Godfrey H Lee

For Texans who demand nothing less than the very best in legal representation, particularly when faced with high-stakes commercial disputes and complex litigation, the name H. Lee Godfrey holds immense significance. As a revered co-founder of Susman Godfrey LLP, a firm synonymous with aggressive and innovative trial law, H. Lee Godfrey (1939-2025) was a true titan of the legal profession. While his physical presence is deeply missed, the principles and practices he championed continue to define the firm's approach to achieving exceptional outcomes for its clients. This article serves to highlight the enduring legacy of H. Lee Godfrey and the continued commitment of Susman Godfrey LLP to providing Texans with unparalleled legal advocacy in their most challenging legal battles.

H. Lee Godfrey's legal career was characterized by an unwavering commitment to excellence in the courtroom and a profound ability to simplify complex legal issues for juries. As a co-founder of Susman Godfrey LLP, he helped build a firm that revolutionized commercial litigation by often taking cases on a contingency-fee basis, thereby aligning the firm's success directly with its clients' results. This bold approach, combined with a relentless dedication to trial readiness, quickly established Susman Godfrey as a national powerhouse. H. Lee Godfrey himself was celebrated for his charisma, his down-to-earth demeanor, and his "megawatt intelligence" – qualities that made him highly effective with both juries and opposing counsel. His practice spanned a wide range of complex commercial disputes, with significant expertise in antitrust litigation, representing clients in some of the most prominent cases of his time. He consistently secured winning judgments and verdicts, earning him a reputation as one of the preeminent trial lawyers of his generation. For Texans, this means that the firm he co-founded continues to embody a legacy of aggressive, strategic, and profoundly effective legal representation, capable of tackling the most formidable opponents and navigating the most intricate legal landscapes to protect clients' interests.

H. Lee Godfrey's office was located within the prestigious Susman Godfrey LLP firm at 1000 Louisiana St #5100, Houston, TX 77002, USA. This prime address positions the firm in the very heart of downtown Houston's vibrant business and legal district, ensuring excellent accessibility for Texans seeking their legal services.

The 1000 Louisiana Street building is a well-recognized landmark in the city's skyline, making it a convenient destination for clients. For those traveling by car, the location offers straightforward access from major highways, facilitating commutes from various parts of Houston and the wider metropolitan area. While it's always advisable to confirm specific parking options directly with the building management or the firm, numerous public and private parking garages are typically available in the immediate vicinity, providing convenience for visitors. Additionally, Houston's public transportation network, including the METRORail and bus services, offers efficient connectivity to the downtown area, making the office readily accessible for clients who prefer not to drive. This strategic and central location underscores Susman Godfrey LLP's commitment to providing convenient and professional legal services, ensuring that important legal discussions can take place in a highly professional and accessible environment.

While H. Lee Godfrey is no longer actively practicing, the firm he co-founded, Susman Godfrey LLP, continues to offer a comprehensive array of legal services, maintaining the high standards and strategic approach he helped establish. The firm is globally recognized for its prowess in complex, high-stakes commercial litigation.

• Complex Commercial Litigation: This is the bedrock of their practice, encompassing a broad spectrum of disputes such as breach of contract, business torts, partnership disputes, and corporate conflicts, often involving substantial financial implications.
• Antitrust Litigation: The firm has a long and successful history in handling major antitrust cases, representing clients in disputes involving monopolization, price-fixing, and other anti-competitive practices.
• Intellectual Property Litigation: They are highly active in patent, trademark, copyright, and trade secret litigation, vigorously defending and enforcing clients' valuable intellectual assets.
• Energy Litigation: Given Houston's role as a global energy hub, the firm possesses extensive experience in disputes arising from the oil and gas industry, renewable energy projects, and other natural resources sectors.
• Securities Litigation: They handle complex securities fraud cases and other related disputes, often involving significant financial stakes.
• Class Action and Mass Torts: The firm is well-versed in managing large-scale class action lawsuits and complex multi-district litigation across various industries.
• Trial Practice: A defining characteristic of the firm, directly influenced by H. Lee Godfrey, is its focus on trial work. They are renowned for their willingness and ability to take cases to trial, a crucial factor in achieving favorable outcomes for their clients.
• Appellate Work: Beyond trial, they also handle appeals, ensuring continuity of legal strategy through all levels of the judicial system.
• Plaintiff and Defendant Representation: The firm often represents both plaintiffs and defendants, providing a comprehensive understanding of litigation strategies from all perspectives.

H. Lee Godfrey's impact on the legal profession and the firm he co-founded is underscored by numerous features and highlights that exemplify excellence and innovation in trial law.

• Visionary Co-Founder: H. Lee Godfrey, alongside Stephen Susman, co-founded Susman Godfrey LLP, building it into one of the nation's leading litigation boutiques, consistently ranked #1 by Vault for over a decade.
• Preeminent Trial Lawyer: He was widely considered one of the top trial lawyers in the world, known for his ability to connect with juries and simplify complex legal issues, leading to numerous winning judgments and verdicts.
• Revolutionary Fee Structure: Godfrey was instrumental in the firm's pioneering use of contingency fees in commercial litigation, which aligned the firm's interests directly with clients' success and made high-stakes legal representation more accessible.
• Exceptional Academic Background: He graduated with high honors from The University of Texas School of Law (J.D., 1969) and served as the managing editor of the Texas Law Review, demonstrating a strong foundation in legal scholarship.
• Prestigious Clerkships: His legal career included a clerkship for Chief Judge John R. Brown of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, providing valuable insight into the appellate process.
• National Recognition: He was consistently recognized in prestigious legal directories and publications, including being named one of the top 10 Super Lawyers in Texas and one of the top seven litigators in the United States.
• Diverse Case Portfolio: Godfrey's career saw him representing clients in some of the most significant cases, from multi-million dollar commercial disputes to high-profile antitrust actions, showcasing his versatility and expertise.
• Mentor and Educator: Beyond his own trial work, he was known for mentoring a generation of trial lawyers, instilling in them the "courtroom swagger and understanding of human nature" that became a hallmark of Susman Godfrey attorneys. He also taught Commercial Law as a visiting professor at Rice University.

At this time, specific public promotions or special offers directly associated with H. Lee Godfrey (due to his passing) or from Susman Godfrey LLP are not typically advertised. However, the firm maintains its distinctive approach to fee structures, which can be viewed as a significant advantage for prospective clients. Susman Godfrey LLP is widely known for its willingness to take on plaintiff-side commercial cases on a contingency-fee basis. This arrangement means that the firm's compensation is contingent upon a successful outcome for the client, thereby significantly reducing the upfront financial burden and risk for Texans pursuing substantial claims. For other types of legal matters, particularly defense work, the firm would discuss and negotiate appropriate fee arrangements. Prospective clients interested in engaging Susman Godfrey LLP are encouraged to contact their office directly to schedule an initial consultation. This allows for a personalized assessment of legal needs and a clear understanding of potential costs and strategic approaches.

To connect with Susman Godfrey LLP, carrying forward the legacy of H. Lee Godfrey, and to discuss your complex litigation needs, please use the following contact information:

• Address: 1000 Louisiana St #5100, Houston, TX 77002, USA
• Phone: (713) 651-9366
• Mobile Phone: +1 713-651-9366 (Note: This appears to be the same number as the main office line, often provided for direct dialing convenience.)

For Texans navigating the most challenging and high-stakes commercial disputes, the enduring legacy and ongoing practice of Susman Godfrey LLP, profoundly shaped by H. Lee Godfrey, represent an unparalleled choice for legal representation. Their strategic location in downtown Houston ensures convenient accessibility for individuals and businesses across the state, providing a local point of contact for critical legal matters. The firm's commitment to the aggressive, trial-ready advocacy pioneered by H. Lee Godfrey means that Texans can access a legal team renowned for its ability to secure winning judgments and verdicts, even in the most complex cases.

The firm's willingness to operate on a contingency-fee basis for many plaintiff-side commercial cases democratizes access to elite legal talent, making it an ideal partner for Texans with meritorious claims who might otherwise face prohibitive legal costs. Whether you are a business embroiled in a multi-million dollar contract dispute, a company facing allegations of anti-competitive behavior, or an individual seeking justice in a complex commercial matter, Susman Godfrey LLP, driven by the principles of its founders like H. Lee Godfrey, possesses the expertise and unwavering dedication to vigorously advocate for your interests. For Texans who demand nothing less than the best in trial representation and a firm committed to achieving the most favorable outcome, Susman Godfrey LLP is an outstanding choice, ready to fight tenaciously on your behalf.