Kratovil Joins Dykema In Dallas

Experienced Litigator Latest Addition to Rapidly Growing Office, Sophisticated National Practice

Press Releases

7.14.11

DALLAS - Dykema, a leading national law firm, today announced the addition of Christopher D. Kratovil to its Litigation practice, as a member in the firm's Dallas office. Prior to joining Dykema, Kratovil was a partner at K&L Gates. Kratovil is a former law clerk to the Honorable Edith H. Jones, Chief Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.

Kratovil focuses his practice on appellate matters, representing clients in complex commercial disputes before tribunals ranging from small town Texas trial courts to the U.S. Supreme Court, with a particular concentration on matters in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit and in the Texas courts of appeals.  He has considerable experience in federal and state mandamus practice, including serving as the lead draftsman of the winning briefs in the landmark Fifth Circuit case that authorized the use of mandamus to compel convenience-based venue transfers, In re Volkswagen II, 545 F.3d 304 (5th Cir. 2008)(en banc).

"Chris is a clever litigator with a unique and deep niche as a 'post-arbitration' lawyer. He is widely recognized for his established and proven capabilities confirming, modifying, vacating and enforcing arbitration awards in both state and federal court," said Rex E. Schlaybaugh, Jr., Dykema's chairman and chief executive officer. "As important as his technical experience and skill, Chris has a reputation as a fighter for his clients. We welcome him to the firm."

In addition to his extensive appellate work, Kratovil regularly handles case dispositive briefing and argument, jury charges, complex motions, research intensive legal issues and error preservation in the trial courts.  He also regularly assists in the white collar defense of clients accused of financial, securities and tax crimes. Kratovil is the author of several high-profile amicus curiae briefs, including on behalf United States Senator John Cornyn and, separately, for the Texas state representative who sponsored the so-called "Pole Tax" user fee on patrons of adult entertainment.

"We continue to strategically grow the Dallas office, adding talented regional lawyers who can bring immediate value to our clients both locally and nationally," said Darrell Jordan, Dallas office managing attorney. "Chris is a diligent and creative champion for his clients and a 'best in class' lawyer. We're excited to add him to our top-notch Dallas team."

A frequent author and lecturer, Kratovil earned a B.A. magna cum laude from University of Notre Dame and a J.D. with honors from University of Texas at Austin School of Law, where he was an editor of the Texas Law Review. He has been recognized repeatedly as a "Rising Star" by Texas Monthly and was recently named one of the "Best Lawyers in Dallas" by D Magazine.

With more than 160 attorneys actively engaged in all aspects of business, commercial and product liability matters litigation, Dykema has one of the most experienced, sophisticated and successful litigation and trial practices in the nation. The firm's litigators are experienced in representing a diverse client base in nearly every substantive area of the law, through trial and appeal. In addition to Dykema's practice in state and federal courts throughout the country, the group also represents clients in administrative proceedings, arbitration tribunals and other alternative dispute resolution forums.