Autry W. Ross - Yetter Coleman

Autry joined the firm in 1997. His practice focuses on complex commercial disputes, including litigation and appeals in state and federal courts, and arbitration proceedings, both in the U.S. and abroad.

Autry has also performed special investigations on behalf of publicly-traded companies and governmental entities. He represents a diverse range of clients, both as plaintiffs and defendants, in the energy, technology, and financial services industries.

Autry is admitted to practice in all Texas state courts, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, and the U.S. District Court for the Southern and Northern Districts of Texas.

Prior to joining the firm, Autry served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Financial Institutions Fraud Division for the Southern District of Texas from 1992-1996 and practiced with Baker Botts LLP from 1986-1992.

Representative Experience

Representation of Texas-based chemical manufacturer in suit against project co-participant in failed effort to construct natural gas by-product processing plant in foreign jurisdiction.
Confidential international arbitration proceeding on behalf of purchaser of wind turbines against manufacturer, settled pursuant to confidential terms.
Successful prosecution and settlement of False Claim Act claim against medical services supplier related to payments made for exclusive dealing arrangement.
Hardesty v. Sacramento County, et al. Part of trial team that secured $107 million federal jury trial win for two mining families in California.
In re Wells Fargo Wage and Hour Employment Practices Litigation. Served as co-lead counsel in obtaining a $15 million settlement for a nationwide class of mortgage loan officers pursuing overtime compensation from Wells Fargo and Wachovia banks in multidistrict litigation proceeding. Our firm also won summary dismissal of the banks’ appeal of the Court’s order certifying the nationwide class, in a closely-watched proceeding before the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Friese v. Superior Court Prosecuted claims against former directors and officers of California software company on behalf of litigation trustee. The case settled under confidential terms.
In re CenterPoint Energy, Inc. Quashed discovery sought from chief executive officer of third-party electrical utility.
In re Peregrine Litigation Trust Performed a special investigation on behalf of a California-based software maker of potential derivative claims against directors, officers, and employees during its Chapter 11 reorganization proceedings.
Milkes v. Marriott Represented plaintiff classes in nationwide limited partnership litigation; claims on behalf of all classes were successfully resolved in a $400 million settlement.
On behalf of regional municipal money-market fund, investigated improvident investment purchased by its investment advisor.
Successfully defended Indonesian entrepreneur in ICC breach of contract proceeding involving claims of over $65 million; arbitrator awarded take-nothing judgment after week-long arbitration.
Represented software maker in a contract dispute with educational training services provider, including injunction proceedings and mediation; matter was successfully resolved on favorable terms.
Successfully defended California-based software maker in Texas state court injunction proceedings involving allegations of theft of trade secrets and breach of licensing agreement; injunctive relief was denied and case dismissed by trial court.

Presentations & Publications

“Trends in Commercial Litigation,” Texas Center for the Judiciary, Civil Justice Conference (co-author), April 2016
“How to Prepare You Executives to Testify,” The Texas Lawyer, August 3, 2015 (co-author)
“Fifth Circuit Cracks Open the Courthouse Doors to Decide ‘Arbitrability’,” The Texas Lawyer, February 2, 2015 (co-author)
“Ending the Tendency to Over-Preserve ESI,” The Texas Lawyer, October 27, 2014 (co-author)