Joseph E. Byrne

Professional Summary

Mr. Byrne has successfully tried cases in various counties throughout Texas and across the country including Florida, Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, New Mexico, Missouri, Kansas, Illinois, Montana, Oklahoma and Arkansas. As part of Joe's work as national counsel for a specialty lines insurance company, insuring risks in oil and gas and the propane industry, Joe successfully tried and appealed a case which received favorable treatment from the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals making new law that for the first time ever, enforced an anti-indemnity agreement between an oil company and a drilling contractor under the Texas Oilfield Indemnity Statute. Joe has developed somewhat of a niche in litigating and trying cases involving electrocutions, fires and explosions. As part of Joe's practice in the area of construction law, Joe successfully defended the owner of a concrete batch mixing facility against allegations of infractions and violations of TNRC Regulations. Joe's experience in construction litigation has fostered long and steady relationships with experts of many trades and professions.

Another significant part of Joe's litigation practice focuses on business litigation where he has helped clients with their business relationships and contract disputes involving Deceptive Trade Practices, breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, employment discrimination and workplace safety. More than just a trial lawyer, Joe and the other lawyers in the firm have helped their clients avoid litigation through the creation of employee manuals, polices and procedures and mandatory reporting and correspondence with Federal and State agencies. He is also actively involved in assisting his clients with risk-assessment and review of insurance coverages.

Joe grew up in Joliet, Illinois graduating from Joliet Catholic High in 1981. He graduated from Texas Tech University with honors in 1989 and Texas Tech School of Law in 1993, where he was on the Board of Editors of the Law Review, the Board of Barristers and winner of the National Negotiation Competition. Mr. Byrne was previously a partner with Gwinn & Roby and Berry, Byrne and Randall before becoming a founding member and managing partner at Byrne, Cardenas & Aris.

Joe and his wife Lana have two beautiful children.