Smith Mckool

When facing the most complex and high-stakes legal battles in Texas, particularly those involving intricate intellectual property rights or challenging commercial disputes, you need a law firm that doesn't just understand the law, but lives and breathes litigation. For individuals and businesses throughout Austin and the Lone Star State, McKool Smith stands as one of the nation's preeminent trial firms. This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of McKool Smith's Austin office, their strategic location, the comprehensive services they provide, and what truly makes them a formidable choice for your legal needs.

At the heart of Austin's thriving innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem, McKool Smith's local office brings together a core group of highly experienced trial lawyers. Many of these attorneys possess advanced technical degrees, offering a unique blend of legal prowess and deep understanding of complex technologies. This technical acumen is particularly vital in today's landscape of patent infringement cases and other intellectual property disputes, where the ability to persuade judges and juries on technologically intricate issues is paramount. For Texans, this means access to legal minds that can truly grasp the nuances of their innovative endeavors and fiercely protect their intellectual assets.

McKool Smith is not just a law firm; it's a litigation powerhouse. They are the firm clients turn to "when they can't afford to lose." This reputation is built on a track record of success that speaks for itself. Since 2006, the firm has secured an impressive number of nine-figure and eight-figure jury verdicts, winning more "Top 100 Verdicts" over the last decade than any other law firm in the country. Such achievements have earned them critical acclaim, with The Wall Street Journal describing them as "one of the biggest law firm success stories of the past decade." For Texans, this translates into confidence that their legal matters are in the hands of battle-tested litigators who are genuinely committed to winning.

The firm's philosophy is rooted in the belief that every case should be treated as if it will go to trial. This trial-ready approach, while not all cases proceed to a full trial, means that their attorneys are always prepared, strategic, and meticulous in their preparation. This level of readiness can often lead to more favorable settlements or swift resolutions, benefiting clients by minimizing protracted litigation. For those in Texas navigating significant commercial challenges or defending their intellectual property, McKool Smith offers not just legal representation, but a strategic partner dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome. This article aims to equip you with the knowledge you need to consider McKool Smith for your legal requirements, providing a sense of confidence and clarity in what can often be a challenging and complex legal process.

Location and Accessibility

McKool Smith's Austin office is strategically located in the heart of downtown Austin, Texas, at 303 Colorado Street, Suite 2100, Austin, TX 78701, USA. This prime address ensures excellent accessibility for clients from various parts of Austin and the wider Central Texas region. Situated in a prominent building, the office is easily reachable by car, with numerous public parking garages and metered street parking options available nearby. For those who prefer public transportation, the building is well-served by Austin's Capital Metro bus lines, with several stops just a short walk away, offering convenient connections from different neighborhoods and surrounding communities like Round Rock, Cedar Park, or San Marcos.

The strategic placement in the bustling downtown area provides additional benefits, including close proximity to key legal and governmental facilities. The Travis County Courthouse, federal courts (including the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, which handles a significant number of intellectual property cases), and state legislative offices are all within easy reach. This geographical advantage can be particularly beneficial for legal proceedings, filings, and collaborations with other legal professionals. This central location also means that clients can easily access various amenities, including dining establishments, hotels like the Driskill Hotel and Four Seasons Hotel, and other services, making their visits to the firm's office more comfortable and efficient. The choice of 303 Colorado Street for McKool Smith underscores their commitment to providing accessible and convenient legal services to their Texas-based clientele, especially those in the technology and business sectors.

Services Offered

McKool Smith's Austin office, as part of a national litigation powerhouse, specializes in complex and high-stakes legal disputes for clients across Texas and beyond. Their core practice areas are designed to address the most challenging legal issues faced by businesses and innovators. Here's a detailed list of their primary service areas:

• Intellectual Property Litigation: This is a cornerstone of their Austin practice, focusing on protecting and enforcing intellectual property rights. This includes:
• Patent Litigation: Representing both plaintiffs and defendants in patent infringement cases, often involving highly complex technologies.
• Trade Secrets Litigation: Protecting confidential business information and pursuing claims of misappropriation of trade secrets.
• ITC/Section 337 Litigation: Handling disputes before the International Trade Commission (ITC), which involves complex import-related intellectual property issues.
• Copyright, Trademark, and False Advertising Litigation: Enforcing rights related to creative works, brand identity, and preventing deceptive advertising practices.
• Inter Partes Review (IPR)/PTAB Disputes: Representing clients in proceedings before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board.
• Commercial Litigation: McKool Smith is renowned for its capabilities in all forms of complex business disputes. This encompasses:
• Antitrust/Unfair Competition: Litigating cases involving monopolies, cartels, and other anti-competitive practices.
• Contract Litigation: Disputes arising from breaches of commercial agreements.
• Intra-Business, Partnership, and Shareholder Disputes: Resolving conflicts among business partners or within corporate structures.
• Fraud Claims: Representing clients in cases involving allegations of deception or misrepresentation.
• Real Estate Litigation: Handling complex disputes related to commercial real estate.
• Energy/Oil and Gas Litigation: Addressing legal conflicts within the vital energy sector.
• Financial/Securities Litigation: Handling disputes related to financial markets and securities.
• Whistleblower/False Claims Act Litigation: Representing clients in cases involving fraud against the government.
• Mass Torts, Product Liability, and Personal Injury Litigation: While primarily a commercial firm, they also handle significant cases in these areas.
• Judgment Enforcement and Asset Recovery: Assisting clients in collecting awarded judgments and recovering assets.
• Appellate Law: Representing clients in appeals stemming from their trial work, including before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and the U.S. Supreme Court.
• Insurance Recovery: Representing policyholders in disputes against their insurance providers to secure coverage and recoveries.
• Bankruptcy and Insolvency: Handling complex disputes and proceedings arising under bankruptcy laws, including representing various parties in reorganizations and restructurings.
• White-Collar Defense and Investigations: Providing defense for individuals and corporations facing government investigations and prosecutions, including internal investigations.

Features / Highlights

McKool Smith's Austin office, as a critical part of a highly respected national firm, offers numerous features and highlights that underscore its leadership and effectiveness in the legal field. These attributes make them an exceptionally strong choice for clients in Texas:

• Unrivaled Trial Record: McKool Smith is consistently recognized for its exceptional courtroom performance. They have secured more VerdictSearch and The National Law Journal "Top 100 Verdicts" over the last ten years than any other law firm in the country, including securing ten nine-figure jury verdicts and ten eight-figure jury verdicts since 2006. This is a powerful indicator of their ability to win.
• Trial Lawyers with Technical Acumen: Especially in their Austin office, many attorneys possess advanced technical degrees, making them uniquely qualified to handle complex intellectual property and technology-driven commercial litigation. This blend of legal and technical skill is crucial for persuading judges and juries on technologically intricate issues.
• Focus on "Bet-the-Company" Cases: Clients turn to McKool Smith when the stakes are highest and losing is not an option. This reputation for handling critical, high-value disputes demonstrates the trust clients place in their capabilities.
• Nationally Recognized Expertise: The firm is consistently ranked among the top law firms nationally for Intellectual Property litigation and Commercial litigation by prestigious legal directories like Chambers USA and The Legal 500. They have been named "Patent Disputes Firm of the Year" and "Intellectual Property Firm of the Year" by leading publications.
• Reputation for Aggressive Advocacy: Peers often describe McKool Smith as having "trials in their DNA" and being a "real trial firm," indicating their readiness and ability to take cases to court and fight vigorously for their clients' interests.
• Representation of Both Plaintiffs and Defendants: Unlike many litigation firms, McKool Smith represents both plaintiffs and defendants. This dual perspective provides them with unique insight into the motivations and strategies of the opposing side, enhancing their overall effectiveness.
• Strategic Austin Location: Positioned in one of the nation's top technology centers, the Austin office thrives off the city's commitment to innovation, allowing their lawyers to remain at the forefront of emerging legal issues in tech and IP.
• Robust Internal Resources: The firm maintains substantial legal and technical skill sets, including in-house jury consulting services, demonstrating their comprehensive approach to trial preparation and strategy.

Promotions or Special Offers

As a premier national litigation firm specializing in complex, high-stakes legal matters, McKool Smith typically does not engage in generalized "promotions" or "special offers" in the way a retail business might. Their legal services are highly customized and reflect the specific complexities and demands of each case. Legal fees are determined by the nature of the dispute, the time and resources required, and the extensive expertise of their trial lawyers. However, clients can expect the following in terms of engagement and billing transparency:

• Initial Consultations: Prospective clients are encouraged to contact the firm to discuss their legal needs. While the policy regarding complimentary initial consultations may vary depending on the complexity and type of matter, such discussions provide a crucial opportunity to assess the firm's suitability for your case, understand potential legal strategies, and discuss the firm's approach to fees. It is always recommended to clarify their consultation policy directly when you call.
• Transparent Fee Discussions: McKool Smith is committed to providing clear and comprehensive discussions about their fee arrangements. Given the nature of complex commercial and intellectual property litigation, fee structures are typically tailored to the specific case. While specific details are not publicly advertised, clients can expect thorough communication regarding billing practices. The firm’s reputation for achieving significant verdicts often aligns with the value they provide in high-stakes situations.
• Value Derived from Winning: The primary "offer" from a firm of McKool Smith's caliber is the immense value derived from their unparalleled trial record, deep industry and technical expertise, and their proven ability to secure substantial judgments. Their focus is on delivering efficient, effective, and high-quality legal solutions that aim to achieve the best possible outcomes for their clients, often in "bet-the-company" scenarios, representing a significant return on investment for those facing critical legal challenges.

For detailed information about engaging McKool Smith for your legal needs and to discuss potential fee arrangements for your specific case, it is always recommended to contact their Austin office directly.

Contact Information

To connect with McKool Smith's Austin office, you can use the following contact details:

Address: 303 Colorado Street, Suite 2100, Austin, TX 78701, USA

Phone: (512) 692-8700

Mobile Phone: +1 512-692-8700

Reaching out via phone is typically the most direct way to inquire about scheduling a consultation or to be directed to the appropriate team members. The firm's prominent office in downtown Austin is easily identifiable for any scheduled in-person meetings.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For individuals and businesses across Texas, particularly those enmeshed in complex intellectual property disputes or high-stakes commercial litigation, selecting the right legal counsel is not just important—it's paramount. McKool Smith's Austin office stands out as an exceptionally suitable choice for a multitude of reasons, making their practice an invaluable resource for the local community.

Firstly, their unparalleled track record in securing significant jury verdicts, often in the nine and eight figures, provides immense confidence for Texans who cannot afford to lose. In a state known for its robust business environment and innovation, having a firm that is literally "built to win" in the courtroom is a crucial asset. This reputation means that whether you are defending your groundbreaking patent or pursuing justice in a major business dispute, you have a team with proven success.

Secondly, the Austin office's specific strength in intellectual property and commercial litigation, combined with the technical backgrounds of many of their lawyers, aligns perfectly with Austin's status as a burgeoning technology hub. For innovators, startups, and established tech companies in Texas, this means access to attorneys who not only understand the law but also the complex technologies underlying their assets and disputes. This unique blend of legal and technical expertise is a significant advantage for local businesses aiming to protect their innovations.

Moreover, the firm's philosophy of treating every case as if it will go to trial ensures a level of preparedness and strategic thinking that can lead to more favorable outcomes, even if a case settles out of court. For Texans, this means efficient and effective legal representation, designed to achieve the best possible results with meticulous attention to detail and a proactive approach.

The firm's strategic location in downtown Austin offers convenient accessibility for clients from all corners of the Central Texas region. This ease of access minimizes logistical hurdles, making it simpler for clients to engage with their legal team and participate in their case. This accessibility, combined with the firm's reputation for being a client-focused litigation powerhouse, fosters a supportive yet rigorous environment for clients during often stressful legal processes.

In essence, McKool Smith's Austin office offers Texans a compelling combination of a stellar winning record, specialized expertise in critical intellectual property and commercial litigation, a deep understanding of technology, and a strategically accessible location. For anyone in the Texas region facing a significant legal battle where the stakes are high, McKool Smith provides the knowledgeable, strategic, and battle-tested legal representation necessary to navigate complex legal landscapes and pursue favorable outcomes. They are indeed a highly suitable and reliable choice for local legal needs.