Benjamin Stewart
In the commercial litigation context, Mr. Stewart has handled cases involving fraud, contractual disputes, theft, breach of fiduciary duty, conspiracy, violation of restrictive covenants, antitrust, insurance coverage disputes, and officer/director liability.
In the bankruptcy litigation context, he has represented clients in adversary proceedings, claims administration and objections, estate valuation disputes, contested confirmation hearings, and contested matters related to lifting or extending the automatic stay, assuming and rejecting contracts, and cash collateral/adequate protection issues.
Mr. Stewart has also assisted companies with internal investigations and government investigations—including responding to civil investigative demands from the SEC and CFTC.
He graduated from Columbia Law School, where he was a Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar and served as a moot court editor and judge. He is a member of the Federal Bar Association and Texas Bar Foundation.
Admissions
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit
U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas
U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Texas
U.S. District Court, Western District of Texas
U.S. District Court, District of Colorado
U.S. District Court, Western District of Wisconsin
Texas Supreme Court
Professional Honors
Best Lawyers in America, 2023
Lawdragon 500 Leading Litigators in America, 2023
Texas Super Lawyers, 2022, by Thomson Reuters
Super Lawyers Texas Rising Stars, 2017-2020, by Thomson Reuters
Contact
Fields of Practice
- Appeals
Bankruptcy Litigation
Complex Commercial Litigation
Government Investigations
Oil and Gas Litigation
Trials
Mediation
Experience
- Bailey Brauer PLLC (2013 – current)
Kelly Hart & Hallman LLP (2012 – 2013)
Weil Gotshal & Manges LLP (2007 – 2012)
The Hon. A. Joe Fish, Northern District of Texas (2006 – 2007)
Locke Liddell & Sapp LLP (2004 – 2006)
Representative Cases
Obtained appellate court ruling affirming judgment in client’s favor after a week-long bench trial.
Obtained denial of Defendants’ motion to dismiss various claims involving concealment of revenue and stock repurchase.
Worked with bankruptcy trustee to obtain full allowance of pre-petition claim secured by Texas warehouse lien and post-petition claim for administrative services.
Represented equity holders in matters related to 363 sale and collection of post-sale payments, including using contempt proceedings against purchaser of Debtor’s assets to ensure payment of tax liabilities.
Obtained payment in full of prepetition claims for clients by having them designated as critical vendors.
Defeated defendants’ motions for summary judgment related to retaliation claims.
Defended employees and their new employers against claims related to breach and tortious interference with noncompetition agreements and alleged theft of trade secrets.
Defended clients against claims of fraud and pursued counterclaims for breach of contract and fraud after purchaser of company failed to pay full purchase price for education technology company.
Currently represent Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation in consolidated putative antitrust class actions filed by chicken growers alleging a conspiracy to depress grower pay.
Obtained preliminary injunction enjoining a landlord from terminating various agreements and commencing eviction proceedings against lessee.
Used motion for summary judgment to leverage favorable settlement for client related to claims by Consumer Product Safety Commission that glass vases were unsafe.
Tried and defeated plaintiff’s breach of contract, bad faith, tortious interference with contract, and Packers & Stockyards Act, 1921 claims seeking millions of dollars in damages.
Convinced magistrate judge to recommend the vacatur of an international arbitrator’s decision adverse to client.
Publications/Speaking Engagements
- Co-author of “Using Statute of Limitations as a Defense to Federal Cable and Satellite Piracy Claims,” SIDEBAR, Winter 2013, at 6-7
- Author and presenter of “New Rules for Expert Discovery: The 2010 Amendments to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 26,” January 31, 2011
- Co-author of “Dealing With Confidential and Proprietary Information in Texas and Federal Courts,” 2006 State Bar of Texas Advanced Evidence and Discovery Law Course
- Contributing editor to John H. McElhany, et al., “Costs and Disbursements,” in 4 BUSINESS AND COMMERCIAL LITIGATION IN FEDERAL COURT 973 (Robert L. Haig, ed., 2d ed. 2005)