Cory Curtis focuses his litigation practice on complex business disputes in state and federal court, as well as arbitration, in Texas and throughout the United States. As lead counsel, Cory advises plaintiffs and defendants on corporate governance disputes, construction litigation, business torts, fiduciary litigation, real estate matters, oil and gas cases, and product liability defense. From pre-suit counseling to trial, Cory assists his clients in achieving both their business and legal objectives.
Education
University of Denver Sturm College of Law – J.D., 2003
Hope College – B.A., 1999
Recognitions & Distinctions
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® (2026): Construction Law
Representation Experience
Secured jury verdict and $1M+ judgment plus $500K+ award for attorney’s fees on client’s breach of fiduciary duty claim against financial advisor after six-day trial in U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado. Successfully defended a verdict on appeal in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit. Murphy v. Schaible, 108 F. 4th 1257 (10th Cir. 2024).
Secured jury verdict for possession and awarded attorney’s fees against landlord in favor of Harris County microbrewery in commercial eviction case.
Prevailed in a seven-day administrative law trial before the Texas State Office of Administrative Hearings for a Class 8 truck manufacturer by showing the manufacturer’s good cause to reduce the dealer’s area of responsibility based on the dealer’s poor sales and service performance. Successfully defended the case on appeal. Sweeten Truck Center, L.C. v. Volvo Trucks North America, No. 03-16-00068, 2016 WL 4979826 (Tex. App.—Austin 2016).
Secured jury verdict for $2.5M+ and awarded $500K+ in attorney’s fees against a publicly traded oil and gas operator on behalf of a drilling company on a claim for breach of International Association of Drilling Contractors’ contract in the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado.
Lead counsel before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit in a dealership termination dispute between an equipment manufacturer and dealer. The Sixth Circuit ruled in favor of the client that the dealer was not permitted to shield the federal case record from public access. Rudd Equip. Co., Inc. v. John Deere Constr. & Forestry Co., 834 F.3d 589 (6th Cir. 2016).
Secured jury verdict for publicly traded engineering and manufacturing company in the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado by arguing that the client’s carbon steel boat steering cable design was not defective, and the jury should decide that issue using the risk-benefit test, not the consumer expectation test. Defended the verdict on appeal. Kokins, et al. v. Teleflex Inc., 621 F.3d 1290 (10th Cir. 2010).
Awarded summary judgment for component part supplier in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California in a product liability and fraud case involving a failed micro tunnel boring machine. Nada Pacific Corp. v. Power Engineering & Mfg., Ltd., 73 F. Supp. 3d 1206 (N.D. Cal. 2014).
Awarded summary judgment in favor of an engineering client in a case involving alleged failure of an aggregate storage silo. Lone Star Industries, Inc. v. Besser Company, Civ. Action No. 11-1481, 2013 WL (April 17, 2013, E.D. Pa.).
Favorable settlement as lead defense counsel for directors of publicly traded oil & gas company in shareholder derivative suit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada.
After nearly a decade of litigation in New York state court, secured agreement to transfer venue to arbitration and won a complete defense award for the manufacturer facing claims by a former partner over a failed joint venture to sell equipment to masonry factories in Greece.
Awarded summary judgment for a publicly traded engineering and manufacturing firm in a catastrophic injury and quadriplegia products liability case in Maricopa County, Arizona, by defeating plaintiffs’ causation theory where plaintiffs sought more than $30M in damages.
Awarded summary judgment in dispute between American equipment supplier and Russian sales agent in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.
Awarded summary judgment for equipment seller in warranty case in New York County, New York, by arguing buyers’ claims were barred by the statute of limitations, and the court ordered buyers to pay the client for equipment installation services provided in China.
Led defense of cross-border dispute in Harris County District Court, involving claims against Mexican dairy company client brought by U.S. and Mexican distributors over failed business venture in Texas. Secured settlement for the client that ended litigation and terminated the client’s U.S. and Mexican distributor agreements.
Speaking Engagements & Presentations
Collignon and Curtis Speak on “Interviewing for Diversity Scholarships” at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law (11/1/2013)
Memberships & Affiliations
American Bar Association
Colorado Bar Association
Texas Bar Association
Admissions
State Bar of Texas
State Bar of Colorado
United States District Court: District of Nebraska
United States District Court: Eastern District of Michigan
United States District Court: District of Colorado
United States District Courts: Northern, Eastern, and Southern Districts of Texas
United States Courts of Appeals for the Sixth and Tenth Circuits
Community Involvement
Board Member, Alumni Council, University of Denver Sturm College of Law (2016–present)
Kingwood Forest Cove Baseball Coach (2017–2019)
Chairman, Businesses of Thornton, Colorado Advisory Commission (2012–2014)
Katie Nash is a principal in the Houston office of Cokinos | Young, where she is a member of the Corporate & Real Estate Transactions practice group. Katie’s practice primarily focuses on corporate governance, private equity matters, mergers and acquisitions, and the ongoing general representation to clients regarding businesses of all types, where she advises on all aspects of the corporate life cycle from formation to growth, reorganization, restructuring, and finally to winding up. Katie also represents clients in commercial and residential real estate transactions, debt and equity financing, employment issues, complex business contract negotiations and related transactional matters.
Education
St. Mary’s University School of Law – J.D., 2013
– Editorial Board, Mary’s Law Journal, Volume 44
University of Texas at Austin – B.A. English, 2009
Recognitions & Distinctions
Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America (2024 – 2025): Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law, and Real Estate Law
Representative Experience
Represented various clients in the formation of limited liability corporations, nonprofit corporations, and other corporate entities.
Represented various clients in asset and equity acquisitions and sales
Represented client as seller of company assets for $4.5 million
Represented client as purchaser in a joint venture buyout for $15 million
Represented various in preparation of financing documents
Prepared and revised proprietary forms for clients for the leasing and acquisition of real property
Represented both landlords and tenants in drafting and negotiation various lease spaces
Allegra Melton Lezak is an attorney in the Houston office of Cokinos | Young. Allegra received her J.D. from The University of Houston Law Center, where she served as Senior Articles Editor for the Houston Journal of International Law. While in law school, she also represented clients in the civil litigation clinic and was a competitive member of the mock trial team.
Allegra’s practice primarily focuses on construction law and commercial litigation. She has experience representing residential and commercial construction clients throughout the litigation and arbitration processes. Allegra’s experience covers a variety of areas, including contract and payment disputes, delay disputes, mechanic’s and materialman’s liens, construction defect cases, premises and products liability, negligence, and other residential and commercial construction issues.
Education
University of Houston Law Center – J.D., 2018
Texas A&M University – B.S., cum laude, 2015
Recognitions & Distinctions
Recognized in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America (2023–2026): Commercial Litigation, Construction Law, and Litigation – Construction
Texas Super Lawyers® Rising Stars by Thompson Reuters (2025)
Speaking Engagements & Presentations
Speaker, Securing and Enforcing Lien & Bond Claims in Texas, The Basic Course in Texas Construction Law, Houston, Texas, December 2023
Publications
The Independent Injury Claim Against Subcontractors and the Law of Unintended Consequences, The State Bar of Texas Construction Law Journal (Winter 2020)
Memberships & Affiliations
Texas Aggie Bar Association
Texas Bar Association: Construction Law Section
Texas Bar Association: Women and the Law Section
Texas Bar Association: Litigation Section
Admissions
State Bar of Texas
United States District Courts: Eastern and Southern Districts of Texas
Kathleen Barrett Madere is an attorney in the Houston office of Cokinos | Young. Her practice is primarily focused on resolving complex construction and commercial disputes through litigation and arbitration. Kathleen has handled construction disputes involving multi-million dollar residences, pipelines and compressor stations, retail and warehousing facilities, bridges, and other commercial and industrial projects. Kathleen also has experience with employment matters. Kathleen was a significant contributor to the 2020 and 2021 Case Law Update, presented at the annual construction law conference in San Antonio, Texas. Kathleen also co-authored a paper for the HBA Construction Law Section entitled, Fraud, Construction, and the Texas Property Code.
Education
University of Texas School of Law – J.D., 2020
Texas State University – B.A. English, 2017
Recognitions and Distinctions
Recognized in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America (2024–2026): Commercial Litigation, Construction Law, and Litigation – Construction
Named Rising Star by Texas Super Lawyers (2023–2025)
Representative Experience
Second-chair trial experience successfully defending against allegations of mechanical failures and breach of contract in a jury trial.
Successfully achieved summary judgment in a high-value pipeline dispute involving mineral lien rights.
Obtained favorable arbitration outcome for a subcontractor/supplier in a multi-million dollar construction dispute involving claims of breach of contract, non-payment, and delay.
Obtained favorable outcome in large-scale dispute involving flooding and alleged negligence of developers engaged in business along Texas waterways.
Obtained favorable settlement for a large company in a trade secret dispute in federal court.
Memberships & Affiliations
Texas Bar Association: Construction Law Section
Texas Bar Association: Women and the Law Section
Admissions
State Bar of Texas
State Bar of Oregon
United States District Courts: Eastern and Southern Districts of Texas
For the past fifteen years, Peter has developed a range of legal experience encompassing a wide array of commercial litigation matters in the energy, construction, and financial services industries, where he has resolved disputes across the country before various courts and arbitration forums. He has had the fortunate opportunity to work with some of the largest banks, insurers, and broker-dealers in the country, as well as with smaller “mom and pop” businesses, and yet his approach to achieving the best result for his clients does not change. Peter works closely with his clients to establish the most effective and cost-efficient strategy for every matter, and he is committed to working hard every day to ensure the client’s goals are achieved.
Education
South Texas College of Law – J.D., magna cum laude, 2005
University of Texas at Austin – B.A. Government, Minor – Business, 2002
Recognitions & Distinctions
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® (2023–2026): Construction Law, Litigation – Construction, and Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants
Selected for inclusion in Texas Rising Stars for Business Litigation (2015–2019)
Houston Association of Legal Professionals, 2010 Boss of the Year
Representative Experience
Construction
Obtained complete dismissal on behalf of heavy highway construction company in private nuisance action brought by adjacent landowner who alleged construction activities at borrow site caused increased flooding. Plaintiff non-suited all claims against client after all his experts were successfully struck from the case.
Represented chemical company relating to claims for loss of productivity and overhead against mechanical piping contractor on multi-million dollar styrene revamp project.
Represented commercial contractors in all facets of construction litigation, including the recovery of mechanics and materialman’s liens, percentage completion, defects, delays, prompt payment violations, and trust fund violations.
Commercial
Won week long trial before The Honorable Lynn N. Hughes in the Southern District of Texas—Houston Division, representing local stevedoring company relating to claims against major national chassis pool operator for breach of contract stemming from repair services stevedore provided to chassis pool operator. Also defended against counterclaims for breach of contract and fraud. Obtained judgment for 100% of claim as well as attorneys’ fees, costs, and interest.
Represented local exploration and production company on oil and gas lease termination cases. Relevant issues included application of production in paying quantities, force majeure, continuous drilling, Pugh clauses, and interpretation of joint operating agreements.
Represented publicly traded oilfield services company in breach of contract case stemming from synthetic mat joint venture.
Represented oilfield tool companies in disputes involving claims for unpaid freight charges, breach of warranty, and collection of receivables.
Provided risk assessment and pre-litigation analysis for major chemical manufacturer relating to various issues, including (1) termination of terminalling services agreement; (2) common-carrier status of various pipeline owners; and (3) proposed contract language for incorporation into sales agreements for commingled product.
Represented mineral interest owner in suit brought by federal government seeking to foreclose on tax liens against co-tenant/delinquent taxpayer.
Represented global medical device manufacturer to recover receivables owed stemming from lease of breathalyzers.
Representing entrepreneur/buyer in various disputes under asset purchase agreement against seller of medical imaging company.
Represented guarantors of notes in actions by banks to recover on defaulted loans provided to oilfield storage tank manufacturer and seller.
Representing local third-party adjusting firm for various Lloyds syndicates against ERP software design firm in DTPA and breach of contract action.
Represented stevedoring company relating to claims by second-largest container shipper in world for fraud and breach of contract.
Served as local counsel to oil and gas magazine publisher relating to claims for fraud and theft stemming from sale of multi-million dollar land rig.
Represented downtown Houston property owner named as defendant/subsequent transferee in Bankruptcy Court adversary proceeding for claims relating to fraudulent transfer of client’s property.
Represented individual commercial property owner relating to claims by foreign family member for trespass to try title, fraud, and constructive trust.
Participated as part of contract drafting and negotiation team for major chemical manufacturer relating to the sale and storage of chemicals for international customer.
Experience also includes comment and negotiation of master services agreement for commercial electrical contractor relating to work at chemical plant.
Financial
Represented New York investment bank in suit by subsequent trustee relating to claims for civil conspiracy and breach of fiduciary duty for sale of publicly traded royalty trust assets.
Represented brokers and broker dealers before the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) and its predecessor, the National Association of Securities Dealers (“NASD”), relating to customer disputes regarding claims for unsuitability, fraud, churning, unauthorized trading, breach of fiduciary duty, and breach of contract. Experience includes risk assessment and drafting case evaluation letters for use in discussions with client and insurance carrier for settlement and settlement authority.
Represented various insurance brokers and independent registered representatives relating to claims stemming from the sale of various fixed and variable annuities, life insurance, disability, and long-term care products.
Successfully tried arbitration before FINRA relating to customer dispute involving rogue broker’s recommendation of speculative investment outside the scope of his employment with broker dealer. All claims asserted against client dismissed with prejudice.
Successfully tried arbitration before FINRA relating to former broker’s employment agreement and promissory notes with local broker dealer. After hearing arguments from both sides, panel awarded client full amount of unpaid principal, interest, and attorneys’ fees.
Defended broker dealer from claims brought by individuals and corporations for fraud stemming from sale of auction rate securities.
Hired by various broker dealers to enforce arbitration awards in state courts relating to employment agreements and promissory notes.
Represented tax preparation service relating to claims of improper accounting practices.
Insurance
Represented major national insurance company with regard to first party insurance property damage claims for mold, water, hurricane, and fire damage. Experience includes drafting initial pre-suit reports, mediation reports, and status reports to client for case evaluation.
Won summary judgment on behalf of national insurance company dismissing extra-contractual claims stemming from uninsured motorist coverage.
Speaking Engagements & Presentations
Forecasting Challenges in Design-Build Construction in light of Texas SB 219 and Material Price Escalation, 2022 Design-Build Institute of America Southwest Regional Conference, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, April 2022
The Biggest Issues Impacting Your Work in 2021 – 2022, 2021 Houston Contractors Association Management Conference, Key West, Florida, August 2021
Memberships & Affiliations
South Texas College of Law Alumni Association, Director
Board of Directors, Wilchester Men’s Club (a charitable non-profit 501(c)(3) focused on youth outreach, education, and neighbors in need in the areas of west Memorial and Spring Branch)
Admissions
State Bar of Texas
United States District Courts: Eastern, Southern, and Western Districts of Texas
Darrell Taylor is a Principal in the Houston office of Cokinos | Young, where he is a member of the Corporate & Real Estate Transactions practice group.
After practicing for more than twenty-five years, Darrell has an extensive history of supervising and documenting a multitude of transactional matters for large public companies as well as smaller private ventures. His areas of expertise are:
Mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, investments
Debt and equity financings
Contract and commercial matters
Corporate governance and Board of Directors matters
Education
University of Texas School of Law – J.D., with honors
University of Texas at Austin – B.B.A Finance, with honors
Recognitions & Distinctions
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® (2008–2026): Corporate Law and Real Estate Law
Representative Experience
Served as lead M&A counsel for:
Lyondell Chemical in its $13 billion acquisition by Access Industries
Halliburton in its $2.4 billion IPO and split-off to its stockholders of its KBR subsidiary
Pennzoil Products in its $1.6 billion combination with Quaker State
PennzEnergy in its $4.7 billion merger with Devon
Pennzoil-Quaker State in its $1.8 billion acquisition by Shell Oil
BP in its sale of Altura oil and gas properties and assets to Occidental Petroleum for $1.8 billion
Pennzoil in its $2.1 billion investment in Chevron
Pennzoil in its $1.5 billion acquisition of oil and gas properties from Chevron
Pennzoil in its $440 million investment in Burlington Resources
Pennzoil in its $250 million acquisition of Facet Enterprises
Purolator Products in its $250 million acquisition by Mark IV Industries
Served as supervising debt and equity financing counsel for:
Halliburton – equity and debt issuances and debt exchanges in multiple offerings of over $4 billion
Pennzoil – equity and debt issuances and debt exchanges in multiple offerings of over $4 billion
Pennzoil-Quaker State – debt issuances in multiple offerings of over $1 billion
Equistar Chemical – debt issuances in multiple offerings of over $2 billion
Lyondell Chemical – debt issuances in multiple offerings of over $3 billion
LyondellBasell Industries – debt issuance of $2.7 billion
Millennium Chemical – debt exchanges of over $500 million
Served as a supervising compliance and SEC counsel for:
KBR
Halliburton
Hydril
Pennzoil
Pennzoil-Quaker State
PennzEnergy
Purolator Products
Lyondell Chemical
LyondellBasell Industries
Group 1 Automotive
Served as supervising counsel on IPOs and going public transactions for:
LyondellBasell Industries N.V.
KBR
Lehman Brothers as lead underwriter – W&T Offshore, Inc.
Lehman Brothers as lead underwriter – ATP Oil & Gas Corporation
Merrill Lynch as lead underwriter – Energy Partners, Ltd.
Hydril Company
Equistar Chemical
Pennzoil-Quaker State
Cornell Companies
Purolator Products
Major Accomplishments
Halliburton: Acted as lead securities and financing lawyer for a series of related transactions for Halliburton, including debt and equity financings of over $3 billion to fund asbestos trusts for subsidiaries in Chapter 11 proceedings; followed by separation of KBR engineering, procurement and construction business and related subsidiaries; and KBR’s subsequent $2.4 billion initial public offering and tax-free split-off to shareholders.
Pennzoil: Supervised the legal representation of Pennzoil Company in reinvestment of $3 billion litigation settlement, including $215 million acquisition of Co-Enerco, $440 million investment in Burlington Resources, and $2.1 billion investment in Chevron; followed by
$1.5 billion acquisition of oil and gas properties from Chevron
separation of Pennzoil upstream oil and gas business into PennzEnergy and subsequent $4.7 billion merger with Devon
going public transaction and $1.6 billion combination of Quaker State and Pennzoil downstream business to form Pennzoil-Quaker State and subsequent $1.8 billion divestiture to Shell Oil
Joseph Walker is an attorney in the Houston office of Cokinos | Young. His practice focuses primarily on personal injury, contract disputes, and complex commercial construction disputes. Joseph has handled construction disputes involving petrochemical plants, pipelines and compressor stations, multi-family residential construction, and utility locating services. Joseph received his J.D. from South Texas College of Law Houston, where he served as Vice President for the Construction Law Society. While in law school, he also served as a judicial intern for the Honorable Delinda Gibbs-Walker of the 1-A District Court.
Education
South Texas College of Law Houston – J.D., 2019
Harding University – B.B.A. Accounting, 2016
Harding University – B.B.A. Business Management, 2016
Recognitions & Distinctions
CALI Award for Academic Excellence in Transactional Skills: Real Estate
Best Lawyers – Ones to Watch in America (2022 – 2026): Commercial Litigation, Construction Law, Litigation – Construction, and Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants
Texas Super Lawyers® Rising Stars by Thompson Reuters (2024–2025)
Memberships & Affiliations
State Bar of Texas – Construction Law Section
Admissions
State Bar of Texas
United States District Courts: Eastern and Southern Districts of Texas
For over 30 years, Philip has helped clients structure, negotiate, and close real estate and business transactions.
Philip’s real estate practice has primarily focused on acquisitions and divestitures of commercial and industrial real property, leasing transactions (including ground leases and sale-leasebacks), and development projects. He has assisted clients with many types of real estate, including multifamily properties, shopping centers, office buildings, industrial facilities, ranches, university and municipal properties, and timberland and other unimproved land.
Philip has also represented clients in a broad variety of other business transactions. In private M&A transactions, he has represented private-equity clients in platform and add-on acquisitions, as well as strategic buyers seeking to enhance their industry position; he has also represented the owners of numerous companies being sold. He has helped structure and form a wide variety of joint ventures, including for construction projects, energy ventures, and major infrastructure developments. Philip has significant experience in the use of limited liability companies, S corporations, and other business entities for the formation of start-up companies, the restructuring of existing businesses, and in preparation for generational changes in ownership. Philip also assists clients in navigating the complex requirements of the new Corporate Transparency Act.
Philip’s clients have included general and specialty contractors, real estate developers, upstream and midstream energy companies, fabricators, distributors, PE funds, investors, professional firms, and non-profits, among many others. In each case, Philip takes care to ensure his client understands the legal risks and benefits of the transaction. Many clients are experts in their business but novices in major business transactions. Clients who have never sold a business before, for example, may be understandably confused by the complex legal and contractual jargon in a typical business-sale agreement. Philip knows how to translate those terms and concepts into plain English and explain their real-world significance and consequences. He also helps clients efficiently navigate the transactional process, minimize delays, and best address issues as they arise.
Prior to joining his first firm, Vinson & Elkins, in 1985, Philip served as a judicial law clerk to Hon. Malcolm R. Wilkey of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.
Education
University of Virginia School of Law – J.D., 1984
– Order of the Coif
– Articles Development Editor, Virginia Law Review
Tulane University – B.A. History, summa cum laude, 1981
Recognitions & Distinctions
AV rated by Martindale Hubbell Peer Review rating, the highest rating possible
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® (2021–2026): Real Estate Law
Representative Experience
Real Estate Transactions
Represented multifamily property developer in separate sales of three Houston-area apartment complexes and acquisition of a tract for future multifamily development.
Represented the alumni association in ground leases in the heart of Texas A&M University campus for the development of a new park and alumni facility.
Represented specialty engineering firm in sale-leaseback of headquarters complex and other facilities for $39 million.
Represented a real estate developer in the development of a shopping center in Fort Bend County, Texas.
Represented a global energy company with respect to brownfield redevelopments of legacy industrial sites.
Business Transactions
Represented a major Texas highway contractor in its asset acquisition of another such highway contractor.
Represented a major commercial and residential waste collection business in Central Texas in the sale of its assets.
Represented the distributor of specialty industrial products in its equity acquisition of another such company, for $22 million, and in acquisitions of four smaller companies.
Represented a private equity fund in its platform acquisition of the equity of a national specialty contractor for $32 million.
Represented a light-industrial products and services company in its asset acquisition of a distributor of such products for $19 million.
Represented a provider of specialized retail services in its equity acquisition of a marketing company for $22 million.
Represented a private company in the contribution of its Eagle Ford shale energy properties in central Texas to a joint venture with a major institutional investor, in $300 million transaction.
Represented a major pipeline company in the consortium’s development of a cross-border natural gas pipeline from offshore Nova Scotia to the Boston area.
Publications
Contributor, Chambers Real EstateGlobal Practice Guide 2025
Memberships & Affiliations
State Bar of Texas: Business Law Section; Real Estate, Probate, & Trust Law Section
Houston Bar Association: Mergers & Acquisitions Section; Real Estate Section
Blake Jones is an attorney in Cokinos | Young’s Houston Office. Blake’s practice is primarily focused on construction law and commercial litigation, and his experience covers a variety of disputes involving breach of contract, differing site conditions, mechanics’ and materialman’s liens, and construction defects.
Blake received his J.D. from Baylor Law School, where he competed as an advocate in the Emory Civil Rights and Liberties moot court competition and won an award for the Top 3 Appellate Briefs. Additionally, Blake served as a Baylor Law Student Ambassador, a Baylor Business Law Society member, and a Barrister in Baylor Law’s intra-school moot court competitions. As an undergraduate at The University of Texas at Austin, Blake majored in Energy Finance and earned a Certificate of Energy Management from the McCombs School of Business.
Education
Baylor Law School – J.D., 2020
University of Texas at Austin – B.A. Energy Finance, 2017
Recognitions & Distinctions
Recognized in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America (2024–2026): Commercial Litigation, Construction Law, and Litigation – Construction
James Richards is a problem solver who serves as a trusted and experienced advocate and advisor for his clients with a focus on construction law and commercial litigation. James is Board Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Construction Law and is a go-to lawyer for large complex disputes.
James has represented individuals and corporations in a variety of matters ranging from defective construction, to business disputes, to real estate, to director and officer liability. His trial experience includes jury trials, bench trials, and arbitrations. Additionally, James has significant experience representing property owners associations, contractors, developers, energy companies, and business owners throughout the State of Texas. James has been selected to the Texas Rising Stars list each year from 2018 through 2024 and was named to the Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch list for 2021 and 2022. James is also an active mediator, Member in the State Bar College, and serves as a Texas Bar Foundation Fellow.
James received his B.A. from the University of Texas at Austin with highest honors (summa cum laude) and his J.D. from SMU Dedman School of Law, cum laude. While in law school, he was nominated for the Judge John Kennedy Scholarship for Outstanding Contribution to the Law School, served as a Law Review Articles Editor, and was an active participant in the Legal Clinic Program. Through his work in the clinic program, James tried a case in Dallas County Court at Law to a jury verdict while still in law school.
Education
Southern Methodist University, Dedman School of Law – J.D., cum laude, 2011
University of Texas at Austin – B.A., Highest Honors (summa cum laude), 2008
Recognitions & Distinctions
Super Lawyers Texas Rising Stars: (2018 – 2024)
Best Lawyers – Ones to Watch (2021 – 2022): Commercial Litigation, Construction Law & Construction Litigation
Houstonia: Houston’s Top Lawyers (2021 – 2022)
Board Certified in Construction Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization
Representative Experience
Litigation
Significant experience handling complex commercial and industrial construction matters including productivity claims, delay claims, defective work claims, and payment disputes
Represented high-rise condominium community and obtained successful settlement in dispute regarding construction defects resulting in water intrusion via the stucco, windows, and balconies
Trial on fraudulent conveyance of real estate resulting in successful verdict for client including the award of attorney’s fees
Represented clients in international and domestic arbitrations including under the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC)
Obtained summary judgment finding for client in large multi-party dispute regarding roofing products, warranty claims, installation, and oversight
Represented independent energy company in dispute regarding rights pursuant to master services contract
Obtained summary judgment finding for communications company in matter regarding the installation of network cabling infrastructure on a government project
Advised large hotel in dispute regarding services due under master maintenance agreement
Successful resolution via out of court settlement to fraudulent lien matter
Represented large multi-state contractor in construction arbitration with subcontractor regarding a delay claim and change order dispute
Successfully secured recovery for a client on a prior judgment through garnishment process
Obtained summary judgment for client in DTPA and breach of fiduciary duty matter
Successfully handled numerous matters for design professionals (architects and engineers)
Secured temporary restraining order(s), temporary injunction(s), and permanent injunction(s) for multiple clients
Prepared and successfully argued numerous trial and pre-trial motions on behalf of clients and seen numerous cases through resolution, including both via trial, arbitration, and alternate dispute resolution methods
Contractual Agreements/Insurance
Negotiated and revised AIA agreements for services on numerous projects
Drafted Professional Services Agreement on behalf of engineering and surveying firm including schedule of fees and entitlement to lump sum, scope of services, and all related exhibits
Negotiated and incorporated performance bond, indemnity, and liquidated damage obligations into construction contracts
Drafted and prepared contracts for the construction of large multi-family apartment complexes including applicable provisions on schedule, progress payments, insurance, indemnification, and warranties
Drafted numerous contractual provisions on requisite insurance coverage requirements including as to additional insured status and limitations of coverage
Advised clients on coverage positions including under depleting policies, claims made policies, professional liability policies, and as to applicable exclusions
Additional Construction & Real Estate
Prepared and advised clients on variety of lien related issues including statutory requirements
Handled numerous change order related issues to insure compliance with contractual procedures
Handled numerous matters involving bond requirements and surety obligations
Handled numerous matters involving bids on government projects and the statutory requirements for such bids including as to competitive bidding as governed by Chapter 2269 of the Texas Government Code
Advised client on rights to rescind temporary access to intellectual property (for the concept, design, and renderings) in matter regarding the refurbishment of professional sports stadium
Publications
“Experts in Construction Law: Won’t You Be My Expert?” Presented at the 37th Annual Construction Law Conference (3/8/24)
“Top Cases Every Construction Lawyer Should Know.” Presented at Texas Construction Law Conference Basic Course (12/10/21)
“Know Your Rights: Limitations and the Discovery Rule.” Construction News, The Industry’s Newspaper (January 2021)
“The Texas Two Step: Protecting the Ability to Collect a Judgment.” TX Construction Law Blog (10/2/2018)
“The 2017 Changes to the AIA A201 and Implementation of the New Insurance Exhibit: One Year Later.” Construction Law Journal, Volume 14, Number 2 (Summer 2018)
“Limitations and the Discovery Rule: Revisiting Bayou Bend Towers Council of Co-Owners” TX Construction Law Blog (05/31/18)
Construction Issues: Be Wary of Patch Jobs, FACETS The Journal of Community Associations Institute (VOL XXXVIII, 2014)
Standards of Care in Community Associations: A Survey of State Standards – co-author, CAI PRESS (2013)
Memberships & Affiliations
American Bar Association, Member
Houston Bar Association, Member
Construction Law Section of the State Bar of Texas, Member
Community Association Institute (CAI), Contributing Author
Houston Building Owners & Managers Association (BOMA), Member
Phi Beta Kappa, Contributing Member
Texas Bar Foundation, Fellow
State Bar College, Member
Admissions
State Bar of Texas
United States District Courts: Northern, Eastern, and Southern Districts of Texas
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