Jamila M. Brinson
Experience
- Arbitration
- Background Checks
- Banking Litigation
- Business Litigation
- Discrimination & Harassment Claims
- Diversity & Inclusion Counseling
- Employee Whistleblower & Retaliation Claims
- Employment & Governmental Investigations
- Employment Policies, Procedures, & Handbooks
- Employment Practice Audits
- Financial Institution Litigation
- Hiring, Performance Management, & Termination
- Labor & Employment Appellate
- Labor & Employment Litigation
- Media Litigation
- Non-Compete Issues
- South Korea
- Staffing, Independent Contractors, & Contingent Workers
- Unfair Competition & Trade Secrets
- Wage & Hour
- Workplace Ethics, Compliance, & Investigations
- Workplace Safety & Health
- Workplace Training
“When our organization faced a sudden crisis, Jamila and her team stepped in to provide the guidance, legal support, and data gathering we needed to get on top of the situation and turn things around.”
— Client
Biography
Jamila Marie Brinson is a zealous advocate for her clients. She understands that one size does not fit all and that each clientâs legal needs and goals are unique. She listens to and partners with each client to craft and implement legal strategies to obtain the best possible result in the shortest amount of time with the least amount of distraction to her clientsâ business. Jamila is fluent in Spanish and utilizes her language skills to the benefit of her clients.
Jamila chairs Jackson Walkerâs Diversity & Inclusion Counseling practice, which serves clients who are committed to fostering inclusion in its corporate culture by implementing and maintaining effective and legally compliant diversity, equity, and inclusion related strategy, policies and procedures. She is often brought in by clients to conduct workplace culture assessments and propose plans of action to remedy legal concerns and decrease risk. Jamila actively participates in academic, community and law firm efforts to recruit, develop, retain and celebrate a more diverse and inclusive workforce. In support of those efforts, Jamila previously coordinated Jackson Walker Women (JW2) in the Firmâs Houston office, and remains an active supporter and participant. JW2 is a committee dedicated to creating opportunities for women attorneys to develop their professional skills, supporting their efforts to balance work and family, and providing a platform to generate business and pursue leadership positions. For several years, Jamila has coordinated the Houston officeâs participation in the University of Houston Law Centerâs Pre-Law Pipeline Program, mentoring students, facilitating âDress for Successâ workshops and coordinating internships at the Firm for program participants to gain exposure to law firm practice.
Jamila brings a practical perspective to her work. Before going to law school, she was a United States Peace Corps Volunteer and worked in the area of HIV/AIDS education, advocacy, support, and care. While in law school, she interned in the office of Chief United States Bankruptcy Judge Marvin Isgur, Southern District of Texas, and was a Law Clerk in the Civil Division of the United States Attorneyâs Office for the Southern District of Texas. She was also a Legal Extern in the Office of General Counsel at Baylor College of Medicine, and with BP America, Inc. Jamila was selected as a University of Houston Law Center Health Law Fellow during the 81st Texas Legislature and worked as a Health Policy Analyst for former Texas State Senator Leticia Van de Putte.
Additional Languages
Spanish
Education
B.A., cum laude, University of Pennsylvania
- Ronald E. McNair Research Scholar
- Deanâs List
J.D., University of Houston Law Center
- Deanâs Scholar
- Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) Diversity Scholar
Leading Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Certification, Northwestern Weinberg College of Arts & Sciences
Bar Admissions
Texas
Court Admissions
United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas
United States District Court for the Eastern and Southern Districts of Texas
Professional Certifications
Board Certified in Labor and Employment Law
Labor and Employment (Advice and Counsel, Investigations and Litigation)
Jamila understands that employees are her clientsâ most valuable resource and she partners with clients to proactively shape their workplaces. Whether she is providing advice and counsel on urgent employment issues or day-to-day workplace concerns, guidance on the implementation of new laws or regulations in the work environment or their rights and potential claims under applicable employment laws, Jamila ensures she first understands the needs of her clients and works cooperatively with them to satisfy those needs timely.
She represents employers and management in several industries, including financial services, media, private equity, healthcare, manufacturing, oil and gas, and non-profit, on complex issues that arise during the employment lifecycle from hiring to termination. This includes drafting and revising employment agreements and employee handbooks and policies, advising on employee leave and wage and hour concerns, particularly FLSA compliance, defending discrimination, retaliation and harassment (ADA, ADAAA, ADEA, PDA, OWBPA, Title VII, TCHRA, Equal Pay Act) claims; employee privacy, employment-related torts, obtaining injunctive relief to enforce or defend against covenants not to compete and/or trade secret claims, and COVID-19 related issues. Jamila also conducts efficient and effective employment due diligence reviews for the sale or merger of a company. Further, she provides diversity and inclusion counseling to help companies and management conduct culture assessments and devise and implement individualized diversity and inclusion strategies, programming and/or training.
Representative Cases:
- Successfully settled non-competition case following cross-examination of defendant on day three of trial.
- Obtained dismissal on a Rule 12(b)(6) motion to dismiss of 8 out of 11 claims alleged by a former executive against its employer, and/or the employerâs board members and employees, including claims for alleged violations of the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act (OWBPA), ADEA and retaliation under the ADEA, and state law claims for fraudulent misrepresentation, defamation, breach of contract, promissory estoppel, intentional infliction of emotional distress, breach of fiduciary duty, ultra vires acts in violation of corporate by-laws, which resulted in successful settlement of the remaining claims;
- Successfully settled claims made by current employee against bank alleging race discrimination and national origin discrimination;
- Successfully settled claims made by current employee against bank alleging gender discrimination.
- Obtained summary judgment of racial discrimination, religious discrimination, hostile work environment, and retaliation claims against rehabilitation and healthcare center.
- Crafted retention and transition agreements for employer acquiring 50,000 new employees through buyout of another company and provided advice and counsel on the implementation of those agreements.
- Engaged as part of a two-person neutral investigation team to conduct witness interviews, analyze employment policies, and draft report for employerâs use in determining best approach to address allegations of improper behavior by law school faculty against other faculty.
- Successfully defended employer against claims made by potential beneficiaries to a deceased employeeâs ERISA-governed accrued benefits, including obtaining an order from the Fifth Circuit affirming the lower courtâs judgment.
- Successfully settled lawsuit on behalf of a skilled nursing facility involving claims of Title VII race discrimination.
Beyond the labor and employment area, Jamila has significant experience representing clients in a variety of litigation matters including the following:
Media, Trademark and Copyright Litigation
Jamila also enjoys defending media clients in varying litigation matters including defamation, copyright infringement, trademark violation, and unfair competition in the nature of false advertising. Her employment and commercial litigation background often proves useful to her media clients and she stands ready to provide an additional perspective on these issues when called upon to do so.
Representative Cases:
- Successfully defended television network against alleged copyright infringement claims.
- Successfully defended television network against alleged defamation claims resulting from online news story.
- Successfully defended international skincare company in an alleged trademark infringement and trade dress violation case resulting in settlement of all claims.
- Successfully defended two television production companies and an internationally known television host against unfair competition and false advertising claims brought under the Lanham Act and state law resulting in settlement of the lawsuit.
Financial Institutions, Business and Creditorsâ Rights Litigation
Litigation is one of the most expensive, time consuming and stressful experiences that a business can face. Jamila is experienced in litigation, arbitration and mediation of a variety of civil business and commercial disputes, including, but not limited to breach of contract, fraud, partnership disputes, bank/lender liability, trade secrets, non-competes, oil and gas, and real estate.
Jamila also represents creditors of any size to aggressively seek what is owed. She has an uncanny knack for getting debtors to cooperate in the debt collection process and crafting creative settlements of the debt to resolve small to mid-sized disputes rather than engage in protracted litigation. However, when called for, Jamila passionately advocates for her clients before judicial and arbitral bodies to ensure their rights are well-represented.
Representative Cases:
- Successfully recovered hundreds of thousands of dollars in corporate debts owed to national insurance company.
- Extensive experience representing banks in suit on note actions as well as foreclosure litigation.
- Successfully obtained final judgment of over $3 million for large commercial entity against guarantor of a loan.
- Successfully negotiated a $100,000 settlement with debtor during early stages of AAA arbitration resulting in recovery of 90% of the debt with nominal attorneysâ fees incurred.
- Successfully defended international bank in various alleged breach of contract actions.
- Represented corporation seeking just compensation from involuntary land acquisition by the Texas Department of Transportation.
- Completed Northwestern University Weinberg College of Arts & Sciences certificate program in Leading Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, 2022
- DEI Influencer Award, DEI National Convention, 2023
- The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.), Employment Law â Management, 2024-2025
- Lawdragon 500 Leading U.S. Corporate Employment Lawyers, 2020-2024
- Texas Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2022-2024
- Top Women Lawyers Award, Texas Diversity Counsel, 2021
- Texas Rising Star, Employment & Labor Law, Super Lawyers â Rising Stars by Thomson Reuters, 2019-2021
- Named as a 2019 Diversity Champion by the National Black Pre-Law Conference and Law School Fair
- âTop 40 Under 40,” The National Black Lawyers, 2019
- Top 50 Women Lawyers Award, National Diversity Council, 2019
- Houston Bar Associationâs Presidentâs Award, 2018
Publications
- Co-Author, âAnother One Bites the Dust: Fifth Circuit Vacates 80/20 and 30-Minute Rules Concerning the Legality of Minimum Wage Compensation for Tipped Employees Performing Related Side Work,â JW News (August 2024)
- Co-Author, “Student-Athletes as Employees Spells Legal Stressors for Schools,” Bloomberg Tax – Tax Management Memorandum (March 2024)
- Author, “The Latest on What Media Employers Should Know about the FTCâs Proposed Ban on Non-Competes,â JW News (May 2023)
- Author, “Amplifying Black Womenâs Voices in the Workplace,” The Texas Lawbook (February 2023)
- Author, âFive Challenges and Remedies for Effective Implementation of Employee Resource Groups,” Jackson Walker Insights (August 2022)
- Co-Author, âCombatting COVID-19 Anti-Asian Violence in the Workplace,” Jackson Walker LLPâs Labor & Employment Dispatch E-Newsletter (July 2021)
- Author, âTexas Legislative Update on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion-Related Bills,â Jackson Walker LLPâs Labor & Employment Dispatch E-Newsletter (June 2021)
- Co-Author, âDiversity & Inclusion Programs: Why, How, and When They Work,â Jackson Walker Summary (February 2021)
- Co-Author, âPresident Biden Says âNoâ to Discrimination Through Executive Actions,â Jackson Walker LLPâs Labor & Employment Dispatch E-Newsletter, February 2021
- Contributor, Employment Libel and Privacy Law 2021: 50-State Survey, Media Law Resource Center (MLRC) (since 2018)
- Contributor, Lessons from Successful African American Lawyers, Cambridge, Massachusetts: Hopeâs Promise Publishing (2020)
- âNational Labor Relations Board Establishes New Strategic Plan,â Jackson Walkerâs Labor & Employment Dispatch eNewsletter (December 2019)
- Defamation and Business Disparagement Damages, State Bar of Texas 8th Annual Damages in Civil Litigation CLE (February 2016)
Speaking Engagements
- Panelist, “Avoiding Legal Landmines,” 4th Annual Houston DiverseCity Summit (October 2024)
- Guest Lecturer, âThe Importance of Cultural Competency & the Supporting Legal Frameworks,â University of Houston, Course on Cultural Competency for Nutrition Professionals (September 2024)
- Presenter, âTexas is an âAt-Willâ StateâŠSo Why Worry?â, UT LAW CLEâs 2024 Essential Employment Law: A Practical Course in the Basics, Webcast (August 2024)
- Co-Presenter, â”What Every In-House Counsel Needs to Understand Regarding the Changing Landscape of Non-Competes and Trade Secret Issues,” Client Training (June 2024)
- Presenter, âHandbook Drafting: Building a Blueprint for Workplace Success,â American Law Institute Continuing Legal Education, Webcast (May 2024)
- Presenter, âWork from Home: Reasonable Accommodation or Undue Burden?,â Client HR Training (February 2024)
- Panelist, âTop Fifth Circuit Employment Cases of 2023,â TexasBarCLE, Webcast (January 2024)
- Co-Facilitator, â10 Issues that Keep Employment Lawyers Up at Night,â Media Law Resource Center Employment Law Committee Meeting (December 2023)
- Co-Presenter, âGood-bye Non-Competes? What We Know and What is Still Unknown,â 36th Annual Texas Health Law Conference (October 2023)
- Co-Facilitator, âEvolving AI Compliance Considerations for Media Employers,â Media Law Resource Center Employment Law Committee Meeting (September 2023)
- Presenter, âDiversity, Equity & Inclusion: Bridging Theory and Practice,â Marblegate 3rd Annual Leadership Summit (June 2023)
- Co-Presenter, âAnti-Discrimination Basics,â Client Annual Supervisor Trainings (June 2023)
- Co-Presenter, âThese Turbulent Times: Fostering DEI Across the Employee Lifecycle,â Jackson Walker LLPâs 2022 Labor & Employment Symposium (May 2023)
- Panelist, âThe State of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in America,â Suburban Houston-Fort Bend Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and The League of United Latin American Citizensâ Virtual Spring Forum (May 2023)
- Presenter, “Work from Home: Reasonable Accommodation or Undue Burden?,” Far West âHR in Your Neighborhood” Meeting (May 2023)
- Presenter, âConducting an Effective Workplace Harassment Investigation,â Client Training (March 2023)
- Moderator, âPay Transparency Laws: What Media Employers Should Know and Best Practices & Strategies for Compliance,â Media Law Resource Center Employment Law Committee Meeting (March 2023)
- Presenter, “Work from Home: Reasonable Accommodation or Undue Burden?,” HR Houston (January 2023)
- Presenter, “ESG & DEI: Implications for Employment Law,” Jackson Walker and Lockton Dunning Benefits Labor & Employment Symposium (November 2022)
- Presenter, âEffective Implementation of Employee Resource Groups,â 2022 Gulf Coast Symposium on HR Issues (July 2022)
- âTaking a Deeper Dive into Enhanced Sexual Harassment Laws in Texas,â Jackson Walker LLPâs 2021 Labor & Employment Symposium Webinar-Session 5 (December 2021)
- Co-Presenter, âSexual Harassment On and Off the Stageâ Panel, Dallas Symphony Orchestraâs Women in Classical Music Symposium (November 2021)
- Panelist, The National Association of Black Compliance & Risk Management Professionals, Inc. (NABCRMP)âs Virtual Summit 2021, âReturn to the Office: The New Workplace â Key and Emerging Issues, Challenges & Opportunities for Risk & Compliance Leadersâ (October 2021)
- Welcome Address, University of Houston Law Center Pre-Law Pipeline Programâs 2021 Diversity Pre-Law Symposium and Law School Admissions Fair (October 2021)
- Co-Presenter, âEnhanced Sexual Harassment Laws in Texas: Are you Prepared?â Texas General Counsel Forum Virtual Ethics CLE Program (October 2021)
- Panelist, âPowering Our Diverse Cityâ Session, Greater Houston Partnershipâs The Houston DiverseCity Summit helping organizations develop their diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) strategies (October 2021)
- “The Legal Implications of Vaccine Mandates in the COVID Era,” SABA Houston Webinar (October 2021)
- “Managing Corporate Social Risks,” Jackson Walker’s Covering All Aspects of ESG Webinar (October 2021)
- âFrom âWelcome!â to âGood Riddanceâ: Managing Employees during COVID-19,â Gulf Coast Symposium on Human Resource Issues (August 2021)
- âImposter Syndrome,â University of Houston Law Center Pre-Law Pipeline Program Panel (June 2021)
- “Perspectives on Vaccines and Employment Law,” State Bar of Texas Labor & Employment Law Sectionâs Summer CLE Series (April 2021)
- “Changes in FLSA Collective Actions You Need to Know About,” Texas General Counsel Forum Virtual CLE Program (April 2021)
- Keynote Speaker, University of Houston Law Center 2020 Diversity Pre-Law Symposium and Law School Admissions Fair (October 2020)
- âDefending Non-Compete Clauses,â 5th Annual State Bar of Texas African American Lawyers Section Summit & Awards Luncheon, Houston, Texas 2020
- âTop 10 Mistakes Physician Employers Make & How to Avoid Them,â Presentation to Women Leading Medicine, Houston, Texas 2020
- âTop 10 Mistakes Employers Make & How to Avoid Them,â Jackson Walker LLPâs Annual Labor & Employment Symposium, Houston, Texas 2019
- âDiversity Leadership & Inclusion,â University of Houston Law Centerâs Pre-Law Pipeline Program Diversity Speaker Panel & Awards Luncheon, Houston, Texas, 2019
- âPracticing Law: The Good, the Bad & the Ugly,â Prospective Law Student Symposium & Law School Fair, sponsored by the University of Houston Law Centerâs Pre-Law Pipeline Program and National Diversity Council in recognition of Legal Diversity Week 2019
- âWhistleblowers and Retaliation: How to Prevent Getting Sued,â Jackson Walker LLPâs Labor & Employment Symposium, Dallas, Texas, 2018
- âDo Unto OthersâŠor Else: Maintaining a Successful and Ethical Collections Practice,â Houston Bar Association Continuing Legal Education Program, 2016
In the News
- “College Athlete Unions Raise Specter of Scholarship Tax Hit,” Bloomberg Law (April 8, 2024)
- “Amid latest surge, essential workers weigh financial, health aspects of staying on the job,” The Dallas Morning News (January 31, 2022)
- “ÂżQuĂ© hago si a mis empleados les da covid-19?” Al DĂa, The Dallas Morning News (January 24, 2022)
- “ÂżPueden obligarme a trabajar si tengo covid? ÂżPuedo faltar si se enferma mi hijo? AquĂ la respuesta” Al DĂa, The Dallas Morning News (January 24, 2022)
- âWhat to Know about Texasâ New Sexual Harassment Laws,â Law 360 (August 31, 2021)
- “Texas Gov.’s Mask Stance Won’t Shift Employer Safety Plans,” Law 360 (May 19, 2021)
- “All In: When Jamila Brinson Signs Up for a Volunteer Role, She Comes With Sleeves Rolled Up,” 2021 Texas Rising Stars Magazine (March 23, 2021)
- âHouston experts weigh in on company mask policies, employee rights in the unmasked office,” Houston Business Journal (March 6, 2021)
- “Attorneys: Texas businesses can still require patrons, employees to mask up,” Houston Business Journal (March 4, 2021)
- “As Companies Contemplate a Return to the Office, Legal Questions Arise on Safety,” CoStar News (February 17, 2021)
Fast Takes Podcast
- “Jamila Brinson and Shelisa Brock on their Experiences as First-Generation Attorneys” (March 2023)
- “What Governor Abbottâs Executive Order on Masks and Occupancy Means for Texas Businesses” (March 9, 2021)
- “Business Primer on Diversity and Inclusion Programs” (February 9, 2021)
“ - “Whatâs Behind the Uptick in FLSA Employment Litigation in Texas?” (September 2, 2020)
- “Serving the Houston Bar Associationâs AIDS Outreach Committee” (May 19, 2020)
- Co-Chair, Employment Law Committee, Media Law Resource Center
- Member, HR Houston (affiliate of SHRM)
- Member, The Downtown Group (African-American Women Attorneys practicing in Harris County, Texas)
- Executive Committee Member & Marketing Committee Member, Chinquapin Preparatory School
- Immediate Past Chair, West Orem Family YMCA
- University of Houston Law Center Pre-Law Pipeline Program
- Liaison for Jackson Walker LLPâs involvement and participation in Scholar I and Bridge Internship Programs, including mentorship of students and co-facilitation of internship
- National Black Pre-Law Conference and Law School Fair, 2007-Present
- Host Committee Member
- Panelist
- Moderator
- Volunteer
- Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD), Fellows Program, 2020
- Houston Young Lawyers Association (HYLA), Leadership Academy Graduate, 2013-2014
- United States Peace Corps Volunteer, 2004-2006
- Co-authored HIV/AIDS Behavior Change Communication manual used countrywide in Saint Lucia, Eastern Caribbean
- Greater Houston Partnership, Business Resource GroupâTalent Resources Group
October 30, 2024
Podcasts
Jackson Walker’s Diversity & Inclusion Counseling on Navigating the Post-Harvard Corporate Landscape
JW Fast Takes Podcast | ~10 minutes
In this episode of Jackson Walker Fast Takes, Houston partners Jamila M. Brinson and Dawn S. Holiday join host Courtney White to discuss the significant shifts in the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) landscape following the Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard.
October 9, 2024
Speaking Engagements
Jamila Brinson Joins Panel Discussion at Houston DiverseCity Summit
Jackson Walker partner Jamila M. Brinson will serve as a panelist at the 4th Annual Houston DiverseCity Summit on Friday, October 18, 2024, at the Marriott Marquis in Houston, Texas.
September 23, 2024
Attorney News
Jackson Walker Congratulates 12 Attorneys Named to âLawdragon 500 Corporate Employment Lawyersâ List
Jackson Walker announces the selection of 12 attorneys to Lawdragon‘s lists of the 500 leading practitioners in corporate employment law.
September 17, 2024
Attorney News
Jackson Walker Congratulates Its âTexas Super Lawyersâ of 2024
Jackson Walker proudly announces the selection of 71 attorneys to Thomson Reutersâ 2024 âTexas Super Lawyersâ list.
Each year, less than 5% of attorneys in Texas are named to the list. Selection is based off of peer nominations that are then reviewed by a research team. Each nominee is evaluated on his or her professional accomplishments, peer recognition, and community involvement.
August 26, 2024
Insights
Another One Bites the Dust: Fifth Circuit Vacates 80/20 and 30-Minute Rules Concerning the Legality of Minimum Wage Compensation for Tipped Employees Performing Related Side Work
By Lionel M. Schooler and Jamila M. Brinson
In a landmark decision issued on August 23 in the case of Restaurant Law Center; Texas Restaurant Association v. the United States Department of Labor, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit upended decades of Department of Labor (âDOLâ) pronouncements concerning compensation for servers performing side work related to the occupation of a tipped employee.
August 23, 2024
Newsletters
JW Diversity & Inclusion Newsletter â August 2024
View Jackson Walker’s August 2024 Diversity & Inclusion Newsletter, Perspectives.
August 15, 2024
Attorney News
‘The Best Lawyers in America’ Features 306 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2025 Edition, Including 9 “Lawyers of the Year” and 75 “Ones to Watch”
The Best Lawyers in America has recognized 306 Jackson Walker attorneys across 81 specialty practice areas in its 2025 edition, including 9 Lawyers of the Year and 75 Ones to Watch. In this yearâs guide, Jackson Walker saw the largest number of attorneys in the areas of Commercial Litigation (75 attorneys) and Real Estate Law (55 attorneys) and the addition of 27 attorneys as Best Lawyers.
April 17, 2024
Insights
Student-Athletes as Employees Spells Legal Stressors for Schools | Bloomberg Tax
The union-aspiring Dartmouth College menâs basketball team has put the full court press on their âemployer,â labor agencies, and courts of law â with far-reaching legal and financial implications.
April 15, 2024
Newsletters
JW Diversity & Inclusion Newsletter â April 2024
View Jackson Walker’s April 2024 Diversity & Inclusion Newsletter, Perspectives.
January 11, 2024
Attorney News
Super Lawyers Names 31 Jackson Walker Attorneys in Texas Top Women 2024 Magazine
Jackson Walker congratulates the 31 attorneys who were included in the Texas Top Women 2024 Magazine published by Thomson Reuters’ Super Lawyers. The annual Texas Top Texas Women edition includes the highest-rated women attorneys across the “Texas Rising Stars” and “Texas Super Lawyers” lists in a given practice area.
Employment Advice and Litigation
Board Certified in Labor and Employment Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Defend management and employers in employment litigation, conduct workplace internal investigations including into sexual harassment and sexual misconduct under Title IX, draft workplace policies, provide individualized training to both employees and management on discrimination, harassment and retaliation, conduct employment due diligence reviews for the sale or merger of a company.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Completion of Certificate in Leading Diversity, Equity & Inclusion through Northwestern Universityâs Weinberg College of Arts & Sciences. Chair of Jackson Walkerâs Diversity & Inclusion Counseling practice serving clients who are interested in or committed to fostering inclusion in its corporate culture by implementing and maintaining effective and legally compliant diversity, equity, and inclusion related strategy, policies and procedures. Provide advice and counsel on D&I related employment issues, perform workplace culture assessments, design and facilitate customized DEI trainings and presentations, develop company policies and procedures that integrate DEI best practices and ensure legal compliance with employment workplace laws.
Financial Institutions, Business and Creditorsâ Rights Litigation
Represent national, regional, and local banks and credit unions in employment disputes and litigation, lender liability, defensive actions, credit card litigation, contract disputes, and in the prosecution of collection matters. Handle business disputes in media, healthcare, alcohol beverage, oil and gas. Litigate issues involving confidentiality agreements, contract disputes and business torts.
Media, Trademark and Copyright Litigation
Defend media in defamation, copyright infringement, trademark violation, and unfair competition in the nature of false advertising disputes.
Practice Experience
Labor and Employment (Advice and Counsel, Investigations and Litigation)
Jamila understands that employees are her clientsâ most valuable resource and she partners with clients to proactively shape their workplaces. Whether she is providing advice and counsel on urgent employment issues or day-to-day workplace concerns, guidance on the implementation of new laws or regulations in the work environment or their rights and potential claims under applicable employment laws, Jamila ensures she first understands the needs of her clients and works cooperatively with them to satisfy those needs timely.
She represents employers and management in several industries, including financial services, media, private equity, healthcare, manufacturing, oil and gas, and non-profit, on complex issues that arise during the employment lifecycle from hiring to termination. This includes drafting and revising employment agreements and employee handbooks and policies, advising on employee leave and wage and hour concerns, particularly FLSA compliance, defending discrimination, retaliation and harassment (ADA, ADAAA, ADEA, PDA, OWBPA, Title VII, TCHRA, Equal Pay Act) claims; employee privacy, employment-related torts, obtaining injunctive relief to enforce or defend against covenants not to compete and/or trade secret claims, and COVID-19 related issues. Jamila also conducts efficient and effective employment due diligence reviews for the sale or merger of a company. Further, she provides diversity and inclusion counseling to help companies and management conduct culture assessments and devise and implement individualized diversity and inclusion strategies, programming and/or training.
Representative Cases:
- Successfully settled non-competition case following cross-examination of defendant on day three of trial.
- Obtained dismissal on a Rule 12(b)(6) motion to dismiss of 8 out of 11 claims alleged by a former executive against its employer, and/or the employerâs board members and employees, including claims for alleged violations of the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act (OWBPA), ADEA and retaliation under the ADEA, and state law claims for fraudulent misrepresentation, defamation, breach of contract, promissory estoppel, intentional infliction of emotional distress, breach of fiduciary duty, ultra vires acts in violation of corporate by-laws, which resulted in successful settlement of the remaining claims;
- Successfully settled claims made by current employee against bank alleging race discrimination and national origin discrimination;
- Successfully settled claims made by current employee against bank alleging gender discrimination.
- Obtained summary judgment of racial discrimination, religious discrimination, hostile work environment, and retaliation claims against rehabilitation and healthcare center.
- Crafted retention and transition agreements for employer acquiring 50,000 new employees through buyout of another company and provided advice and counsel on the implementation of those agreements.
- Engaged as part of a two-person neutral investigation team to conduct witness interviews, analyze employment policies, and draft report for employerâs use in determining best approach to address allegations of improper behavior by law school faculty against other faculty.
- Successfully defended employer against claims made by potential beneficiaries to a deceased employeeâs ERISA-governed accrued benefits, including obtaining an order from the Fifth Circuit affirming the lower courtâs judgment.
- Successfully settled lawsuit on behalf of a skilled nursing facility involving claims of Title VII race discrimination.
Beyond the labor and employment area, Jamila has significant experience representing clients in a variety of litigation matters including the following:
Media, Trademark and Copyright Litigation
Jamila also enjoys defending media clients in varying litigation matters including defamation, copyright infringement, trademark violation, and unfair competition in the nature of false advertising. Her employment and commercial litigation background often proves useful to her media clients and she stands ready to provide an additional perspective on these issues when called upon to do so.
Representative Cases:
- Successfully defended television network against alleged copyright infringement claims.
- Successfully defended television network against alleged defamation claims resulting from online news story.
- Successfully defended international skincare company in an alleged trademark infringement and trade dress violation case resulting in settlement of all claims.
- Successfully defended two television production companies and an internationally known television host against unfair competition and false advertising claims brought under the Lanham Act and state law resulting in settlement of the lawsuit.
Financial Institutions, Business and Creditorsâ Rights Litigation
Litigation is one of the most expensive, time consuming and stressful experiences that a business can face. Jamila is experienced in litigation, arbitration and mediation of a variety of civil business and commercial disputes, including, but not limited to breach of contract, fraud, partnership disputes, bank/lender liability, trade secrets, non-competes, oil and gas, and real estate.
Jamila also represents creditors of any size to aggressively seek what is owed. She has an uncanny knack for getting debtors to cooperate in the debt collection process and crafting creative settlements of the debt to resolve small to mid-sized disputes rather than engage in protracted litigation. However, when called for, Jamila passionately advocates for her clients before judicial and arbitral bodies to ensure their rights are well-represented.
Representative Cases:
- Successfully recovered hundreds of thousands of dollars in corporate debts owed to national insurance company.
- Extensive experience representing banks in suit on note actions as well as foreclosure litigation.
- Successfully obtained final judgment of over $3 million for large commercial entity against guarantor of a loan.
- Successfully negotiated a $100,000 settlement with debtor during early stages of AAA arbitration resulting in recovery of 90% of the debt with nominal attorneysâ fees incurred.
- Successfully defended international bank in various alleged breach of contract actions.
- Represented corporation seeking just compensation from involuntary land acquisition by the Texas Department of Transportation.
Recognition & Accolades
- Completed Northwestern University Weinberg College of Arts & Sciences certificate program in Leading Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, 2022
- DEI Influencer Award, DEI National Convention, 2023
- The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.), Employment Law â Management, 2024-2025
- Lawdragon 500 Leading U.S. Corporate Employment Lawyers, 2020-2024
- Texas Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2022-2024
- Top Women Lawyers Award, Texas Diversity Counsel, 2021
- Texas Rising Star, Employment & Labor Law, Super Lawyers â Rising Stars by Thomson Reuters, 2019-2021
- Named as a 2019 Diversity Champion by the National Black Pre-Law Conference and Law School Fair
- âTop 40 Under 40,” The National Black Lawyers, 2019
- Top 50 Women Lawyers Award, National Diversity Council, 2019
- Houston Bar Associationâs Presidentâs Award, 2018
Publications & Speeches
Publications
- Co-Author, âAnother One Bites the Dust: Fifth Circuit Vacates 80/20 and 30-Minute Rules Concerning the Legality of Minimum Wage Compensation for Tipped Employees Performing Related Side Work,â JW News (August 2024)
- Co-Author, “Student-Athletes as Employees Spells Legal Stressors for Schools,” Bloomberg Tax – Tax Management Memorandum (March 2024)
- Author, “The Latest on What Media Employers Should Know about the FTCâs Proposed Ban on Non-Competes,â JW News (May 2023)
- Author, “Amplifying Black Womenâs Voices in the Workplace,” The Texas Lawbook (February 2023)
- Author, âFive Challenges and Remedies for Effective Implementation of Employee Resource Groups,” Jackson Walker Insights (August 2022)
- Co-Author, âCombatting COVID-19 Anti-Asian Violence in the Workplace,” Jackson Walker LLPâs Labor & Employment Dispatch E-Newsletter (July 2021)
- Author, âTexas Legislative Update on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion-Related Bills,â Jackson Walker LLPâs Labor & Employment Dispatch E-Newsletter (June 2021)
- Co-Author, âDiversity & Inclusion Programs: Why, How, and When They Work,â Jackson Walker Summary (February 2021)
- Co-Author, âPresident Biden Says âNoâ to Discrimination Through Executive Actions,â Jackson Walker LLPâs Labor & Employment Dispatch E-Newsletter, February 2021
- Contributor, Employment Libel and Privacy Law 2021: 50-State Survey, Media Law Resource Center (MLRC) (since 2018)
- Contributor, Lessons from Successful African American Lawyers, Cambridge, Massachusetts: Hopeâs Promise Publishing (2020)
- âNational Labor Relations Board Establishes New Strategic Plan,â Jackson Walkerâs Labor & Employment Dispatch eNewsletter (December 2019)
- Defamation and Business Disparagement Damages, State Bar of Texas 8th Annual Damages in Civil Litigation CLE (February 2016)
Speaking Engagements
- Panelist, “Avoiding Legal Landmines,” 4th Annual Houston DiverseCity Summit (October 2024)
- Guest Lecturer, âThe Importance of Cultural Competency & the Supporting Legal Frameworks,â University of Houston, Course on Cultural Competency for Nutrition Professionals (September 2024)
- Presenter, âTexas is an âAt-Willâ StateâŠSo Why Worry?â, UT LAW CLEâs 2024 Essential Employment Law: A Practical Course in the Basics, Webcast (August 2024)
- Co-Presenter, â”What Every In-House Counsel Needs to Understand Regarding the Changing Landscape of Non-Competes and Trade Secret Issues,” Client Training (June 2024)
- Presenter, âHandbook Drafting: Building a Blueprint for Workplace Success,â American Law Institute Continuing Legal Education, Webcast (May 2024)
- Presenter, âWork from Home: Reasonable Accommodation or Undue Burden?,â Client HR Training (February 2024)
- Panelist, âTop Fifth Circuit Employment Cases of 2023,â TexasBarCLE, Webcast (January 2024)
- Co-Facilitator, â10 Issues that Keep Employment Lawyers Up at Night,â Media Law Resource Center Employment Law Committee Meeting (December 2023)
- Co-Presenter, âGood-bye Non-Competes? What We Know and What is Still Unknown,â 36th Annual Texas Health Law Conference (October 2023)
- Co-Facilitator, âEvolving AI Compliance Considerations for Media Employers,â Media Law Resource Center Employment Law Committee Meeting (September 2023)
- Presenter, âDiversity, Equity & Inclusion: Bridging Theory and Practice,â Marblegate 3rd Annual Leadership Summit (June 2023)
- Co-Presenter, âAnti-Discrimination Basics,â Client Annual Supervisor Trainings (June 2023)
- Co-Presenter, âThese Turbulent Times: Fostering DEI Across the Employee Lifecycle,â Jackson Walker LLPâs 2022 Labor & Employment Symposium (May 2023)
- Panelist, âThe State of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in America,â Suburban Houston-Fort Bend Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and The League of United Latin American Citizensâ Virtual Spring Forum (May 2023)
- Presenter, “Work from Home: Reasonable Accommodation or Undue Burden?,” Far West âHR in Your Neighborhood” Meeting (May 2023)
- Presenter, âConducting an Effective Workplace Harassment Investigation,â Client Training (March 2023)
- Moderator, âPay Transparency Laws: What Media Employers Should Know and Best Practices & Strategies for Compliance,â Media Law Resource Center Employment Law Committee Meeting (March 2023)
- Presenter, “Work from Home: Reasonable Accommodation or Undue Burden?,” HR Houston (January 2023)
- Presenter, “ESG & DEI: Implications for Employment Law,” Jackson Walker and Lockton Dunning Benefits Labor & Employment Symposium (November 2022)
- Presenter, âEffective Implementation of Employee Resource Groups,â 2022 Gulf Coast Symposium on HR Issues (July 2022)
- âTaking a Deeper Dive into Enhanced Sexual Harassment Laws in Texas,â Jackson Walker LLPâs 2021 Labor & Employment Symposium Webinar-Session 5 (December 2021)
- Co-Presenter, âSexual Harassment On and Off the Stageâ Panel, Dallas Symphony Orchestraâs Women in Classical Music Symposium (November 2021)
- Panelist, The National Association of Black Compliance & Risk Management Professionals, Inc. (NABCRMP)âs Virtual Summit 2021, âReturn to the Office: The New Workplace â Key and Emerging Issues, Challenges & Opportunities for Risk & Compliance Leadersâ (October 2021)
- Welcome Address, University of Houston Law Center Pre-Law Pipeline Programâs 2021 Diversity Pre-Law Symposium and Law School Admissions Fair (October 2021)
- Co-Presenter, âEnhanced Sexual Harassment Laws in Texas: Are you Prepared?â Texas General Counsel Forum Virtual Ethics CLE Program (October 2021)
- Panelist, âPowering Our Diverse Cityâ Session, Greater Houston Partnershipâs The Houston DiverseCity Summit helping organizations develop their diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) strategies (October 2021)
- “The Legal Implications of Vaccine Mandates in the COVID Era,” SABA Houston Webinar (October 2021)
- “Managing Corporate Social Risks,” Jackson Walker’s Covering All Aspects of ESG Webinar (October 2021)
- âFrom âWelcome!â to âGood Riddanceâ: Managing Employees during COVID-19,â Gulf Coast Symposium on Human Resource Issues (August 2021)
- âImposter Syndrome,â University of Houston Law Center Pre-Law Pipeline Program Panel (June 2021)
- “Perspectives on Vaccines and Employment Law,” State Bar of Texas Labor & Employment Law Sectionâs Summer CLE Series (April 2021)
- “Changes in FLSA Collective Actions You Need to Know About,” Texas General Counsel Forum Virtual CLE Program (April 2021)
- Keynote Speaker, University of Houston Law Center 2020 Diversity Pre-Law Symposium and Law School Admissions Fair (October 2020)
- âDefending Non-Compete Clauses,â 5th Annual State Bar of Texas African American Lawyers Section Summit & Awards Luncheon, Houston, Texas 2020
- âTop 10 Mistakes Physician Employers Make & How to Avoid Them,â Presentation to Women Leading Medicine, Houston, Texas 2020
- âTop 10 Mistakes Employers Make & How to Avoid Them,â Jackson Walker LLPâs Annual Labor & Employment Symposium, Houston, Texas 2019
- âDiversity Leadership & Inclusion,â University of Houston Law Centerâs Pre-Law Pipeline Program Diversity Speaker Panel & Awards Luncheon, Houston, Texas, 2019
- âPracticing Law: The Good, the Bad & the Ugly,â Prospective Law Student Symposium & Law School Fair, sponsored by the University of Houston Law Centerâs Pre-Law Pipeline Program and National Diversity Council in recognition of Legal Diversity Week 2019
- âWhistleblowers and Retaliation: How to Prevent Getting Sued,â Jackson Walker LLPâs Labor & Employment Symposium, Dallas, Texas, 2018
- âDo Unto OthersâŠor Else: Maintaining a Successful and Ethical Collections Practice,â Houston Bar Association Continuing Legal Education Program, 2016
In the News
- “College Athlete Unions Raise Specter of Scholarship Tax Hit,” Bloomberg Law (April 8, 2024)
- “Amid latest surge, essential workers weigh financial, health aspects of staying on the job,” The Dallas Morning News (January 31, 2022)
- “ÂżQuĂ© hago si a mis empleados les da covid-19?” Al DĂa, The Dallas Morning News (January 24, 2022)
- “ÂżPueden obligarme a trabajar si tengo covid? ÂżPuedo faltar si se enferma mi hijo? AquĂ la respuesta” Al DĂa, The Dallas Morning News (January 24, 2022)
- âWhat to Know about Texasâ New Sexual Harassment Laws,â Law 360 (August 31, 2021)
- “Texas Gov.’s Mask Stance Won’t Shift Employer Safety Plans,” Law 360 (May 19, 2021)
- “All In: When Jamila Brinson Signs Up for a Volunteer Role, She Comes With Sleeves Rolled Up,” 2021 Texas Rising Stars Magazine (March 23, 2021)
- âHouston experts weigh in on company mask policies, employee rights in the unmasked office,” Houston Business Journal (March 6, 2021)
- “Attorneys: Texas businesses can still require patrons, employees to mask up,” Houston Business Journal (March 4, 2021)
- “As Companies Contemplate a Return to the Office, Legal Questions Arise on Safety,” CoStar News (February 17, 2021)
Fast Takes Podcast
- “Jamila Brinson and Shelisa Brock on their Experiences as First-Generation Attorneys” (March 2023)
- “What Governor Abbottâs Executive Order on Masks and Occupancy Means for Texas Businesses” (March 9, 2021)
- “Business Primer on Diversity and Inclusion Programs” (February 9, 2021)
“ - “Whatâs Behind the Uptick in FLSA Employment Litigation in Texas?” (September 2, 2020)
- “Serving the Houston Bar Associationâs AIDS Outreach Committee” (May 19, 2020)
Community Involvement
- Co-Chair, Employment Law Committee, Media Law Resource Center
- Member, HR Houston (affiliate of SHRM)
- Member, The Downtown Group (African-American Women Attorneys practicing in Harris County, Texas)
- Executive Committee Member & Marketing Committee Member, Chinquapin Preparatory School
- Immediate Past Chair, West Orem Family YMCA
- University of Houston Law Center Pre-Law Pipeline Program
- Liaison for Jackson Walker LLPâs involvement and participation in Scholar I and Bridge Internship Programs, including mentorship of students and co-facilitation of internship
- National Black Pre-Law Conference and Law School Fair, 2007-Present
- Host Committee Member
- Panelist
- Moderator
- Volunteer
- Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD), Fellows Program, 2020
- Houston Young Lawyers Association (HYLA), Leadership Academy Graduate, 2013-2014
- United States Peace Corps Volunteer, 2004-2006
- Co-authored HIV/AIDS Behavior Change Communication manual used countrywide in Saint Lucia, Eastern Caribbean
- Greater Houston Partnership, Business Resource GroupâTalent Resources Group
Areas of Focus
Employment Advice and Litigation
Board Certified in Labor and Employment Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Defend management and employers in employment litigation, conduct workplace internal investigations including into sexual harassment and sexual misconduct under Title IX, draft workplace policies, provide individualized training to both employees and management on discrimination, harassment and retaliation, conduct employment due diligence reviews for the sale or merger of a company.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Completion of Certificate in Leading Diversity, Equity & Inclusion through Northwestern Universityâs Weinberg College of Arts & Sciences. Chair of Jackson Walkerâs Diversity & Inclusion Counseling practice serving clients who are interested in or committed to fostering inclusion in its corporate culture by implementing and maintaining effective and legally compliant diversity, equity, and inclusion related strategy, policies and procedures. Provide advice and counsel on D&I related employment issues, perform workplace culture assessments, design and facilitate customized DEI trainings and presentations, develop company policies and procedures that integrate DEI best practices and ensure legal compliance with employment workplace laws.
Financial Institutions, Business and Creditorsâ Rights Litigation
Represent national, regional, and local banks and credit unions in employment disputes and litigation, lender liability, defensive actions, credit card litigation, contract disputes, and in the prosecution of collection matters. Handle business disputes in media, healthcare, alcohol beverage, oil and gas. Litigate issues involving confidentiality agreements, contract disputes and business torts.
Media, Trademark and Copyright Litigation
Defend media in defamation, copyright infringement, trademark violation, and unfair competition in the nature of false advertising disputes.
Practice Areas
Experience
- Arbitration
- Background Checks
- Banking Litigation
- Business Litigation
- Discrimination & Harassment Claims
- Diversity & Inclusion Counseling
- Employee Whistleblower & Retaliation Claims
- Employment & Governmental Investigations
- Employment Policies, Procedures, & Handbooks
- Employment Practice Audits
- Financial Institution Litigation
- Hiring, Performance Management, & Termination
- Labor & Employment Appellate
- Labor & Employment Litigation
- Media Litigation
- Non-Compete Issues
- South Korea
- Staffing, Independent Contractors, & Contingent Workers
- Unfair Competition & Trade Secrets
- Wage & Hour
- Workplace Ethics, Compliance, & Investigations
- Workplace Safety & Health
- Workplace Training