Biography
Bret is a seasoned corporate attorney who brings nearly 40 years of experience in general corporate matters, mergers and acquisitions, banking, and intellectual property. He advises individuals and companies from startup, implementing successful strategies for resolving issues with trademark, copyright, employment, licensing, governance, contracts, leases, mergers and acquisitions, and related matters.
Bret serves a variety of clients, primarily middle market private companies and entrepreneurs, spanning across many industries, including advertising, marketing, construction, technology, sports, and product development. Clients rely on Bret to help them reach their commercial potential at all stages, from launch to exit.
When clients are ready to sell their companies, Bret guides them through the valuation process, identifies and mitigates potential issues and problems, and positions them advantageously to get the optimal financial reward through the sale. Bret also excels at helping buyers on the private equity side of the equation. With an in-depth understanding of the needs of portfolio companies, Bret provides outstanding legal representation. He also handles many pre-bankruptcy workouts and identifies creative solutions during restructuring processes.
Education
- J.D. University of Virginia School of Law
- B.S. Birmingham-Southern College
Memberships
- Alcuin School, Board of Trustees, 2023-2024
- Dallas Advertising League, Board of Directors
- Dallas All Sports Association, Board of Directors
- Dallas Bar Association (Corporate and Intellectual Property Section)
- Dallas Bar Association (Chairman, Sports and Entertainment Sections, 1996-97)
- Dream Fund, Board of Directors
- State Bar of Texas (Corporate, Intellectual Property, and Sports and Entertainment Sections)
- Texas Association of Bank Counsel
- Multilaw, Board of Directors
Achievements
- Lawdragon 500, Leading Dealmakers in America, M&A, Banking & Finance (2025)
- The Best Lawyers in America®, Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law (2020-2025)
- D Magazine Best Lawyers in Dallas, Corporate Law: Mergers & Acquisitions (2024)
- D Magazine Best Lawyers in Dallas, General Corporate Law (2015-2023)
- Texas Bar Foundation (Fellow)
- Rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell
Speaking Engagements
- Practical and Legal Aspects of Doing Business on the Internet, Institute of Real Estate Managers, 1997
Publications
- Drafting Letters of Credit, Real Estate Documents, Workouts and Closings, University of Houston Law Center, March 1991
- Protecting and Realizing Upon The Issuer’s Right to Reimbursement, Letter of Credit, A Practitioners Workshop, New York, 1990
- Instruments and Transfers-Proposed Amendments to Articles 3 & 4 and the New Article 4A, Texas Association of Bank Counsel, 1989
