James Leader, Jr.

Partner

Commercial & Business Litigation

Jamie Leader

Overview

James is a litigator whose practice centers around business disputes between commercial parties.  While the subject matter, forum, and industry focus of these disputes vary greatly, James specializes in untangling complex cases for the judge, jury, or arbitrator and meeting challenges with efficient, creative problem solving.

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Commercial & Business Litigation

  • (AAA Arbitration) – Represented large investment fund in a week-long arbitration hearing related to a minority owner’s consent and payment rights related to the expansion of a large export facility; presented and cross-examined fact and expert witnesses on finance concepts and contract formation issues

  • (Harris Cnty.) – Defended a sports entertainment organization in trade secrets case brought by an individual, resulting in a walk-away settlement just before a motion to dismiss hearing

  • (JAMS Arbitration)  Represented an e-commerce solutions provider in dispute related to a long-term, exclusive contract

  • Represented an equipment manufacturer in connection with a post-merger dispute arising from alleged breaches of representations and warranties

  • Involved in multiple state and federal court matters related to director and officer fiduciary duties, involving both Texas and Delaware law

  • (Harris Cnty.) — Briefed and argued a summary judgment motion enforcing a liquidated damages provision in an installment contract; ultimate resolution included a substantial payment of attorney’s fees

  • Represented a private equity firm in connection with threatened litigation from minority owner of a portfolio company sold pursuant to a “drag right” provision

  • (AAA Arbitration) — Represented an international oil and gas production and exploration company in an arbitration related to an indemnity dispute arising from extensive property damage caused by a collapsed well; managed discovery efforts, deposed fact and expert witnesses, and presented and cross examined witnesses at hearing

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Capabilities

Credentials

Education

  • The University of Texas School of Law, J.D., 2012
  • Georgetown University, B.A., History (Honors) and Political Economy cum laude, 2009

Admissions

  • Texas
  • Southern District of Texas
  • Western District of Texas
  • Fifth and Tenth U.S. Circuit Courts of Appeal

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Recognitions

  • Legal 500 U.S., Dispute Resolution: General Commercial Disputes, 2025
  • The Best Lawyers in America© (BL Rankings, LLC), “Ones to Watch,” (Houston): Commercial Litigation, 2021–2025; Criminal Defense: White–Collar, 2022; Antitrust Law, 2023–2025
  • Global Investigations Review (GIR) 30, 2024
Insights

Client Alerts

2023 Chemicals & Energy Antitrust Report

For companies in the energy and chemical sectors, the potential for antitrust scrutiny is an ever-present concern. The next round of enforcement inquiries is never further away than the next jump in commodity prices or the next consolidation wave. Especially under an enforcement-minded administration, companies should stay focused on timely transaction planning and routine compliance efforts to manage their antitrust-related risks.

January 11, 2024

January 11, 2024 • 1-minute read

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Client Alerts

Vinson & Elkins Contributes to Lexology’s 2023 “Getting The Deal Through” as Sole Complex Commercial Litigation Firm in the U.S.

Vinson & Elkins was again selected to be featured as the sole Complex Commercial Litigation firm in the U.S. to contribute to Lexology’s “Getting the Deal Through” publication.

September 26, 2023 • Published by Law Business Research Ltd

September 26, 2023 • 1-minute read

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Chambers USA 2022 Recognizes Vinson & Elkins’ Litigation & Regulatory Departments in 20 Practice Categories, 63 Individual Lawyer Rankings* Background Image
News & Achievements