Andrea Whitley
Andrea Whitley is a seasoned and highly respected litigator with over 17 years of experience representing clients in high-stakes, complex legal matters. Her career spans both private practice and corporate counsel roles, giving her a well-rounded perspective and deep strategic insight into litigation from all angles.
Andrea began her legal career at a prestigious trial boutique, where she honed her courtroom skills and developed a reputation for meticulous case preparation and persuasive advocacy. She later transitioned to an in-house role as Managing Litigation Counsel at a multinational energy company, where she oversaw major litigation portfolios and advised executive leadership on critical legal risks. Her combined experience in both arenas equips her with a unique ability to anticipate challenges and tailor litigation strategies that align with business goals.
Her areas of expertise are broad and sophisticated, including:
- Complex commercial litigation
- Oil and gas disputes (both domestic and international)
- Internal and regulatory investigations
- Trade secret misappropriation
- Legal malpractice defense
- Catastrophic pipeline failures
- Toxic exposure and environmental claims
- Serious personal injury litigation
Andrea is widely regarded for her intellectual agility, strong leadership under pressure, and ability to manage multi-faceted legal issues with clarity and control. Whether guiding clients through multi-party litigation or resolving highly sensitive corporate matters, she brings a rare blend of legal depth and practical judgment.
Her professional journey reflects a steadfast dedication to achieving meaningful results for her clients and upholding the highest standards of legal practice. Known for her integrity, strategic acumen, and unwavering client focus, Andrea continues to build a distinguished reputation in the legal community. She is committed to leveraging her extensive litigation background to deliver tailored, results-driven solutions for individuals and businesses facing complex legal challenges.
Credentials
Education
- The University of Texas School of Law, J.D., with honors, 2003
- Notes Editor, Texas Review of Litigation
- University of Montana, B.A., with high honors, Political Science
- University of Montana, B.A., with high honors, French, 2000
Bar Admissions
- United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
- United States District Courts for the Eastern, Northern, Southern and Western Districts of Texas
Member
- State Bar of Texas (since November 7, 1986)
- Houston Bar Association, Member, Litigation Section
- Houston Bar Foundation, Life Fellow
- American Land Title Association, Member
- Litigation Counsel of America, Fellow
- Texas Land Title Association, Member
- American Land Title Association, Member
- Texas State Bar College
Professional Highlights
- 2008-25, Recognized as a SuperLawyer by Texas Lawyer
- 2010-25, Voted a Top Attorney in Texas Civil Litigation Defense
- 2013-25 H Texas Magazine Top Lawyer
- AV Peer Review Rating with Martindale-Hubbell (highest rating for ethics and ability)
- Author: Texas Title Insurance, (Thompson Reuters)
- Served as first-chair trial lawyer for an international engineering firm sued for negligence arising out of a crude oil refinery fire that caused significant burns to the plaintiff. Favorably resolved matter post-verdict.
- Served as second-chair trial lawyer for an electric cooperative that asserted claims against the manufacturer of a defective steam turbine installed at a plant in South Texas. Handled all aspects of the case through initial investigation, discovery, and trial. Took depositions, hired and prepared expert witnesses, and tried the case to a jury in a Southern District of Texas federal court. Participated in post-judgment motions and subsequent appeal to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. Obtained a jury verdict and sustained the verdict on appeal.
- Member of legal team in an international arbitration involving an offshore oil rig. Case involved unusual legal issues regarding the proper composition of the arbitration panel. Matter ultimately proceeded to a final arbitration award following a full hearing.
- Served as second- and third- chair trial lawyer in two separate cases defending an international electronics company against product liability claims that were alleged as the cause of residential fires. Obtained defense verdicts in both cases.
- Served as third-chair trial lawyer defending an international chemicals company against trade secret misappropriation claims. Communicated about case strategy with two separate in-house attorneys, helped coordinate electronic discovery across the U.S., Western Europe, and China, prepared European fact witnesses for deposition and testimony at injunction hearing, defended depositions locally and internationally, and worked with expert witnesses to prepare reports and deposition testimony. Prepared witnesses for and participated in a seven-day temporary injunction hearing in Galveston County Court at Law. Matter was resolved favorably following mediation.
- Member of trial team for a legal malpractice action that involved antitrust matters. Responsibilities included developing the substantive antitrust portion of the case; hiring and preparing all antitrust experts for disclosures, deposition and trial testimony. Participated in four-week long trial in Harris County District Court.
- “Litigation: Law and Practice (USA),” Chambers and Partners Global Practice Guides 2024
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