Nina Cortell
Partner
Profile
For more than 35 years, Ms. Cortell has represented corporations, public entities and individuals in appeals that have put her at the forefront of Texas appellate practice. She has also achieved significant results prior to appeal with the entry of dispositive orders in the trial court and by reducing verdicts by millions of dollars prior to judgment.
Best Lawyers has named Ms. Cortell its "2013 Dallas Bet-the-Company Litigation Lawyer of the Year," Chambers USA Guide ranks her as one of the top appellate lawyers in Texas, and Benchmark Litigation describes her as "renowned throughout the state for her appeals work." She has also been named one of the top ten lawyers in Texas by Texas Super Lawyers for the last three years.
Ms. Cortell works actively with the judiciary to improve the judicial process and serves on the prestigious Texas Supreme Court Advisory Committee, which is comprised of judges and attorneys from across the state and advises the Court in connection with its rule-making authority
Joined the Law Firm in: 1976
Areas of Practice
Main Focus: Appellate
- Appellate
- Crisis Management
- Litigation/Trial Practice
Professional Career
Significant Accomplishments
Reversed temporary injunction on ground that agreements were not enforceable as a matter of law; after court of appeals' ruling, opponent dismissed its suit. Anland North, L.P., et al v. Center Operating Company, Cause No. 05-12-00128-CV (Tex. App. - Dallas 2012).
After filing of opening appellate briefs, opponent agreed to settle commercial dispute for almost $200 million less than its judgment. i2 Technologies, Inc. v. Dillards, Cause No. 05-10-01645-CV (Tex. App. -Dallas 2011).
Persuaded the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals to dismiss the appeal of a $3.6 billion bankruptcy plan of reorganization, which was challenged by a competing bidder and the company's union. In the Matter of Asarco L.L.C., Cause No. 09-41259 (5th Cir. 2010).
Obtained remittitur in the district court prior to appeal, reducing punitive damages award by $77.6 million. IRCC, et al. v. Harold Simmons, et al., 192nd Judicial District Court, Dallas, Texas (2009).
Obtained mandamus review in the Texas Supreme Court on behalf of a large bank group in $26 billion dispute. In re Citigroup, Cause No. 08-0289 (Tex. 2008).
Reversed $8.5 million judgment adverse to client and obtained rendition of $2.5 million judgment in favor client. Blockbuster Inc. v. C-Span and Sunil Dharod, 276 S.W.3d 482 (Tex. Civ. App. – Dallas 2008, pet. granted and judgm't vacated pursuant to settlement).
Bar Admission
Texas
Education
- J.D., University of Texas, 1976, cum laude; Associate EditorTexas Law Review; Teaching Quizmaster
- B.A., University of Texas, 1973 summa cum laude, Plan II (liberal arts honors program)