Biography

I joined the Litigation Group in August 2006 after taking part in the Summer Clerk Program. Since then, I have represented numerous clients in business, corporate and commercial litigation matters. My practice also involves the representation of clients in employment law matters including disputes under various state and federal laws involving issues such as age, race, sex, and disability discrimination, sexual harassment, ERISA, wage and hour issues, wrongful discharge and related tort claims.

Prior to joining the firm, I was employed at the legal department of a high-profile national corporation where I was involved in employment and commercial litigation, as well as general business legal matters. In addition, prior to going to law school I was a member of management at an international Fortune 100 company for over five years.

I served proudly in the United States Army as an Airborne Ranger in Savannah, Georgia. I am currently a member of the Christian Legal Society and the Hispanic Bar Association of Houston.

Representative Matters

• Successfully defended a client in a lawsuit alleging age, gender and disability discrimination, retaliation, wrongful discharge, sexual harassment, defamation and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Achieved a favorable settlement following successful motions to dismiss and for summary judgment where court dismissed all of the employees claims except for one.
• Successfully defended a lawsuit alleging trade secret misappropriation and other claims against a foreign oil and gas company. Secured complete dismissal of all claims after successful results on a motion for summary judgment.
• Successfully defended a lawsuit alleging claims for breach of a non-competition clause as well as unfair competition among other claims. Prevailed in a Preliminary Injunction Hearing in Federal Court after a full day evidentiary hearing.

Education

• JD, South Texas College of Law
• BA, Thomas Edison State University

Affiliations

• Houston Bar Association
• Texas Bar Association
• American Bar Association

Representative Matters

• Successfully defended a benefits claims administrator in a lawsuit by an ex-employee for claims pursuant to an employee benefits plan under ERISA and other common law claims. Successfully limited the liability by getting most of the claims dismissed by a 12(b)(6) motion.
• Represented a financial services company in a lawsuit and arbitration against a bank and a third party for breach of a credit card services contract.
• Successfully defended an international oil services company in claims before the EEOC in Louisiana and Texas for race and age discrimination.
• Successfully defended an international energy company in a lawsuit claiming breach of contract and fraud claims.
• Represented a client before the Justice Department in its investigation of alleged violations of the False Claims Act.
• Represented an international chemical company in a lawsuit against a former employee seeking damages for unfair competition and misappropriation of trade secrets.
• Successfully defended a medical services company against claims by a former employee for gender and age discrimination.
• Represented a national retailer in defense of a lawsuit claiming violations of the FLSA. The case was settled in favorable terms to the client after minimal discovery.
• Represented a restaurant chain in defense of a lawsuit claiming sexual harassment. The case was settled in favorable terms to the client.
• Successfully defended an oil and gas services company in a claim before the EEOC for gender, age and disability discrimination.
• Represented a property manager in a lawsuit seeking damages for breach of a lease and unpaid rent.

Publications

Electronic Evidence and Discovery: The Law
University of Houston Evidence and Discovery CLE
by Michel Perez and Craig Dillard