Retta A. Miller
Practice Areas
Experience
- Arbitration
- Business Litigation
- Corporate & Securities Litigation
- Financial Institution Litigation
- Litigation Services & Support
- Securities Arbitration
“Jackson Walker is an outstanding law firm. I have used them for over a decade and have never been dissatisfied with Retta Miller or her team. True professionals and I'm fortunate to have the opportunity to work with them.”
— Steven L. Satter, Senior Counsel, Wells Fargo Advisors
“Retta Miller is a tremendous trial lawyer and a better person. I would entrust Retta and her team with any type of case I have, whether complex litigation or client sensitive matters.”
— Anonymous
Biography
Retta A. Miller has more than 30 years of experience representing clients in civil litigation, arbitration, and appeals. She has extensive trial experience, having served as lead counsel in over 30 trials and arbitrations that were tried to conclusion. Retta previously chaired the Jackson Walker litigation section, which includes approximately 150 lawyers, and serves on the Firm’s Management Committee.
In one notable case, Retta represented a Japanese company sued for breach of contract and fraud in U.S. District Court in San Antonio, Texas. After a 10-week trial, the jury returned a take nothing verdict in favor of the defendant. The case received national recognition when it was named to the list of “Top Defense Wins” by the National Law Journal.
Retta serves as a strategic business partner and advisor to clients in litigation matters. She takes an overall view of the client’s business goals, needs, and circumstances to best develop a litigation strategy. “Litigation should not be an end itself, but rather a means of accomplishing a business goal,” Retta says. “Whether that is protecting the client’s assets, enforcing an agreement, minimizing a negative consequence, or pursuing some other goal – by truly understanding your client’s business and needs, you can respond to them more quickly and creatively.” To learn more about how Retta serves clients and what sets her apart from the competition, visit “Knowing What Matters.”
Education
B.S., Oklahoma State University
M.S., Oklahoma State University
J.D., cum laude, Northwestern Pritzker School of Law
- Executive Editor, Journal of International Law and Business
- National Moot Court Team
Bar Admissions
Texas
Oklahoma
Court Admissions
United States Supreme Court
United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
Supreme Court of Texas
United States District Court for the Eastern, Northern, Southern, and Western Districts of Texas
- Defended multiple financial institutions in claims arising from a participated loan in connection with a leveraged buyout. Plaintiffs asserted claims for breach of fiduciary duty, fraud, tortious interference with business relationships, and business disparagement and sought $45 million in actual damages plus punitive damages. The case was dismissed without prejudice.
- Represented oil and gas operating company in claim brought by SEC Receiver on behalf of nearly 100 investors alleging aiding and abetting under the Texas Securities Act. Obtained favorable resolution after limited discovery.
- Represented retail brokerage firm and registered representative in federal court securities action brought by former customer alleging failure to sell stock during black-out period. Secured summary judgment in favor of the brokerage firm and registered representative.
- Represented brokerage firm in federal court securities class action alleging violation of the Arkansas Deceptive Trade Practices Act. Case voluntarily dismissed after Ms. Miller filed a motion to dismiss under Securities Litigation Uniform Standards Act of 1998 (SLUSA).
- Represented oil and gas operating company in federal court class action involving sale of limited partnership interests in offshore drilling partnerships. Favorably settled case following class certification.
- Represented brokerage firm in arbitration where claimants sought $19 million in damages and alleged fraud and failure to supervise in connection with the sale of low-priced securities. Obtained dismissal of claims in their entirety after a full hearing.
- Represented brokerage firm in case where claimant alleged over $3 million in damages related to alleged diversion of community property to pay for losses in futures account. Pre-hearing motion to dismiss granted after Houston Court of Appeals held the trial court failed to compel arbitration.
- Represented brokerage firm in lawsuit involving claims of selling away by an independent contractor registered representative. Claims of over 100 Plaintiffs were successfully resolved.
- Dallas Court of Appeals upheld vacatur of arbitration award rescinding contract because arbitration panel had no authority to award rescission. Represented party seeking vacatur of award.
- Represented mobile phone manufacturer in federal court trademark and trade dress infringement suit against manufacturer of after-market accessories. Obtained permanent injunction.
- Represented brokerage firm and individual respondents in arbitration where claimant alleged raiding, unfair competition, and violation of trade secret statute as a result of recruitment and hiring of three registered representatives. Claimants sought permanent injunction and damages in excess of $2 million. After six-day hearing, claims dismissed in their entirety.
- Represented brokerage firm in arbitration asserting claims of raiding against competitor. After a multi-week hearing, an award was entered in favor of client.
- Represented brokerage firms and financial institutions in multiple cases involving claims of raiding against a competitor. Cases were favorably resolved.
- Represented financial institution in multiple lawsuits and arbitrations involving life settlement investments. Matters were successfully resolved.
- Representing insurance company in multiple lawsuits and arbitrations related to annuities, variable life insurance, and disability insurance.
- Women’s Business Enterprise Hall of Fame Inductee, 2020
- Top Business Defenders, Dallas Business Journal, 2008
- Athena Award
- Distinguished Pro Bono Service Award, North Texas Legal Services
- Meritorious Pro Bono Service Award, North Texas Legal Services
- Hall of Fame Award, Oklahoma State University College of Human Environmental Sciences
- Distinguished Alumna Award, Oklahoma State University College
- Woman of Excellence, Women’s Enterprise
- Best Women Lawyers in Dallas, D Magazine, 2010
- Texas Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2010-2023
- The Top Women Attorneys in Texas, Super Lawyers, 2020
- The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.), 2012-2025
- Arbitration, 2018-2025
- Commercial Litigation, 2012-2025
- Women Helping Women Award, Dallas Women’s Foundation, 2014
- Top 250 Women in Litigation, Benchmark Litigation, 2017
- Local Litigation Star, Benchmark Litigation, 2018
- North Texas Food Bank
- Board of Directors
- Komen for the Cure – Dallas County Affiliate
- Board of Directors
- Former President
- Former Grants Committee Chair
- Oklahoma State University Foundation, Board of Governors
- Women’s Business Council Southwest
- Board of Directors
- Executive Committee
- Dallas Women’s Foundation
- Board of Trustees
- Executive Committee
- Capital Campaign Cabinet
- Former President
- YWCA
- Board of Directors
- Executive Committee
- Family Place, Board of Directors
- International Women’s Forum
- Greater Dallas Chamber Women’s Business Conference, Founding Chair
- Leadership Dallas
- Greater Dallas Chamber Executive Women’s Round Table
- American Bar Association
- Texas Bar Foundation, Fellow
- Dallas Bar Association, Fellow
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 year’s 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 15, 2024
Newsletters
JW Diversity & Inclusion Newsletter – April 2024
View Jackson Walker’s April 2024 Diversity & Inclusion Newsletter, Perspectives.
March 26, 2024
Podcasts
Celebrating Women’s History Month with Retta Miller
JW Fast Takes Podcast | ~10 minutes
In this episode, Dallas attorney Retta Miller shares how her experiences have shaped her practice at Jackson Walker.
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.
December 4, 2023
Newsletters
JW Diversity & Inclusion Newsletter – December 2023
View Jackson Walker’s December 2023 Diversity & Inclusion Newsletter, Perspectives.
September 19, 2023
Attorney News
Jackson Walker Congratulates Its “Texas Super Lawyers” of 2023
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 17, 2023
Attorney News
‘The Best Lawyers in America’ Honors 287 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2024 Edition, Including 12 “Lawyers of the Year” and 80 “Ones to Watch”
The Best Lawyers in America has recognized 287 Jackson Walker attorneys across 5 offices and 82 specialty practice areas in its 2024 edition, including 12 Lawyers of the Year and 80 Ones to Watch. In this year’s guide, Jackson Walker saw the largest number of attorneys in the areas of Commercial Litigation (66 attorneys) and Real Estate Law (60 attorneys) and the addition of 35 attorneys as Best Lawyers.
November 17, 2022
Newsletters
JW Diversity & Inclusion Newsletter – November 2022
View Jackson Walker’s November 2022 Diversity & Inclusion Newsletter, Perspectives.
September 21, 2022
Attorney News
Jackson Walker Congratulates Its 64 “Texas Super Lawyers” of 2022
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 18, 2022
Attorney News
‘The Best Lawyers in America’ Honors 214 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2023 Edition, Including 11 “Lawyers of the Year” and 41 “Ones to Watch”
The Best Lawyers in America has recognized 214 Jackson Walker attorneys across 6 offices and 79 specialty practice areas in its 2023 edition, including 11 Lawyers of the Year and 41 Ones to Watch. Best Lawyers listings are based on an exhaustive peer review survey of thousands of attorneys who vote on the legal abilities of others in their practice areas.
Financial Institution Representation
Retta has represented financial institutions, including banks, insurance companies, and securities firms, in a wide variety of matters including class action defense, lender liability, defensive actions, contract disputes, and in the prosecution of collection actions. She has represented agents and participants in participated transactions, individual lenders, and community development corporations, among others. She has obtained summary judgments and motions to dismiss, and has served as counsel in bench trials, jury trials, and before arbitration panels.
Securities Litigation and Arbitration
Retta has represented retail brokerage firms and registered representatives in litigation, arbitration, and regulatory investigations in Texas and nationally. She has represented clients in arbitration before the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD), New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), and American Arbitration Association (AAA) in customer complaints, recruiting and raiding litigation (including covenants not to compete), and employment matters. Retta has represented broker/dealers and individuals in regulatory investigations and proceedings before the Securities Exchange Commission, FINRA, and the NASD. She has also represented clients in state and federal court actions involving securities fraud, including class actions.
Practice Experience
- Defended multiple financial institutions in claims arising from a participated loan in connection with a leveraged buyout. Plaintiffs asserted claims for breach of fiduciary duty, fraud, tortious interference with business relationships, and business disparagement and sought $45 million in actual damages plus punitive damages. The case was dismissed without prejudice.
- Represented oil and gas operating company in claim brought by SEC Receiver on behalf of nearly 100 investors alleging aiding and abetting under the Texas Securities Act. Obtained favorable resolution after limited discovery.
- Represented retail brokerage firm and registered representative in federal court securities action brought by former customer alleging failure to sell stock during black-out period. Secured summary judgment in favor of the brokerage firm and registered representative.
- Represented brokerage firm in federal court securities class action alleging violation of the Arkansas Deceptive Trade Practices Act. Case voluntarily dismissed after Ms. Miller filed a motion to dismiss under Securities Litigation Uniform Standards Act of 1998 (SLUSA).
- Represented oil and gas operating company in federal court class action involving sale of limited partnership interests in offshore drilling partnerships. Favorably settled case following class certification.
- Represented brokerage firm in arbitration where claimants sought $19 million in damages and alleged fraud and failure to supervise in connection with the sale of low-priced securities. Obtained dismissal of claims in their entirety after a full hearing.
- Represented brokerage firm in case where claimant alleged over $3 million in damages related to alleged diversion of community property to pay for losses in futures account. Pre-hearing motion to dismiss granted after Houston Court of Appeals held the trial court failed to compel arbitration.
- Represented brokerage firm in lawsuit involving claims of selling away by an independent contractor registered representative. Claims of over 100 Plaintiffs were successfully resolved.
- Dallas Court of Appeals upheld vacatur of arbitration award rescinding contract because arbitration panel had no authority to award rescission. Represented party seeking vacatur of award.
- Represented mobile phone manufacturer in federal court trademark and trade dress infringement suit against manufacturer of after-market accessories. Obtained permanent injunction.
- Represented brokerage firm and individual respondents in arbitration where claimant alleged raiding, unfair competition, and violation of trade secret statute as a result of recruitment and hiring of three registered representatives. Claimants sought permanent injunction and damages in excess of $2 million. After six-day hearing, claims dismissed in their entirety.
- Represented brokerage firm in arbitration asserting claims of raiding against competitor. After a multi-week hearing, an award was entered in favor of client.
- Represented brokerage firms and financial institutions in multiple cases involving claims of raiding against a competitor. Cases were favorably resolved.
- Represented financial institution in multiple lawsuits and arbitrations involving life settlement investments. Matters were successfully resolved.
- Representing insurance company in multiple lawsuits and arbitrations related to annuities, variable life insurance, and disability insurance.
Recognition & Accolades
- Women’s Business Enterprise Hall of Fame Inductee, 2020
- Top Business Defenders, Dallas Business Journal, 2008
- Athena Award
- Distinguished Pro Bono Service Award, North Texas Legal Services
- Meritorious Pro Bono Service Award, North Texas Legal Services
- Hall of Fame Award, Oklahoma State University College of Human Environmental Sciences
- Distinguished Alumna Award, Oklahoma State University College
- Woman of Excellence, Women’s Enterprise
- Best Women Lawyers in Dallas, D Magazine, 2010
- Texas Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2010-2023
- The Top Women Attorneys in Texas, Super Lawyers, 2020
- The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.), 2012-2025
- Arbitration, 2018-2025
- Commercial Litigation, 2012-2025
- Women Helping Women Award, Dallas Women’s Foundation, 2014
- Top 250 Women in Litigation, Benchmark Litigation, 2017
- Local Litigation Star, Benchmark Litigation, 2018
Community Involvement
- North Texas Food Bank
- Board of Directors
- Komen for the Cure – Dallas County Affiliate
- Board of Directors
- Former President
- Former Grants Committee Chair
- Oklahoma State University Foundation, Board of Governors
- Women’s Business Council Southwest
- Board of Directors
- Executive Committee
- Dallas Women’s Foundation
- Board of Trustees
- Executive Committee
- Capital Campaign Cabinet
- Former President
- YWCA
- Board of Directors
- Executive Committee
- Family Place, Board of Directors
- International Women’s Forum
- Greater Dallas Chamber Women’s Business Conference, Founding Chair
- Leadership Dallas
- Greater Dallas Chamber Executive Women’s Round Table
- American Bar Association
- Texas Bar Foundation, Fellow
- Dallas Bar Association, Fellow
Areas of Focus
Financial Institution Representation
Retta has represented financial institutions, including banks, insurance companies, and securities firms, in a wide variety of matters including class action defense, lender liability, defensive actions, contract disputes, and in the prosecution of collection actions. She has represented agents and participants in participated transactions, individual lenders, and community development corporations, among others. She has obtained summary judgments and motions to dismiss, and has served as counsel in bench trials, jury trials, and before arbitration panels.
Securities Litigation and Arbitration
Retta has represented retail brokerage firms and registered representatives in litigation, arbitration, and regulatory investigations in Texas and nationally. She has represented clients in arbitration before the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD), New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), and American Arbitration Association (AAA) in customer complaints, recruiting and raiding litigation (including covenants not to compete), and employment matters. Retta has represented broker/dealers and individuals in regulatory investigations and proceedings before the Securities Exchange Commission, FINRA, and the NASD. She has also represented clients in state and federal court actions involving securities fraud, including class actions.