William Dyer - Lawyer in Houston, TX

William J. Dyer

Litigation Attorney at Houston, TX

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In the trenches with you...

Bill represented me in a lawsuit recently. The people who I was fighting with were well funded and aggressive. He was right beside me the entire time. He guided me and helped me decide when to fight and when to settle. He helped me analyze my risks, my legal and factual strengths and my weaknesses. He helped me estimate the costs and ultimately when was the right time to settle. His sure and steady hand helped make a very difficult situation navigable. I strongly recommend you hire Bill Dyer to help you if you find yourself in a dispute with aggressive or powerful adversaries.

If I could give Mr. Dyer 6 stars, I would.

I was involved in an emotionally and financially draining civil lawsuit with my commercial landlord. The lawsuit dragged on for nearly two years. My landlord was himself an attorney and knew how to exploit the legal system to his advantage. Despite that I am a physician and a business owner, I felt I was being bullied by the landlord. Bill Dyer came to my rescue. He was not my original attorney at the beginning of the litigation. But I am so glad that he joined forces with my original attorney to quickly settle the case on favorable terms. Mr. Dyer has a big firm background, but he did not come off like any big firm attorney that I have ever met. He showed great passion in fighting for justice and standing up for "the little people." Mr. Dyer quickly analyzed and mastered all the legal issues in my case and basically took control of the court-ordered mediation. He persuaded the mediator and even my landlord that I would win if the case went to trial. It especially helped that my landlord was familiar with Mr. Dyer's reputation as a trial lawyer and he clearly did not wish to tangle with Mr. Dyer in court. Mr. Dyer and my original attorney worked together to save my business and put my legal nightmare to rest. I wholehartedly recommend having Mr. Dyer on your side. There is no greater comfort than knowing that you have a brilliant and passionate advocate when you go to court. Thank you, Bill, for helping me through a difficult time in my life.

About William

Learn William’s areas of practice.

Practice area

Litigation

100%

Board certified in civil trial law by TBLS.org, I have broad and deep experience as a first-chair jury trial lawyer in all kinds of civil cases, including commercial & personal injury cases, plus mediations, arbitrations, and other forms of ADR.
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43 years, 600 cases

With blue-chip law school credentials and a Fifth Circuit judicial clerkship under my belt, I spent the first half of my career to date practicing at large national law firms representing primarily Fortune 500 clients. Since then, I've practiced alone or in small firms, typically representing smaller companies and sometimes individuals.

I'm proud to have been the "first-chair" or lead lawyer in over three dozen trials on the merits — including over 25 jury trials — in the state and federal courts. Those cases have had amounts in controversy ranging from just $200 to well over $200 million.

Indeed, two of the first-chair lawsuits I've tried to a conclusion were "bet the company" cases for publicly traded corporate clients — meaning if I'd lost, those companies would have closed their doors, laid off all their officers and employees, and liquidated all their assets at fire-sale prices.

I've also been among counsel of record — sitting in something other than a "first-chair" role, but learning my craft from some very good lawyers — in more than a dozen additional trials on the merits (including ten more jury trials).

Additionally, I've been lead counsel or among counsel of record in more than a dozen additional injunction or other contested evidentiary hearings. I've participated in eight contested corporate takeovers. And I've been lead appellate counsel, or had major roles in, more than a dozen appeals.

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Licensed for 42 years

State TX

Status Eligible to Practice in Texas

Acquired 1980

Updated 10/23/2022

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

Contact William

Law Office of William J. Dyer

1800 St. James Place, Suite 105

Houston, TX, 77056-4109

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Reviews

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5.0 / 5.0

4 customer reviews

5 Star

100%

4 Star

3 Star

2 Star

1 Star

Posted by anonymous | June 11, 2017

In the trenches with you...

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Posted by Christine | January 17, 2011

If I could give Mr. Dyer 6 stars, I would.

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Posted by Mark | January 17, 2011

A good lawyer for out-of-the-ordinary lawsuits

Helped me in a really odd case -- one that is so unusual that if I provide details it would be recognizable. He nailed the strategy of the plaintiff's lawyers early on, and also got my homeowner's insurance company to step up to their responsibilities in representing me. He demonstrated both flexibility and imagination. It was a minor case for him -- but an important one for me. He treated me as if I were his biggest client rather than his smallest. I can only assume he treats every client as well. I would use him again if I ever got sued again.

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Posted by anonymous | November 18, 2008

I know what I'm talking about....

Bill Dyer is one of the best lawyers in Texas. When he seizes a project you can expect work that is of the highest quality. I am a lawyer and have employed lawyers both when I owned my own lawfirm and now as general counsel of a multi-national corporation and I have not met anyone who can research, write or try a case better than Bill. His work is simply of the highest quality available.

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Response from William Dyer January 19, 2011

Full disclosure: This reviewer was indeed the general counsel of a valued business client when he posted, but he's since re-entered private practice. Based on our complimentary skills and mutual regard, he and I collaborate frequently and closely on behalf of several clients.

Cost

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

Principal
Law Office of William J. Dyer
2006 - Present

Of Counsel
Broemer & Associates
2005 - 2006

Of Counsel
Weisblatt & Associates
2002 - 2005

Principal
Law Office of William J. Dyer
2001 - 2002

Of Counsel
Strong, Pipkin, Bissell & Ledyard
1999 - 2001

Principal
Law Office of William J. Dyer
1993 - 1999

Shareholder
Thompson & Knight
1992 - 1993

Partner
Weil Gotshal & Manges
1989 - 1991

Associate
Weil Gotshal & Manges
1988 - 1988

Associate
Baker Botts
1981 - 1987

Law Clerk
Judge Carolyn D. King, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
1980 - 1981

Summer Associate
Sullivan & Cromwell
1980 - 1980

Summer Associate
Thompson & Knight
1979 - 1979

Summer Associate
Baker Botts
1979 - 1979

Summer Associate
Graves, Dougherty, Hearon, Moody & Garwood
1978 - 1978

View all work experience

Education

University of Texas School of Law
JD with High Honors (top 5%)
1980

University of Texas at Austin
BA with High Honors
1977

Legal Cases

ONCA Petroleum Development v. PPI Technology Services
Secured defense verdict after jury trial

Galperti Inc. v. Galperti S.r.A. & Allied Fitting LP
Won injunction hearing, leading to quick dismissal

Southeast Keller Corp. v. Francotyp-Postalia
Secured excellent confidential settlement

View all legal cases

Associations

Texas Association of Civil Trial and Appellate Specialists
Member
2012 - Present

College of the State Bar of Texas
Member
2009 - Present

Bar of the United States Supreme Court
Member
1991 - Present

Bar of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas
Member
1988 - Present

Bar of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas
Member
1988 - Present

Bar of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas
Member
1988 - Present

Houston Bar Association
Member
1981 - Present

HBA Litigation Section
Member
1981 - Present

Bar of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
Member
1980 - Present

State Bar of Texas
Member
1980 - Present

Bar of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas
Member
1980 - Present

Bar of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit
Member
1980 - Present

Texas Law Review
Book Review Editor, Member
1978 - 1980

Phi Beta Kappa
Member
1977 - 1977

Phi Kappa Phi
Member
1977 - 1977

Longhorn Band
Trumpet Section Leader, Member
1975 - 1979

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Languages Spoken

English

Honors and Awards

Board Certified - Civil Trial
Texas Board of Legal Specialization
2010

Outstanding Participant
National Institute for Trial Advocacy, National Session
1985

Chancellor (top 16 students)
Chancellors Society, Texas Law School
1980

Member (top 10% of class)
Order of the Coif, Texas Law School
1980

American Jurisprudence Award in Advanced Constitutional Law
West Publishing Co.
1979

American Jurisprudence Award in Business Associations
West Publishing Co.
1978

American Jurisprudence Award in Torts
West Publishing Co.
1978

Special Honors in Plan II
Plan II Interdisciplinary Honors Program
1977

Outstanding Student Award
Cactus (UT-Austin Yearbook)
1977

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Publications

Texas Law Review
Note, Community Property Rights and the Business Partnership
1979

Speaking Engagements

South Texas College of Law's Texas Insurance Law Symposium - Houston
Insurance-Generated Ethical Concerns in Civil Litigation
2009

South Texas College of Law's "Just Ethics" CLE Luncheon Series - Houston
Insurance-Generated Ethical Concerns in Civil Litigation
2009

South Texas College of Law's Third Annual Seminar on Advanced Business Litigation - Houston
The Tactical Use – and Misuse – of Motions to Disqualify
1990

South Texas College of Law's Third Annual Seminar on Advanced Business Litigation - Dallas
The Tactical Use – and Misuse – of Motions to Disqualify
1989

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Attorney endorsements

Received (10)

Given (25)

Endorse William

Grant Scheiner

Litigation Attorney | Nov 18
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Bill Dyer is a ferocious trial lawyer with a razor-sharp intellect. His ability to immerse himself in the micro-details of a case is one of Bill's greatest strengths. I have often told colleagues that if I were putting together a "dream team" of civil litigators, Bill would be my first selection."

Michael Floreani

Litigation Attorney | Nov 18
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have worked with Mr. Dyer on many cases. His courtroom, legal analysis, advocacy and writing skills are superior. I place him in the top 5 lawyers I've ever known in any practice area."

Stuart Lautin

Litigation Attorney | Aug 20
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have been watching William's responses on AVVO. They are thoughtful, well-written and analytical. As well, William furnishes information that can be honestly used by the one posting the question, as opposed to the esoteric and erudite replies offered by others. I endorse William Dyer."

Ryan Dove

Unknown Attorney | Feb 22
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I cannot endorse Mr. Dyer enough. His analytic thinking skills and knowledge of the law combine to make him a formidable legal opponent. He is also compassionate which is a great trait to have when it comes to helping clients. He has helped mentor me over the years and is still my go to sounding board when I have particular legal issues/questions."

Robert von Dohlen

Litigation Attorney | Oct 01
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Andrew Weisblatt

Litigation Attorney | Jun 27
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have known Bill for over ten years. We have worked on dozens of cases together and I do not know any lawyer who is any smarter or well versed in both litigation and trial strategy. Bill likes to try cases and that comes through, both in his meticulous preparation and his willingness to go to the courthouse. Bill is a team player and works with ferocious intensity. There is no case that I would hesitate to send to Bill. If you're looking for the best, look no further."

Stewart Guss

Lawsuits and disputes Attorney | Dec 04
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work without reservation. Mr. Dyer is one of the most brilliant legal minds I have ever met. In addition to an astounding knowledge of law and procedure, he is also creative, passionate, and absolutely unrelenting in his advocacy on behalf of his clients. More than this, he conducts his practice with the utmost respect for ethics and fair play. I would hire Mr. Dyer without reservation for myself and I can endorse Mr. Dyer without reservation."

Martin Schexnayder

Lawsuits and disputes Attorney | Dec 02
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer's work. He is a tough, tenacious and intelligent lawyer."

Adam Schachter

Lawsuits and disputes Attorney | Dec 01
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Bill is the most amazing litigator I've ever encountered. He is so thorough and capable of identifying so many issues in a litigation matter that having him as a lawyer is almost like having several lawyers in one."

Anthony Weiner

Litigation Attorney | Nov 18
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"There are litigators and then there are trial lawyers. Many lawyers may rightfully call themselves good litigators. But good trial lawyers, people who successfully try cases to a jury verdict on a regular basis (when settlement negotiations do not result in a fair deal for their clients), are few and far between. Bill Dyer is a trial lawyer. And he is a good one. Bill brings to the table a wealth of knowledge, a lifetime of experience, and a past client list that runs the gamut from Fortune 500 companies (in "bet the company" cases) to legendary stuntman Evel Knievel. It has been my privilege to work with him in the past, and I look forward to the opportunity to work with him in the future."

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