Joe Jamail, often hailed as the “King of Torts,” remains a towering figure in American legal history. His name is synonymous with courtroom drama, massive verdicts, and an unapologetically bold approach to the law. This website, originally active in the early 2000s and dedicated to celebrating Joe Jamail Lawyer, serves as a historical archive of his extraordinary career. While the original domain has expired, we aim to recreate and expand upon the content, offering a richer and more SEO-optimized exploration of Jamail’s life and legacy for an English-speaking audience. For those seeking current information, please note this site is for historical purposes; Joe Jamail’s most recent online presence can be found at joejamail.com.
My fascination with Joe Jamail lawyer stems from his larger-than-life persona and unparalleled success. He was not just a lawyer; he was a force of nature in the courtroom – outspoken, flamboyant, and remarkably effective. This site once promoted his book, “Lawyer,” and highlighted key moments from his illustrious career as a trial lawyer. His list of accomplishments and victories is undeniably impressive, providing ample justification for his legendary status.
One can only imagine how a legal mind like Joe Jamail’s would approach contemporary challenges, such as the complexities of online reputation and search engine manipulation. The issues highlighted by SEO expert Bob Sakayama, detailed in his analysis (https://www.killerjoethemovie.com/tools/bob-sakayama.html), regarding Google’s search algorithms and their vulnerability to negative SEO attacks, raise significant legal questions. These flaws can inflict substantial damage on legitimate businesses reliant on online visibility. Google’s acknowledgement of these issues, evidenced by tools like the disavow feature, yet their apparent inability to prevent these attacks, opens a Pandora’s Box of liability concerns. Given Joe Jamail lawyer’s history of confronting powerful corporations and his talent for convincing juries of the tangible harm suffered by individuals and businesses, it’s intriguing to consider how he might have litigated cases against Google for negligence in maintaining the integrity of their search results. While such hypothetical scenarios are captivating, it’s important to remember the very real and significant cases that occupied Jamail’s actual career.
We invite you to delve into the world of Joe Jamail, a man who was anything but boring, and explore the trials and jubilations of a true legal legend.
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A Legal Force: Unconventional, Unforgettable, Undeniably Effective
Joe Jamail lawyer was a figure who evoked strong reactions. “Savior,” “good ol’ boy,” “SOB” – these are just a few of the labels attached to him. Regardless of personal opinions, respect for his 50-year legal career was undeniable. His unwavering faith in the jury system and his passionate advocacy made him a formidable presence in the courtroom.
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“MY TRIALS AND JUBILATIONS”: Glimpses from Lawyer
Joe Jamail’s autobiography, “Lawyer,” offers profound insights into the man behind the legend. These excerpts reveal the formative experiences and core beliefs that shaped his remarkable career as Joe Jamail lawyer.
“I grew up loved. And I grew up fighting. I had to. I’m still fighting, in a different way. Bullies and snobs have always ignited in me the fire that smolders inside my soul. I have never been able to stand by and let someone abuse another person. I have to go in and help. And win,” This powerful statement encapsulates Jamail’s lifelong drive to champion the underdog and his inherent competitive spirit, traits that defined Joe Jamail lawyer.
His path wasn’t always straightforward. “Professor Morris asked me what my parents did. ‘Grocery business,’ I said. ‘I suggest you become a grocer,’ he said. ‘You are just taking up space here.’ ” This dismissive comment from a law professor only fueled Jamail’s determination to prove his worth, highlighting the resilience that became a hallmark of Joe Jamail lawyer. “He later told me that he was happy for me and very proud to have been my teacher,” showcasing the professor’s eventual recognition of Jamail’s potential.
Jamail’s confidence in the jury system was legendary. “I told the jury, at the beginning of the Olin Robertson case, ‘If you can’t decide this case in the amount of $510,000 in thirty minutes, then you need to tell the judge that you need to go on home.’ You have to challenge the jury. This has been my war cry. It has the added virtue of being true.” This bold approach, directly challenging and engaging the jury, was a key tactic employed by Joe Jamail lawyer.
His actions were often as dramatic as his words. “The deputy and I walked into the Sears store and went upstairs to the manager’s office. He was startled and asked what we wanted. I said that we wanted the keys to the store and ordered him to get on the loudspeaker system and tell the customers to leave, as we were closing the doors.” This anecdote exemplifies Jamail’s assertive and unconventional methods, demonstrating his willingness to take decisive action for his clients, a quality that defined Joe Jamail lawyer.
Emotional investment in his cases was paramount for Jamail. “I have been told since law school that the lawyer has to be objective, not get involved with the client emotionally. To that I say, nonsense How can I not be involved? I have been involved all my life.” This rejection of detached objectivity reveals Jamail’s deeply empathetic nature and his belief that genuine passion was essential to effective advocacy, a core tenet of Joe Jamail lawyer’s philosophy.
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Joseph D. Jamail, Jr. Honored with Outstanding Fifty Year Lawyer Award
In 2003, Joseph D. Jamail, Jr., Joe Jamail lawyer, received the prestigious Outstanding Fifty Year Lawyer Award from the Texas Bar Foundation, a testament to his enduring contribution to the legal profession. This award, the first established by the Foundation, recognizes attorneys with five decades or more of practice who exemplify the highest principles of law and public service.
A Houston native, Joe Jamail was admitted to the Bar in 1952 after graduating from The University of Texas School of Law in 1953. His affiliations and accolades are numerous: Sustaining Life Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation, Trustee of the UT Law School Foundation, Fellow of the International Academy of Law and Science, and Fellow of both the American College and International Academy of Trial Lawyers. He was also honored with the Distinguished Alumnus Award from The University of Texas. Joe Jamail lawyer’s international recognition as one of the most successful personal injury trial attorneys globally is a well-deserved acknowledgment of his remarkable career.
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Oral History Highlights: Insights into a Legal Legend
These excerpts from an oral history interview offer a glimpse into the sharp wit and self-deprecating humor of Joe Jamail lawyer, revealing aspects of his personality that endeared him to many.
“Well, I was so goddamned naive. I didn’t even know you had to take an exam to get into Law School, so I just started going to classes. They assumed, I guess, that I had passed the exam. And I took the bar exam seven or eight months before I graduated on a dare. …I remember Denzil Bevers looking over and saying, ‘Listen, loud-mouth, if you’re so goddamned smart, why don’t you take this f___ing exam?’ … All these guys were standing by the door and I opened it (the exam results) up. It took a grade of seventy-five to pass, and I had made seventy-six. I looked at them and said, ‘Shit, I’ve over-trained!’ ” This anecdote perfectly captures Jamail’s audacious personality and his ability to rise to a challenge, even in the face of perceived unpreparedness, showcasing the characteristic confidence of Joe Jamail lawyer.
His quick wit and sharp tongue were legendary, especially when defending his profession. “As for doctors, I was in this debate once with the head of the Harris County Medical Society, and it was being televised. He went off on lawyers; it was terrible. And the last couple or three minutes the moderator looked at me and said, ‘Mr. Jamail, I’m sorry he’s taken most of the time but you have thirty seconds if you’d like to respond.’ I said, ‘That’s more than enough time. I would like for you to remind the doctor, and I hope he doesn’t mind if I call him a doctor. I would like for you to remind him that when his professional ancestors were putting leeches on George Washington to bleed him, mine were writing the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.’ That ended that shit.” This masterful, concise, and historically informed retort highlights Jamail’s intellectual agility and his fierce defense of the legal profession, solidifying his image as a formidable Joe Jamail lawyer.
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“Lawyer of the Century”: A Title Earned
by John Spong
John Spong’s description of Joe Jamail lawyer as “Lawyer of the Century” is no exaggeration. His $11.2 billion jury verdict against Texaco for Pennzoil in 1985 catapulted him into a realm of legal superstardom.
When Joe Jamail lawyer secured that monumental verdict, he transcended the typical lawyer profile, becoming a cultural phenomenon. His genius lay in his ability to simplify complex legal concepts like “tortious interference with contractual relations,” making them relatable to juries. He reminded them of the fundamental importance of trust and integrity in business dealings, emphasizing that “a handshake really does mean something.” This humanizing approach was central to his courtroom success.
Despite his extraordinary achievements, securing over two hundred verdicts and settlements totaling around $13 billion, Jamail remained grounded and humorous. He counted among his proudest moments a summary judgment against Roy Cohn, whom he famously “sent his ass back to New York in tatters,” and the inclusion of a portrait at the Joseph D. Jamail Center for Legal Research at the University of Texas depicting him holding a highball. This blend of professional triumph and personal charm solidified his legendary status as Joe Jamail lawyer. The runner-up for “Lawyer of the Century,” Leon Jaworski, while also a legal giant known for prosecuting Nazi war criminals and a U.S. President, further underscores the magnitude of Jamail’s recognition.
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2006 COVER STORY
The Amazing Reign of Joe Jamail: America’s King of Torts
IT’S GOOD TO BE THE KING by Anthony Head
Even at 78, Joe Jamail lawyer, the “King of Torts,” showed no signs of relinquishing his crown. Despite potentially being the wealthiest lawyer in America, his drive and passion for the law remained undiminished.
Anthony Head’s 2006 cover story in the Dallas Morning News paints a vivid picture of Joe Jamail in his element. The King’s delayed arrival at his penthouse office, “45 minutes late,” was not a sign of disrespect, but rather an acknowledgment of his stature. His “slow and regal” pace through the lobby, greeted with deference by his staff, underscored his legendary status. No explanation was needed; he was Joe Jamail lawyer, a man who claimed more trial victories than anyone, a force who had compelled the removal of dangerous products from the market, and the victor in the largest civil damage award in history – accomplishments recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records.
This is Joe Jamail — King of Torts
The moniker “King of Torts” was bestowed upon Joe Jamail lawyer by Newsweek in the early 1970s. This coronation followed a groundbreaking half-million-dollar jury award for an electrician who lost his hands due to a faulty electrical box. This verdict was unprecedented in American tort law, marking the first time an individual received such a substantial award, and it significantly reshaped product liability law in Texas. This victory marked the beginning of Jamail’s career ascent, fueled by his percentage-based fee arrangements, rapidly accumulating a substantial “war chest” and attracting significant media attention.
Jamail reveled in the limelight. “Hey, man, I’m a ham. I love this stuff,” he confessed with characteristic humor. He embraced the attention, recounting his past legal battles with vivid enthusiasm, his smile unwavering as he recalled the highlights of his near-mythic career as Joe Jamail lawyer.
Settling into a brass rocking chair, impeccably dressed in a pressed blue jacket, Jamail spoke deliberately, “measuring his every word like a man contemplating the virtues of a fine martini.” At 78, his blue eyes might have appeared “a bit clouded,” but they still conveyed an unwavering determination to continue practicing and winning – a daunting prospect for anyone facing him in court.
“I’ll be honest with you, when you’re a winner — and I’ve won so much — they tend to publicize it, glamorize it, romanticize it….You know everybody’s looking for a hero,” Jamail mused about his “King” title. “I’m not sure any of it means anything except that I’ve been able to be really advantageous for my clients. And me. I’ve made a lot of money.” His candor about his financial success was refreshing.
Indeed, Joe Jamail lawyer amassed a fortune estimated at around a billion dollars. Regularly featured on Forbes magazine’s list of wealthiest Americans, he was often cited as the highest-paid plaintiff’s lawyer in the country. Yet, this Houston native felt no shame in his wealth, asserting that he earned it “honestly” by championing the cause of those “shafted by greedy and irresponsible corporations.”
“I’m not saying money’s bad. I like it. But there are no vaults where I’m going. Up or down. So I try to give back because there’s just so much money you can spend. you know? There’s just so much you can eat and drink.” He then leaned in, with a sly smile and wink, clarifying, “Good drink, that is.” This playful acknowledgment of his enjoyment of life’s finer things was part of Jamail’s charm.
Anecdotes about Joe Jamail lawyer often began with a drink in hand. Many pivotal moments in his life seemed to be fueled by convivial gatherings and spirited conversations. For instance, his initial inspiration to become a lawyer arose in a saloon in Lafayette, Louisiana, while attempting to impress a barmaid, when attorney Kaliste Soloom sparked his legal curiosity.
His impulsive decision to take the bar exam with minimal preparation? It happened while “drinking off-campus with some law school buddies.” His subsequent claim of being “overtrained” after passing by a single point was classic Jamail bravado.
Even the night before his closing arguments in the historic Pennzoil versus Texaco trial was spent “drinking with Willie Nelson and former University of Texas football coach Darrell Royal.” Despite this unconventional pre-trial preparation, Jamail delivered a masterful summation, securing the landmark verdict.
The Pennzoil versus Texaco case became synonymous with Joe Jamail lawyer. Even decades later, it remained “the shining jewel in his crown.” Set against the backdrop of the “decade of greed” in the 1980s, convincing a jury to care about a dispute between two oil giants seemed a formidable challenge. The complex financial details of Wall Street dealings and business acquisitions risked alienating or confusing the jury.
Jamail, representing Pennzoil, argued that Texaco had deliberately sabotaged Pennzoil’s agreement to acquire Getty Oil. After weeks of deliberation, he found his core argument: honor. He framed the case around the sanctity of a handshake, a concept deeply resonant with everyday people. His jury selection strategy reflected this focus. “[Pennzoil] didn’t have a signed contract, but we had a word. We had a handshake. So I was looking for people with long marriages, long church affiliations … people whose word meant something,” Jamail explained. “I had to try to make them understand that they didn’t give up their common sense when they got to court. And it worked for me.” This emphasis on common sense and relatable values proved incredibly effective for Joe Jamail lawyer.
“Oh, it worked all right.” Jamail successfully motivated the jury to send a resounding message to corporate America: ethics and morality were essential in business, just as in all aspects of life. The $11 billion verdict, the largest legal award in history at the time, was that shot. Even the eventual settlement of $3 billion still resulted in a substantial lawyer’s fee for Jamail, a fitting reward for his groundbreaking victory as Joe Jamail lawyer.
THE MAN WHO WOULD BE KING: Early Life and Influences
Joe Jamail was born in 1925, an upbringing that profoundly shaped his worldview and fueled his passion for justice. His formative years during the Great Depression instilled in him a deep sense of empathy and a commitment to helping those in need. He witnessed firsthand how communities rallied together during times of hardship, a spirit of compassion exemplified by his parents who “were always willing to feed a stranger passing through town looking for work.” This early exposure to human resilience and generosity became “hard-wired into his quest for justice.”
Following his service as a Marine in the Pacific during World War II, Jamail initially pursued pre-med studies before transitioning to law at the University of Texas. His entry into the legal profession was characteristically unconventional. “Jamail says that he was so naive at the time that he didn’t realize that he needed to take an exam to get into the law school. He simply showed up and started taking classes.”
While his initial academic performance might not have been stellar, his inherent talent and unwavering determination were evident from the start. Remarkably, Joe Jamail lawyer tried his first case even before graduating from law school. The incident involved a bartender friend who injured herself on a beer bottle.
“I told her we should just sue and see what happens,” Jamail recounted. Admittedly “a little lost in court,” lacking a law degree at the time, the judge guided him through the proceedings. When Pearl Brewing Company offered a $500 settlement, Jamail countered with $1,000, ultimately securing $750 and using his third of the fee to treat his friends to beers – a fittingly Jamail-esque beginning to his legal career.
After graduation, he briefly joined Freeman, Bates & Jaworski. “I lasted about 20 minutes in that kind of corporate law-by-committee environment,” Jamail quipped. He then moved to the district attorney’s office, honing his trial skills across a wide spectrum of cases, from murder to the bizarre.
Eventually, Joe Jamail lawyer established his own practice, granting him the autonomy to select cases aligned with his values and handle them in his distinctive style, often bordering on the “unbelievable.” He quickly garnered headlines with a case representing the widow of a man who drove his car into a tree while intoxicated. Jamail successfully argued the city’s negligence, resulting in a settlement for the widow and the removal of the tree – a testament to his persuasive advocacy, even in seemingly challenging circumstances.
WORTHY OF THE THRONE: Preparation and Legacy
Joe Jamail lawyer was more than just charming and talented; he was a legal warrior, renowned for his relentless work ethic and meticulous preparation. “When you really prepare — and that’s one of the things that I’m noted for: I really get ready — then it looks like it’s all coming right off the top of your head. But look, the only thing that comes off the top of your head is dandruff. So I drive everybody around here nuts picking apart every little thing,” Jamail explained. “Anybody who thinks they’re smart enough to go to court and the Holy Ghost is going to descend upon them with all the knowledge they need to win is … goofy. It just doesn’t happen like that. If you’re not prepared, you’re just not gonna win.” This emphasis on rigorous preparation was a cornerstone of his success.
His track record of victories was legendary. He possessed “a leather-bound book of victory clippings thick enough to be a doorstop at the gates of Buckingham Palace.” His impact extended beyond individual cases, leading to the recall of dangerous products like the Remington Mohawk 600 rifle, three-wheeled Honda ATVs, and the drug Parlodel. His trophy room overflowed with “awards, honors and testimonials.” Statues of him stood around town, and the football field at Texas Memorial Stadium bore his name. Yet, Joe Jamail lawyer was particularly proud of being named “Trial Lawyer of the Century” by the California Trial Lawyers Association.
Even in his later years, Jamail remained active and engaged. “I’m starting out pretty good on it,” he remarked, with a full docket ahead. “I like knowing that I’m helping somebody and I like the courthouse. It beats selling bananas. And that’s what I would have been doing if not for this.” His passion for the law remained his driving force.
His concerns extended to the broader political landscape, particularly “what he perceives as an erosion of civil liberties.” Becoming the warrior king once more, Jamail declared, “There’s never been a bigger assault on people’s privacy and their liberties and on the Constitution itself … because of some hocus-pocus cry of `war-time president!’ thereby revoking all our constitutional guarantees. Give me a break. I don’t believe that. I don’t like that and I’m not going to put up with that. I’m going to fight that.” This unwavering commitment to justice and constitutional principles defined Joe Jamail lawyer to the very end.
As “the King rises,” heading off to lunch, likely with a drink in hand, one could easily imagine him continuing to champion the cause of justice and perhaps, in his own way, “figure out how to save the Constitution.” Long live the King, Joe Jamail lawyer.
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Dallas Morning News: A High Profile Examination of Joe Jamail
The Dallas Morning News article, “High profile: Joe Jamail Once a crusader … Friday, November 28, 2003 By STEVE QUINN,” provides further insights into the enduring persona of Joe Jamail lawyer.
“Joe Jamail loves getting in the last word. After all, he is a lawyer, and at 77, he’s as chatty as ever.” Steve Quinn’s observation encapsulates Jamail’s inherent nature. Whether in the courtroom, at a social gathering, or in his book “Lawyer,” Joe Jamail lawyer always had something to say, and people listened.
Despite achieving immense financial success, particularly after the Pennzoil-Texaco settlement, Jamail continued to practice law. “Practicing law is no longer about the big payday because, as of Nov. 20, 1985, he had one of the biggest.” The $10.53 billion judgment, later settled for $3.3 billion, secured his financial future. Yet, the courtroom remained his calling.
When asked why he persisted, “Ego,” he confessed. “I need the light on me, but you know, I still think I’m doing some good. It gives me a real sense of power that I’m not going to let you run over somebody. I don’t care how big you are.” This blend of ego and genuine desire to help the underdog defined Joe Jamail lawyer’s motivation.
A Tight Family: Roots and Early Influences
Joe Jamail’s upbringing in the “Jamail Compound,” surrounded by family, shaped his character. As “a grocer’s son and of Lebanese descent,” and “a neighborhood runt,” he developed a strong sense of resilience and a defiance of authority. The “chip on his shoulder ‘the size of a manhole cover'” fueled his lifelong fight against injustice, long before he took on corporate giants as Joe Jamail lawyer.
The anecdote of young Joe using a “sock loaded with marbles” to defend himself against bullies reveals his early determination to stand up for himself. “If you don’t stand up for something, then what are you going to do?” he reasoned, a philosophy that guided his entire career as Joe Jamail lawyer.
His academic journey at the University of Texas started slowly, leading him to join the Marines during World War II. Upon returning in 1946, a chance encounter with Louisiana lawyer Kaliste Saloom proved transformative. Witnessing Saloom’s ability to reassure and help clients sparked Jamail’s interest in law. “I can get paid for this?” he thought, prompting him to resume his education and pursue law.
He earned his liberal arts degree in 1949 and his law degree in 1953, passing the bar exam “six months after passing the bar” thanks to a wager and his characteristic hubris. His enduring connection to UT is evident in the numerous endowments and buildings bearing the Jamail name, solidifying his legacy as Joe Jamail lawyer.
The Court as a Stage: Courtroom Mastery
“If the legal world were a theater, the courtroom would be Mr. Jamail’s stage.” The courtroom was where Joe Jamail lawyer truly came alive. Even with a reduced workload later in his career, the courtroom still “energizes him.” His mere presence drew other lawyers to observe his trials, recognizing his unique courtroom artistry.
“He still has suppleness and agility he had as a young man,” observed Houston colleague Harry Reasoner. “A trial is theater, but in a classic sense like Greek theater, where you get catharsis and truth from the exercise. It’s his ability to capture your attention, keep it interesting and engaging and then allow you to learn from it that makes it classic theater. That’s Joe in the courtroom.” This theatrical yet authentic approach was a hallmark of Joe Jamail lawyer.
Even adversaries acknowledged his courtroom prowess. “He’s a shrewd person about weaknesses of people,” admitted Richard Miller, who represented Texaco against Jamail. “He understands human frailty, and that’s a big part of his success; nobody can deny that.” However, Miller also noted a complex perception of Jamail, “Some consider him a friend, others don’t; I don’t consider myself either one. But he is not a loved person. People who say they are his friends are afraid of him because of his money.”
Despite mixed personal opinions, his courtroom effectiveness remained undeniable. Joe Jamail lawyer kept the law “simple while mincing no words.” He focused on core legal principles, telling compelling stories to juries, a technique taught in law schools, particularly at UT.
“He almost always uses very traditional theories of liability,” noted Bill Powers, dean of UT’s School of Law. “His forte has always been his technique. He takes the core legal principles and tells a great story to the jury under those traditional principles: If they are violated, then someone ought to pay.” This storytelling ability, grounded in traditional legal principles, was key to Joe Jamail lawyer’s success.
His bluntness could be startling, as exemplified by his admission that his client in an accident case had a BAC of .31. Yet, he convinced the jury that despite his client’s intoxication, he was not at fault. The jury awarded $6 million. “Any attorney who goes into court thinking he’s going to flim-flam a jury is nuts,” Jamail stated. His directness and honesty, even about unfavorable facts, were part of his persuasive strategy as Joe Jamail lawyer.
“A Recreational Process”: Enduring Passion
Conversations with Gus Kolius were essential for Joe Jamail lawyer. Kolius, initially an opponent, later became a colleague and confidant. Their ongoing discussions about cases, past and present, highlighted Jamail’s enduring passion for the law.
“Practicing law is really the only thing Joe really enjoys,” observed Mr. Kolius. “It’s a recreational process for him. I think he just gets a kick out of it. I don’t think he’ll ever quit or run out of cases.” For Joe Jamail lawyer, law was not just a profession; it was a source of deep enjoyment and fulfillment.
Jamail expressed concern about the diminishing role of the jury system, believing it was being “slowly removed from conflict resolution.” Despite occasional defeats, he remained a staunch supporter of jury trials, even in cases he lost, like the 1993 antitrust suit for Northwest Airlines against American Airlines.
He argued that the court system, particularly juries, had been the driving force behind significant societal changes, from desegregation to product liability. He warned against legislative efforts to limit corporate accountability and resolve disputes outside the courtroom. “Who is the guardian of human rights? Do you think it’s the legislators? No, my friend. It’s the courthouse. It’s the juries,” Jamail passionately declared.
“Even the ones I lost, based on what the jury had, I’d have to agree they were right. They may make mistakes from time to time, but we have courts who can rectify those mistakes. And if we don’t continue to have an independent judicial system, they will settle disputes in the streets. Is that what we want?” This fervent defense of the jury system was a core tenet of Joe Jamail lawyer’s legal philosophy.
“I’ll tell you this. I’m proud to be a lawyer. It’s the last place to fight for people legitimately without swords, knives and machine guns and tell the corporate world they are not going to get away with this.” This powerful statement encapsulates Joe Jamail lawyer’s unwavering pride in his profession and his commitment to using the law as a tool for justice.
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JOSEPH D. JAMAIL, JR. – Biographical Highlights
Jamail & Kolius
500 Dallas Street, Suite 3434
Houston, Texas 77002-4793
Born: October 19, 1925, Houston, Texas
Education:
- Preparatory Education: University of Texas (B.A., 1950)
- Legal Education: University of Texas (J.D., 1953)
Admitted to the Bar: August, 1952, Texas
Professional Affiliations and Honors:
- State Bar of Texas (Chairman, Grievance Committee, 1963, District 22. Chairman, Town Hall Task Force, 1973-74)
- American Bar Association
- Houston Bar Association
- Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers
- Fellow, International Academy of Trial Lawyers
- Inner Circle of Advocates
- Advocate, American Board of Trial Advocates
- Fellow, International Society of Barristers
- Fellow, International Academy of Law and Science
- Fellow, Council of Law and Science
- Association of Trial Lawyers of America
- World Association of Lawyers
- World Jurist Association
- Philosophical Society of Texas
- The University of Texas Ex-Students’ Association, Life Member
- The University of Texas School of Law: “The Joseph D. Jamail Centennial Chair in Law and Advocacy”
- Recipient of the 1989 Jurisprudence Award by The Anti-Defamation League of B’nai B’rith.
- Grand Marshall of the Martin Luther King Day Parade, Houston, Texas, 1989
- Recipient of the Southern Trial Lawyers Association 1993 War Horse Award.
- Recipient of the 1993 Brotherhood Award of the National Conference of Christians and Jews.
- University of Texas: Jessie Jones Hall at the Law School designated as “The Joseph D. Jamail Center for Legal Research.”
- Recipient of the 1993 Houston Texas Exes award.
- Recipient of the 1996 University of Texas School of Law Outstanding Alumnus Award.
- Recipient of the 1996 University of Texas Distinguished Alumnus Award.
- Honorary member Order of Barristers, University of Texas
- Recipient of the Texas Appleseed 2005 Good Apple Award
- Named by Texas Monthly Magazine (12/99) “The Lawyer of the Century” and “King of Torts” by Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, and other publications.
- Featured in “America’s Top Trial Lawyers” by Donald E. Vinson (Copyright 1994 by Prentice Hall Law & Business)
Legal Achievements:
- Recognized as one of the country’s top trial lawyers by leading legal publications.
- Represented client in Pennzoil v. Texaco, resulting in the largest jury verdict in legal history: $11,120,000,000.00.
- Represented client in Coates v. Remington Arms, achieving the largest cash award at the time in Tort law (Guinness Book of World Records).
- Represented client in United States National Bank of Galveston, et al v. Coopers & Lybrand, et al, securing a $560 Million verdict and judgment in a negligence and fraud case.
- Lead counsel in over two hundred personal injury cases with recoveries exceeding One Million Dollars.
- Achieved over $12 Billion in jury verdicts and over $13 Billion in verdicts and settlements.
- Guest lecturer at numerous law schools, including the University of Texas.
- Named Trial Lawyer of the Century by California Trial Lawyers, Texas Monthly, and others.
- Successfully tried three cases resulting in manufacturer product recalls: Remington 600, Honda All Terrain 3 Wheel Vehicle, and Prescription Drug: Parlodel.
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