Donald E. "Don" Godwin

Donald E. "Don" Godwin


Godwin Bowman PC

Recognized since 2012

Dallas, Texas

Practice Areas

Commercial Litigation

Litigation - Banking and Finance

Spinning circle Big letter B

Donald E. Godwin is considered one of the most respected and tenacious trial lawyers in Texas. For over 40 years Don has tried significant jury cases in courts throughout Texas and across the United States. He has the ability to translate complex matters of law and fact into easily understandable language for courts and juries. Don's practice covers a broad range of areas with an emphasis on complex litigation, including oil and gas, environmental, fiduciary duties, will contests, major family law disputes and business torts. Notably, he has acted as Lead Trial Lawyer for Halliburton in the Firm's successful defense of the company in all civil litigation and investigations concerning BP's Macondo well blowout (Deepwater Horizon) in the Gulf of Mexico.

Don was the lead counsel for Halliburton in its asbestos and silica litigation. He negotiated the global settlement of Halliburton's approximately 382,000 asbestos claims throughout the United States that took him approximately one year to accomplish. In addition to being recognized as a leading trial lawyer in the United States, Don has also earned the reputation among corporate executives, their legal departments, and other highly visible individuals as a master negotiator where the risks are substantial and the future and successes of such clients are on the line.

Don is Board Certified in Civil Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. He received a J.D. from Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law in 1973, an M.S. in Accounting from Memphis State University in 1970 and a B.S. from the University of North Carolina in Wilmington in 1969.

Contact & Links
Location
  • Ross Tower
    500 North Akard Street, Suite 1100
    Dallas, TX 75201
Languages
  • English
Education
  • Southern Methodist University, J.D., graduated 1973
  • The University of North Carolina at Wilmington, B.S., graduated 1969
Bar Admissions
  • Texas, State Bar of Texas
Affiliations
  • Dallas Bar Association - Chairman, Antitrust & Trade Regulation Section (1980)
  • Dallas Bar Association - Member
  • William "Mac" Taylor, Jr. American Inn of Court - Master Member
  • American Board of Trial Advocates - Master
  • Best Lawyers In Dallas - Shareholder
  • Chambers USA - Recognized Practitioner
  • SMU Dedman School of Law - Executive Board Member (2002-present)
  • Super Lawyers - Member
Court Admissions
  • State Courts of Texas
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit
  • U.S. District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma
  • U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas
  • U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas
  • U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas
  • U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas
  • U.S. Supreme Court

Godwin Bowman PC
Headquarters: Dallas, Texas

5 The Best Lawyers in America® awards

1 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America award

Best Law Firms Badge Visit Website View Firm Profile

Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2024 for work in:
  • Commercial Litigation
  • Litigation - Banking and Finance
Awards:
  • Chambers USA Regional Spotlight, Dispute Resolution, 2023

  • 13-time selection for inclusion among The Best Lawyers in America®, 2012–2024

  • 21-time selection to Thomson Reuters' "Texas Super Lawyers" as published in Texas Monthly and Super Lawyers magazines, 2003–2023

  • Named a Litigation Star by Benchmark Litigation, 2020–2023
  • Ranked among the Best Law Firms by US News in Commercial Litigation and Product Liability Defense
  • Recognized in Commercial Litigation by Chambers USA Guide, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019
  • Inducted into the Lawdragon Hall of Fame for Leading Lawyers in America

  • Lawdragon 500 Leading Lawyers in America, 2015–2023

  • Selected among the "50 Lions of the Texas Bar" by Texas Lawbook
  • 10-time selection to Thomson Reuters' "Top 100 Lawyers in Texas" as published in Texas Monthly & Super Lawyers magazines (2003-2006, 2012, 2014-2018)
  • 16-time selection as one of the "Best Lawyers in Dallas" by D Magazine, 2003, 2005, 2009, 2011–2023

  • Designated as one of the Top Five DFW Defenders, Dallas Business Journal, 2006, 2010
  • 5-time selection to "Who's Who in Energy" in Dallas, Houston and Pittsburgh by the American City Business Journals, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015
  • 16-time selection to Thomson Reuters' "Top 100 Lawyers in Dallas/Fort Worth" as published in Texas Monthly & Super Lawyers magazines (2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020)
  • Selected to Texas Super Lawyers Advisory Board, 2010-2012
  • Selected in the Dallas Business Journal's list of the Top 10 Litigators/Trial Lawyers in the D/FW Metroplex, 2003
  • Received the Distinguished Alumni Award for Private Practice from SMU Dedman School of Law for 2003
Additional Areas of Practice:
  • Bet-the-Company Litigation
  • Energy Law
  • Environmental Law
  • Family Law
  • Litigation - Environmental
  • Litigation - Trusts and Estates
  • Oil and Gas Law

Spinning circle Big letter B

News & Links
Publications

Your browser is not fully compatible with our automatic printer friendly formatting.

Please use the print button to print this profile page.

Spinning circle Big letter B