Ein Mann mit kurzen grauen Haaren, bekleidet mit einem dunklen Nadelstreifenanzug, einem weißen Hemd und einer gemusterten gelben Krawatte, steht in einer verschwommenen Innenraumkulisse, wie sie oft in den Kanzleien der Spitzenanwälte von Chicago zu sehen ist.

James G. Munisteri

Partner

James (Jay) Munisteri ist ein aktiver Prozessanwalt in Houston, insbesondere in den Bereichen Energie- und Eigentumsrechtsstreitigkeiten, internationale Streitbeilegung, Corporate-Governance-Streitigkeiten und Fälle, die die Gesetze mehrerer und internationaler Gerichtsbarkeiten betreffen. Zu den bemerkenswerten und jüngsten Prozessen gehören Fälle, in denen es um die Existenz eines großen Grundbuchunternehmens und eines ausländischen Energieunternehmens ging, die Vertretung eines Offshore-Bohrinselmaklers mit Ansprüchen wegen Betrugs und Verletzung der Treuepflicht, Diebstahl von Geschäftsgeheimnissen, ein Streitfall im Zusammenhang mit dem Bau einer Offshore-Plattform und Streitigkeiten zwischen Ärzten und Aktionären über die Kontrolle von Gesundheitseinrichtungen.

Having presented and deposed more than 100 C-suite executives and numerous expert witnesses, Jay is known for handling the most contentious disputes. Jay has handled corporate deadlocked disputes, typically for private companies, and has also represented senior executives and major institutions in white-collar matters, such as RICO claims. He is a veteran courtroom lawyer who has deep experience on both sides of the docket representing both plaintiffs and defendants. Jay also represents clients in domestic and international arbitrations.

Jay handles all forms of contentious business disputes, including both title disputes in real property and mineral title transactions as well as title insurance coverage disputes and agent/joint venture disputes nationally and for agents in Central America.  These disputes have included a zero dollar verdict in the trial of a $100 million title insurance coverage dispute involving land in Mexico, a zero dollar verdict in a trial over a $50 million claim over a failed contract to purchase industrial property East of Houston, summary judgment in a $20 million joint venture dispute with an agent for Central America, a receivership of $200 million in various real property divided amongst three family members, settlement of a reinsurance dispute over a $300 million claim arising from a West Virginia power plant contractor lien dispute, and settlement of a $10 million claim by a lender for an unenforceable security interest. In addition, Jay has assisted on many smaller title insurance and real estate matters, sometimes jumping in to assist in depositions or trial preparation, and has represented title insurance companies in Section 1782 applications incident to foreign proceedings.

Jay frequently identifies alternative fee arrangements that highlight the efficiencies he brings to his cases, with the goal of making the budget and dispute resolution process more streamlined and predictable for his clients. He is a natural collaborator when working with teams of lawyers as co-counsel from other firms, evidenced by lawyers being a frequent referral source to Jay.

He is known by clients as a quick study – one who climbs into new subject matter quickly and easily. Jay is extraordinarily tenacious, and not always conventional in how he approaches cases. He effectively balances diplomacy and a warrior nature, a key trait in international dispute resolution that crosses borders and cultures. Jay frequently handles and has tried cases governed by the laws in the United States, Canada, England, Brazil, Chile, El Salvador, Venezuela, Uruguay, Argentina, Peru, Panama, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, the British Virgin Islands, and Bermuda.

Particular sector experience includes energy, health care, nutrition, biotech, hospitals, and the title industry. Jay’s clients have included:

  • Aker Solutions Inc.
  • Bassoe Offshore
  • Community Health Systems Inc.
  • Contango Inc.
  • EMAS Inc.
  • EyeSys Technologies
  • Labrada Nutrition
  • Newfield Exploration Co.
  • Ping Petroleum Ltd.
  • Stewart Title Guaranty Co.
  • Tecsis Tecnologia e Sistemas

Zugehörigkeiten

  • Mitglied der State Bar of Texas
  • Mitglied, Amerikanische Anwaltskammer
  • Member, Houston Bar of Texas
    • Participant, Bar Association Committees Related to Insurance Coverage and Business Litigation
  • Selected, Arbitrator for the International Center for Letter of Credit Arbitration
  • Assisted, Drafting of the Rules of Arbitration for Letter of Credit Disputes

Engagement für die Gemeinschaft

  • Member, Photography Committee, Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
  • Director, Houston Center for Photography
  • Class XI, Leadership Houston (1992)
  • Past Member, Republican Party Judicial Candidates Screening Committee
  • Chairmen Council, Camp For All
  • Director, FotoFest