: How to Get Paid, AGC’s The Basics 2020, February 18, 2020
- AIA Contract Document Workshop, HalfMoon Education Inc., March 27, 2019
- Legal and Insurance Tips for Small Businesses, MAESTRO Entrepreneur Center, November 13, 2018
- Contracting & Risk Management, Hispanic Contractors Association, October 12, 2016
Publications
- What the construction industry should know about the new Texas Business Court Construction News, October 1, 2024
- Don’t “Waive” Goodbye to Your Rights Construction News, October 31, 2022
- Design Defects: a New Law and an Old Rule Construction News, August 2021
- Can a GC sue an architect for bad plans? Construction News, December 2, 2015
Memberships & Affiliations
- State Bar of Texas, Construction Section
– Young Lawyer Representative (statewide) (2022 – 2024)
– Chairperson on Young Lawyer Committee (San Antonio) (2019 – 2020, 2022 – 2024) - State Bar of Texas, Appellate Section
- San Antonio Bar Association
Admissions
- State Bar of Texas
- United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
- United States District Court: Southern & Western Districts of Texas
Other Languages
- Spanish
Community Involvement
- Pearl Street Church, Advisory Board (2017 – current)
- Associated Builders and Contractors, South Texas Chapter, Future Leaders’ Initiative, Chair (2021)
- United Way of San Antonio, Emerging Leaders Council (2018 – 2020)