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William J. Dyer

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Avvo Rating10
  • Houston, TX
  • Licensed for 40 years
  • Free consultation
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About William

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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Practice areas

Litigation
  1. 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.

    41 years, 600 cases

Languages spoken

English

Photos and videos

1770573 1295848783

Contact

Law Office of William J. Dyer

1800 St. James Place, Suite 105
Houston, TX, 77056-4109

      Resume

      License
      StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
      TXEligible To Practice In Texas 198005/31/2021
      We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
      Avvo Contributions
      Legal answers1105
      Legal guides1
      Awards
      Award nameGrantorDate granted
      Board Certified - Civil TrialTexas Board of Legal Specialization2010
      Outstanding ParticipantNational Institute for Trial Advocacy, National Session1985
      Chancellor (top 16 students)Chancellors Society, Texas Law School1980
      Member (top 10% of class)Order of the Coif, Texas Law School1980
      American Jurisprudence Award in Advanced Constitutional LawWest Publishing Co.1979
      American Jurisprudence Award in Business AssociationsWest Publishing Co.1978
      American Jurisprudence Award in TortsWest Publishing Co.1978
      Special Honors in Plan IIPlan II Interdisciplinary Honors Program1977
      Outstanding Student AwardCactus (UT-Austin Yearbook)1977
      Work Experience
      TitleCompany nameDuration
      PrincipalLaw Office of William J. Dyer2006 - Present
      Of CounselBroemer & Associates2005 - 2006
      Of CounselWeisblatt & Associates2002 - 2005
      PrincipalLaw Office of William J. Dyer2001 - 2002
      Of CounselStrong, Pipkin, Bissell & Ledyard1999 - 2001
      PrincipalLaw Office of William J. Dyer1993 - 1999
      ShareholderThompson & Knight1992 - 1993
      PartnerWeil Gotshal & Manges1989 - 1991
      AssociateWeil Gotshal & Manges1988 - 1988
      AssociateBaker Botts1981 - 1987
      Law ClerkJudge Carolyn D. King, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit1980 - 1981
      Summer AssociateSullivan & Cromwell1980 - 1980
      Summer AssociateThompson & Knight1979 - 1979
      Summer AssociateBaker Botts1979 - 1979
      Summer AssociateGraves, Dougherty, Hearon, Moody & Garwood1978 - 1978
      Associations
      Association namePosition nameDuration
      Texas Association of Civil Trial and Appellate SpecialistsMember2012 - Present
      College of the State Bar of TexasMember2009 - Present
      Bar of the United States Supreme CourtMember1991 - Present
      Bar of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of TexasMember1988 - Present
      Bar of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of TexasMember1988 - Present
      Bar of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of TexasMember1988 - Present
      Houston Bar AssociationMember1981 - Present
      HBA Litigation SectionMember1981 - Present
      Bar of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth CircuitMember1980 - Present
      State Bar of TexasMember1980 - Present
      Bar of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of TexasMember1980 - Present
      Bar of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh CircuitMember1980 - Present
      Texas Law ReviewBook Review Editor, Member1978 - 1980
      Phi Beta KappaMember1977 - 1977
      Phi Kappa PhiMember1977 - 1977
      Longhorn BandTrumpet Section Leader, Member1975 - 1979
      Publications
      Publication nameTitleDate
      Texas Law ReviewNote, Community Property Rights and the Business Partnership1979
      Education
      School nameDegreeGraduated
      University of Texas School of LawJD with High Honors (top 5%)1980
      University of Texas at AustinBA with High Honors1977
      Speaking Engagements
      Conference nameTitleDate
      South Texas College of Law's Texas Insurance Law Symposium - HoustonInsurance-Generated Ethical Concerns in Civil Litigation2009
      South Texas College of Law's "Just Ethics" CLE Luncheon Series - HoustonInsurance-Generated Ethical Concerns in Civil Litigation2009
      South Texas College of Law's Third Annual Seminar on Advanced Business Litigation - HoustonThe Tactical Use – and Misuse – of Motions to Disqualify1990
      South Texas College of Law's Third Annual Seminar on Advanced Business Litigation - DallasThe Tactical Use – and Misuse – of Motions to Disqualify1989
      Legal cases
      Case nameOutcome
      ONCA Petroleum Development v. PPI Technology ServicesSecured defense verdict after jury trial
      Galperti Inc. v. Galperti S.r.A. & Allied Fitting LPWon injunction hearing, leading to quick dismissal
      Southeast Keller Corp. v. Francotyp-PostaliaSecured excellent confidential settlement
      FETA v. Millicom Incorporated & Vodafone PLCComplete defense verdict after six-week jury trial
      Born v. Virginia City Nightclub & SaloonSecured defense verdict after jury trial
      Matsushita Electric Corp. v. McAllen Copy Data, Inc.Won state-court appeal overturning default
      Greyhound Lines, Inc. v. NLRB (In re Eagle Bus Mfg. Co.)Defeated NLRB & Greyhound's Union on $200M+ claims
      Panasonic Co. v. ZinnWon 5th Circuit appeal on breach of contract case
      Fred Rosen et al. v. First Winthrop Corp et al.Negotiated Prudential's dismissal for $0
      Wehling v. Columbia Broadcasting SystemWon 5th Circuit appeal in defamation case

      Reviews

      (4)
      5 Star
      		100%
      4 Star
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      3 Star
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      2 Star
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      1 Star
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      Review William Dyer

      In the trenches with you...

      Posted by

      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.
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

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

      Posted by

      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.

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

      Posted by

      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.

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

      Posted by

      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.
      William Dyer's response: 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.

      Attorney endorsements

      (10)
      Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

      Grant Scheiner, Litigation Attorney on Nov 18, 2008
      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 on Nov 18, 2008
      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 on Aug 20, 2015
      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

      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 on Oct 1, 2014
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      I endorse this lawyer.

      Andrew Weisblatt, Litigation Attorney on Jun 27, 2013
      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 on Dec 4, 2008
      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 on Dec 2, 2008
      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 on Dec 1, 2008
      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.

      Michael Floreani, Litigation Attorney on Nov 18, 2008
      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.

      Anthony Weiner, Litigation Attorney on Nov 18, 2008
      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.

      Grant Scheiner, Litigation Attorney on Nov 18, 2008
      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.

      Cost

      RATES
      • Hourly Rates$1-$500/hour
      • Free Consultation Some lawyers offer a free consultation to help determine whether their services are right for your legal needs
        120 minutes
      OTHER BILLING TYPES
      • Contingency A contingency fee is the percent of the final award a lawyer will receive as compensation. For some of these cases, lawyers will only be paid if there is a successful outcome.
        1%-99%
      • Retainer Some attorneys require an upfront payment to secure their services before they begin their work.
        Sometimes
      • Pro-bono Many lawyers provide free legal help to low-income clients. The percent listed indicates how much of a lawyer's practice is pro bono work.
        10%
      PAYMENT METHODS

      Cash, Check