J.D., Vanderbilt University Law School, 1999

Order of the Coif

B.A. (magna cum laude), Economics and Philosophy, Vanderbilt University, 1996; Phi Beta Kappa

Named a "Rising Star" by Texas Monthly and Law & Politics, 2007-2009, 2011

Judicial Clerk,
Hon. Edward E. Carnes,
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit

Jonathan Smith’s trial practice focuses on matters involving commercial, employment, and property litigation. In his appellate practice, Mr. Smith represents clients in federal and Texas appellate courts, as well as provides legal strategy and briefing support in litigation matters.

Before joining Shipley Snell Montgomery, Mr. Smith practiced in the Houston office of Baker Botts L.L.P.

Representative Engagements - Litigation

• Represented oil refinery in New York lawsuit to recover damages for contractor's breach of EPC contract
• Represented Texas-based energy company in multiple commercial lawsuits arising from gas trading activities
• Represented international petrochemical company in arbitration for determination of fair market value of joint venture interest in propylene oxide/styrene monomer manufacturing facility
  
• Represented foreign energy company against fraud and RICO claims by former shareholder
  
• Electrical transmission and distribution utility – obtained favorable jury verdicts and summary judgments in several personal injury and property damage cases
  
• Internet-based services company – obtained favorable jury verdict in trade secret misappropriation case
  
• Represented electrical, gas, and telecommunications utilities in right-of-way disputes, including obtaining a judgment for $10.2 million against county in action arising from forced relocation of electrical and gas facilities

Representative Engagements - Appellate

• Wärtsilä Finland Oy v. Duke Energy Int'l Guat. y CIA, S.C.A., 518 F.3d 287 (5th Cir. 2008):  successfully defended a $16 million judgment enforcing an international arbitration award
• Vela v. Wagner & Brown, Ltd., 203 S.W.3d 37 (Tex. App.—San Antonio 2006, no pet.):  successfully defended favorable defense verdict in action arising from alleged drainage of natural gas reservoir
  
• CenterPoint Energy Houston Elec., L.L.C. v. Harris County Toll Road Auth., 436 F.3d 541 (5th Cir. 2006):  successfully defended judgment for $10.2 million resulting from forced relocation of electrical and gas utility facilities from right-of-way
  

 

return to top