Shahmeer Halepota

From Ben & Jerry’s to the Republic of South Sudan, high-profile clients trust Mr. Halepota with their most important complex commercial disputes. His sole focus is achieving the most favorable outcome for them possible. Mr. Halepota’s broad litigation and arbitration experience covers a wide range of disputes, including those in the energy, healthcare, telecommunications, construction, intellectual property, and auditing and accounting sectors. Mr. Halepota has served most recently as lead or co-lead counsel on:

• a corporate governance dispute between Ben & Jerry’s and Unilever regarding the one-of-a-kind rights of Ben & Jerry’s Independent Board. As Harvard Law Professor Jesse Fried commented: “It’s not just that I haven’t seen it, it’s that I don’t think it exists anywhere in the world except Ben & Jerry’s”;
• a $100 million-dollar intellectual property dispute involving a medical implant;
• a $40 million-dollar commercial dispute regarding interpretation of a purchase and sale agreement;

In addition, Mr. Halepota’s representations also include:

• aiding the Republic of South Sudan in an ICSID dispute against Sudapet Co. Ltd. concerning disputed oil interests valued at over $1 billion;
• helping secure a $700 million dollar award for a satellite and telecommunications company against the Indian space agency in a Delhi-seated ICC arbitration concerning the repudiation of a long-term lease agreement;
• obtaining a complete take-nothing award in a $150 million oil and gas dispute;
• securing summary judgment on a $17 million legal question regarding the interpretation of a purchase and sale agreement;
• a favorable verdict for an estate in a federal jury trial against a U.S. bank, including prevailing on fraud and civil RICO claims against the bank.

Mr. Halepota has also worked on several pro bono asylum claims, including obtaining Special Immigration Juvenile Status for three children from El Salvador.

Mr. Halepota was named to the 2022-2025 lists of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch for commercial litigation. This is a national peer review award developed by Best Lawyers in America to target associates for their outstanding professional excellence early in their careers. He was named on the 2021 and 2022 Texas Rising Stars lists for his excellence in civil litigation. Rising Stars, which is compiled by Thomson Reuters’ Texas Super Lawyers, honors leading attorneys age 40 and younger and those who have been in practice no more than 10 years.

AZA partner and co-founder John Zavitsanos told Texas Lawbook that Mr. Halepota has “developed quickly into a leader, he is always in the HOV lane, always full throttle and has an infectious sense of optimism. His remarkable salesmanship, almost that of a hostage negotiator, got opposing lawyers to drop several construction cases just by talking them out of it. He led a team of four lawyers on a major construction case. When Shahmeer first joined that case, the opposition had two lawyers. Today, they have over 20 lawyers and five law firms. He also exudes the type of confidence that is the hallmark of our firm.”

Mr. Halepota’s clients not only commend his work, but they also enthusiastically refer him to others needing legal representation. Some of his clients have had the following to say:

• “Shahmeer’s commitment to his work truly stands out. He displayed an incredible understanding of the intricacies involved in the situation… ensuring that I was equipped with the right information to make informed decisions. His hard work and willingness to be available at unconventional hours demonstrated his genuine concern for my well-being and the successful outcome of my situation.”
• “I often liken Shahmeer’s tenacity to that of a lion dealing with hyenas. His ability to stand his ground and advocate for his clients, even in the face of challenging circumstances, is truly remarkable. This analogy speaks volumes about his determination and commitment to achieving favorable outcomes.”
• “What sets Shahmeer apart is his ability to combine his legal prowess with genuine human empathy. He is not merely an attorney but also a compassionate individual who recognizes the emotional aspect of legal challenges. His respectful and approachable demeanor is a breath of fresh air.”
• “His exceptional skills, unwavering dedication, and compassionate approach make him an invaluable asset to anyone in need of legal guidance.”

As a law student at the University of California, Berkeley, School of Law, Mr. Halepota was the Co-President of the Boalt Hall Student Association, a member of the moot court team, and a member of the admissions committee. While an undergrad at Emory University, he met with U.S. House subcommittee chairmen on behalf of the advisory board of a political action committee. In his free time, Mr. Halepota enjoys serving as a mentor for The Alphas.

EDUCATION

University of California, Berkeley, School of Law, J.D., Certificate of Specialization in International Law, Best Oral Argument Award, American Jurisprudence Award, Refugee Law, Prosser Prizes for Constitutional Law; International Law; and Mediation for Litigators, Senior Editor, Berkeley Journal of Middle Eastern & Islamic Law

Emory University, B.A., cum laude, Continuing Excellence Scholarship, Delores P. Aldridge Excellence Award, Honor Societies: Omicron Delta Kappa, Pi Sigma Alpha, Phi Eta Sigma

ADMISSIONS

Texas, New York, U.S. Southern District of Texas, U.S. Eastern District of Texas, U.S. Northern District of Texas, U.S. Western District of Texas, U.S. Southern District of New York, U.S. Eastern District of New York