I take a practical, results-driven approach to litigation, always keeping my clients’ business goals front and center. Whether I’m in court or advising behind the scenes, I focus on delivering clear strategies and efficient solutions.
Reid Burley is a commercial litigator focused on resolving complex business and employment disputes. He represents clients in matters involving contracts, fiduciary duties, employment issues, non-compete agreements and other restrictive covenants, shareholder and partnership conflicts, and more. Reid regularly practices in state and federal courts, bankruptcy courts and FINRA arbitrations, and frequently handles emergency injunctive relief proceedings.
In addition to his litigation practice, Reid advises businesses and individuals on the legal risks tied to transactions, mergers and acquisitions. His practical guidance helps clients make informed decisions and reduce exposure.
Reid also maintains a strong practice in creditors’ rights and bankruptcy. He helps clients recover assets through garnishments, sequestrations and other post-judgment remedies. His bankruptcy work includes representing secured and unsecured creditors in proceedings and adversary cases, leading trial strategy, negotiating debt workouts and managing a wide range of hearings.
Representative Experience Business and Employment Litigation
- Represented Fortune 1000, financial services company in a variety of restrictive covenant litigation matters against individual financial advisors and competitor firms. Representation included ancillary matters in state and federal courts throughout Texas, Georgia, Wisconsin, Arizona, and other jurisdictions. Prevailed in obtaining temporary restraining orders and injunctions and obtained favorable settlement agreements after various hearings or final arbitrations.
- Represented international logistics company against warehouse owner for breach of oral contract and unjust enrichment. First-chaired jury trial and obtained jury verdict for full amount of requested damages.
- Represented financial services company against borrower and guarantor for breach of contract with issues related to handwriting and signature accuracy. First-chaired bench trial and obtained verdict for full amount of requested damages.
- Represented Texas Capital Bank in a variety of breach of contract matters, including breaches of loan agreements, credit agreements, and personal guarantees. Obtained favorable judgments or settlement agreements in all representative matters.
- Represented PNC Bank and related investment fund against general partner and developer for breach of development agreement and related matters. Obtained $6,000,000 summary judgment in favor of client.
- Represented individual chief operating officer against business partner and chief executive officer for breach of fiduciary duty and breach of contract related to their ownership and operation of numerous automobile dealerships. Resulted in $20,000,000 jury-verdict for client.
- Represented BBG, Inc. against departed appraiser for breach of restrictive covenant and misuse of confidential information.
- Represented veterinarian against prior employer in defense of restrictive covenant violations. Obtained dissolution of temporary restraining order, denial of temporary injunction, and favorable settlement agreement reducing restrictive covenant duration.
- Represented doctor against private equity-backed practice group for breach of earnout agreement and related disputes.
- Represented homeowner against lending company related to breach of contract and wrongful foreclosure. Obtained temporary restraining order and temporary injunction.
- Represented family office against lending company related to threatened foreclosures of multiple, multi-million-dollar properties. Obtained temporary restraining order and favorable settlement agreement without relinquishing properties or equity in those properties.
- Represented local healthcare system against Dell Computers related to claims of breach of contract stemming from defective, software work causing cybersecurity issues. Obtained favorable settlement agreement to compensate damages for cyberbreach.
- Represented Christus Health systems against numerous employees arising from premises liability and negligence lawsuits. Obtained favorable settlement agreements for significantly less than cost of defense in multiple matters.
Bankruptcy Litigation
- Represented financial services company creditor in claims objection proceedings related to defunct bank and lost note affidavits. First-chaired bench trial and obtained favorable judgment. In re Hwy 24 Lumber & Feed, Inc., Case No. 20-42468, United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Texas.
- Represented limited partner and employee of hedge fund in claims objection proceedings related to tax liability estimation and bonus compensation agreements. In re Highland Capital Management, LP, Case No. 19-34054, United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas.
- Represented technology company creditor in bankruptcy proceedings regarding misappropriation of funds, competing plans of liquidation, and other matters. In re Animo Services, LLC, Case No. 23-30035, United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas.
- Represented Sub-Zero Group, Inc. as a creditor in bankruptcy proceedings and briefed/argued issues related to Sub-Zero Group’s critical vendor status and related matters. In re Robertshaw US Holding Corp., Case No. 24-90052, United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas.
- Represented landlord of J.C. Penney’s corporate headquarters in bankruptcy proceedings and negotiated post-petition lease agreement and related matters. In re J.C. Penney Company, Inc., Case No. 20-20182, United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas.
Appellate Matters
- Represented oil and gas royalty company in post-judgment motion for new trial and appellate briefing. Obtained reverse and render appellate decision in favor of client due to arguments regarding propriety of domestication of foreign judgments and requirements for personal knowledge affidavits. Dartex Holdings Corporation v. Royalty Lending II, Ltd., Case No. 05-24-00984-CV, pending before the Court of Appeals for the Fifth District of Texas at Dallas.
- Represented Cindy Clemishire in litigation and appeals against Gateway Church and various elders and staff for defamation and associated causes of action. Obtained denials of pleas to the jurisdiction and motions to dismiss pursuant to the Texas Citizens Participation Act in the trial court. Obtained denial of writ of mandamus on appeal. Lawrence Swicegood v. Cindy Clemishire, Case No. 05-26-00159-CV, pending before the Court of Appeals for the Fifth District of Texas at Dallas.
Corporate and Advisory Matters
- Represented private equity-backed poker club in presentations before the Dallas Zoning Board of Adjustment. Resulted in granting of certificate of occupancy.
- Represented local, professional soccer team in corporate governance, formation, and fundraising matters.
- Represented third-party administrator seller in $150,000,000 asset purchase agreement with nationwide, insurance company buyer.
- Represented technology startup founder in negotiation of equity agreement with software engineer and related matters.
Honors
- Selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America "Ones to Watch" in the field of Trusts & Estates Litigation (2022 - 2026)
- Named a Rising Star by Texas Super Lawyers (a Thomson Reuters company) as published in Texas Monthly and Texas Super Lawyers magazines 2024 - 2025)
Organizational Involvement Professional Involvement, Memberships & Affiliations
- Trophy Club Zoning Board of Adjustment, Vice-Chairman of Board, 2023-2025
- Baylor Law Alumni Association, Dallas Steering Committee
- Dallas Association of Young Lawyers (DAYL), Member
- State Bar of Texas, Member
- Dallas Bar Association, Member
When I Feel Most At Home
- Playing golf and tennis
- Trying to keep up with my two year old daughter and our West Highlander Terrier
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