Partner Dane Ball has successfully represented individuals and companies in their most sensitive white-collar matters, including some of the highest-profile litigation in the country, for the past 15 years.
His public victories have drawn acclaim—such as the not guilty verdict for the BP well site leader wrongfully blamed for the Deepwater Horizon oil spill; the government’s agreement to dismiss charges against a coach indicted in the “Varsity Blues” investigation; the dismissal of public corruption charges against one of the longest-sitting members of the Texas House of Representatives; and an acquittal after a rare insider-trading trial. But he is equally proud of the discreet ways he has helped innocent clients avoid charges in an array of government investigations. From criminal trials or appeals to parallel criminal, civil, and administrative proceedings, to a wide range of internal and government investigations, Ball has repeatedly achieved favorable outcomes for clients and along the way earned the respect of peers and adversaries. In recent years, clients have increasingly asked him to assist in high-stakes civil litigation in which a client or the opposition has alleged criminal or other serious misconduct, such as opioids-related lawsuits against a drug distributor and sex-trafficking lawsuits against a technology company.
Ball is keenly aware of the high stakes for a company or individual involved in an investigation or criminal case. Thus, he communicates frequently and openly with clients to minimize surprises and bring control to often chaotic environments. Uniquely adept with both the big picture and small details, Ball focuses his practice on the FCPA and anti-corruption, environmental and industrial catastrophes, and financial crimes.
Prior to attending law school, Ball was recruited to play Division 1 baseball for nationally-ranked Pepperdine University, where he became an all-conference player. He then translated the discipline he honed on the baseball diamond into success at law school, graduating summa cum laude from Pepperdine University School of Law. Ball began his career at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom after clerking for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.
Over the years, he has appeared on television and radio and been quoted in newspapers across the country, taught at University of Houston Law Center, and written about cutting-edge white collar issues for national publications.
Ball also devotes time to pro bono criminal matters, including abroad, such as helping obtain the release of an innocent prisoner in Uganda.
Updated Oct 2022
