Commercial Litigation Construction Law Litigation - Construction
John W. Slates
Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2013 Awarded Practice Areas
Biography
John Slates is Board Certified in Construction Law and focuses his practice on representing general contractors, owners, and developers. John is an accomplished trial lawyer who has first-chaired numerous cases to verdicts, including cases that have been recognized by the National Law Journal’s "Top 100 Verdicts" and Verdict Search’s "Top Texas Verdicts." He has also successfully argued before the Texas Supreme Court in Lennar Corporation v. Markel American Insurance Company.
John has negotiated over $9 billion in design and construction contracts for some of the most high-profile projects recently built in North Texas, including the Toyota Corporate Headquarters, as well as a wide array of other commercial projects.
John served on the Texas State Bar Construction Law Council and Foundation from 2017-2020, is currently the Chair of the Dallas Bar Association Construction Law Section, and is a frequent speaker on construction-related topics at legal and industry conferences.
Overview
- Georgetown University, graduated 1995
- Georgetown University, graduated 1995
- Texas Bar College - Member
- TEXO, The Construction Association - Member, Board of Directors
- The Association of General Contractors – Texas Building Branch, Legal Affairs Committee (2019 – present - Member
- ABA Forum on the Construction Industry - Member
- Member, William “Mac” Taylor American Inn of Court - Member
- TEXO, The Construction Association – Government Affairs Committee (2012 to present) - Member
- Salesmanship Club of Dallas (2020 – present) - Member
- Habitat for Humanity (2008 to 2013) - Board Member
- Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center Board Member (2013 to 2019), Board Chair (2017 – 2018) - Board Member
- Preservation Dallas Board Member (2000-2008), President (2005) - Member
- Children’s Trust (benefitting Children’s Medical Center of Dallas) (2002-2010) - Member
- Leadership Dallas (2007) - Graduate
- SMU Alumni Association - Member
- Highland Park United Methodist Church - Member
- Texas Bar College - Member
- TEXO, The Construction Association - Member, Board of Directors
- The Association of General Contractors – Texas Building Branch, Legal Affairs Committee (2019 – present - Member
- ABA Forum on the Construction Industry - Member
- Member, William “Mac” Taylor American Inn of Court - Member
- TEXO, The Construction Association – Government Affairs Committee (2012 to present) - Member
- Salesmanship Club of Dallas (2020 – present) - Member
- Habitat for Humanity (2008 to 2013) - Board Member
- Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center Board Member (2013 to 2019), Board Chair (2017 – 2018) - Board Member
- Preservation Dallas Board Member (2000-2008), President (2005) - Member
- Children’s Trust (benefitting Children’s Medical Center of Dallas) (2002-2010) - Member
- Leadership Dallas (2007) - Graduate
- SMU Alumni Association - Member
- Highland Park United Methodist Church - Member
- Georgetown University, graduated 1995
- Georgetown University, graduated 1995
Client Testimonials
Awards & Focus
Named "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers® for:
- Litigation - Construction, Dallas/Fort Worth (2025)
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2026 for work in:
- Commercial Litigation
- Construction Law
- Litigation - Construction
Awards:
- Board Certified in Construction Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, Inaugural Class (2017 - present)
- Recognized, Chambers & Partners USA Guide, Construction (Texas) (2016 – 2022)
- Recognized, The Best Lawyers in America®, Construction Law, Texas (2013 - 2023)
Recognized, Texas Super Lawyers (2016 – 2022), as published in Texas Monthly (Construction Litigation) (A Thomson Reuters Service)
- Recognized, Texas Rising Stars (2005, 2007, 2008) as published in Texas Monthly (Construction Litigation, Construction Surety) (A Thomson Reuters Service)
- Recognized, Appellate Lawyer of the Week, as published in Texas Lawyer, September 2, 2013
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