John K. Edwards
Practice Areas
Experience
- Arbitration
- Business Litigation
- Digital
- Employee Whistleblower & Retaliation Claims
- Entertainment Litigation
- Entertainment, Digital, & Sports
- Government Contracts & Procurement
- Healthcare Litigation
- Intellectual Property Litigation
- Labor & Employment Litigation
- Media
- Media Litigation
Biography
John K. Edwards is a trial lawyer with over 25 years of courtroom experience and an AV/preeminent rating by Martindale-Hubbell. John represents clients in high stakes litigation across the country, with a primary focus on free speech rights under the First Amendment, media and entertainment, complex commercial and employment disputes, and government procurement.
After receiving his Master of Science degree in Information Systems and Statistics, John worked for five years as a Systems Analyst at Shell Oil Company. He then entered law school, following in the footsteps of his grandfather and great-grandfather, who practiced law together for many years. During his time at the University of Houston Law Center, John was elected Chief Articles Editor of the Law Review, represented the law school in moot court competitions, interned with Judge Ewing Werlein, Jr. in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas and the Texas First Court of Appeals, and graduated with honors in 1997.
In early 1998, John experienced his first federal jury trial – six weeks in Amarillo, Texas on the trial team that successfully defended Oprah Winfrey in the infamous Texas cattleman beef disparagement case. John has been privileged to represent many other media and entertainment clients, including OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network, Harpo Productions, ZoCo Productions, Dr. Oz, Dr. Phil, ABC Television, CBS Television, Fox Television, KTRK Television, Courthouse News Service, McGraw-Hill-Companies, John Wiley & Sons, Five Star Publications, and the Fort Bend Star.
Over his 25-year career, John has litigated a variety of complex commercial matters and employment disputes, including cases involving breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, enforcement and defense of non-compete agreements, misappropriation of confidential information or trade secrets, employment discrimination (e.g., race, sex, age, and disability), defamation, wrongful termination, and retaliatory discharge. John has tried numerous cases to successful verdicts for both plaintiffs and defendants, and has managed over 50 arbitration matters across the country. John has also successfully handled appeals from trial court judgments, having secured favorable outcomes after oral argument before the Texas Supreme Court, Georgia Supreme Court, and several intermediate appellate courts. He has resolved many more cases through early dismissal, summary judgments, and favorable settlements for his clients.
John’s skills as a trial lawyer have enabled him to represent many global and national companies in commercial litigation, including ORIX USA, 3M Corporation, Exxon Corporation, UnitedHealthcare, Waste Management, Rockwater Energy, Just Energy, Team Oil Tools, the Staubach Company, Sendo (England), Amway Corporation, Cal-Maine Foods, and Howard Hughes/The Woodlands Land Development Company.
John also represents clients in a variety of industries with government procurement matters. John not only helps his clients secure government contracts in public bid solicitations for a wide range of products and services, but he brings his litigation skills to bear when a contract award is challenged during a bid protest. John has assisted clients with bid protest challenges in administrative proceedings and lawsuits in over 17 states.
John brings value to his clients through effective advocacy skills, sound legal analysis, good judgment, and adherence to the highest standards of professionalism. Click on the “Practice Experience” and “Areas of Focus” tabs for more detail.
Education
B.B.A., Mississippi State University
- Member, Beta Gamma Sigma
M.S., Mississippi State University
J.D., cum laude, University of Houston Law Center
- Chief Articles Editor, Houston Law Review
- Intramural Moot Court Team
- Semi-finalist and Best Speaker Award Recipient, F. Lee Bailey National Moot Court Competition, 1997
Bar Admissions
Texas
Florida
Court Admissions
United States Supreme Court
United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth, Tenth, and Eleventh Circuits
United States District Court for the Northern, Southern, Eastern and Western Districts of Texas
United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida
United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
First Amendment & Free Speech Rights
- Woodard v. Labrada et al., Case No. 5:16-cv-00189-JGB (U.S. District Court, C.D. Cal.) – Obtained stipulation of dismissal of all claims against clients Dr. Mehmet Oz, ZoCo Productions, and Harpo Productions in a high-stakes class action suit related to three episodes of The Dr. Oz Show that touted the generic weight loss supplements Garcinia Cambogia and Green Coffee Bean Extract. The dismissal took place after four years of litigation, without any payment of money, based on a pending anti-SLAPP motion that exposed Plaintiffs to substantial attorneys’ fees.
- Robert Flores d/b/a TxCat, et al. v. Phoenix Group Metals, LLC, et al., Cause No. 4:10-cv-05143, U.S. District Court, S.D. Tex (2013) – Obtained summary judgment dismissal of business disparagement, libel, and tortious interference claims brought by plaintiffs against clients, including Phoenix Group Metals LLC and its President/CEO, Jay Robie, related to various emails and a newsletter directed at plaintiffs’ business activities.
- Courthouse News Service v. Loren Jackson et al., 2009 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 62300, U.S. Dist. Court, S.D. Tex. (2009-10, local counsel) – Obtained Order of Preliminary Injunction after evidentiary hearing on behalf of client Courthouse News Service, with the court finding constitutional violations by defendants and requiring that the Harris County District Clerk permit same-day access to new court petitions – case subsequently resolved through an Agreed Permanent Injunction with payment of attorneys’ fees.
- Dolcefino v. Harris County Sheriff’s Dep’t and Sheriff Tommy Thomas, Cause No. 2008-03462, 281st District Court of Harris County, Texas – Summary judgment obtained by John on behalf of local reporter, requiring the Harris County Sheriff’s Department to recover and produce over 750,000 emails and pay reporter’s attorney’s fees.
- Stephens v. Dolcefino, Cause No. 1999-43183, 215th District Court of Harris County, Texas (2007, trial team member) – Jury verdict for JW client on claims for alleged invasion of privacy and wiretap act violations stemming from investigation and publication of information regarding city official’s work.
- Brady v. Klentzman et. al., Cause No. 03-CV-129531, 240th District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas (2006-2007) – Twice successfully prevented the plaintiff from obtaining an order compelling disclosure of the identity of confidential sources of newspaper/reporter clients.
- Brewer, Anthony, Middlebrook & Dunn, P.C. v. KTRK Television, Inc. and Ted Oberg, Cause No. 2005-13331, 80th District Court of Harris County, Texas (2005) – Obtained emergency dissolution of temporary restraining order against media clients prohibiting publication of information, leading to denial of request for temporary injunction and plaintiff’s non-suit of its tort-based claims.
- Porter v. Walt Disney Co. et. al, and Levy v. Walt Disney Co. et al., 11th and 333rd District Courts of Harris County, Texas (2004) – Obtained summary judgment in two related cases alleging breach of contract, fraud, and negligence against media clients for investigative report and broadcast.
- Texas Disposal Systems Landfill, Inc. v. Waste Management Holdings, Inc., et al., Cause No. 03-03-00631-CV, 126th District Court of Travis County, Texas (2003, trial team member) – Jury verdict for JW client after four week trial finding no damages based on antitrust, fraud, defamation, and business disparagement claims.
- Vanessa Leggett v. United States of America, No. 01-20745 (5th 2002) – Represented the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press and other trade associations in filing an amici brief seeking reversal of a contempt award against journalist Vanessa Leggett for refusing to disclose the identity of her confidential sources.
- Dolcefino v. Randolph, 2001 WL 931112 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th] pet. denied) –Reversing the denial of summary judgment and rendering judgment in favor of JW clients in defamation case based on investigative report and broadcast by media clients concerning the former City Controller of Houston.
- Paul Natkin et al. v. Oprah Winfrey, et al., Cause No. 99 C 5367, U.S. District Court, N.D. Ill. (Chicago) (2000, trial team member) – Settlement reached during jury trial in copyright infringement case against JW client Oprah Winfrey in federal court in Chicago.
- Procter & Gamble v. Amway, et al., Cause No. H-97-2384, U.S. District Court, S.D. Tex. (Houston) (1999, trial team member) – Directed verdict for JW client Amway in suit alleging Lanham Act violations and other claims in federal court in Houston. Decision affirmed on appeal.
- Service Corp. Int’l v. Daryl Roberts and Five Star Publications, Inc., Cause No. H-97-3250, U.S. District Court, S.D. Tex. (Houston) (1998) – Summary judgment in favor of clients, author Daryl Roberts and book publisher Five Star Publications, in defamation lawsuit based on statements concerning SCI in a book and made by the author during an appearance on 60 Minutes.
- Texas Beef Group, et al. v. Oprah Winfrey, et al., Cause No. 96-CV-208-J, U.S. District Court, N.D. of Tex. (Amarillo) (1998, trial team member) – Jury verdict for JW client Oprah Winfrey in defamation and product disparagement case. Verdict affirmed on appeals
Government Procurement & Access to Public Documents
- Humana Insurance Co. et al. v. Teacher Retirement System of Texas, et al., Cause No. D-1-GN-20-002064, In the 415th District Court, Travis County, Texas (2020) – Intervened in lawsuit filed by Humana that challenged a Medicare Advantage services contract award to client by the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) on grounds of ultra vires conduct during the procurement by TRS employees (among other claims). In addition to providing client representation throughout the administrative bid protest process, JW along with the Office of the Attorney General challenged the subject matter jurisdiction of the Court. After a virtual Zoom hearing, the Court dismissed the ultra vires claims on grounds of sovereign immunity, after which TRS and JW’s client executed the awarded contract.
- United Healthcare Services, Inc. v. City of Birmingham, Alabama, Cause No. CV-13-0499-MGG, In the Circuit Court of Jefferson County, Alabama (2013) – Filed state court action on behalf of client United Healthcare Services, Inc. (United) against the City of Birmingham, Alabama for violation of state competitive bidding laws. The lawsuit sought injunctive relief and damages based on the City’s award of a contract for third-party administrative services for its self-funded health plan to incumbent Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama (BCBS), which was done without following bid law requirements and after determining that United was the winning bidder under a Request for Proposal issued in January, 2013.  After expedited discovery, Judge Michael Graffeo granted United’s request for a preliminary injunction, which voided the contract with BCBS and required the City to bring itself into compliance with state bidding laws within six months.
- In re: Notice of Protest of Request for Offer, Solicitation No. Q442013021298000 (Texas 2013) – Filed protest of Request for Offer, issued by Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) seeking an engineering software solution, on behalf of prospective bidder based on unfair bias in favor of incumbent vendor precluding open and fair competition, resulting in prompt withdrawal of the solicitation by TxDOT.
- Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Nebraska v. Department of Admin. Svcs. of the State of Nebraska v. UnitedHealthcare Services, Inc., CI 12-1348, District Court of Lancaster County, Nebraska (2012) – Filed intervention to defend contract award to client against action filed by incumbent, BCBS of Nebraska, asserting right to a hearing under the Administrative Procedures Act (APA) and due process violations. After briefing and a hearing, court denied request for stay/injunction and dismissed lawsuit on grounds that APA did not apply and no protected due process interest existed.
- UnitedHealthcare Services, Inc. v. Louisiana Office Of Group Benefits, Louisiana Division of Administration (2011) – Successfully prosecuted an administrative bid protest challenging award of a major state health insurance contract to competitor of client. Although the procuring agency denied the protest, on appeal the Louisiana Division of Administration reversed and held that the procurement must be canceled and re-bid due to errors in the solicitation.
- State Insurance Services, Inc. et al. v. North Carolina Dep’t of State Treasurer, et al.; No. 11 DST 0831, North Carolina Office of Administrative Hearings (2011) – Intervened in administrative bid protest action to challenge award of third-party administration and benefits contract to competitor of client, resulting in a favorable settlement and extended contract for client.
- UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company v. State of Louisiana et al., No. 590076, Sec. 24, In the 19th Judicial District Court, Parish of East Baton Rouge, Louisiana (2010) – Filed administrative and court actions to challenge award of contract to competitor of client. After the administrative process failed to correct the procurement irregularities, the matter was taken to court. The result was a judicial ruling that the Louisiana Office of Group Benefits had illegally awarded the contract, requiring the contract to be rescinded.
- In re Solicitation No. EPS090040-A10: Employee Benefits—Health; Arizona Department of Administration (2009) – Filed bid protest petition to challenge bid submission and evaluation process undertaken pursuant to an RFP seeking administrators of various aspects of the Arizona health benefit plan, resulting in a reversal of the adverse contract award and ultimately a new four-year contract for client.
- In re: UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company, 2009-HCA-001; Washington Office of Administrative Hearings (2009) – Obtained summary judgment from Administrative Law Judge in formal bid protest proceeding on behalf of client, resulting in cancellation of the Washington Healthcare Authority’s erroneous contract award to a competitor of client and an order to re-bid the health plan administration contract.
- UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company v. The School District of Palm Beach County, Florida, Division of Administrative Hearings, State of Florida (2009) – Decision by school board to award district health plan administration contract to competitor of client rescinded after filing of bid protest and attending informal administrative hearing.
- In re: RFP 08-75, Medical Benefits for Certificated (Teachers) Employees of MNPS (Metro-Nashville Public Schools), Nashville, TN (2008) – Obtained cancellation of a contract award to competitor of client after filing bid protest and attending administrative hearing.
- UnitedHealthcare of Georgia Inc., et al. v. Georgia Department of Community Health, 293 App. 84, 666 S.E.2d 472 (Ga. App. 2008) – Obtained favorable ruling from appellate court reversing in part an order of summary judgment, holding that client’s documents could be subject to trade secret protection under the Georgia Open Records Act. Upon renewed motion after remand, the trial court judge granted client a complete summary judgment in May 2010, holding that all documents at issue constituted trade secrets exempt from public disclosure.
Managed Care Litigation
- Hematology & Oncology Specialists, LLC et al. v. UnitedHealthcare of Louisiana, Inc., Cause No. 2006-10447, in the District Court for the Parrish of St. Tammany, Louisiana (2012) – Obtained order of dismissal and referral to arbitration, leading to favorable settlement for client in dispute over alleged carrier underpayments to provider group.
- American Surgical Assistants, Inc. v. UnitedHealthcare of Texas, Inc. et al., Cause No. 2009-774, S. Dist. Court, S.D. Tex. (2010), and American Surgical Assistants, Inc. v. PacifiCare of Texas, Inc., Cause No. 2009-3519, in the 190th District Court, Harris County, Texas (2010) – Negotiated favorable settlement agreements in two lawsuits with a non-contracted surgical assistant provider group alleging denial and underpayment of claims.
- Sarasota County Public Hospital Board v. UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company, AAA No. 32 187 Y 00412 09, Sarasota County, Florida (2010) – Obtained dismissal of arbitration after negotiation of agreement favorable to client related to payment of claims.
- The Greater Houston Neurosurgical Center v. UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company, Cause No. 2008-2643; S. Dist. Court, S.D. Tex. (2009) – Obtained favorable settlement and dismissal of lawsuit alleging underpayment of claims to non-contracted service provider.
- The Medical College of Georgia Physicians Practice Group Foundation v. UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company, AAA No. 30 195 00122 07, Fulton County, Georgia (2007) – Negotiated favorable settlement of claims by hospital-based physician practice group against carrier for alleged breach of network participation agreement.
- Western Medical, Inc. v. Evercare of Arizona, Inc., AAA No. 76 193 00219 04, County of Maricopa, Arizona (2006) – Obtained summary judgment dismissal of arbitration brought by hospital against client asserting improper denial of claims related to state health plan.
- Northside Hospital, Inc. v. UnitedHealthcare of Georgia, Inc., AAA No. 30 193 00013 06, Fulton County, Georgia (2006) – Negotiated favorable settlement agreement related to claims of breach of contract asserted by hospital facility against insurance company.
Employment
- Reef Services, LLC et al. v. Bair et al., Cause No. 12-cv-02765, U.S. District Court, S.D. Tex. (2012) – Negotiated favorable settlement agreement after entry of a Temporary Restraining Order and Preliminary Injunction directed at client’s former employee for conduct in violation of non-compete and confidentiality provisions of employment contract. Agreed Permanent Injunction entered.
- Adrienne D. Martin v. First Transit, Inc., Cause No. H-07-1347, U.S. District Court, S.D. Tex. (2008) – Summary judgment granted for JW client in discrimination and workers’ compensation retaliation case.
- Richardson v. University Carwash, Cause No. 2004-68671, 295th District Court of Harris County, Texas (2007) – Obtained defense verdict for client in pregnancy discrimination jury trial.
- Thomas v. ABC, Inc. and KTRK Television, Inc., Cause No. H-03-3825, U.S. District Court, S.D. Tex. (Houston) (2004) – Summary judgment rendered for JW clients in age discrimination case brought by former employee.
- Fundacion Guacamaya, et al. v. Anadarko Petroleum Corp., et al., Cause No. 2002-37874, 295th District Court of Harris County, Texas (2004) – Obtained summary judgment for JW client, The Terra Group, a public affairs consulting company, based on allegations that an internal stakeholder analysis report commissioned by Anadarko defamed the plaintiff.
- Tim Pennington v. Clearworks Technologies, Inc. and James W. Walters, Cause No. 98-34190-A, 269th District Court of Harris County, Texas (2001) – Represented plaintiff in action for conversion of stock by corporate officer and obtained $250,000 jury verdict for client.
- AV Preeminent, Martindale-Hubbell
- “Super Lawyers – Rising Stars,” Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2007
- Author, “The First Amendment and Social Media Commentary,” JW Insights (2018)
- Co-Author, “Texas Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Jackson Walker Media Clients in Important Free Speech Case,” JW Insights (2017)
- Co-Author, “Jackson Walker Wins Important Appellate Victory for Clients in Media Defamation Case,” JW Insights (2014)
- Presenter, “Litigating an Open Records Dispute With the Attorney General or the Governmental Agency” (2008)
- Presenter, “Defamation in the Workplace and Update on Employee Blogging” (2009)
- Presenter, “Defending Free Speech: Claims and Defenses Implicating the First Amendment” (2009)
- Co-Author of several annual surveys of law for the Media Law Resource Center (MLRC), including the Survey of Texas Employment Defamation Law, the Fifth Circuit Survey of Privacy and Claims Against the Media, and the Media Privacy and Related Law survey.
- Author, “Should There Be Journalist’s Privilege Against Newsgathering Liability?” ABA Communications Lawyer (Spring 2000)
- Author, “Supreme Court Strikes Down Federal Ban on Broadcast Advertising of Casino Gambling” ABA Communications Lawyer (Winter 2000)
- Co-Author, “Restraints on Speech,” 28th Annual Advanced Civil Trial Course (Texas, 2005)
- Co-Author, “Libel and Slander,” Houston Bar Association CLE seminar (2000)
- Co-Author, “Tips on Picking and Courting a Jury in a High Profile Case – A Defendants Perspective,” State Bar of Texas CLE (2001)
- Co-Author, “Focusing the Case: Focus Groups and Mock Juries,” 21st Annual Advanced Civil Trial Course (Texas, 1998)
- Author, “A Prisoner’s Threshold for Procedural Due Process After Sandin v. Connor: Conservative Activism or Legitimate Compromise?” Houston Law Review (1997)
- State Bar of Texas
- State Bar of Florida
- Houston Bar Association
- American Bar Association
- Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas
- First Amendment Institute, Leadership Program Class
- Media Law Resource Center, Employment Law Committee
- ABA Media, Privacy, and Defamation Law Committee Insurance Task Force
- Houston Bar Association Law and Media Committee, 2006-2007
- Texas Association of Broadcasters
- Texas Press Association
April 4, 2022
Newsletters
JW Media | VIA ePostcard – April 2022
View the April 2022 edition of the JW Media | VIA ePostcard.
March 29, 2022
Mentions
John Edwards Featured in Courthouse News Service Article Discussing Lawsuit Brought Against Travis County District Clerk and Office of Court Administration
As lead counsel for Courthouse News Service, John Edwards recently submitted a motion for preliminary injunction against the Austin clerk and the Director of the state court administrative office to ensure newly-filed non-confidential civil petitions will be made available to the public and press upon receipt, not after delays caused by later administrative processing.
November 16, 2021
Mentions
Chip Babcock Discusses First Amendment Case Involving Houston Law Firm Feldman & Feldman
As lead counsel for Houston litigation boutique Feldman & Feldman, PC, Chip Babcock spoke with The Texas Lawbook about a defamation lawsuit brought by EasyKnock, Inc. and its affiliate EK Real Estate Services of NY, LLC.
November 8, 2021
Mentions
Courthouse News Service Shares Story of John Edwards Questioning Witness in First Amendment Case
In an op-ed from Courthouse News Service, editor Bill Girdner recounts Jackson Walker partner John Edwards questioning a witness in a case involving the First Amendment right of timely public and press access to newly filed state civil, non-confidential complaints. John represents Courthouse News Service in the case.
October 29, 2021
Newsletters
JW Media | VIA ePostcard – October 2021
View the October 2021 edition of the JW Media | VIA ePostcard.
October 29, 2021
Insights
State Court Clerks in New Mexico Delay Access to Court Records in Violation of the First Amendment, But an Adequate Remedy Proves Elusive
By John K. Edwards
On October 8, 2021, after a preliminary injunction hearing held on September 28, 2021, Judge James O. Browning of the U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico issued a 92-page opinion in which he found that the New Mexico Administrative Office of the Courts and the First Judicial District Clerk’s Office violated the First Amendment right of timely public and press access to newly filed state civil, non-confidential complaints. While a favorable ruling in many respects, the resulting preliminary injunction does not, for now, fully remedy the constitutional violation.
October 29, 2020
Mentions
Texas County Cites Privacy Concerns In Doc Access Fight | Law360
Houston partner John Edwards, who represents Courthouse News, told Law360 that while at the time of the settlement there were fewer than 10 after-hours filings on any given day, the skyrocketing number of those filings has substantially increased the need for quicker document access. “It’s clearly within the ability of the district clerk to provide their access, but they’re not willing to do it,” Edwards said. “The facts have changed significantly over the last 10 years, and the law has changed.”
October 16, 2020
Podcasts
Common Issues in Government Procurement and Contracting
When it comes to government contracts and procurement issues, even the savviest of businesses can need help navigating the applicable laws and the often-complicated regulations. John Edwards and William Stowe discuss the common issues they see when businesses seek to procure government contracts.
John is, first and foremost, a trial lawyer. He approaches every case with the attitude that a jury may ultimately decide the dispute, ensuring that the case is fully evaluated, developed, and strategically positioned for a successful client outcome. He is at home in the courtroom before judges and juries, utilizing state-of-the-art graphics and trial support technology.
Below Are the Practice Areas in Which John Has Focused Over the Past 20 Years
First Amendment & Free Speech Rights
John has routinely represented broadcast and print media companies in a wide variety of areas implicating the First Amendment, including defense of defamation and related speech-based claims, obtaining media access to government documents and court proceedings under state open court and public information laws, and defending against civil and criminal subpoenas issued to members of the media. John has experience advising on-air personalities, broadcasters, news organizations, television networks, and newspaper and book publishers on matters ranging from litigation avoidance (e.g., pre-publication review) to defending lawsuits alleging libel, slander, business/product disparagement, invasion of privacy, wiretapping, fraud, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and other statutory and common law claims affecting free speech rights.
John also counsels and represents non-media companies in matters affecting free speech rights, including business disparagement, tortious interference, and related speech-based claims, and alleged defamation in the workplace associated with internal investigations, alleged employee wrongdoing, employment references, and social media and blogging.
John regularly writes and speaks on free speech issues. Between 2003 and 2014, John authored annual surveys of Texas and Fifth Circuit law in the areas of defamation and privacy for the Media Law Resource Center.
Government Procurement & Access to Public Records
John dedicates a substantial amount of his practice to representation of companies seeking government contracts. He provides assistance with the entire procurement process, including representation in administrative proceedings and litigation related to contract award protest actions. Over the past 12 years, John has obtained numerous victories in prosecuting and defending bid protests in 17 states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Washington. John currently represents a Fortune 25 company and its affiliates in procurement-related disputes on a national basis.
Through his procurement and media law practice, John has developed expertise in the application of open government laws, including the federal Freedom of Information Act, Texas Public Information Act, Texas Open Meetings Act, and other state laws related to government access. Typically, John helps companies and individuals gain access to public or court records, but also helps defeat improper attempts by third parties to access client information maintained by the government that is of a confidential, trade secret, proprietary, or competitively-sensitive nature.
Managed Care Litigation
Since 2006, John has represented clients in disputes between managed care companies and hospitals, physicians, and ancillary provider groups related to allegations of underpayment of non-par provider claims and breach of in-network contracts. Since 2008, he has resolved, through negotiation, settlement, or court order, multiple lawsuits and over 40 arbitrations in various states including Texas, California, Georgia, Louisiana, and Florida. Many of these disputes involved complex questions related to federal preemption under ERISA or other federal law, state prompt payment laws, and regulatory compliance.
Based on this experience, John is able to provide valuable advice and counsel to clients faced with disputes over provider agreements and health insurance claims and payments, including claims arising from services provided under fully insured or self-funded employer health plans and Medicare Advantage (MA) plans.
Employment
John also represents clients in litigation over non-compete agreements, misappropriation of confidential information or trade secrets, and other claims typically associated with departure of an employee (including alleged violations of the federal Computer Fraud and Abuse Act). He also represents clients in matters involving alleged employment discrimination (race, sex, age, and disability), sexual harassment, defamation, wrongful termination, and retaliatory discharge, including representation before the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and the Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) of the Texas Department of Insurance. He also writes and speaks on employment issues related to defamation (libel/slander), including presentations on defamation in the workplace and related employee blogging issues.
Practice Experience
First Amendment & Free Speech Rights
- Woodard v. Labrada et al., Case No. 5:16-cv-00189-JGB (U.S. District Court, C.D. Cal.) – Obtained stipulation of dismissal of all claims against clients Dr. Mehmet Oz, ZoCo Productions, and Harpo Productions in a high-stakes class action suit related to three episodes of The Dr. Oz Show that touted the generic weight loss supplements Garcinia Cambogia and Green Coffee Bean Extract. The dismissal took place after four years of litigation, without any payment of money, based on a pending anti-SLAPP motion that exposed Plaintiffs to substantial attorneys’ fees.
- Robert Flores d/b/a TxCat, et al. v. Phoenix Group Metals, LLC, et al., Cause No. 4:10-cv-05143, U.S. District Court, S.D. Tex (2013) – Obtained summary judgment dismissal of business disparagement, libel, and tortious interference claims brought by plaintiffs against clients, including Phoenix Group Metals LLC and its President/CEO, Jay Robie, related to various emails and a newsletter directed at plaintiffs’ business activities.
- Courthouse News Service v. Loren Jackson et al., 2009 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 62300, U.S. Dist. Court, S.D. Tex. (2009-10, local counsel) – Obtained Order of Preliminary Injunction after evidentiary hearing on behalf of client Courthouse News Service, with the court finding constitutional violations by defendants and requiring that the Harris County District Clerk permit same-day access to new court petitions – case subsequently resolved through an Agreed Permanent Injunction with payment of attorneys’ fees.
- Dolcefino v. Harris County Sheriff’s Dep’t and Sheriff Tommy Thomas, Cause No. 2008-03462, 281st District Court of Harris County, Texas – Summary judgment obtained by John on behalf of local reporter, requiring the Harris County Sheriff’s Department to recover and produce over 750,000 emails and pay reporter’s attorney’s fees.
- Stephens v. Dolcefino, Cause No. 1999-43183, 215th District Court of Harris County, Texas (2007, trial team member) – Jury verdict for JW client on claims for alleged invasion of privacy and wiretap act violations stemming from investigation and publication of information regarding city official’s work.
- Brady v. Klentzman et. al., Cause No. 03-CV-129531, 240th District Court of Fort Bend County, Texas (2006-2007) – Twice successfully prevented the plaintiff from obtaining an order compelling disclosure of the identity of confidential sources of newspaper/reporter clients.
- Brewer, Anthony, Middlebrook & Dunn, P.C. v. KTRK Television, Inc. and Ted Oberg, Cause No. 2005-13331, 80th District Court of Harris County, Texas (2005) – Obtained emergency dissolution of temporary restraining order against media clients prohibiting publication of information, leading to denial of request for temporary injunction and plaintiff’s non-suit of its tort-based claims.
- Porter v. Walt Disney Co. et. al, and Levy v. Walt Disney Co. et al., 11th and 333rd District Courts of Harris County, Texas (2004) – Obtained summary judgment in two related cases alleging breach of contract, fraud, and negligence against media clients for investigative report and broadcast.
- Texas Disposal Systems Landfill, Inc. v. Waste Management Holdings, Inc., et al., Cause No. 03-03-00631-CV, 126th District Court of Travis County, Texas (2003, trial team member) – Jury verdict for JW client after four week trial finding no damages based on antitrust, fraud, defamation, and business disparagement claims.
- Vanessa Leggett v. United States of America, No. 01-20745 (5th 2002) – Represented the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press and other trade associations in filing an amici brief seeking reversal of a contempt award against journalist Vanessa Leggett for refusing to disclose the identity of her confidential sources.
- Dolcefino v. Randolph, 2001 WL 931112 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th] pet. denied) –Reversing the denial of summary judgment and rendering judgment in favor of JW clients in defamation case based on investigative report and broadcast by media clients concerning the former City Controller of Houston.
- Paul Natkin et al. v. Oprah Winfrey, et al., Cause No. 99 C 5367, U.S. District Court, N.D. Ill. (Chicago) (2000, trial team member) – Settlement reached during jury trial in copyright infringement case against JW client Oprah Winfrey in federal court in Chicago.
- Procter & Gamble v. Amway, et al., Cause No. H-97-2384, U.S. District Court, S.D. Tex. (Houston) (1999, trial team member) – Directed verdict for JW client Amway in suit alleging Lanham Act violations and other claims in federal court in Houston. Decision affirmed on appeal.
- Service Corp. Int’l v. Daryl Roberts and Five Star Publications, Inc., Cause No. H-97-3250, U.S. District Court, S.D. Tex. (Houston) (1998) – Summary judgment in favor of clients, author Daryl Roberts and book publisher Five Star Publications, in defamation lawsuit based on statements concerning SCI in a book and made by the author during an appearance on 60 Minutes.
- Texas Beef Group, et al. v. Oprah Winfrey, et al., Cause No. 96-CV-208-J, U.S. District Court, N.D. of Tex. (Amarillo) (1998, trial team member) – Jury verdict for JW client Oprah Winfrey in defamation and product disparagement case. Verdict affirmed on appeals
Government Procurement & Access to Public Documents
- Humana Insurance Co. et al. v. Teacher Retirement System of Texas, et al., Cause No. D-1-GN-20-002064, In the 415th District Court, Travis County, Texas (2020) – Intervened in lawsuit filed by Humana that challenged a Medicare Advantage services contract award to client by the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) on grounds of ultra vires conduct during the procurement by TRS employees (among other claims). In addition to providing client representation throughout the administrative bid protest process, JW along with the Office of the Attorney General challenged the subject matter jurisdiction of the Court. After a virtual Zoom hearing, the Court dismissed the ultra vires claims on grounds of sovereign immunity, after which TRS and JW’s client executed the awarded contract.
- United Healthcare Services, Inc. v. City of Birmingham, Alabama, Cause No. CV-13-0499-MGG, In the Circuit Court of Jefferson County, Alabama (2013) – Filed state court action on behalf of client United Healthcare Services, Inc. (United) against the City of Birmingham, Alabama for violation of state competitive bidding laws. The lawsuit sought injunctive relief and damages based on the City’s award of a contract for third-party administrative services for its self-funded health plan to incumbent Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama (BCBS), which was done without following bid law requirements and after determining that United was the winning bidder under a Request for Proposal issued in January, 2013.  After expedited discovery, Judge Michael Graffeo granted United’s request for a preliminary injunction, which voided the contract with BCBS and required the City to bring itself into compliance with state bidding laws within six months.
- In re: Notice of Protest of Request for Offer, Solicitation No. Q442013021298000 (Texas 2013) – Filed protest of Request for Offer, issued by Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) seeking an engineering software solution, on behalf of prospective bidder based on unfair bias in favor of incumbent vendor precluding open and fair competition, resulting in prompt withdrawal of the solicitation by TxDOT.
- Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Nebraska v. Department of Admin. Svcs. of the State of Nebraska v. UnitedHealthcare Services, Inc., CI 12-1348, District Court of Lancaster County, Nebraska (2012) – Filed intervention to defend contract award to client against action filed by incumbent, BCBS of Nebraska, asserting right to a hearing under the Administrative Procedures Act (APA) and due process violations. After briefing and a hearing, court denied request for stay/injunction and dismissed lawsuit on grounds that APA did not apply and no protected due process interest existed.
- UnitedHealthcare Services, Inc. v. Louisiana Office Of Group Benefits, Louisiana Division of Administration (2011) – Successfully prosecuted an administrative bid protest challenging award of a major state health insurance contract to competitor of client. Although the procuring agency denied the protest, on appeal the Louisiana Division of Administration reversed and held that the procurement must be canceled and re-bid due to errors in the solicitation.
- State Insurance Services, Inc. et al. v. North Carolina Dep’t of State Treasurer, et al.; No. 11 DST 0831, North Carolina Office of Administrative Hearings (2011) – Intervened in administrative bid protest action to challenge award of third-party administration and benefits contract to competitor of client, resulting in a favorable settlement and extended contract for client.
- UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company v. State of Louisiana et al., No. 590076, Sec. 24, In the 19th Judicial District Court, Parish of East Baton Rouge, Louisiana (2010) – Filed administrative and court actions to challenge award of contract to competitor of client. After the administrative process failed to correct the procurement irregularities, the matter was taken to court. The result was a judicial ruling that the Louisiana Office of Group Benefits had illegally awarded the contract, requiring the contract to be rescinded.
- In re Solicitation No. EPS090040-A10: Employee Benefits—Health; Arizona Department of Administration (2009) – Filed bid protest petition to challenge bid submission and evaluation process undertaken pursuant to an RFP seeking administrators of various aspects of the Arizona health benefit plan, resulting in a reversal of the adverse contract award and ultimately a new four-year contract for client.
- In re: UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company, 2009-HCA-001; Washington Office of Administrative Hearings (2009) – Obtained summary judgment from Administrative Law Judge in formal bid protest proceeding on behalf of client, resulting in cancellation of the Washington Healthcare Authority’s erroneous contract award to a competitor of client and an order to re-bid the health plan administration contract.
- UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company v. The School District of Palm Beach County, Florida, Division of Administrative Hearings, State of Florida (2009) – Decision by school board to award district health plan administration contract to competitor of client rescinded after filing of bid protest and attending informal administrative hearing.
- In re: RFP 08-75, Medical Benefits for Certificated (Teachers) Employees of MNPS (Metro-Nashville Public Schools), Nashville, TN (2008) – Obtained cancellation of a contract award to competitor of client after filing bid protest and attending administrative hearing.
- UnitedHealthcare of Georgia Inc., et al. v. Georgia Department of Community Health, 293 App. 84, 666 S.E.2d 472 (Ga. App. 2008) – Obtained favorable ruling from appellate court reversing in part an order of summary judgment, holding that client’s documents could be subject to trade secret protection under the Georgia Open Records Act. Upon renewed motion after remand, the trial court judge granted client a complete summary judgment in May 2010, holding that all documents at issue constituted trade secrets exempt from public disclosure.
Managed Care Litigation
- Hematology & Oncology Specialists, LLC et al. v. UnitedHealthcare of Louisiana, Inc., Cause No. 2006-10447, in the District Court for the Parrish of St. Tammany, Louisiana (2012) – Obtained order of dismissal and referral to arbitration, leading to favorable settlement for client in dispute over alleged carrier underpayments to provider group.
- American Surgical Assistants, Inc. v. UnitedHealthcare of Texas, Inc. et al., Cause No. 2009-774, S. Dist. Court, S.D. Tex. (2010), and American Surgical Assistants, Inc. v. PacifiCare of Texas, Inc., Cause No. 2009-3519, in the 190th District Court, Harris County, Texas (2010) – Negotiated favorable settlement agreements in two lawsuits with a non-contracted surgical assistant provider group alleging denial and underpayment of claims.
- Sarasota County Public Hospital Board v. UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company, AAA No. 32 187 Y 00412 09, Sarasota County, Florida (2010) – Obtained dismissal of arbitration after negotiation of agreement favorable to client related to payment of claims.
- The Greater Houston Neurosurgical Center v. UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company, Cause No. 2008-2643; S. Dist. Court, S.D. Tex. (2009) – Obtained favorable settlement and dismissal of lawsuit alleging underpayment of claims to non-contracted service provider.
- The Medical College of Georgia Physicians Practice Group Foundation v. UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company, AAA No. 30 195 00122 07, Fulton County, Georgia (2007) – Negotiated favorable settlement of claims by hospital-based physician practice group against carrier for alleged breach of network participation agreement.
- Western Medical, Inc. v. Evercare of Arizona, Inc., AAA No. 76 193 00219 04, County of Maricopa, Arizona (2006) – Obtained summary judgment dismissal of arbitration brought by hospital against client asserting improper denial of claims related to state health plan.
- Northside Hospital, Inc. v. UnitedHealthcare of Georgia, Inc., AAA No. 30 193 00013 06, Fulton County, Georgia (2006) – Negotiated favorable settlement agreement related to claims of breach of contract asserted by hospital facility against insurance company.
Employment
- Reef Services, LLC et al. v. Bair et al., Cause No. 12-cv-02765, U.S. District Court, S.D. Tex. (2012) – Negotiated favorable settlement agreement after entry of a Temporary Restraining Order and Preliminary Injunction directed at client’s former employee for conduct in violation of non-compete and confidentiality provisions of employment contract. Agreed Permanent Injunction entered.
- Adrienne D. Martin v. First Transit, Inc., Cause No. H-07-1347, U.S. District Court, S.D. Tex. (2008) – Summary judgment granted for JW client in discrimination and workers’ compensation retaliation case.
- Richardson v. University Carwash, Cause No. 2004-68671, 295th District Court of Harris County, Texas (2007) – Obtained defense verdict for client in pregnancy discrimination jury trial.
- Thomas v. ABC, Inc. and KTRK Television, Inc., Cause No. H-03-3825, U.S. District Court, S.D. Tex. (Houston) (2004) – Summary judgment rendered for JW clients in age discrimination case brought by former employee.
- Fundacion Guacamaya, et al. v. Anadarko Petroleum Corp., et al., Cause No. 2002-37874, 295th District Court of Harris County, Texas (2004) – Obtained summary judgment for JW client, The Terra Group, a public affairs consulting company, based on allegations that an internal stakeholder analysis report commissioned by Anadarko defamed the plaintiff.
- Tim Pennington v. Clearworks Technologies, Inc. and James W. Walters, Cause No. 98-34190-A, 269th District Court of Harris County, Texas (2001) – Represented plaintiff in action for conversion of stock by corporate officer and obtained $250,000 jury verdict for client.
Recognition & Accolades
- AV Preeminent, Martindale-Hubbell
- “Super Lawyers – Rising Stars,” Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2007
Publications & Speeches
- Author, “The First Amendment and Social Media Commentary,” JW Insights (2018)
- Co-Author, “Texas Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Jackson Walker Media Clients in Important Free Speech Case,” JW Insights (2017)
- Co-Author, “Jackson Walker Wins Important Appellate Victory for Clients in Media Defamation Case,” JW Insights (2014)
- Presenter, “Litigating an Open Records Dispute With the Attorney General or the Governmental Agency” (2008)
- Presenter, “Defamation in the Workplace and Update on Employee Blogging” (2009)
- Presenter, “Defending Free Speech: Claims and Defenses Implicating the First Amendment” (2009)
- Co-Author of several annual surveys of law for the Media Law Resource Center (MLRC), including the Survey of Texas Employment Defamation Law, the Fifth Circuit Survey of Privacy and Claims Against the Media, and the Media Privacy and Related Law survey.
- Author, “Should There Be Journalist’s Privilege Against Newsgathering Liability?” ABA Communications Lawyer (Spring 2000)
- Author, “Supreme Court Strikes Down Federal Ban on Broadcast Advertising of Casino Gambling” ABA Communications Lawyer (Winter 2000)
- Co-Author, “Restraints on Speech,” 28th Annual Advanced Civil Trial Course (Texas, 2005)
- Co-Author, “Libel and Slander,” Houston Bar Association CLE seminar (2000)
- Co-Author, “Tips on Picking and Courting a Jury in a High Profile Case – A Defendants Perspective,” State Bar of Texas CLE (2001)
- Co-Author, “Focusing the Case: Focus Groups and Mock Juries,” 21st Annual Advanced Civil Trial Course (Texas, 1998)
- Author, “A Prisoner’s Threshold for Procedural Due Process After Sandin v. Connor: Conservative Activism or Legitimate Compromise?” Houston Law Review (1997)
Community Involvement
- State Bar of Texas
- State Bar of Florida
- Houston Bar Association
- American Bar Association
- Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas
- First Amendment Institute, Leadership Program Class
- Media Law Resource Center, Employment Law Committee
- ABA Media, Privacy, and Defamation Law Committee Insurance Task Force
- Houston Bar Association Law and Media Committee, 2006-2007
- Texas Association of Broadcasters
- Texas Press Association
Areas of Focus
John is, first and foremost, a trial lawyer. He approaches every case with the attitude that a jury may ultimately decide the dispute, ensuring that the case is fully evaluated, developed, and strategically positioned for a successful client outcome. He is at home in the courtroom before judges and juries, utilizing state-of-the-art graphics and trial support technology.
Below Are the Practice Areas in Which John Has Focused Over the Past 20 Years
First Amendment & Free Speech Rights
John has routinely represented broadcast and print media companies in a wide variety of areas implicating the First Amendment, including defense of defamation and related speech-based claims, obtaining media access to government documents and court proceedings under state open court and public information laws, and defending against civil and criminal subpoenas issued to members of the media. John has experience advising on-air personalities, broadcasters, news organizations, television networks, and newspaper and book publishers on matters ranging from litigation avoidance (e.g., pre-publication review) to defending lawsuits alleging libel, slander, business/product disparagement, invasion of privacy, wiretapping, fraud, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and other statutory and common law claims affecting free speech rights.
John also counsels and represents non-media companies in matters affecting free speech rights, including business disparagement, tortious interference, and related speech-based claims, and alleged defamation in the workplace associated with internal investigations, alleged employee wrongdoing, employment references, and social media and blogging.
John regularly writes and speaks on free speech issues. Between 2003 and 2014, John authored annual surveys of Texas and Fifth Circuit law in the areas of defamation and privacy for the Media Law Resource Center.
Government Procurement & Access to Public Records
John dedicates a substantial amount of his practice to representation of companies seeking government contracts. He provides assistance with the entire procurement process, including representation in administrative proceedings and litigation related to contract award protest actions. Over the past 12 years, John has obtained numerous victories in prosecuting and defending bid protests in 17 states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Washington. John currently represents a Fortune 25 company and its affiliates in procurement-related disputes on a national basis.
Through his procurement and media law practice, John has developed expertise in the application of open government laws, including the federal Freedom of Information Act, Texas Public Information Act, Texas Open Meetings Act, and other state laws related to government access. Typically, John helps companies and individuals gain access to public or court records, but also helps defeat improper attempts by third parties to access client information maintained by the government that is of a confidential, trade secret, proprietary, or competitively-sensitive nature.
Managed Care Litigation
Since 2006, John has represented clients in disputes between managed care companies and hospitals, physicians, and ancillary provider groups related to allegations of underpayment of non-par provider claims and breach of in-network contracts. Since 2008, he has resolved, through negotiation, settlement, or court order, multiple lawsuits and over 40 arbitrations in various states including Texas, California, Georgia, Louisiana, and Florida. Many of these disputes involved complex questions related to federal preemption under ERISA or other federal law, state prompt payment laws, and regulatory compliance.
Based on this experience, John is able to provide valuable advice and counsel to clients faced with disputes over provider agreements and health insurance claims and payments, including claims arising from services provided under fully insured or self-funded employer health plans and Medicare Advantage (MA) plans.
Employment
John also represents clients in litigation over non-compete agreements, misappropriation of confidential information or trade secrets, and other claims typically associated with departure of an employee (including alleged violations of the federal Computer Fraud and Abuse Act). He also represents clients in matters involving alleged employment discrimination (race, sex, age, and disability), sexual harassment, defamation, wrongful termination, and retaliatory discharge, including representation before the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and the Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) of the Texas Department of Insurance. He also writes and speaks on employment issues related to defamation (libel/slander), including presentations on defamation in the workplace and related employee blogging issues.