Philip Robert Brinson - Partner

Philip Robert Brinson is an experienced litigation and trial lawyer who possesses unique skills derived from experiences outside of the legal profession which make him not only a trusted advocate for his clients, but also a formidable adversary in the courtroom. He joined a mid-sized Houston based firm shortly after graduating from law school in 1994 as an associate and was quickly elevated to shareholder in 1999. He has extensive experience with a variety of practice areas, including Hospitality and Dram Shop, Premises Liability, Products Liability, Entertainment, Employment, Auto/Trucking Liability, Oil Field Services, Business and Commercial litigation, and Maritime law, where he has represented both insured and self insured clients ranging from individuals to Fortune 100 companies. Over his legal career, Mr. Brinson has gained first chair trial experience on numerous cases, and is adept in presenting cases to Texas appellate courts, and the United States Court of Appeals - Fifth Circuit. He has had the unique opportunity to represent his clients on various matters in counties throughout the great State of Texas from El Paso to Orange, from Cameron to Potter, and a significant number of those in between.

Mr. Brinson served as General Counsel to several corporations that developed, owned and operated over 19 sports bar and billiards establishments in Texas and Louisiana, as well as property development and investment interests. While General Counsel, he was responsible for providing a full range of services, including regulatory compliance and lobbying, risk management and loss prevention, human resources, corporate structure and governance, litigation management, contract negotiation, trademark and copyright maintenance, along with numerous other services, both legal and business. That experience provided him with a unique perspective on how litigation affects a client, and what actions are most advisable given the circumstances which will serve to achieve a solution that will afford the greatest legal protection available, but allow the business of his clients to continue with minimal interruption.

Representative Cases

Cause No. 2002-29056; Xavier Benavides v. Cushman Inc. and Watson Distributing Company; In the 189th Judicial District Court of Harris County, Texas
This case was tried to a defense verdict twice. It involved an alleged rollover of a piece of turf equipment being operated by the plaintiff, a grounds keeper at a local Houston area golf course. Plaintiff claimed that the equipment was defectively designed which caused it to have a propensity to roll-over during normal operation. The jury in both instances were not persuaded by plaintiff's arguments, and found that Mr. Brinson's client's equipment was not defectively designed.

No. 99-24726; McKinley Wise and wife, Yolanda Flores Wise v. Complete Staffing Services, Inc.; In the 129th Judicial District Court of Harris County, Texas
This case involved an incident where the plaintiff was injured by a temporary employee placed at the plaintiff's employer's establishment. The temporary employee attacked the plaintiff, who was his assigned supervisor, during a shift loading trucks at the warehouse. Plaintiff claimed that Mr. Brinson's client was negligent in failing to perform a proper background check on the temporary employee, and as a result, that Complete Staffing Services was responsible for plaintiff's injuries. A defense verdict was obtained by Mr. Brinson's client, Complete Staffing Services, Inc.

No. 1999-05885; Dewain Joseph Flinn, Jr vs. 2170 Portsmouth, Ltd. and Frank Porrovecchio.; In the 280th Judicial District Court of Harris County, Texas
This case involved a bar fight which erupted at Mr. Brinson's client's establishment between two young men who had been arguing over a football game between the Texas A&M Aggies and the Texas Longhorns. The plaintiff had been struck in the head by a co-defendant, causing a litany of injuries claimed by the plaintiff. Plaintiff claimed that Mr. Brinson's client was negligent in failing to provide adequate security on the premises, and for failing to prevent the incident. The jury found that not only was Mr. Brinson's client not responsible for the plaintiff's damages, but that the responsibility was shared solely between the plaintiff and the co-defendant.

Re: AAA 70 Y 198 00637 03: Valkyrie Commissioning Services vs. Oceaneering International, Inc.; Arbitration in Houston, Texas
This case involved claims by Mr. Brinson's client surrounding the enforcement of a Non-Disclosure Agreement they had entered with a prospective business interest. The arbitration continued over several weeks, wherein tens of thousands of documents were produced and utilized to establish the parties, respective positions. After extensive testimony and document production, the parties were able to resolve their disputes, and to compromise their claims to the satisfaction of Mr. Brinson's client. Over fifty thousand pages of documents were produced and reviewed during the course of the arbitration process, and the case covered a wide range of areas including, trademark infringement and protection, technical oilfield production processes, contract and business negotiation, as well as an intricate analysis of the damages claimed.

Practices


Education

  • South Texas College of Law, Doctor of Jurisprudence, 1993
  • Texas A&M University, Bachelor of Science, Economics 1988

Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice

  • State of Texas, 1993
  • United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas
  • United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas
  • United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas
  • United States District Court for the Western District of Texas
  • United States Court of Appeals - Fifth Circuit

Professional & Bar Association Memberships

  • State Bar of Texas
  • Houston Bar Association

Other Organizations

  • Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Committeeman
  • Boys Scouts of America ' Parent Leader
  • Houston Museum of Natural Science Member
  • Houston Zoo Member
  • Harley Owners Group Member

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