Trial Section Succeeds In Courtrooms Around The State

April 29, 2008

HOUSTON (April 29, 2008) — When arbitration or settling a case is not an option, the experienced attorneys of Bracewell & Giuliani LLP not only are prepared to try a case in court, but also to secure a positive result for the client.   Bracewell trial teams recently secured several notable wins in courtrooms around the state.

Dallas partner, Tricia DeLeon, and labor and employment associate, Isabel Andrade, prevailed in a federal court jury trial before Judge Sam Lindsay in the Dallas Division of the Northern District of Texas.  DeLeon and Andrade successfully defended client Tractor Supply Company against numerous claims brought by a former employee.

Before the trial began and the jury was selected, the Bracewell team was able to obtain partial summary judgment on several of Plaintiff's claims, including Plaintiff's negligence claim.  The Court granted Tractor Supply Company's Motion for Judgment as a Matter of Law before closing arguments and rendered a take-nothing judgment in favor of Tractor Supply Company.

San Antonio partner Annalyn Smith triumphed in United States District Court, Western District of Texas in San Antonio for client Lear Siegler Services in a breach of contract/breach of warranties case with a vendor.  The cause of action concerned federal repair order contracts on equipment to be used by foreign allied military forces.  Ms. Smith was able to present witness testimony establishing that the integrity of the equipment repair program is vital, as it plays an important role in the war on global terrorism.  A jury awarded Lear Siegler Services $1.2 million.

Also in San Antonio, partner Mario Barrera, as co-counsel with Adams & Reese, secured a no liability jury verdict for client Alamo Community College District in a sex, age, gender discrimination and retaliation case in state court before Judge Larry Noll.  The case involved the District's former Director of Human Resources whose annual contract was not renewed in 2005.  At the close of the plaintiff's case, the court dismissed the sex, age and gender discrimination claims.  After 1 and1/2 hours of deliberation, the jury rule 10-2 in favor of the District on Plaintiff's remaining claim of retaliation.

“We strive to win a case for our client at the earliest possible stage,” said Glenn A. Ballard, head of Bracewell’s trial practice, “but are always prepared to try a case all the way to the judge or to a jury in order to get the best possible outcome,” added Mr. Ballard.