Brian J. Cathey

Brian J. Cathey

Houston, TX recognized lawyers icon Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2026
Wright Close Barger & Guzman

18 Best Lawyers awards

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Awarded Practice Areas

Appellate Practice

Biography

Brian’s practice focuses on complex litigation and appeals. He has litigated and appealed a wide variety of claims for clients in the petroleum, transportation, insurance, and construction industries, including contractual, commercial tort, catastrophic personal injury, and wrongful death claims.

As an appellate advocate, Mr. Cathey is frequently engaged to assist clients in the trial court with preparing dispositive motions, jury charges, post-verdict motions, and providing trial assistance. He also regularly prepares original proceedings to obtain mandamus relief and amicus briefs to express views on significant legal issues.

Mr. Cathey clerked for the Fifth Circuit and the Texas Supreme Court. In those roles, he prepared memoranda to judges recommending disposition of cases; attended and occasionally presented recommendations at conferences among judges; and assisted with the drafting of dozens of published and unpublished opinions.

Mr. Cathey has the distinction of having earned the highest score on the Texas Bar Exam in 2012.

Wright Close Barger & Guzman

18 Best Lawyers awards

Wright Close Barger & Guzman logo

Overview

  • The University of Michigan Law School, J.D., graduated 2010
  • Texas A&M University, B.A., graduated 2007

  • Texas, State Bar of Texas
  • New York, New York State Bar Association

  • Houston Bar Association, Appellate & Oil and Gas sections - Member
  • State Bar of Texas, Appellate & Oil and Gas sections - Member
  • Texas Bar Foundation - Fellow

  • United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas
  • United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas
  • United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas
  • United States District Court for the Western District of Texas
  • United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma
  • United States Court of Federal Claims
  • Texas, State Bar of Texas
  • New York, New York State Bar Association
  • Houston Bar Association, Appellate & Oil and Gas sections - Member
  • State Bar of Texas, Appellate & Oil and Gas sections - Member
  • Texas Bar Foundation - Fellow
  • The University of Michigan Law School, J.D., graduated 2010
  • Texas A&M University, B.A., graduated 2007
  • United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas
  • United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas
  • United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas
  • United States District Court for the Western District of Texas
  • United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma
  • United States Court of Federal Claims

Client Testimonials

Awards & Focus

Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2026 for work in:
  • Appellate Practice
Recognized in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America from 2023-2025 for work in:
  • Commercial Litigation - 2025
  • Commercial Litigation - 2024
  • Commercial Litigation - 2023
Awards:
  • Best Lawyers in America, 2026

  • Texas Super Lawyers, Thomson Reuters, 2025

  • Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch, 2023-2025

  • Texas Rising Stars by Super Lawyers/Thomson Reuters, 2020-2024

Additional Information

  • Certifications
  • Board Certified in Civil Appellate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization
  • Presentations and Publications
  • Trade Secret Protections: Energy Companies Need to Re-Evaluate Their Protocols, Oil & Gas Fin. J., Jan. 2014, at 42.

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