Austin D. Jones

CONTACT

Austin@austindjones.com

(T) 214.850.8015

EDUCATION

JD, 2001, The University of Texas School of Law

BA, 1997, Philosophy, Southwestern University

BAR ADMISSIONS

Texas 2001

US District Court for the Northern District of Texas,

US District Court for the Eastern District of Texas,

US District Court for the Western District of Texas,

US District Court for the Southern District of Texas

and US District Court of Colorado

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

Texas State Bar

Dallas Bar Association

Austin's practice is primarily focused on the management of electronically stored information in the context of an investigation or dispute. His practice focuses on the defensible and efficient collection, processing, organization, review and production of data. Austin represents corporate and individual clients and helps them comply with their obligations while controlling costs and driving efficiency. He also assists law firms by providing the necessary e-discovery expertise and management without permanently adding additional expense to existing overhead. The scope of Austin's engagements vary widely depending on the situation and the existing legal team that is primarily responsible for handling the matter.

Before Austin decided to dedicate his practice to the management of electronic data, He was a partner at Andrews Kurth LLP and represented clients in complex commercial litigation and arbitration involving a wide variety of industries. He also represented clients in connections with investigations initiated by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission. A significant portion of Austin's practice at Andrews Kurth was dedicated to counseling, handling, and managing all aspects of the engagement that related to electronic discovery. He was also a member of the technology committee and the cyber security committee.

Austin also has extensive experience regarding the effective use of technology in the courtroom. He has been heavily involved with efforts to train attorneys, paralegals and vendors how to use the new audio visual equipment in the Dallas County District Courts. Austin designs and operates trial databases developing presentations to effectively communicate with the trier of fact.

REPRESENTATIVE EXPERIENCE

  • Represented midstream service provider in merger investigation initiated by the Federal Trade Commission. Managed and coordinated all aspects of the data collection, processing, review and production. The investigation closed with no action taken.
  • Represented offshore operator in suit to recover the cost of plugging wells in the Gulf of Mexico. Obtained a $3.8 million jury verdict against defendant.
  • Represented oil and gas service provider in investigation initiated by the Department of Justice. Managed and coordinated various aspects of the data collection, processing, review and production. The investigation closed with no action taken.
  • Represented German manufacturer in a federal cyberpiracy case involving typosquatting. The court awarded the maximum amount of statutory damages, attorneys' fees and ordered transfer of the domain.
  • Defended exploration and production company in investigations by the Federal Trade Commission and the State of Alaska in connection with the acquisition of certain oil and gas assets. Managed and coordinated various aspects of the data collection and production to the FTC. The investigation closed with no action taken.
  • Defended individual officer in investigation initiated by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Managed and coordinated various aspects of the data collection, processing, review and production.
  • Defended exploration and production company in proposed class action initiated by royalty owners alleging the failure to reasonably develop various gas units. Class certification was denied.
  • Represented a dairy processor defendant in a series of coordinated putative class actions alleging conspiracies to reduce prices paid to dairy farmers for raw milk and to raise prices charged to purchasers of processed milk. Managed and coordinated various aspects of the data collection and production.
  • Represented major automobile manufacturer in a commercial lease and property condition dispute. Plaintiff sought termination of long-term lease and millions in damages. Arbitration panel denied termination request and awarded no monetary damages.
  • Represented a Houston-based producer in a multimillion dollar voting rights dispute arising under an operating agreement covering a producing field located off the coast of West Africa. Arbitration panel issued a unanimous award in favor of client.
  • Defended equity investment firm in business dispute involving an alleged breach of confidentiality. Settled after two-week jury trial.

EVENTS

  • "Dallas County Technology Upgrade," Dallas Bar Association (October 10, 2014); Texas Trial Lawyers Association (October 22, 2014); Dallas Judiciary and Staff (October 24, 2014); Dallas Association of Young Lawyers (December 5, 2014)
  • "Electronic Tools to Aid Litigation Practice in a Digital World," In-House CLE (April 15, 2011)
  • "Technology in the Courtroom," Solo Practitioner and Small Firm Section of the Dallas Bar Association (April 2, 2014); Ghana Delegation (June 9, 2014); Plano Bar Association (October3, 2014)
  • "Better Trial Techniques Through Technology," Dallas Bar Association (March 24, 2011, August 11, 2011 and July 12, 2013)

PUBLICATIONS

  • Annual Survey of Texas Law, "Construction and Surety Law" 56 SMU L. Rev. 1353 (2003)
  • Annual Survey of Texas Law, “Construction and Surety Law,” 55 SMU L. Rev. 775 (2002)

PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION

  • Represented Plaintiff in the 11th largest Contracts-related verdict in Texas ($3.8 million), Verdict Search (2011).
  • 2014 Texas Rising Star, Texas Monthly (2014).