Jay Ethington is one of the most respected and experienced trial lawyers in Texas.
In over 30 years of active courtroom work, Mr. Ethington has distinguished himself statewide as one of the top trial attorneys in Texas. Jay has also worked extensively in Courts at the National and International level. He is dedicated to the highest standards of the legal profession.
Background
Jay Ethington is known among his peers as one of the most aggressive, knowledgeable and dedicated trial lawyers in Texas. Before entering private practice, Mr. Ethington devoted 10 years to public service as a prosecutor at both the State and Federal levels. During his more than 20 years as private counsel, he has presented numerous complex and significant cases to juries as lead counsel. During that time, he initiated and pursued several innovative cases that created today’s standards for prosecution.
In over twenty years of private practice, Jay Ethington has distinguished himself as one of the top ranked defense litigators in Texas and has successfully concluded several cases at the national and international levels. His list of clients consists of many high-profile public personalities and business concerns, including politicians, professional athletes, celebrity entertainers, and officers and directors of large and small companies in numerous industries. He has also represented several prominent lawyers and news media members, as their personal attorney. The esteem his peers have for him is evidenced by his “AV” rating by Martindale-Hubbell, the highest possible, as judged by other members of the Bar Association.
After graduation from Southern Methodist University School of Law in 1972, Mr. Ethington was employed as a supervisory Assistant District Attorney in Dallas County. After four years at the State District Attorney’s Office he was recruited to join the U.S. Department of Justice as a senior assistant United States Attorney, where he continued to be responsible for complex, significant and noteworthy courtroom cases in North Texas and elsewhere.
In private practice since 1982, Jay has continued to gain accolades from many sources as one of the United States’ top courtroom attorneys.
Resumé
Education & Professional Experience
- Southern Methodist University School of Law, Juris Doctor, 1972, B.B.A Economics, 1969
- Senior Assistant District Attorney, Dallas County, Texas 1972 – 1976
- Senior Assistant United States Attorney, Northern District of Texas 1976 – 1982
- Texas based Private Practice of Law, 1982 – Present
Court Admissions
- All State Courts in Texas
- United States Supreme Court, Washington D.C.
- Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, New Orleans, LA
- Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, St. Louis, MO
- Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, Atlanta, GA
- Eastern District of Texas, Tyler, TX
- Northern District of Texas, Dallas, TX
- Western District of Texas, San Antonio, TX
- Southern District of Texas, Houston, TX
Reported Cases
- United States v. Loe, 248 F.3d 449
- United States v. Palmer, 31 F.3d 259
- United States v. Davis, 752 F.2d 963
- United States v. Elam, 678 F.2d 1234
- United States v. McCord, 664 F.2d 60t
- United States v. McCollom, 664 F.2d 56
- United States v. Michel, 588 F.2d 986
- United States v. Poteet, 573 F.2d 351
- United States v. Henderson, 565 F.2d 900
- United States v. Deaton, 431 F.2d 409
- United States v. Patman, 431 F.2d 409
- United States v. Hicks, 420 F.Supp. 533
- Reed v. State, 811 S.W.2d 582
- Crosby v. State, 750 S.W.2d 768
- Thomas v. State, 572 S.W.2d 507
Distinctions
- Rated “AV” by Martindale-Hubbell, the highest rating possible as judged by other members of the bar.
- Acted as lead counsel in contested matters in the Northern, Eastern, Southern, and Western Districts of Texas, and also in Arizona, California, Florida, Iowa, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and the District of Columbia.
- Acted as lead counsel for internationally contested matters in Brazil, China, Columbia, and Panama.
- Guest lecturer at Southern Methodist University School of Law, Dallas Bar Association Committee Conferences, and Department of Justice Seminars.
- Recipient of various awards from groups relating to the legal profession.
Notable Clients
Mr. Ethington has represented several Fortune 500 companies and related individuals, various celebrities, members of the National Football League, National Basketball League, National Hockey League, Professional Cycling and many well-known entertainers.
Recent Noteworthy Cases
- United States v. Jeffus, et al. – The largest commercial forensic lab fraud case in United States’ history. Mr. Ethington’s client was acquitted on all 77 indictment counts by the jury.
- United States v. Loe’s Highport – Lead counsel in multi-defendant jury trial on all accounts, involving the largest inland marina in the U.S. Mr. Ethington’s client was acquitted by the jury.
- United States v. Peavy – Dallas School Board Trustee and codefendant acquitted of all charges in the Federal Indictment.
- United States v. Lipscomb – Dallas City Councilman accused of bribery in Federal Court. Mr. Ethington assisted in the case being reversed.
- President Clinton Pardon Grand Jury Investigation in, NY. Mr. Ethington’s client was not charged by the Grand Jury.
- Whitewater Grand Jury Investigation in D.C. – Mr. Ethington’s client was not charged by the Grand Jury.