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John W. Petrelli

Partner

In his broad-based litigation practice, John Petrelli advises clients in the healthcare and energy industries on complex commercial litigation matters often involving highly adverse situations. John prepares litigation and dispute resolution plans in the best interest of his clients to promote effective, efficient, and successful outcomes. He advocates for companies in litigation and pre-litigation matters, strives to address their legal needs and further their business cases, and ensures the protection of their immediate and long-term goals.

Select Matters

  • Defended a Fortune 500 global oil field services company in US- and Canadian-based arbitration matters involving an alleged breach of a technology agreement and claims of fraud, fraudulent inducement, and estoppel. Was actively involved in preparing and presenting the case to the three-member panel, including developing case strategy, legal arguments, and defenses; overseeing discovery matters; arguing motions to the panel; formulating strategy for the final arbitration hearing; preparing all exhibits for the final hearing; preparing and presenting witnesses at the final hearing; preparing experts for deposition and the final hearing; and drafting all briefs and motion work. A full defense ruling and take-nothing judgment was rendered in favor of the client after a two-and-a-half-week final hearing, and the final arbitration award was confirmed in a Texas state court.
  • Represented a Fortune 500 global energy company in a multifaceted international supplier dispute involving complex contractual and legal issues, including claims of fraud and estoppel. In negotiating a successful pre-arbitration resolution, took the lead on preparing the case strategy, formulating the legal defenses and arguments, formulating and asserting counterclaims, and handling the settlement discussions. His efforts resulted in a successful pre-arbitration resolution and settlement that was critical to the client’s future business case.
  • Seconded assignment to a Fortune 500 global oil field services company and served as in-house legal counsel for multiple divisions of the client. Negotiated transactions on behalf of the company, investigated and handled compliance and personnel matters, oversaw the divisions’ litigation matters, and advised on numerous legal issues addressing the company’s business segments.
  • Represented and defended an energy operations company against claims of breach of contract, fraud, and wrongful discharge. In co-first chairing the arbitration matter, gave an opening statement to the three-member panel, presented and cross-examined witnesses, assisted in briefing matters to the panel, and argued multiple motions to the panel. A full defense ruling and take-nothing judgment was rendered for the client after a week-long final hearing.
  • Represented a professional oncology association in a breach of contract, conversion, and breach of fiduciary duty case involving highly complex and technical issues, including professional service and billing issues. Took multiple depositions of key witnesses, argued motions before the court, prepared and presented witnesses at trial, cross-examined witnesses, worked with and prepared experts for deposition and trial, drafted all briefs and motions to the trial court, and assisted in briefing the case to the appellate court. After a split verdict at trial, the appellate court reversed the trial court’s adverse rulings and held in favor of the client. A favorable settlement was reached shortly after the appellate court ruled in the client’s favor.
  • Represented a state health institution of higher learning against the federal False Claims Act and retaliation claims involving federal research grants. Prepared motions and memorandums to the district court, which resulted in a dismissal with prejudice of all claims against the client. Assisted in preparing the appellee briefing to the US Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, which affirmed the district court’s dismissal in favor of the client. 

Education

  • University of Houston Law Center, 2006, J.D., magna cum laude; Order of the Coif; Order of the Barons
  • University of Texas at Austin, 2002, B.A.

Admissions

  • Texas
  • US Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
  • US District Court for the Southern District of Texas
  • US District Court for the Northern District of Texas
  • US District Court for the Western District of Texas
  • US District Court for the Eastern District of Texas

Awards and Affiliations

Named, Modern Healthcare’s “Largest Healthcare Firm” (2016–2021)

Ranked, Texas Super Lawyers "Rising Star" (2010–2012, 2017)

Member, Texas State Bar Association

Member, Houston Bar Association

Member, Texas Young Lawyers Association

Member, Houston Young Lawyers Association

Volunteer, Houston Special Olympics

Former Editor, Houston Journal of International Law

Publications

News