(RETIRED)
Trial attorney steeped in integrity and honesty with thirty years of practice in federal and state courts. Focused on achieving the best possible results based upon the facts and circumstances of each case, whether through trial, mediation, or arbitration. Skilled legal analysis, case strategy and case management from inception through conclusion. Successful summary judgment, jury trial and non-jury trial experience. Experienced selection of, consultation with, and deposition of expert witnesses. Excellent rapport with clients, lawyers, staff, and court personnel. Friendly, considerate and caring for all people.
Member, Dallas, TX 2016-2026
Represented clients in lawsuits in federal and state courts dealing with civil rights, constitutional law, commercial law, consumer law, employment law, fiduciary law, intentional torts (assault, defamation, fraud, malicious
prosecution, theft of trade secrets, etc.), and real property law.
Owner Austin, TX 2011–2012, Dallas, TX 2012–2015
(Altaffer & Palat, PLLC, Austin, TX Partner/Member 2010–2011)
Represented individual and corporate clients in lawsuits in federal and state courts dealing with civil rights, commercial law,
consumer law, employment law, fiduciary law, intentional torts (defamation, fraud, malicious prosecution, theft of trade secrets, etc.), and real property law (foreclosure, landlord/tenant, ownership disputes). Represented creditors (claims, foreclosure, liens, etc.) and debtors
(Chapter 7 only) in bankruptcy court.
Partner, 1992–2001; Associate Attorney 1984–1992.
Represented corporate and individual clients in lawsuits involving federal and state employment and labor law, deceptive trade practices (DTPA), fraud, malicious prosecution, breach of contract, real
estate/foreclosure, products liability, and commercial cases and in preference and stay actions in bankruptcy courts.
United States Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit
United States District Courts of Northern, Eastern, Western, and Southern Districts of Texas
United States Bankruptcy Courts for Northern, Eastern, Western, and Southern Districts of Texas
State Bar of Texas
Texas Tech University School of Law, Lubbock, Texas
Juris Doctor, May 1984, cum laude
United States Marine Corps
First Lieutenant 1976; 1978–1981
Rice University, Houston, Texas
Bachelor of Arts, May 1976
