After more than a decade of experience at large, international law firms, Jon has become a battle-tested litigator in high-stakes business disputes. There are many tools in the resolution bag and there is a time and place for each one. Some matters need a quick, efficient resolution out of court. Others require steadfast and assertive counsel to navigate through court (or an alternative forum) on the way to trial or to protect or reverse a judgment on appeal. Regardless, the goal is the same: client-centered results.
Across any industry or situation, you can count on Jon to provide direct and informed counsel to help resolve your disputes so you can move on to the real work of your business.
Jon is licensed in Texas and North Carolina. After law school, Jon obtained his North Carolina license and practiced for a year in Raleigh. Thereafter, he clerked in Houston, Texas on the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, and then became licensed in Texas and practiced there for three years. Returning to North Carolina in 2018, Jon continued representing clients in both Texas and North Carolina while working locally and remotely for large firms.
Jon currently lives in Greensboro, North Carolina with his wife and three sons. He serves as an elder at Hope Chapel, is the Troopmaster for Trail Life Troop NC-0649, enjoys camping, pickleball, golf, and table-top games, and cherishes time with his family.
“Blessed are the peacemakers….”
Matthew 5:9
“When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous….”
Proverbs 21:15
Professional Highlights
Recognized by Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch (published by BL Rankings LLC) for Commercial Litigation (2021–2026)
Selected to the North Carolina “Rising Stars” list by Super Lawyers (Thomson Reuters) for Business Litigation, Appellate and Employment Litigation (2019, 2021)
Representative Experience
Obtained $50m+ jury verdict after five-week trial in complex, oil and gas construction dispute, serving as 3rd chair on trial team, taking three direct examinations and five cross examinations, participating throughout entire life cycle of case, acting as principal motion and brief writer, and taking equal share of depositions while co-managing discovery.
Briefed issue of first impression to Texas 15th Court of Appeals (jurisdiction over appeals from Texas Business Court) in Petition for Writ of Mandamus regarding the Texas Business Court’s jurisdiction and authority to remand cases to District Courts.
Defeated ANTI-SLAPP motion in defamation dispute taken up on appeal before the Texas Court of Appeals, thereby allowing plaintiff’s case to proceed to trial.
Represented, as co-counsel, AI company in still-ongoing, highly publicized appeal to Third Circuit concerning fair use under U.S. copyright law in training AI models.
Represented bank on appeal to Ninth Circuit after prior counsel lost on summary judgment in trial court and obtained favorable settlement terms after filing opening brief addressing significant errors of law in lower court.
Obtained preliminary injunction in federal court on behalf of oil and gas asset owners against rogue operator refusing to relinquish control of assets after initially proceeding in Texas Business Court.
Defended international oil and gas company in $55 million contractual and regulatory dispute over well plugging and abandonment obligations in the deep-water Gulf of Mexico.
Serving pro bono on appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, obtained unanimous reversal of the denial of attorney’s fees in a civil rights class action against a state government.
Obtained dismissal of all claims against corporate parent of a master limited partnership in action challenging the subsidiary’s sale of a $700 million asset to the parent.
Defended tax consulting firm against breach of contract and related tort claims; obtained outright dismissal of fraud and Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices claims and summary judgment on nearly all damages issues, resulting in nuisance settlement.
Represented medical provider in appeal to North Carolina Supreme Court regarding issue of first impression for class action matters under North Carolina law.
Prepared petition for discretionary review before North Carolina Supreme Court.
Represented estate of high-wealth individual in appeal of $1b tax dispute with the IRS before the Fifth Circuit.
Defended natural gas pipeline contractor and subcontractor in investigation by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
Secured nuisance-payment settlement for individual defendant in $120m action alleging securities fraud and breach of fiduciary duty.
Served as lead attorney in settling a trust dispute between 20 family members involving over $20 million in assets.
Represented insurer and apartment complex in wrongful death suit seeking $15 million in damages; managed all discovery, depositions, and legal research.
Obtained favorable and rapid settlement on behalf of plaintiff in commercial lease dispute.
Obtained voluntary dismissal of all claims against insurer in property damage dispute.
Bar Admissions
Courts
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina
U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas
North Carolina State Courts
Texas State Courts
Clerkships
Law Clerk to the Hon. Jennifer Walker Elrod United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit August 2014 – August 2015
Education
J.D., University of North Carolina School of Law, 2013 High Honors Order of the Coif North Carolina Law Review Gressman and Pollitt Oral Advocacy Award: Best Appellant
B.S., Business Administration, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2006
