David J. Beck
Partner
,
Direct: 713.951.6209
Fax: 713.951.3720
Direct: 713.951.6209
Fax: 713.951.3720
David J. Beck is consistently recognized as one of our country’s best trial lawyers.
David J. Beck, formerly a senior partner at Fulbright & Jaworski in Houston, Texas, founded Beck Redden L.L.P. in January 1992. Mr. Beck previously served as President of the State Bar of Texas (1995-96), President of the American College of Trial Lawyers (2006-07), President of the International Association of Defense Counsel (1991-92); and as Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Center for American and International Law (2011-15). He currently serves as Chair of the Texas Supreme Court Historical Society Fellows (2012-2023). He is a Fellow of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers and a Diplomate of ABOTA. He was named by the National Law Journal as one of the top 10 trial lawyers in the United States and one of the top trial lawyers in the Southwest. He has been included in The Best Lawyers in America© for over thirty years, in eight separate areas of litigation practice.
Mr. Beck’s numerous honors include: Recognized as a “Legal Legend” by the Litigation Section of the State Bar of Texas (2022); recipient of the Justice Eugene A. Cook Professionalism Award from the Houston Bar Association (2021); Award for Achievement in the Pursuit of Justice for All by The Center for American and International Law (2019); Law Dragon 500 Leading Lawyers Hall of Fame (2017); Luke H. Soules III Award for Excellence in Litigation by the State Bar Litigation Section (2016), and the 2016 Good Apple Award by Texas Appleseed for, among other things, strengthening Texas’s legal profession; Trial Lawyer of the Year by the Texas Chapter of TEX-ABOTA (2015); and the American Inns of Court Professionalism Award for Fifth Circuit (2011).
In 2004, United States Supreme Court Chief Justice William Rehnquist appointed Mr. Beck to the prestigious Judicial Conference Standing Committee on Rules of Practice and Procedure. The Committee’s members include some of the leading judges, academicians, and practitioners in the United States. In 2007, Chief Justice John Roberts reappointed him to a three-year term on the Committee.
In the 25th anniversary issue of Texas Lawyer, Mr. Beck was named as one of the 25 greatest Texas lawyers of the past quarter-century. Most recently, he received the Joe Reynold’s award from the American College of Trial Lawyer for “actions and accomplishments that manifest a lifetime’s commitment to advancing the administration of justice through service to the legal profession.”
Mr. Beck is an Adjunct Professor at UT Law School. He also has won various awards for his legal writing. In 2019, he received the Outstanding Law Review Article Award from the Texas Bar Foundation for his co-authored article “Legal Malpractice in Texas”, published in 70 Baylor Law Review 213 (2018). He also is the author of Thompson Reuters’ Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code (2005-2023).
“He’s the preeminent trial lawyer in this market.”
– Chambers USA, 2023
-
Representative experience
- Texas Supreme Court affirms dismissal of $535 million judgement against Enterprise Products Partners LP.
- Lead counsel in defense of Cameron International Corporation (blowout preventer manufacturer) in the Gulf oil spill Multidistrict Litigation. After six weeks of trial, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana found that Cameron was not liable to any claimant and entered an order completely dismissing Cameron from the litigation.
- Trial victory for Exxon Mobil Corporation (“ExxonMobil”) in Exxon Mobil Corp. v. Trade Exploration et al.; pending in the 189th Judicial District Court of Harris County, Texas. ExxonMobil was seeking indemnity from an entity and certain individuals who had bought mineral interests from ExxonMobil in Louisiana, and had promised to defend and indemnify ExxonMobil from any future litigation. As a result of the buyers’ wrongful refusal to uphold their promises, ExxonMobil had to settle two major environmental lawsuits in Louisiana, including claims for $3.9 billion. After a nearly three-week trial, ExxonMobil won a victory on all jury issues. Judgment was entered, and the case is now pending before the Houston Court of Appeals. Reagan Brown of Norton Rose Fulbright and Joe Thompson of Watt Thompson also had major roles in the trial.
- In Camilla Hardy, et al, v. Second Street Properties, et al, several limited partners in a limited partnership removed the general partner, our client, and then unlawfully elected a replacement without his consent. When our client sued to enforce his rights under the Partnership Agreement, the limited partners countersued, claiming he breached his fiduciary and contractual duties by acquiring certain properties years earlier. After trial, the jury found that our client never agreed to majority election of a replacement general partner and that he complied with his contractual and fiduciary duties in two of the three major transactions. Although the jury found our client liable on the transaction through which he acquired the “City and District Tracts”, the jury awarded only $1 in damages. The trial court also required the Partnership to reimburse our client for his acquisition and holding costs. This case is currently on appeal.
- Obtained defense verdict for Memorial Hermann Hospital System in a major antitrust lawsuit in Texas state court as lead counsel. Assisted by Beck Redden partner Geoff Gannaway, the trial lasted almost two and a half months. The plaintiffs, who were physician-investors in a now defunct physician-owned hospital in West Houston, claimed that Memorial Hermann was responsible for their hospital’s failure and asserted antitrust claims and claims for tortious interference with prospective and existing business relationships. The plaintiffs sought millions in actual damages, plus several millions in attorneys’ fees. The jury entered a complete defense verdict.
- Lead trial counsel for Level 3 Communications, Global Crossing, and Qwest Communications in a patent infringement action tried to a federal court jury in Marshall, Texas. The companies, builders/owners of the cable infrastructure of the internet, were accused of infringing patent claims related to voice-over-internet-telephony (“VOIP”). The case settled favorably after the patent owner presented its evidence to the jury.
- Lead trial counsel for ExxonMobil Corporation in a breach of contract lawsuit brought by a former ExxonMobil executive who was seeking millions of dollars. The lawsuit also questioned the validity of the company-wide executive compensation program. The jury returned a complete defense verdict.
-
Honors & Awards
- Recipient of the Joe Reynolds Award from The American College of Trial Lawyers (2023)
- Recipient of the Justice Eugene A. Cook Professionalism Award from the Houston Bar Association (2021)
- Texas Law Alumni Association Award for Lifetime Achievement (2021)
- Recipient of the E. Ernest Goldstein Award given to a Distinguished Texas International Law Journal Alumnus (2023)
- Named in Best Lawyers in America for Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Legal Malpractice Law – Defendants, Litigation – Antitrust, Litigation – Environmental, Litigation – Intellectual Property, Litigation – Patent, Natural Resources Law (1983-2024)
- Named in Global Leader in Product Liability Defense by Who’s Who Legal (2020)
- Recipient of the Award for Achievement in the Pursuit of Justice for All by The Center for American and International Law for promoting equal justice worldwide (2019)
- Co-recipient of the Outstanding Law Review Article Award from Texas Bar Foundation for “Legal Malpractice in Texas”, published in the Baylor Law Review (2018)
- Named in Benchmark Litigation as a National Practice Area Star, Top 100 Trial Lawyers, and Litigation Star, (2018-2024)
- Recognized in Chambers USA with a Band 1 ranking, the highest ranking attainable, in Litigation: Trial Lawyers (Nationwide); Litigation: Energy & Natural Resources (Texas); Litigation: General Commercial (Texas); Litigation: Trial Lawyers (Texas), 2013-2023
- Recognized in The Legal 500 United States as a Leading Lawyer, Energy Litigation: Oil and Gas (2018); Hall of Fame, Energy Litigation: Oil and Gas (2019-2023), National Leading Trial Lawyer (2020-2023)
- Recognized in Lawdragon 500 Leading Energy Lawyers, Energy Litigation, 2024
- Recognized in 2023 Lawdragon 500 Leading Global Litigators
- Recognized in 2017 Lawdragon 500 Leading Lawyers Hall of Fame
- Recognized in the inaugural 2017 Legal 500 Hall of Fame: Dispute Resolution – Leading Trial Lawyers
- Benchmark Litigation, “Top 100 Trial Lawyers in America,” (2017)
- Recognized in Chambers USA as a Leader in their Field for Litigation: Energy & Natural Resources (Texas), Litigation: General Commercial (Texas), Litigation: Trial Lawyers (Nationwide) (2013-2020)
- Recognized by Thomson Reuters “Top 10 Super Lawyers – Texas,” “Top 100 Super Lawyers – Texas,” “Top 100 Super Lawyers – Houston,” (2003-2020, 2022)
- Recipient of Good Apple Award by Texas Appleseed for promoting social and economic justice for all Texans by leveraging the skills and resources of volunteer lawyers and other professionals to identify practical solutions to difficult, systemic problems (2016)
- Recipient of the Luther (Luke) H. Soules III Award by the Litigation Section of the State Bar of Texas for embodying excellence in the practice of law and exemplary service to the Bar through outstanding professionalism and community impact (2016)
- Recognized in the Lawdragon 500 Leading Lawyers in America, Commercial Litigation, Class Action, Energy, (2016-2018, 2022, 2024)
- Recipient of the Lifetime of Excellence in Advocacy Award by the Texas Association of Civil Trial and Appellate Specialists (TACTAS) (2015)
- Recipient of the 2015 Trial Lawyer of the Year by the Texas Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates (TEX‐ABOTA)
- Named Global Commercial Litigation Lawyer of the Year, Who’s Who Legal (2014)
- Recognized as a 2013 Lawyer of the Year in Texas for Antitrust Law by Texas’ Best Lawyers in America
- Recognized in Texas Lawyer’s 2012 Go-To Guide as one of the top-notch lawyers for commercial litigation
- Recipient of the American Inns of Court Professionalism Award at the Fifth Circuit Judicial Conference (2011)
- Named by National Law Journal as one of the top 10 trial lawyers in the United States and one of the top trial lawyers in the Southwest
- Named one of the 25 Greatest Lawyers of the past quarter century, 25th Anniversary issue of Texas Lawyer Magazine (2010)
- Distinguished Alumnus of The University of Texas at Austin (2010)
- Named Houston Lawyer of the Year in “Bet-the-Company” Litigation, Best Lawyers (2009)
- Appointed to the prestigious Judicial Conference Standing Committee on Rules of Practice and Procedure by United States Supreme Court Chief Justice William Rehnquist, 2004. The Committee’s members include some of the leading judges, academicians, and practitioners in the United States. Re-appointed to a 3-year-term on the Standing Committee by Chief Justice John Roberts in 2007
- Recipient of the Leon Green Award from the Texas Law Review Association for outstanding contributions to the legal profession (2007)
- Honored with the Anti-Defamation League’s Jurisprudence Award in 2005. This award is presented annually to an outstanding member of the legal community who exhibits an exceptional commitment to equality, justice, fairness and community service.
- Voted by a poll of Texas lawyers as a “Go To Lawyer for Lawyers in Trouble” in Texas Lawyer (2002)
- Outstanding Alumnus of The University of Texas Law School (2000)
- Distinguished Alumnus of Lamar University (1999)
- Recipient of The University of Texas Law School Faculty Award (1985)
- Recognized Thomas Reuters Texas Super Lawyers – Business Litigation (2022 – 2023)
-
Professional Activities & Memberships
- State Bar of Texas (President, 1995-1996)
- Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers (President, 2006-2007)
- American College of Trial Lawyers Foundation (President, 2013-2017)
- Fellow, International Academy of Trial Lawyers
- Diplomate, American Board of Trial Advocates
- Fellow, Texas Supreme Court Historical Society (Chair, 2012-2020)
- International Association of Defense Counsel (President, 1991-1992)
- Chair, Board of Trustees of the Center for American and International Law (CAIL) (2010-2014); Board of Trustees and Executive Committee (currently)
September 1, 2022
January 31, 2020
July 30, 2015
October 19, 2012
October 19, 2012
October 10, 2023
September 9, 2023
September 9, 2023
August 8, 2023
June 6, 2023
March 3, 2023
December 12, 2022
October 10, 2022
September 9, 2022
August 8, 2022
June 6, 2022
May 5, 2022
January 1, 2022
October 10, 2021
September 9, 2021
August 8, 2021
August 8, 2021
June 6, 2021
June 6, 2021
December 12, 2020
December 12, 2020
October 10, 2020
October 10, 2020
August 8, 2020
April 4, 2020
September 9, 2019
August 8, 2019
September 9, 2018
August 8, 2018
David J. Beck
Partner,
Houston
Direct: 713.951.6209
Fax: 713.951.3720
Direct: 713.951.6209
Fax: 713.951.3720
David J. Beck, formerly a senior partner at Fulbright & Jaworski in Houston, Texas, founded Beck Redden L.L.P. in January 1992. Mr. Beck previously served as President of the State Bar of Texas (1995-96), President of the American College of Trial Lawyers (2006-07), President of the International Association of Defense Counsel (1991-92); and as Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Center for American and International Law (2011-15). He currently serves as Chair of the Texas Supreme Court Historical Society Fellows (2012-2023). He is a Fellow of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers and a Diplomate of ABOTA. He was named by the National Law Journal as one of the top 10 trial lawyers in the United States and one of the top trial lawyers in the Southwest. He has been included in The Best Lawyers in America© for over thirty years, in eight separate areas of litigation practice.
Mr. Beck’s numerous honors include: Recognized as a “Legal Legend” by the Litigation Section of the State Bar of Texas (2022); recipient of the Justice Eugene A. Cook Professionalism Award from the Houston Bar Association (2021); Award for Achievement in the Pursuit of Justice for All by The Center for American and International Law (2019); Law Dragon 500 Leading Lawyers Hall of Fame (2017); Luke H. Soules III Award for Excellence in Litigation by the State Bar Litigation Section (2016), and the 2016 Good Apple Award by Texas Appleseed for, among other things, strengthening Texas’s legal profession; Trial Lawyer of the Year by the Texas Chapter of TEX-ABOTA (2015); and the American Inns of Court Professionalism Award for Fifth Circuit (2011).
In 2004, United States Supreme Court Chief Justice William Rehnquist appointed Mr. Beck to the prestigious Judicial Conference Standing Committee on Rules of Practice and Procedure. The Committee’s members include some of the leading judges, academicians, and practitioners in the United States. In 2007, Chief Justice John Roberts reappointed him to a three-year term on the Committee.
In the 25th anniversary issue of Texas Lawyer, Mr. Beck was named as one of the 25 greatest Texas lawyers of the past quarter-century. Most recently, he received the Joe Reynold’s award from the American College of Trial Lawyer for “actions and accomplishments that manifest a lifetime’s commitment to advancing the administration of justice through service to the legal profession.”
Mr. Beck is an Adjunct Professor at UT Law School. He also has won various awards for his legal writing. In 2019, he received the Outstanding Law Review Article Award from the Texas Bar Foundation for his co-authored article “Legal Malpractice in Texas”, published in 70 Baylor Law Review 213 (2018). He also is the author of Thompson Reuters’ Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code (2005-2023).
-
Representative experience
- Texas Supreme Court affirms dismissal of $535 million judgement against Enterprise Products Partners LP.
- Lead counsel in defense of Cameron International Corporation (blowout preventer manufacturer) in the Gulf oil spill Multidistrict Litigation. After six weeks of trial, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana found that Cameron was not liable to any claimant and entered an order completely dismissing Cameron from the litigation.
- Trial victory for Exxon Mobil Corporation (“ExxonMobil”) in Exxon Mobil Corp. v. Trade Exploration et al.; pending in the 189th Judicial District Court of Harris County, Texas. ExxonMobil was seeking indemnity from an entity and certain individuals who had bought mineral interests from ExxonMobil in Louisiana, and had promised to defend and indemnify ExxonMobil from any future litigation. As a result of the buyers’ wrongful refusal to uphold their promises, ExxonMobil had to settle two major environmental lawsuits in Louisiana, including claims for $3.9 billion. After a nearly three-week trial, ExxonMobil won a victory on all jury issues. Judgment was entered, and the case is now pending before the Houston Court of Appeals. Reagan Brown of Norton Rose Fulbright and Joe Thompson of Watt Thompson also had major roles in the trial.
- In Camilla Hardy, et al, v. Second Street Properties, et al, several limited partners in a limited partnership removed the general partner, our client, and then unlawfully elected a replacement without his consent. When our client sued to enforce his rights under the Partnership Agreement, the limited partners countersued, claiming he breached his fiduciary and contractual duties by acquiring certain properties years earlier. After trial, the jury found that our client never agreed to majority election of a replacement general partner and that he complied with his contractual and fiduciary duties in two of the three major transactions. Although the jury found our client liable on the transaction through which he acquired the “City and District Tracts”, the jury awarded only $1 in damages. The trial court also required the Partnership to reimburse our client for his acquisition and holding costs. This case is currently on appeal.
- Obtained defense verdict for Memorial Hermann Hospital System in a major antitrust lawsuit in Texas state court as lead counsel. Assisted by Beck Redden partner Geoff Gannaway, the trial lasted almost two and a half months. The plaintiffs, who were physician-investors in a now defunct physician-owned hospital in West Houston, claimed that Memorial Hermann was responsible for their hospital’s failure and asserted antitrust claims and claims for tortious interference with prospective and existing business relationships. The plaintiffs sought millions in actual damages, plus several millions in attorneys’ fees. The jury entered a complete defense verdict.
- Lead trial counsel for Level 3 Communications, Global Crossing, and Qwest Communications in a patent infringement action tried to a federal court jury in Marshall, Texas. The companies, builders/owners of the cable infrastructure of the internet, were accused of infringing patent claims related to voice-over-internet-telephony (“VOIP”). The case settled favorably after the patent owner presented its evidence to the jury.
- Lead trial counsel for ExxonMobil Corporation in a breach of contract lawsuit brought by a former ExxonMobil executive who was seeking millions of dollars. The lawsuit also questioned the validity of the company-wide executive compensation program. The jury returned a complete defense verdict.
-
Honors & Awards
- Recipient of the Joe Reynolds Award from The American College of Trial Lawyers (2023)
- Recipient of the Justice Eugene A. Cook Professionalism Award from the Houston Bar Association (2021)
- Texas Law Alumni Association Award for Lifetime Achievement (2021)
- Recipient of the E. Ernest Goldstein Award given to a Distinguished Texas International Law Journal Alumnus (2023)
- Named in Best Lawyers in America for Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Legal Malpractice Law – Defendants, Litigation – Antitrust, Litigation – Environmental, Litigation – Intellectual Property, Litigation – Patent, Natural Resources Law (1983-2024)
- Named in Global Leader in Product Liability Defense by Who’s Who Legal (2020)
- Recipient of the Award for Achievement in the Pursuit of Justice for All by The Center for American and International Law for promoting equal justice worldwide (2019)
- Co-recipient of the Outstanding Law Review Article Award from Texas Bar Foundation for “Legal Malpractice in Texas”, published in the Baylor Law Review (2018)
- Named in Benchmark Litigation as a National Practice Area Star, Top 100 Trial Lawyers, and Litigation Star, (2018-2024)
- Recognized in Chambers USA with a Band 1 ranking, the highest ranking attainable, in Litigation: Trial Lawyers (Nationwide); Litigation: Energy & Natural Resources (Texas); Litigation: General Commercial (Texas); Litigation: Trial Lawyers (Texas), 2013-2023
- Recognized in The Legal 500 United States as a Leading Lawyer, Energy Litigation: Oil and Gas (2018); Hall of Fame, Energy Litigation: Oil and Gas (2019-2023), National Leading Trial Lawyer (2020-2023)
- Recognized in Lawdragon 500 Leading Energy Lawyers, Energy Litigation, 2024
- Recognized in 2023 Lawdragon 500 Leading Global Litigators
- Recognized in 2017 Lawdragon 500 Leading Lawyers Hall of Fame
- Recognized in the inaugural 2017 Legal 500 Hall of Fame: Dispute Resolution – Leading Trial Lawyers
- Benchmark Litigation, “Top 100 Trial Lawyers in America,” (2017)
- Recognized in Chambers USA as a Leader in their Field for Litigation: Energy & Natural Resources (Texas), Litigation: General Commercial (Texas), Litigation: Trial Lawyers (Nationwide) (2013-2020)
- Recognized by Thomson Reuters “Top 10 Super Lawyers – Texas,” “Top 100 Super Lawyers – Texas,” “Top 100 Super Lawyers – Houston,” (2003-2020, 2022)
- Recipient of Good Apple Award by Texas Appleseed for promoting social and economic justice for all Texans by leveraging the skills and resources of volunteer lawyers and other professionals to identify practical solutions to difficult, systemic problems (2016)
- Recipient of the Luther (Luke) H. Soules III Award by the Litigation Section of the State Bar of Texas for embodying excellence in the practice of law and exemplary service to the Bar through outstanding professionalism and community impact (2016)
- Recognized in the Lawdragon 500 Leading Lawyers in America, Commercial Litigation, Class Action, Energy, (2016-2018, 2022, 2024)
- Recipient of the Lifetime of Excellence in Advocacy Award by the Texas Association of Civil Trial and Appellate Specialists (TACTAS) (2015)
- Recipient of the 2015 Trial Lawyer of the Year by the Texas Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates (TEX‐ABOTA)
- Named Global Commercial Litigation Lawyer of the Year, Who’s Who Legal (2014)
- Recognized as a 2013 Lawyer of the Year in Texas for Antitrust Law by Texas’ Best Lawyers in America
- Recognized in Texas Lawyer’s 2012 Go-To Guide as one of the top-notch lawyers for commercial litigation
- Recipient of the American Inns of Court Professionalism Award at the Fifth Circuit Judicial Conference (2011)
- Named by National Law Journal as one of the top 10 trial lawyers in the United States and one of the top trial lawyers in the Southwest
- Named one of the 25 Greatest Lawyers of the past quarter century, 25th Anniversary issue of Texas Lawyer Magazine (2010)
- Distinguished Alumnus of The University of Texas at Austin (2010)
- Named Houston Lawyer of the Year in “Bet-the-Company” Litigation, Best Lawyers (2009)
- Appointed to the prestigious Judicial Conference Standing Committee on Rules of Practice and Procedure by United States Supreme Court Chief Justice William Rehnquist, 2004. The Committee’s members include some of the leading judges, academicians, and practitioners in the United States. Re-appointed to a 3-year-term on the Standing Committee by Chief Justice John Roberts in 2007
- Recipient of the Leon Green Award from the Texas Law Review Association for outstanding contributions to the legal profession (2007)
- Honored with the Anti-Defamation League’s Jurisprudence Award in 2005. This award is presented annually to an outstanding member of the legal community who exhibits an exceptional commitment to equality, justice, fairness and community service.
- Voted by a poll of Texas lawyers as a “Go To Lawyer for Lawyers in Trouble” in Texas Lawyer (2002)
- Outstanding Alumnus of The University of Texas Law School (2000)
- Distinguished Alumnus of Lamar University (1999)
- Recipient of The University of Texas Law School Faculty Award (1985)
- Recognized Thomas Reuters Texas Super Lawyers – Business Litigation (2022 – 2023)
-
Professional Activities & Memberships
- State Bar of Texas (President, 1995-1996)
- Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers (President, 2006-2007)
- American College of Trial Lawyers Foundation (President, 2013-2017)
- Fellow, International Academy of Trial Lawyers
- Diplomate, American Board of Trial Advocates
- Fellow, Texas Supreme Court Historical Society (Chair, 2012-2020)
- International Association of Defense Counsel (President, 1991-1992)
- Chair, Board of Trustees of the Center for American and International Law (CAIL) (2010-2014); Board of Trustees and Executive Committee (currently)
September 1, 2022
January 31, 2020
July 30, 2015
October 19, 2012
October 19, 2012
October 10, 2023
September 9, 2023
September 9, 2023
August 8, 2023
June 6, 2023
March 3, 2023
December 12, 2022
October 10, 2022
September 9, 2022
August 8, 2022
June 6, 2022
May 5, 2022
January 1, 2022
October 10, 2021
September 9, 2021
August 8, 2021
August 8, 2021
June 6, 2021
June 6, 2021
December 12, 2020
December 12, 2020
October 10, 2020
October 10, 2020
August 8, 2020
April 4, 2020
September 9, 2019
August 8, 2019
September 9, 2018
August 8, 2018