Texas litigation boutique Hicks Thomas
operates its trial acumen out of its Houston headquarters and additional offices in Austin, Amarillo and Beaumont. The firm’s focus on litigation, developed over 25 years, has expanded its capabilities across practice areas. “There is not really any type of litigation in Texas which I would not consider using them for,” says a client. Its bench strength and business-savvy approach is also complimented by a client. “They were very easy to work [with], prepared and effective,” the client notes. “Most importantly, they never lost sight of the business realities that needed to be taken into account in resolving the litigation.”
Co-founder of the firm John Thomas
is a leading litigator with a diverse history of cases including commercial, intellectual, oil and gas, and environmental litigation. He has been the lead partner handling a series of cases for Mattress Firm. Thomas is currently engaged in representing former executives and developers in a lawsuit arising from a multi-year fraud, bribery and kickback scheme which involved the senior management of a retail company, real estate brokerage firm and multiple developers. The case has garnered significant press and media attention. Beaumont-based partner Jay Old is recognized for his vast experience and capability across practice areas, including insurance, product liability, professional liability, healthcare, and construction litigation. Old and lead partner Courtney Ervin are representing a well-known insurance company in a complex coverage case challenging what constitutes financial losses under commercial general liability policy. This year, Ervin was elevated to “Litigation Star” status. Her focus on commercial and business disputes is coupled with an emphasis on resolving matters on behalf of clients in the energy and construction fields. Ervin represents Southcross Gulf Coast Transmission in its lawsuit against Max Midstream Texas after the defendant refused to make payments pursuant to the purchase agreement for the Karnes-Wharton-Refugio pipeline. The case is currently pending. Meanwhile, in a separate area of practice, Ervin represents Valaris in a maritime law dispute challenging fault and causation for accidents at sea.
An accomplished commercial litigator of the Houston office,
Robin Harrison receives compliments from clients for his trusted representation and his depth of expertise. “Robin is a very smart and talented litigator,” describes the client. “He is calm in all circumstances and his experience allows him to handle cases efficiently and with less strain on the client.” Harrison acts as lead trial and appellate lawyer representing GPH in its suit against Benelux Cosmetics and Anviri Cosmetics alleging breach of contract, conversion, and business disparagement claims. Defendant Benelux filed counterclaims alleging breach of contract, breach of warranty, fraud and deceptive trade practices. On appeal at the 14th Court of Appeals in Houston, Harrison reversed the jury’s verdict on the counterclaims. The court rendered a judgment that reversed a nearly $3 million award and found Benelux did not present legally sufficient evidence to support a damages award.
