JE

John Eddie Williams, Jr. FOUNDER

Licensed in TX

Biography

Mr. Williams has been practicing law for over 48 years, graduating first in his class at Baylor Law School in 1978, is board certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in personal injury trial law, has tried over 100 cases to verdict, and has led litigation teams in large, multi-party disputes across the United States and internationally. His extensive experience includes product liability/mass tort cases focused on pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices; complex commercial litigation; catastrophic injury cases; major plant explosions; and large-scale matters involving extensive discovery, expert coordination, and significant motion practice. Earlier in his career, Mr. Williams was one of only five attorneys retained by the State of Texas to represent the State in its landmark litigation against the tobacco industry, resulting in a $17.3 billion recovery—one of the largest settlements in American history. That representation required sophisticated litigation management, strategic coordination with governmental entities, and oversight of complex, resource-intensive proceedings. Mr. Williams’ career demonstrates sustained success in high-stakes, heavily contested litigation involving complex factual records, sophisticated defense teams, and substantial financial exposure. His trial experience, leadership of large litigation teams, and proven ability to secure extraordinary recoveries position him to effectively serve as class counsel in complex mass tort proceedings. Nationally and locally, Mr. Williams and his law firm have played a prominent role in the Roundup (Glyphosate) litigation. Along with co-counsel, they have coordinated efforts, taken hundreds of depositions from plaintiffs to expert witnesses to corporate representatives, tried Roundup cases across the country, engaged in extensive motion practice to obtain important evidentiary rulings, and managed cases in multiple jurisdictions. Further, Mr. Williams has played an active role in protecting class interests by opposing unfair prior attempts to resolve the class. Mr. Williams has demonstrated—not only in his leading role in the Roundup litigation, but also from other high-stakes, complex cases—that he has the experience and skill set to oversee class-wide claims administration fairly and manage litigation resources effectively.

Education

  • Baylor University School of Law
  • Juris Doctorate
  • first in class
  • 1978 The Baylor Law Review
  • Editor-in-Chief Baylor University
  • Bachelor of Business Administration
  • cum laude
  • 1976 Inducted into the Trial Lawyer Hall of Fame
  • located at Beasley School of Law at Temple University in Philadelphia
  • PA
  • January 2018 Recipient of Baylor University’s “Lawyer of the Year” Award
  • January 2002