Michael Ernest Richardson II, Business Attorney in Corpus Christi, Texas

Recognized as one of the Best Lawyers in America-Legal Malpractice Defense in 2012 and 2013, Michael Richardson has distinguished himself as a trial lawyer other lawyers turn to when they have a problem. Michael is an always-effective advocate for his clients and has an innate ability to distill complex cases into compelling stories for a jury. A weekend marathoner and past Ironman finisher, Michael has a disciplined and dedicated work ethic that is evident in and out of the courtroom. His uniquely steady and deliberate presence engenders clients' trust and confidence and earns the respect of peers and jurors alike; Michael's clients and peers respect his character as much as his trial skills. His practice includes a wide array of complex litigation matters, including legal malpractice defense, professional liability, contract disputes, intellectual property, business torts, insurance coverage, and personal injury. Michael has served as Beck Redden's Pro Bono Coordinator since 2011, during which time the firm received the Houston Bar Foundation 2012 Award for Outstanding Small Firm Contribution to the Houston Volunteer Lawyers. Michael's leadership in the legal community also includes serving on the Board of Trustees for the Houston Lawyer Referral Service and his role as a Committee Member and Arbitrator for the Houston Bar Association Fee Dispute Committee. Representative Experience: Defended Texas-based Am Law 100 firm in case involving allegations of negligence and breach of fiduciary duty. Michael tried the case with Beck Redden partner David Beck. The case settled following four weeks of trial; Defended Am Law 200 firm from allegations of malpractice and conspiracy. Murray Fogler was lead trial counsel, with Michael giving the opening statement and directing and cross-examining multiple witnesses at trial. The jury found in favor of our client. The case is currently on appeal; efended multi-national financial services firm from allegations of fraud in case brought by former customer. Michael served as co-lead counsel with Alistair Dawson at the final hearing before the National Association of Securities Dealers arbitration panel, with Michael preparing the case for final hearing, giving the closing argument, and directing and cross-examining witnesses. The panel ruled in our client's favor and awarded our client its attorney's fees; Defended New York-based Am Law 50 firm in case involving allegations of malpractice and fraud in connection with federal income tax advice. The case was dismissed for failure to state a claim, and the dismissal was affirmed on appeal; Defended bank officer and director in case in case involving allegations of misconduct brought by former shareholder. David Beck was lead trial counsel, with Michael preparing the case for trial, arguing pre-trial motions, and examining witnesses at trial. The jury returned a verdict in our client's favour; Defended Texas-based Am Law 50 firm from allegations of malpractice in connection with bankruptcy representation. The case was settled before trial; Pursued breach of contract claims on behalf of software design company. Michael served as lead trial counsel and prepared the case for trial. The case settled during trial; Defended steel manufacturer from breach of contract claims. Michael served as lead trial counsel and prepared the case for trial; Defended partnership from breach of contract claims in connection with purchase of logistics solutions company. Michael served as lead trial counsel and prepared the case for trial; Defended national bank from claims of patent infringement in connection with its processing of checks. Joe Redden served as lead trial counsel, with Michael directing and cross-examining each side's respective damages expert at trial. Plaintiff sought actual damages of $202 million, and the jury awarded $27 million. Pursued breach of contract and fraud claims on behalf of financing partnership against car dealership. David Beck was lead trial counsel, with Michael preparing the case for trial, arguing pre-trial motions, and directing and cross-examining witnesses at trial. The jury awarded our clients $5.14 million in damages plus attorney's fees. The case was affirmed on appeal. Pursued breach of contract claim on behalf of individual client against manufacturer of wind turbine blades. David Beck was lead trial counsel, with Michael preparing the case for trial and directing and cross-examining witnesses at trial. The court found in our client's favor and entered judgment awarding our client approximately $40.8 million. The case settled while on appeal. Defended natural gas company in contractual dispute involving coal bed methane gas wells. Joe Redden served as lead counsel, with Michael preparing the case for arbitration, directing and cross-examining witnesses at arbitration, and preparing pre- and post-hearing briefing. Arbitration panel ruled in our client's favor. Defended construction company from claims for breach of contract and also pursued cross-claims and third-party claims. Joe Redden served as lead trial counsel with Michael directing and cross-examining witnesses at trial. Following a two week trial, the jury found in favor of our client. The case settled while on appeal. Professional Activities and Memberships: Board of Trustees, Houston Lawyer Referral Service; Member, Houston Bar Association, Fee Dispute Committee; Fellow, Texas Bar Foundation; Texas Association of Defense Counsel. Honors & Awards: Named in Best Lawyers in America for Legal Malpractice Law, 2012-13; Named "Rising Star" in Business Litigation, Thomas Reuters Super Lawyer's, 2008, 2010.