Joel Simon

• Catastrophic Injury Litigation

• Commercial Litigation 

• Product Liability 

• Mass Tort Litigation

• Environmental Litigation 

 

 

Experience

Joel Simon is a member in Fernelius Simon PLLC and has been with the firm since its inception.  Previously, Joel was a senior associate in the litigation department at Fulbright & Jaworski LLP from 2004 to 2010. 

 

In his career, Joel has achieved numerous trial and appellate court victories for a wide range of clients in both state and federal court.  At his former firm, Joel was routinely selected to serve as the only associate on multiple trial teams, including the teams that handled three jury trials arising out of one of the largest refinery explosions on the Gulf Coast.  Additionally, as a volunteer for the City of Houston, Joel served as first-chair prosecutor in more than 20 jury trials that resulted in guilty verdicts.   

 

Joel’s talents have been used for both plaintiffs and defendants in all types and sizes of cases.  From commercial litigation involving Fortune 100 companies to a lawsuit involving alleged violations of the Endangered Species Act, Joel has substantial experience in all phases of litigation.  Whether preparing executives of large companies for deposition or drafting winning appellate briefs, Joel has repeatedly delivered positive results for his clients.  

Joel’s engagements include:

• Defended an international energy company in a four-week trial in Federal Court in which four plaintiffs requested a combined $252 million in damages for alleged exposure to material that escaped storage tanks.  The jury determined that the firm’s client was not grossly negligent and only awarded $14,500 in total damages.

• Represented an international energy company in two-month trial that resulted in a take-nothing verdict for the plaintiffs.

• Served on defense team for a large firm client in a five-week trial that resulted in a complete defense verdict.

• Secured a directed verdict at trial for a private investment company and individual defendant involving allegations of fraud and breach of fiduciary duty. 

• Achieved dismissal based on personal-jurisdiction grounds in federal court, which was upheld on appeal to the Fifth Circuit.

• Negotiated favorable settlement on behalf of a pipeline operator in commercial litigation involving alleged contamination of jet fuel. 

• Tried and negotiated favorable settlement for private clients in their lawsuit for wrongful-death.

• Obtained summary judgment for a prominent financial firm in a breach of contract lawsuit, which was upheld on appeal.

• Favorably resolved multiple product liability and deceptive trade practice claims for client, which manufactures electrical and lighting equipment.

• Obtained confidential settlement for corporate client in its lawsuit based on fraud and intentional misrepresentations. 

• Successfully defended company in commercial litigation filed by a purchaser of offshore oil and gas interests who asserted numerous common-law and statutory claims.

• Achieved multiple, confidential settlements in indemnity actions filed for Fortune 100 companies against subsequent operators of onshore E&P operations.

 

 

Professional Activities and Memberships

• American Bar Association 

• State Bar of Texas

• Houston Bar Association

 

 

Professional Honors

• Texas Rising Star (2014) 

 

 

Publications and Presentations

• Co-author, “Effective Representation in Difficult Times: Assisting Your Client in Times of Crisis,” Spring 2009, ABA Mass Tort Journal

• Speaker, “Are you Ready?  Managing the Major Corporate Crisis,” Texas CLE Presentation, 2012, 2013

 

 

Educational Background

2004 - Juris Doctor, magna cum laude, University of Houston Law Center

2001 - Bachelor of Arts, cum laude, Ohio University

 

While in law school, Joel was a member of the Order of the Barons, Order of the Barristers and Order of the Coif.  He was note-and-comment editor for the Houston Law Review and a member of the University of Houston Moot Court Team.  Joel has remained active in the University of Houston’s moot court program and has coached numerous competition teams over the past several years.  

 

Joel was admitted to practice law in Texas in 2004 and is also admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas.

 

 

Interests

Joel enjoys running, soccer and following Houston’s sports teams.