Jim is a partner in the Firm’s Dallas office who primarily handles commercial litigation in federal and state courts. Jim has over 35 years of experience representing businesses and individuals in numerous business areas including real estate, student housing, construction, corporate governance, trade secrets and employment matters. Jim also has done extensive work defending municipalities on annexations and various regulatory issues. His experience includes jury and bench trials, arbitrations, state and federal appeals, and appearances before the Texas Supreme Court.

Jim also assists clients in various advisory capacities. Jim serves in an outside general counsel capacity to an international non-profit organization providing legal assistance to that Association in matters relating to corporate governance, internal disciplinary procedures, compliance issues, and related litigation. Jim also recently assisted a North Texas Municipality in a multi-year workout with natural gas producers and the State of Texas relating to the regulation of gas well activities within city limits.

Some Significant Representations

Successfully defended the tax-exempt status of a student housing authority before Texas Supreme Court.

Obtained favorable judgment from Texas Supreme Court allowing Municipality to proceed with annexation without first resorting to arbitration with property owner.

Successfully defended trustee facing claims for removal and damages in Dallas Court of Appeals.

Successfully upheld confidentiality of certain records of non-profit association in Fort Worth Court of Appeals.

Successfully enforced Municipality zoning ordinances against offending business operation in Dallas District Court.

Successfully defended Municipality against claims for federal preemption of municipal laws in Federal District Court for the Northern District of Texas.