Over the past 22 years, Mr. Castaneda has represented plaintiffs and defendants regarding a wide range of issues. Mr. Castaneda’s practice is focused in the areas of commercial litigation before trial courts throughout the State of Texas including but not limited to Harris, Brazoria, Galveston, Montgomery and Fort Bend counties. His practice has also included appearing before federal courts of the Southern District of Texas, the Eastern District of Texas and the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals. Mr. Castaneda’s practice has also allowed him to represent clients before the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”) and other arbitration panels. Prior to the commencement of any lawsuit, our office will visit with the client to explore a wide range of alternatives and attempt to reach a resolution without litigation, and therefore he has assisted his clients in ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution) and mediations.

Representative Experience
Successfully represented oil and gas operators and non-operators before juries regarding a variety of disputes involving the operation of oil and gas properties and the interpretation of joint operating agreements. 

Represented client in jury trial in asserting trade mark rights, and protecting client against infringement claims.

Successfully represented client in jury trial regarding recovery of property damages following catastrophic loss.

Ongoing representation or assistance regarding contractors obtaining, enforcing and collection of liens for materials and services performed throughout the United States.

Representation concerning architects, engineers, owners, general contractors and subcontractors in the construction industry regarding business disputes, negligence, and breach of contract claims.

Represented former partner in business dispute at trial successfully asserting causes of action based upon fraud, misappropriation of company assets and breaches of fiduciary duty.

Representing clients concerning labor and employment matters before the courts and governmental agencies.

Successfully represented as co-counsel clients in jury trial regarding misappropriation of trade secrets, fiduciary duty, tortuous interference with contracts, business disparagement, breach of contract, and exemplary damages.

Experience Areas
Mr. Castaneda has litigated cases and counseled clients in the following areas:

Selected aspects of marine and onshore energy production and distribution, including pipeline failures, refinery incidents, chemical plant explosions, and onshore and offshore personal injury and property damage lawsuits

Insurance coverage disputes arising out of the following types of coverage: General Liability, Business Risk, Property, Energy, and Business Interruption

Errors and Omission defense, including without limiting claims arising in the following areas: Real Estate, Construction, Pipeline Construction and Operation

Commercial Real Estate Litigation: Including the disputes between landlords, property management firms, and tenants.

Areas of consumer protection such as Deceptive Trade Practices Act and class actions.

Employment matters such as non-competition, confidentiality, and employment agreements. Counseling of clients in performance of various contracts that arise in everyday business. Such matters may include, but are not limited to, assistance in forming a selected entity and contracts that are utilized or enforced within a selected industry.

Partnership and fiduciary litigation concerning the responsibilities or rights among partners.

Court Admissions
United States Supreme Court
All Texas courts
U. S. District Courts for the Southern and Eastern Districts of Texas
United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.

Memberships
American Bar Association
Texas Bar Foundation – Life Fellow
State Bar of Texas
Construction, Consumer and Litigation Section of the State Bar of Texas
Houston Bar Association
Appointed to serve on multiple committees before the State Bar of Texas and the Houston Bar Association

Education
Texas A&M University (B. S., 1986)
South Texas College of Law (J.D., 1991)

Community Involvement
Children’s Museum of Houston
Saint Agnes Academy
Texas Children’s Hospital
The Association of Former Students – Texas A & M University