Multi-Billion Dollar Claim Against Energy Client Dismissed on Summary Judgment

A district court in Harris County, Texas granted summary judgment in favor of Ware Jackson’s client, a multi-national energy company. The plaintiff had sought over $2 billion in damages, accusing the client of committing fraud and engaging in a conspiracy in connection with the sale of equipment for several land-based oil rigs that allegedly led to the collapse of plaintiff’s company. Ware Jackson partners Eileen O’Neill and Michelle Blair successfully moved for summary judgment on the grounds that the plaintiff’s claims were barred by awards they previously obtained in favor of the client’s subsidiaries in two international arbitrations involving the same allegations. The court dismissed the plaintiff’s claims with prejudice, and the plaintiff did not appeal.

This decision brings an end to a 13-year dispute that was fractured across four forums, including state and federal courts and two international arbitrations, with Ware Jackson’s client group ultimately prevailing.