Rob Gilbreath is a partner in Hawkins Parnell Thackston & Young’s litigation department and serves as Appellate and Legal Issues Practice Group Leader.  He is AV rated by Martindale Hubbell and has handled approximately 200 appeals in a wide variety of areas, including trust and estates, personal injury, breach of contract, breach of warranty, breach of fiduciary duties, fraud, family law, oil and gas, contempt of court, arbitration, government regulation, defamation, RICO, shareholder oppression, and Lanham Act false advertising claims.

Professional Experience

Immediately after graduating from law school, Rob served a year as law clerk to the Honorable Raul Gonzalez, former justice of the Texas Supreme Court.  He is Board Certified in Civil Appellate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and is the former Chair of the Board’s Appellate Exam Commission, which drafts and grades the appellate certification exam.  He is also a founding member, trustee, and officer of the Texas Supreme Court Historical Society.

Rob has handled or assisted with appeals and original proceedings in Texas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina; the United States Courts of Appeals for the Second, Fifth, and Eleventh Circuits; and the United States Supreme Court.  He has argued over 80 cases before the Fifth Circuit, the Eleventh Circuit, the Supreme Court of Texas, the New York Court of Appeals, the Arizona Supreme Court, Pennsylvania's court of appeals (the Superior Court), the Georgia Court of Appeals, and most of the fourteen intermediate appellate courts in Texas. 

In 2011, Rob’s successful representation in the Texas Supreme Court of a client accused of contempt earned him a front-page story in the Texas Lawyer newspaper.  His 2009 victory in the Texas Supreme Court for a large homebuilder client seeking insurance coverage was also covered by the Texas Lawyer as a groundbreaking development in the law. 

In addition to handling cases in the appellate courts, Rob assists with error preservation, complex motions, and pleadings in the trial courts.  He often attends trial to help litigators preserve error, particularly in the jury instructions/court’s charge.  He has been responsible for preserving error in numerous multimillion-dollar, complex cases, including two where the jury’s verdict exceeded $300,000,000.00.

Professional affiliations

• Founding Member and Trustee, Texas Supreme Court Historical Society
• State Bar of Texas
  • Chair, Local Bar Liaison Committee, Appellate Section (2005)
  • Chair, Civil Appellate Law Exam Commission (2012, member since 2007)
• Dallas Bar Association
  • Chair, Appellate Section (2003)
  • Nominating Committee, Appellate Section (2006-present)
• Member, American Bar Association
• Fellow, Litigation Counsel of America
• Defense Research Institute
• Texas Board of Legal Specialization

HONORS 

• Voted one of the Top 100 Lawyers in Texas, Texas Monthly Super Lawyers (2012)
• Best Lawyers in America, Appellate Practice (2012, 2013)
• Martindale-Hubbell AV Rated
• Named one of the top 100 lawyers in the Dallas/Fort Worth region, Texas Monthly Super Lawyers (2007, 2008 & 2009)
• Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine (2003 - 2012) 
• Voted one of the best appellate lawyers in Dallas, D Magazine (2003, 2005 & 2012)
• Voted one of the best lawyers in Dallas under the age of 40, D Magazine (May 2004)
• Honored as a Founding Member and elected a Trustee of the Texas Supreme Court Historical Society
• Rob’s briefs and legal writings have been frequently praised. For example:
  • The Supreme Court of Texas and the Emancipation Cases, 69 Tex. Bar Journal 948 (November 2006): “Everyone made aware of this article is passing it along to others”; “I’d like to see this article expanded and made available in a national publication.”   Rantomat.blogspot.com.
  • Briefing in 1464-Eight, Ltd. v. Joppich, 154 S.W.3d 101 (Tex. 2005): Described by two Texas Supreme Court staff attorneys as containing an issue statement that “gets immediately to the deep issue and thus sparks interest in the case.”  Cassandra Burke Robinson & Amy J. Schumacher, Sample Issues/Points Presented at p.1, Practice Before the Texas Supreme Court (2005).
  • Lost Secret Revealed: The Seven ABC’s of Successful Appellate Advocacy, Certworthy (Winter 2005), which was cited by the Honorable Justice Michael Kirby, Justice of the High Court of Australia in his 2006 Dame Ann Ebsworth Memorial Lecture, received the following compliments:
    • “[The article’s] important points apply to trial-level advocacy as well as appellate advocacy.”  Evan Schaeffer, The Illinois Trial Practice Weblog, April 6, 2005.
    • “Here is a great article written by Robert Gilbreath. I hope you enjoy this article as much as I did.”  John A. Day, Day on Torts Law Blog, April 11, 2005.
  • Caught in a Crossfire – Preventing and Handling Conflicts of Interest: Guidelines For Texas Insurance Defense Counsel, 27 Tex. Tech Law Rev. 139 (1996): Described as one of “several excellent secondary sources that deal with the nature of this relationship.”  Nat’l Bus. Inst., Ins. Law Update at 95 (2007). Also, the National Law Journal listed this article in its “Worth Reading” column in July 1996, and West Publishing selected the article for its 1997-98 Insurance Law Review publication
  • “[J]ust read your petition for review in D.R. Horton-Texas, Ltd. v. Markel Int’l Ins. Co., Ltd.  I don’t think I’ve ever felt compelled to do this before – but I just want to say it’s one of the finest pieces of work I’ve read . . . and I’ve read a lot of briefs in the last 25 years." (From an e-mail sent by a former court of appeals justice now practicing law with a large, national firm).  
  • Tape Recording of Conversations: Ethics, Legality, and Admissibility, 59 Tex. Bar. J. 950 (Nov. 1996) (cited in Report for Congress, “Privacy: An Overview of Federal Statutes Governing Wiretapping and Electronic Eavesdropping” (Updated January 13, 2003) [also available at http:// wikileaks.org/wiki/CRS-98-251 (February 2, 2009)]).

Presentations

"Finding the One Thing That Wins the Appeal,"  Dallas Bar Association Appellate Section (April 2011)

"Don't Be Ugly: Good Typography and Document Design," Dallas Bar Association Appellate Section (June 2011)

"A Conversation About the Results of the Judicial Poll," presented to Dallas Bar Association Appellate Section (March 2010)

Panel Member, "A Candid Discussion Between Appellate Counsel and Court of Appeals Justices," Joint Appellate Seminar by the Dallas, Collin, and Tarrant County Bar Associations (October 2009)

"The Charge Conference: Defendant's Perspective," State Bar of Texas Advanced Personal Injury Seminar (July, August, and September 2009).

"Briefs: Everything But the Argument," Presented at "Soaking Up Some CLE": A South Texas Litigation Seminar, Texas Bar CLE (June 2009)

"A Refresher Course On Basic Error Preservation Techniques"

"Soaking Up Some CLE A South Texas Litigation Seminar," Texas Bar CLE (May 15, 2008)

Dallas Bar Association Business Litigation Section meeting (May 11, 2004)

State Bar Labor and Employment Section CLE (October 29, 2004)

"The Seven ABC's of Successful Appellate Advocacy"

Austin Bar Association Appellate Law Section (January 17, 2008);

Dallas Bar Association Business Litigation Section, (February 12, 2008)

Dallas Bar Association Appellate Law Section (February 21, 2008)

"Crafting the Court's Charge"

Dallas Bar Association Construction Law Section (September 6, 2007)

University of Texas Conference on State and Federal Appeals (May 31, 2007)

Dallas Bar Association Appellate Section (January 18, 2007)

Dallas Bar Association Trial Skills Section (August 11, 2006)

SELECTED CASES

• El Dorado Land Co., L.P. v. City of McKinney, __ S.W.3d __ (Tex. 2013) (holding that client’s option to re-purchase real property was a compensable future interest for inverse condemnation purposes).
• In re J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., 373 S.W.3d 610 (Tex. App.—San Antonio 2012, orig. proceeding) (granting writ of mandamus enforcing mandatory venue provision).
• Pounders v. Enserch E&C, Inc., 276 P.3d 502 (Az. App. 2012) (affirming trial court judgment applying New Mexico statute of repose to find that plaintiffs' claims are barred).
• In re Swift Transp. Co., 2011 WL 4031029 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2011, orig. proceeding) (granting writ of mandamus and vacating trial court's overly broad discovery order).
• In re Coy Reece, 341 S.W.3d 360 (Tex. 2011) (granting mandamus relief and holding that client’s perjury during deposition was not punishable as contempt of court).
• Whiteside v. Decker Hallman, 310 Ga. App. 16 (2011) (affirming summary judgment for law firm client accused of breaching fiduciary duties to its client).
• Ritchie v. Rupe, 339 S.W.3d 275 (Tex. App.—Dallas 2011, pet. pending) (reversing trial court judgment in part on grounds that damages award against client was improperly calculated and thus excessive). 
• Lockman v. S.R. Smith, LLC, 2010 WL 5158571 (11th Cir. 2010) (per curiam) (affirming district court’s grant of summary judgment to industry trade group client sued for alleged negligence in promulgating swimming pool design specifications). 
• Osmose, Inc. v. Timber Products Inspection, Inc., 612 F.3d 1298 (11th Cir. 2010) (affirming trial court’s preliminary injunction in favor of client in Lanham Act false advertising case).  
• In re Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc., 315 S.W.3d 888 (Tex. June 25, 2010) (holding that stay of litigation was required when related claims would eventually be arbitrated)
• D.R. Horton-Texas, Ltd. v. Markel Int’l Ins. Co., Ltd., 300 S.W.3d 740 (Tex. 2009) (reversing summary judgment against client on duty to indemnify issue and clarifying preexisting Texas law on that issue).
• In re Edward & Margie Wilhite, 2009 WL 3152961 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 2009, orig. proceeding) (en banc) (holding that trial judge was not disqualified from presiding over case).
• Coates v. Coates, WL 679592 (Tex. App.--Dallas 2009, pet. denied) (affirming trial court's judgment that plaintiff take nothing on fraud and breach of fiduciary duty claims arising out of sale of corporate assets).
• In re Citigroup Global Markets, Inc., 258 S.W.3d 623 (Tex. 2008) (holding that client’s removal activities in federal court did not waive right to compel arbitration)
• Medical City of Dallas, Ltd. v. Carlisle Corp., 251 S.W.3d 255 (Tex. 2008) (reversing court of appeals’ judgment and rendering judgment that client was entitled to recover attorneys’ fees for breach of express warranty claim).
• In re: General Elec. Co., 271 S.W.3d 681 (Tex. 2008) (holding that trial court abused its discretion in denying client’s motion to dismiss on forum non conveniens grounds)
• Continental Homes of Texas, L.P. v. City of San Antonio, 275 S.W.3d 9 (Tex. App. San Antonio 2008, pet. denied) (reversing trial court judgment and rendering judgment granting declaratory relief and attorneys' fees to client in case involving vested rights and applicability of city's tree preservation ordinance).
• Belo Corp. v. Publicaciones Paso Del Norte, S.A. De C.V., 243 S.W.3d 152 (Tex. App. El Paso 2007, pet. denied) (reversing trial court's order denying media defendant's motion for summary judgment and rendering judgment that plaintiff take nothing because there was no genuine issue of material fact that defendant acted with actual malice).
• In re Merrill  Lynch Trust Co., FSB, 235 S.W.3d 185 (Tex. 2007) (granting petition for writ of mandamus and ordering trial court to compel arbitration of claims against broker and stay claims against other defendants until completion of arbitration). 
• In re UBS Fin. Serv., Inc., 241 S.W.3d 179 (Tex. App. Fort Worth 2007, orig. proceeding) (granting petition for writ of mandamus and ordering trial court to compel arbitration of claims against brokerage firm).
• Lewis v. CNL Restaurant Properties, Inc., 223 S.W.3d 784 (Tex. App. Dallas 2007, no pet.) (affirming judgment dismissing limited partners' breach of contract and breach of fiduciary duties claims against general partners on grounds that claims were derivative in nature and therefore could not be maintained as a direct action).
• 1464-Eight, Ltd. v. Joppich, 154 S.W.3d 101 (Tex. 2005) (reversing court of appeals' judgment and holding that recited nominal consideration of $10 in option agreement need not actually be paid to make contract enforceable).
• Humane Society of Dallas v. Dallas Morning News, Humane Society of Dallas v. Dallas Morning News.
• COC Services, LTD v. CompUSA Inc., 150 S.W.3d 654 (Tex. App.--Dallas 2004, pet. denied) (affirming judgment notwithstanding the verdict and ordering that plaintiff take nothing in case where jury awarded over $250 Million in damages against client based on allegations that client reneged on agreement to license franchise operations in Mexico).
• Fitz v. Days Inns Worldwide, Inc., 147 S.W.3d 467 (Tex. App. San Antonio 2004, pet. denied) (affirming summary judgment for client in case where plaintiff sought damages for personal injury that occurred on client's premises)
• Castle Texas Production Ltd. P'ship v. The Long Trusts, 134 S.W.3d 267 (Tex. App.—Tyler 2003, pet. denied) (reversing judgment for plaintiff of over $3 million based on allegations that client converted natural gas and condensate and breached joint operating agreement)
• Beal Bank, S.S.B. v. Schleider, 124 S.W.3d 640 (Tex. App. Houston [14th Dist.] 2003, pet. denied) (reversing judgment for plaintiff based on alleged fraud and rendering judgment for client on counterclaim for amount due under note).
• Greg Abbott, Attorney General of Texas v. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, Inc., 113 S.W.3d 753 (Tex. App. Austin 2003, pet. denied) (affirming judgment for client in action by State of Texas to declare client a charity and seize assets valued at more than $500 Million).
• Texas Bldg. Owners & Mgrs. Assoc. v. Public Utility Comm'n, MCI Worldcom, 110 S.W.3d 524 (Tex. App. Austin 2003, pet. denied) (affirming judgment for client in action where plaintiffs sought a ruling that statute requiring owners to give telecommunications companies access to property was unconstitutional).
• Dillard Dept. Stores, Inc. v. Gonzales, 72 S.W.3d 398 (Tex. App. El Paso 2002, pet. denied) (reversing $9 Million judgment against client based on alleged infliction of emotional distress and rendering judgment that plaintiff take nothing).
• Nolen v. Nucentrix Broadband Networks, Inc., Wireless One, Inc., 293 F.3d 926 (5th Cir. 2002) (affirming dismissal of RICO action against client for allegedly collecting unlawful debts).
• Revell v. Lidov, 317 F.3d 467 (5th Cir. 2002) (affirming ruling that client's out-of-state internet activities did not subject him to jurisdiction in Texas).
• State of New Mexico v. Caudle, 108 S.W.3d 319 (Tex. App. Tyler 2002, pet. denied) (reversing trial court order refusing to dismiss claims against client and holding that doctrine of comity compelled dismissal).
• Texas Commerce Bank, N.A. v. Grizzle, 96 S.W.3d 240 (reversing court of appeals' decision holding, among other things, that client's trust agreement exculpatory clause was void as against public policy).
• Lougay Toles v. Edward Toles, 45 S.W.3d 252 (Tex. App.--Dallas 2001, pet. denied) (pro bono representation of wife in tort claim against former husband; court of appeals reversed trial court judgment and held wife was entitled to recover emotional distress damages found by jury for abuse during the marriage).
• City of Garland v. Dallas Morning News, 2 S.W.3d 351 (holding that city manager's memorandum to city council regarding termination of finance director was a public record that must be made available to client).
• Dao v. Cao, WL 1593958 (Tex. App.--Dallas 2000, pet. denied) (reversing judgment for plaintiff based on jury findings of libel and intentional infliction of emotional distress and rendering judgment that plaintiff take nothing from client).
• Legend Airlines, Inc. v. City of Fort Worth, 23 S.W.3d 83 (Tex. App.--Fort Worth 2000, no pet.) (reversing trial court's judgment declaring that City of Dallas was required to prohibit client's interstate passenger service to or from Love Field).
• Crowson v. Kansas City S. Ry. Co., 11 S.W.3d 300 (Tex. App. Eastland 1999, pet. denied) (affirming trial court's take-nothing judgment for the defendant in FELA claim by injured railroad employee).
• MCI Telecommunication Corp. v. Texas Util. Elec. Corp., 995 S.W.2d 647 (Tex. 1999) (affirming in part and reversing in part trial court judgment for Texas Utilities based on allegations that MCI's trenching activities damaged utility poles).
• Triton Commercial Prop., Ltd. v. Norwest Bank Texas, N.A., 1 S.W.3d 814 (Tex. App. Corpus Christi 1999, pet. denied) (reversing trial court's summary judgment against client and holding that client was entitled to trial on issue of whether option to purchase real estate was enforceable despite late payment of extension fee).
• East Texas Med. Ctr. Cancer Inst. v. Anderson, 991 S.W.2d 55 (Tex. App. Tyler 1998, pet. denied) (reversing judgment for plaintiff based on jury's finding of slander, breach of contract, and tortious interference and rendering judgment that plaintiff take nothing from client).
• Glassell v. Ellis, 956 S.W.2d 676 (Tex. App Texarkana 1997, pet. denied) (affirming trial court order certifying class action by royalty interest owners in oil and gas unit against unit operator).

Articles and publications

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Practice areas

Education

J.D., cum laude, Baylor University School of Law (1989)

• Baylor Law Review, Lead Articles Editor

B.B.A., with honors, Baylor University (1987)

Bar admissions

Courts

• State Courts of Texas
• United States Supreme Court
• United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
• United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit 
• United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
• United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit
• United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas
• United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas
• United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas

News

• San Francisco
• St. Louis
• New York
• Los Angeles
• Dallas
• Charleston
• Austin
• Atlanta