Haynes and Boone, LLP has enhanced the firm’s Trials Practice Group with the addition of nationally acclaimed trial lawyer Victor Vital, who will serve as the global chair of the group.
He joins from Barnes & Thornburg LLP, where he was Dallas office managing partner. This is a return to Haynes Boone for Vital, who practiced with the firm from 2001-2007, a time in which he first made partner.
The Trials Practice Group is comprised of a deep bench of experienced litigators in the United States, London and Mexico City who practice across many industries, helping clients resolve complex and high-stakes disputes in federal, state and international courts as well as through arbitration. The firm’s specialized practice areas within its litigation department and across the firm—including commercial disputes, energy, white-collar crime, insurance recovery, labor and employment and appeals—create an exceptionally well-rounded trials group with the strategic insight to offer clients multidisciplinary representation, innovative solutions and fresh perspectives that lead to positive outcomes.
“Victor is rejoining us to helm the Trials Group at a crucial time for our clients and our group,” said Litigation Department Chair Leslie Thorne. “The firm’s record-high demand growth for litigation work in 2023 and robust pipeline for high-stakes trials, appeals and arbitrations make us a great match for a trial lawyer of Victor’s talent and reputation. Having him aboard is a massive boon to our clients, and we are excited to join forces with him as we meet the growing demand for litigation across the firm.”
Vital is renowned for his nearly 30 years of adeptly handling high-stakes cases, often representing major corporate clients, industry leaders and high-net-worth, well-known individuals, whether seeing cases from inception to verdict or being added to legal teams in the months (and sometimes weeks) leading up to trial. His first-rate trial experience and unique ability to persuade judges and juries on the most complex topics have made him a sought-after advocate for high-profile cases not only in Dallas, but also across the country.
Among Vital's recent notable cases across the country are a 2023 favorable verdict for a company defending a commercial dispute in federal court in Manhattan, in which the plaintiff sought more than $86 million in damages, and a favorable verdict last month for a company defending a wrongful death case in Tacoma, Washington, where the plaintiff sought a recovery of more than $32 million.
“This is an incredibly exciting time to rejoin Haynes Boone,” Vital said. “The firm’s dynamic growth and commitment to innovation and excellence in trial advocacy make it another fantastic environment to deliver outstanding results for our clients. I am thrilled to be the global chair of the Trials Practice Group and look forward to achieving success in high-stakes disputes alongside this exceptional team.”
Vital’s sterling track record has earned him a Band 1 ranking by Chambers USA in the Litigation (Trial Lawyers) category. His jury verdicts have garnered Vital multiple accolades, including a spot in the Texas Lawyer Verdicts Hall of fame, National Law Journal Top 100 List and Courtroom View Network's Top 10 Most Impressive Defense Verdicts of 2022. Vital’s parachute trial practice was featured in a 2020 Texas Super Lawyers cover story, and he was recently given the Hon. Sam A. Lindsay Professionalism & Ethics Award from the J.L. Turner Legal Association.
Beyond the courtroom, Vital is a prolific writer, lecturer and media commentator on trial issues. His professional and community involvement includes leadership roles in the Dallas Education Foundation and the Dallas Regional Chamber, among other prestigious organizations.
