Jim Taylor - Of Counsel

Jim Taylor is Of Counsel in the Houston Office of Beck, Redden & Secrest, L.L.P. He joined the firm in 1995 after serving as a law clerk for the Honorable Sam Johnson, United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Judicial Circuit. Mr. Taylor’s practice focuses on complex commercial litigation, business disputes, and oil and gas litigation. He represents clients in both state and federal courts. Mr. Taylor represents clients in a wide variety of disputes including business litigation, professional liability, employment litigation, securities litigation, oil and gas disputes, intellectual property disputes, and patent litigation.

Educational Background

• 1993 – J.D. – South Texas College of Law, Summa Cum Laude
• 1989 – B.A. History, Abilene Christian University, Summa Cum Laude

Professional Activities and Memberships

• State Bar of Texas
• Houston Bar Association
• Houston Young Lawyers Association

Representative Cases

• Represented a small oil and gas company in a claim against a large oil and gas producer in a case involving breach of a confidentiality agreement. The Firm obtained a verdict for $140 million and a judgment for $120 million.
• Represented a mid-size law firm in a professional liability action arising out of an estate estimated at over $1 billion. After five months of trial, the Firm obtained a directed verdict on behalf of its client.
• Represented a national accounting firm in a legal malpractice action. The Firm obtained a jury verdict and a judgment of no liability and no damages.
• Represented a major chemical supplier in an international arbitration in a claim against the Firm’s client of over $100 million. The Firm prevailed in the arbitration and obtained an award on a counterclaim for several million dollars.
• Represented a major software company in a claim against a customer arising out of the design and implementation of custom software. The Firm obtained an arbitration award of over $2 million.
• Represented a major Texas law firm against claims of malicious prosecution. The Firm prevailed on a motion to dismiss the federal claims and secured an agreed dismissal of state claims.
• Represented a large home insurance company in a class action against claims for several hundred million dollars.
• Represented a major oil & gas company against claims of sexual harassment. Obtained summary judgment on behalf of the client.
• Represented a railroad in connection with substantial issues relating to tax liabilities after a corporate spinoff. Obtained summary judgment on behalf of the Firm’s client.
• Represented various clients in securities fraud class action cases and derivative litigation.
• Represented various clients in intellectual property and patent matters.Frequently retained by individuals and small companies to represent them in business, contract, and employment disputes

Civic Involvement

• Serves as a Deacon at West University Church of Christ