Charles practices in the area of commercial litigation. He has extensive trial and appellate experience in the state and federal courts of Texas in a variety of legal disciplines. Charles has successfully resolved many complex cases in the areas of oil and gas, admiralty, contract, construction, environmental contamination, antitrust, fraud, trusts, property damage, toxic torts and personal injury. He has also successfully litigated complex multi-district litigation and class action lawsuits. His clients include energy and energy service companies, chemical companies, insurance companies, franchisors, and other businesses in the fields of banking, shipping, and offshore construction.

In addition to his litigation practice, Charles also regularly advises clients on general corporate matters including regulatory compliance, safety, employment and contract construction.

A particular highlight of Charles’ practice has been representing companies in the energy industry. Charles has successfully litigated operator and working interest owner disputes, contractor disputes, reservoir damage and other property damage, pollution and personal injuries on the Outer Continental Shelf.

Charles has written papers and lectured on topics such as how to navigate a complex maritime case, the benefits of jury focus groups, the advantages and disadvantages of mediation and accident investigations on the OCS.

Practices:

  • Appellate
  • Admiralty and Maritime
  • Class Actions
  • Commercial Litigation
  • Oil, Gas and Energy Litigation and Arbitration
  • Environmental and Toxic Torts
  • Banking
  • Antitrust and Trade Regulation

Industries:

  • Banking
  • Energy and Natural Resources
  • Maritime

Admissions:

  • Texas

Education:

  • South Texas College of Law, J.D. magna cum laude 1992
  • University of Texas at Austin, B.A. 1987

Affiliations:

  • American Bar Association
  • Houston Bar Association
  • Maritime Law Association of the United States
  • Southeastern Admiralty Law Institute
  • Judge Alvin B. Rubin Conference on Maritime Personal Injury Law at Louisiana State University – Planning Committee
  • Advisory Board for the Institute of Energy Law

Recognition:

  • AV Rating by Martindale-Hubbell Texas’ Top Rated Lawyers
  • AV Preeminent 5.0 rating by Martindale-Hubbell

Publications:

  • Navigating the Labyrinth of a Complex Maritime Case, Presenter