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Larry Johnson’s practice is focused on representing design professionals in defense of claims in Texas state and federal courts and in arbitration proceedings. He provides a reasoned approach that avoids a “scorched earth” attitude in lieu of a more thoughtful balance of strategy and action.  Having represented clients in an array of design disciplines, design professionals and professional liability carriers retain him to defend claims of professional negligence.

EXPERIENCE

Representative Matters:

• In April 2021, Larry successfully obtained a complete defense award in favor of CMW's MEP Engineer Client after a two-week arbitration proceeding.  This 10-party dispute arose out of the design and construction of condominium units located on the top floors of a hotel in Fort Worth, Texas.  Claimant alleged that the HVAC and plumbing systems were defectively designed by the Engineer Client.  The Claimant sought a complete overhaul of the HVAC and plumbing systems-seeking alleged damages in excess of $10 million.  The three-person Panel noted in its Final Award that it was persuaded by CMW's investigatory findings-concluding that "each of the HVAC claims are denied on the merits."  Similarly, the Panel rejected the Claimant's plumbing claims-largely citing to a lack of evidentiary support.   CMW's lawyers presented a compelling defense that was instrumental in reaching this result-a complete victory for the client.
• In 2019, Larry defended a multidistrict case involving claims against a director and officer in the oil and gas industry alleging claims of misappropriation of trade secrets, conversion, fraudulent transfer, conspiracy, and breach of fiduciary duty against CMW’s clients.  The defense of this case included a two-week arbitration proceeding involving CMW’s clients. The case resolved prior to issuance of a Final Award in the arbitration proceeding.
• Obtained a jury trial verdict finding of no negligence in favor of their client, a civil engineering firm with offices throughout Texas and its primary location in Austin.  After a week-long trial in Travis County district court in Austin, Texas, the jury returned a complete defense verdict for the client
• Successfully obtained a dismissal of a structural engineer from a lawsuit in Dallas County involving claims of negligence, fraud and conspiracy
• Obtained favorable settlements of claims against architects and engineers in lawsuits claiming breach of contract for allegedly defective conditions at construction sites
• Obtained dismissal of lawsuit against civil engineer for negligence and construction defects
• Obtained complete dismissal of a lawsuit alleging claims of misappropriation of trade secrets, conversion, fraudulent transfer, conspiracy, and breach of fiduciary duty and claiming over $100,000,000 in damages against CMW’s clients.  CMW’s clients objected to the personal jurisdiction of Texas courts by filing a special appearance. The Dallas Court of Appeals held that there was neither specific nor general jurisdiction over the non-resident clients in Texas.  Northern Frac Proppants, II, LLC v. 2011 NF Holdings, LLC, No. 05-16-00319-CV, 2017 Tex. App. LEXIS 7100, *9-10 (Tex. App.—Dallas July 27, 2017, no pet.)
• Successfully obtained dismissal of lawsuit against a mortgage broker where plaintiff asserted claims of fraud
• Obtained summary judgment on behalf of real estate agency in lawsuit for claims of fraud and breach of contract
• Successfully obtained dismissals of claims against real estate agents in suits claiming negligent misrepresentation, fraud and violations of the Deceptive Trade Practices Act
• Obtained dismissal of lawsuit against lender for statutory and common law state and federal claims

HONORS AND AWARDS

• Named Texas "Rising Star" by Thomson Reuters, 2004 - 2010

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS AND MEMBERSHIPS

• State Bar of Texas, Member
• Dallas Bar Association, Member
• Dallas Association of Young Lawyers, Member