Trevor Lawhorn
Associate

As an advocate and counselor, my goal is simple – help clients solve their problems in the most practical and effective way possible. Clients can count on me to create and implement a case strategy that helps them accomplish their goals. When my clients ask for guidance, I’ll give it to them. When they need to go to court, I’ll be there.

Clients across multiple industries rely on Trevor Lawhorn to guide them through complex commercial litigation matters all over Texas. His practice primarily focuses on resolving the wide variety of issues that can arise during sophisticated real estate and construction projects, including payment, delay and other contract disputes, negligence claims, design and construction defects, DTPA claims and many more. Trevor’s diverse clients include developers, homebuilders, contractors, brokers, commercial landlords and tenants, and owners of high-value homes and properties.

Trevor also handles business disputes regardless of industry that cover a number of subject areas, such as breach of contract, fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, unfair competition, violations of restrictive covenants, among others. He has experience navigating the appellate review process as well, including drafting briefs and presenting oral arguments.

In addition, Trevor has defended clients in white-collar litigation and regulatory investigation matters, including actions brought by the U.S. Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission. He also guides businesses through internal inquiries to review compliance with various federal and state regulations.

Representative Experience

Tort Litigation

  • Represented homeowner in fraud and DTPA action against realtor and seller in connection with concealment of significant fire damage to historical home. Obtained favorable settlement at mediation.
  • Successfully defended large residential homebuilder against fraud, negligence, breach of contract, and DTPA claims. Obtained favorable arbitration result in case where plaintiff sought over $12 million in damages. 
  • Successfully defended broker against fraud, securities fraud, and negligence claims in FINRA arbitration action. Obtained favorable settlement at mediation.
  • Represented homeowner in fraud and DTPA action against roofer. Obtained summary judgment for client.

Commercial Litigation

  • Represented commercial real estate broker in breach of contract action for unpaid commission. Obtained summary judgment for client.
  • Represented bar ownership group against expelled partner for claims arising out of partner’s alleged sexual assault in bar and resulting business losses. 
  • Represented investor group in litigation arising out of dispute concerning real estate development. Obtained favorable settlement at mediation.
  • Represented staffing company in breach of contract action against customer. Obtained summary judgment for client. 
  • Represented design company in breach of contract action against contractor. Obtained summary judgment for client. 
  • Represented healthcare marketing company in breach of contract and fraud action against vendors. Obtained favorable settlement at mediation. 
  • Represented event planning company in breach of contract action against bank client. Obtained favorable settlement.

White-Collar Defense/Internal Investigations

  • Represented healthcare marketers in connection with DOJ investigation into kickback and bribery scheme. Presented attorney proffer to DOJ. 
  • Represented alternative energy investor in connection with SEC investigation into securities fraud scheme. Presented attorney proffer to SEC. 
  • Assisted with internal investigation into multinational company’s FCPA compliance.

Appeals

  • Represented trust beneficiary in appeal/cross-appeal before the Seventh Court of Appeals. Drafted all briefs and presented oral argument. 

Class Actions

  • Assisted with briefing on various issues, including confirmation of fee award, in connection with $1.5 billion Syngenta corn class action. 

Other Litigation Experience

  • Second-chaired criminal trial in Collin County and obtained not-guilty verdict for client accused of assault. 
  • Represented private equity firm in breach of contract and fraud action against food services company. Assisted with transition from state court case to involuntary bankruptcy action and representation in bankruptcy court.
  • Advised various companies regarding data security practices. Drafted and revised data security agreements.
  • Assisted with briefing on various issues (including alter ego, fraudulent transfer, and expert qualification) related to representation of large family trust in connection with IRS dispute. 
Thought Leadership / News
August 4, 2022 
 Speeches and Presentations
Case Law Update

DBA Energy Law Section 37th Annual Review of Energy Law

February 4, 2020 
 Thought Leadership
Paving the Way Toward Spearin: A Development in Contractor Liability in Texas Public Transportation Projects

TEXO ONSITE Newsletter

Honors
  • Named a Rising Star by Texas Super Lawyers (a Thomson Reuters company) as published in Texas Monthly and Texas Super Lawyers magazines (2023)
Organizational Involvement
  • TEXO
    • Executive Development Partners, Member
Education
  • J.D., cum laude, Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law (2017)
  • B.A., Political Science, Louisiana State University (2014)
Bar Admission
  • Texas (2017)
Court Admissions
  • United States District Court, Northern District of Texas
  • United States District Court, Western District of Texas
When I Feel Most At Home
  • Playing tennis
  • Hiking in Texas and the Southeastern United States
  • Tailgating at LSU football games