Mc Ginnis Lochridge & Kilgore: Ray Chester

When faced with significant legal disputes, whether a complex business conflict, a severe personal injury, or a wrongful death, Texans understand that the stakes are incredibly high. These situations demand not just legal knowledge, but also a proven track record of success in the courtroom. This article introduces you to Ray Chester, a distinguished civil trial lawyer at McGinnis Lochridge & Kilgore, a prominent law firm located in the heart of Austin, Texas. We will explore his extensive experience and how his dedication to litigation excellence makes him an invaluable asset for locals seeking justice and effective representation.

McGinnis Lochridge & Kilgore has long been a cornerstone of the Texas legal community, renowned for its comprehensive legal services and unwavering commitment to its clients. The firm's reputation for formidable litigation capabilities is exemplified by attorneys like Ray Chester, whose career is marked by substantial success in high-profile cases across the United States, including numerous landmark verdicts in Texas. For anyone in Texas seeking a trial attorney with a history of delivering favorable outcomes, Ray Chester's expertise is certainly worth noting.

In the realm of civil trial law, experience and certification truly set an attorney apart. Ray Chester is not only a seasoned litigator but is also double Board Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in both Civil Trial Law and Personal Injury Trial Law. This dual certification signifies an elevated level of proven expertise and dedication to these specific, challenging fields, providing Texans with the assurance that their cases are in the hands of a recognized specialist. This is a critical distinction, particularly in high-stakes litigation where a deep understanding of courtroom procedure and trial strategy is paramount.

Ray Chester’s practice is broad yet deeply specialized, encompassing personal injury, products liability, wrongful death, and complex business litigation. His involvement in some of the country’s largest pharmaceutical mass torts and his track record of obtaining significant verdicts for victims highlight his capacity to handle cases of immense complexity and scale. For Texans who have suffered due to negligence, defective products, or unfair business practices, Ray Chester offers the rigorous advocacy required to navigate intricate legal battles and secure just compensation.

By offering clear, engaging, and factual information about Ray Chester and McGinnis Lochridge & Kilgore, this article aims to empower Texans to make informed decisions when seeking legal representation. We understand that confronting legal challenges can be daunting, and having access to a highly skilled and proven trial lawyer like Ray Chester can provide the confidence and strategic advantage needed to pursue justice effectively in the Lone Star State.

Location and Accessibility

McGinnis Lochridge & Kilgore, featuring the distinguished trial lawyer Ray Chester, is ideally situated in the heart of Austin, Texas, ensuring excellent accessibility for clients from across the city and throughout the state. The firm's address is 600 Congress Ave. #2100, Austin, TX 78701, USA. This prominent downtown Austin location places the firm directly in close proximity to state and federal courthouses, government offices, and major business centers. For those traveling by car, there are numerous public parking garages and metered street parking options conveniently located within a short walking distance, making visits straightforward.

The office's central position on Congress Avenue provides easy access from major thoroughfares that connect Austin to various parts of Texas, including I-35 and MoPac (Loop 1). This ensures that clients from surrounding communities like Round Rock, Pflugerville, Cedar Park, San Marcos, or even further afield can reach the firm with relative ease. For individuals utilizing public transportation, Austin’s Capital Metro bus system has multiple stops within close proximity to Congress Avenue, offering convenient connections from diverse neighborhoods throughout the city. This strategic and accessible location underscores the firm’s commitment to serving a wide array of clients throughout the vast Texas landscape.

Services Offered

• Civil Trial Law: Ray Chester is a seasoned civil trial lawyer with extensive experience representing clients in high-profile cases in both state and federal courts across the United States. He has successfully tried over 35 jury trials to verdict and numerous bench trials, arbitrations, and temporary injunction hearings.
• Personal Injury & Wrongful Death: He has achieved substantial success for both plaintiffs and defendants in personal injury, products liability, and wrongful death cases. This includes obtaining multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for victims of medical device injuries, defective products (e.g., ORTHO EVRA® birth control patch, defective seatbelts), automobile crashes, and nursing home abuse.
• Products Liability: Ray was notably the first attorney in the United States to file and successfully prosecute failure-to-warn claims against the manufacturer of the ORTHO EVRA® birth control patch, developing the liability case for what became one of the largest pharmaceutical mass torts.
• Complex Business Litigation: He has significant success in commercial litigation and arbitration, including first-chairing major construction disputes, winning arbitrations for charitable organizations (e.g., a counterclaim award worth over $20 million), and negotiating favorable settlements for landowners in high-stakes arbitrations.
• Insurance Coverage Litigation: Ray handles first-party insurance cases and frequently acts as personal counsel for defendants in high-stakes insured litigation where there is a coverage dispute or potential for an excess verdict.
• Appellate Practice: Ray and his team manage their own appeals, successfully affirming trial court successes and defending against mandamus actions. He has argued before the Texas Supreme Court, the Fifth Circuit, and numerous other courts of appeals.
• Mass Torts: His experience includes developing liability cases for large pharmaceutical mass torts, demonstrating his capability to manage widespread litigation involving numerous victims.

Features / Highlights

• Double Board Certified: Ray Chester is uniquely Board Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in both Civil Trial Law and Personal Injury Trial Law. This dual certification signifies an exceptional level of tested expertise and a deep commitment to trial advocacy.
• Seasoned Trial Lawyer: He has successfully tried over 35 jury trials to verdict and a similar number of bench trials and arbitrations, demonstrating extensive courtroom experience and a formidable track record of success.
• High-Profile Case Experience: Ray has represented clients in high-profile cases across the United States, including obtaining landmark verdicts and settlements in complex products liability and personal injury matters (e.g., Botox, ORTHO EVRA® birth control patch, defective seatbelts).
• Leader in Mass Torts: He was the first attorney in the U.S. to successfully prosecute failure-to-warn claims against the manufacturer of the ORTHO EVRA® birth control patch, personally developing the liability case for one of the largest pharmaceutical mass torts.
• Recognized Excellence: Ray has consistently been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® (2016-2025) for Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs and has been named "Lawyer of the Year" multiple times in Austin for this category (2018, 2023, 2025). He has also been selected to the Texas Super Lawyers list (2003-present) and recognized as a "Top 100 Trial Lawyer" by The National Trial Lawyers.
• Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers: This invitation-only fellowship recognizes exceptional trial lawyers who have demonstrated the very highest standards of trial advocacy, ethical conduct, integrity, professionalism, and collegiality.
• Comprehensive Appellate Experience: Ray and his team handle their own appeals, ensuring continuity and consistent strategy from trial through the appellate process.

Promotions or Special Offers

As a premier legal service provider specializing in complex civil litigation and personal injury trial law, McGinnis Lochridge & Kilgore, and specifically attorney Ray Chester, do not typically advertise traditional "promotions" or "special offers" in the manner of a retail business. The highly specialized and often high-stakes nature of their legal services means that fees are determined on a case-by-case basis, reflecting the unique complexities, time commitment, and the unparalleled expertise that Ray Chester brings as a double Board Certified trial lawyer.

While public discounts or promotional packages are not part of their operational model, the firm is committed to transparency regarding their fee structures. For prospective clients facing significant personal injury, wrongful death, or complex business disputes, it is highly recommended to contact the firm directly to schedule an initial consultation. During this consultation, you will have the opportunity to discuss your specific legal situation, understand the potential legal strategies, and receive a clear explanation of the fee arrangements. For many personal injury and wrongful death cases, attorneys may work on a contingency fee basis, meaning fees are collected only if a favorable settlement or verdict is obtained. For other complex litigation, hourly rates are common. Any specific payment arrangements would be discussed and mutually agreed upon during this direct consultation, ensuring clarity and trust as you move forward with your legal representation.

Contact Information

To connect with Ray Chester and the experienced litigation team at McGinnis Lochridge & Kilgore to discuss your personal injury, business litigation, or other civil trial needs, please use the following contact details:

Address: 600 Congress Ave. #2100, Austin, TX 78701, USA

Phone: (512) 495-6019

Mobile Phone: +1 512-495-6019

We encourage you to reach out for a confidential consultation to explore how Ray Chester's extensive trial experience and recognized expertise can benefit your case.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Texans facing the daunting prospect of civil litigation, particularly in high-stakes matters such as significant personal injury, products liability, wrongful death, or complex business disputes, securing the right legal representation is absolutely crucial. Ray Chester at McGinnis Lochridge & Kilgore stands out as an exceptionally suitable choice for locals. His prime location in the heart of Austin, at 600 Congress Ave. #2100, offers unparalleled accessibility for clients from across the city and surrounding areas, placing expert trial advocacy conveniently within reach of state and federal courthouses.

What truly makes Ray Chester suitable for Texans is his profound and certified expertise. Being double Board Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in both Civil Trial Law and Personal Injury Trial Law is a rare distinction that signifies a deep, proven mastery of the courtroom and complex litigation. This level of specialization is invaluable in a state where legal battles can be intricate and demanding. Locals can rest assured that their case is handled by an attorney whose skills are formally recognized as among the best in the state for trial advocacy.

Ray’s extensive track record of successfully trying over 35 jury trials to verdict, including obtaining multi-million dollar outcomes in prominent cases, speaks volumes about his capability to deliver results. For Texans who have suffered due to corporate negligence, defective products, or severe personal injury, knowing that their attorney has a proven history of success against major corporations and in complex legal battles provides immense peace of mind and strategic advantage. His leadership in national mass torts also demonstrates an ability to handle cases of widespread impact, benefiting numerous victims.

Furthermore, his comprehensive approach, which includes not only trial work but also robust appellate practice and a keen understanding of insurance coverage disputes, ensures that Texans receive holistic legal support from start to finish. Ray Chester's consistent recognition in prestigious legal listings like "The Best Lawyers in America®" and "Texas Super Lawyers" further solidifies his standing as a highly respected and effective advocate within the Texas legal community.

In essence, Ray Chester at McGinnis Lochridge & Kilgore offers Texans a powerful combination of localized accessibility, certified expertise, a formidable trial record, and a client-focused approach. His dedication to pursuing justice with unwavering skill and integrity makes him an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended legal partner for anyone navigating the complexities of civil litigation in the Lone Star State.