Nina Cortell

For four decades, Nina Cortell has represented corporations, public entities and individuals in cases that have put her at the forefront of Texas litigation practice. Chambers USA, Chambers and Partners (2016-2018) notes her “superlative reputation” and ranks her as the top appellate lawyer in Texas, with a “star” rating.

Nina’s record includes recent significant victories in both state and federal appellate courts, as well as in trial courts. In the Texas Supreme Court, in the 2016-2017 term, she secured two wins for ExxonMobil in cases involving the Texas Anti-SLAPP statute and agency law.

In the Fifth Circuit (also in 2017), she represented Trinity Industries in a landmark reversal of a $636 million False Claims Act judgment and Texas Capital Bank in defeating multi-million- dollar lender liability claims. In state courts of appeals, she secured significant wins for Matador Resources Company (in oil and gas disputes) and GTECH Corporation (in a lottery dispute). Her recent trial court victories include dismissals in shareholder derivative suits for AT&T.

Nina also places a high priority on community service. She is proud of her role as a co-founder of the Center for Women in Law at the University of Texas School of Law, which is devoted to enhancing the success of women in law and serves as a national resource to convene leaders, generate ideas, and lead change.

Nina also works actively with the judiciary to improve the judicial process. Her current work includes her service on the prestigious Texas Supreme Court Advisory Committee, which is comprised of judges and attorneys from across the state and advises the Court in connection with its rule-making authority.

Nina is honored to have received the 2016 Greg Coleman Outstanding Appellate Lawyer Award from the Texas Bar Foundation, the 2013 Jack Pope Professionalism Award from the Texas Center for Legal Ethics, the 2012 University of Texas School of Law Distinguished Alumnus Award for Community Service, and the 1999 Louise B. Raggio Award for significant contributions toward the advancement of women in the legal profession.

EDUCATION :

• J.D., University of Texas at Austin School of Law, 1976, cum laude; Associate Editor, Texas Law Review; Teaching Quizmaster
• B.A., University of Texas at Austin, 1973, summa cum laude, Plan II (liberal arts honors program)

ADMISSIONS : Texas

PROFESSIONAL AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES:

• Fellow, American Academy of Appellate Lawyers
• President (2005-2007) and Master, Patrick E. Higginbotham Inn of Court
• Member, Texas Supreme Court Advisory Committee
• President (2008-2009), University of Texas School of Law Alumni Association
• President, Board of Directors of the Texas Law Review Association (2012-2013)
• Founder and past President, Center for Women in Law at the University of Texas School of Law
• Advisory Board Member, Dallas Women Lawyers Association (2000-2009)
• Chair, State Bar Task Force on Hiring, Retention and Promotion of Women and Minorities in Law Firms and Corporations (2006)
• Former Chair, Judiciary and Courthouse Facilities Committee of the Dallas Bar Association