Jon Mureen is a first-chair commercial trial lawyer and the managing partner of the Dallas office. With over 100 days of trial experience from more than a dozen trials, Jon is suited to any commercial case where the stakes are high, there is potential for trial and the issues are complex. Jon has particular experience in corporate shareholder, partnership and governance contests, fraud and fiduciary duty cases, as well as energy litigation.
Clients and opposing counsel describe Jon to third-party interviewers as “extremely good,” an “outstanding strategist,” with a “great manner in court,” and a “gift” for interrogation. One said Jon was “tremendous” at trial while another observed “the jury absolutely loved him.” Said a third, “Jon’s highest and best use is to think about complicated issues” and communicate them simply and persuasively to the judge or jury. Another remarked that Jon is the “best litigator I have ever seen.”
Jon began his career with a clerkship for then Chief Judge Sidney Fitzwater of the US District Court for the Northern District of Texas.
Corporate Governance
Prevailed at trial in Delaware Chancery Court against plaintiff-shareholder’s claim to take over board and CEO position; won affirmance on appeal to Delaware Supreme Court. Klaassen v. Allegro Dev. Corp., 106 A.3d 1035 (Del. 2014).
Led the prosecution of minority member’s claims for termination of limited liability company, breach of fiduciary duty and trademark infringement against majority member, including several preliminary injunction hearings, ultimately resulting in confidential settlement agreement the week before federal jury trial. Nerium SkinCare v. Nerium Int’l, C.A. No. 3:16-CV-1217 (N.D. Tex. 2018).
Defended general partner against audit by limited partnership and claims for mismanagement and breach of fiduciary duty resulting in confidential resolution before arbitration.
First-chaired trial of claims in Delaware Chancery Court on behalf of minority stockholders against controllers arising from cash-out merger. Manti Holdings et al. v. The Carlyle Group Inc. et al., C.A. No. 2020-0657-SG (Del. Ch.).
Bankruptcy
Lead trial counsel for debtor in several contested and adversary matters ultimately resulting in confirmed plan. In re Hartshorne Mining, LLC, Case No. 20-04012 (W.D. Ky. 2021).
Lead investigating attorney for committee of unsecured creditors. In re BJ Services, LLC, No. 4:2020-BK-33627 (Bankr. S.D. Tex. 2020).
Successfully moved for immediate dismissal of bankruptcy case to allow creditor to continue to pursue litigation claims against the debtor. In re NM Ventures, LLC, Case No. 16-11109 (Bankr. W.D. Tex. 2016).
Won summary judgment for defendant against eight-figure fraudulent transfer action by trustee. Permian Cruse Transport, LP v. Matador Resources Company, Adv. No. 21-03022-hdh (Bankr. N.D. Tex. 2021).
Energy
Obtained complete defense verdict as the first-chair trial lawyer for operator after a jury trial on plaintiffs’ multimillion-dollar claims arising from alleged misplacement of wells. Stevens v. Matador Production Company, No. D-503-CV-2019-017 (N.M. 5th Judicial District Court, 2021).
Defended operator against litigation by royalty owners concerning deductions for post-production expenses (resulting in confidential settlement). Gates Mineral Company et al. v. BP America Production Company et al., No. 2018CVI001219D1 (Tex. 49th Judicial Dist. 2018).
Trial and appellate counsel for oil and gas operator in dispute focused on construction of force majeure clause. MRC Permian Co. v. Point Energy Partners Permian LLC, 624 S.W.3d 643 (Tex. App. 2021)
Commercial and Other
Prevailed in jury trial on behalf of luxury retail client in bet-the-company trademark and contract dispute in federal court (co-lead). Boulle v. De Boulle Diamond & Jewelry, C.A. No. 3:12-CV01462 (N.D. Tex. 2015).
Winning first-chair trial counsel for plaintiff energy services company in commercial dispute with supplier.
Litigation counsel for major soft drink manufacturer in high-profile trademark and franchising dispute with bottling company, resulting in settlement and termination of the relationship. Dr Pepper vs. Dr Pepper in Court – WSJ.
Trial counsel for defendant in three-month federal public corruption jury trial; obtained judgment of acquittal on major count. United States v. Hill, 2010 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 150378 (N.D. Tex. March 19, 2010).
Defended against nationwide product liability litigation, including multidistrict litigation, statewide class actions and individual lawsuits in both federal and state courts.
Publications
Presentations and Speaking Engagements