Sean Jordan Brings Appellate Experience to Sutherland

By Janet Elliott
Staff Writer for The Texas Lawbook

AUSTIN – Sean Jordan is bringing his expertise handling appeals for the state of Texas to the Austin office of Sutherland Asbill & Brennan.

As the principal deputy solicitor general in the Office of Attorney General, Jordan worked on a wide variety of cases, including class actions, civil rights and First Amendment cases. He will join Kent Sullivan, a former state appeals court judge based in the firm’s Houston office, in co-leading the Appellate Litigation Practice.

“All of the folks in Sutherland offices in other cities have been very supportive and excited. We can build a really good dedicated appellate group,” Jordan said.

“Sean’s addition to our litigation team will deeply enhance our appellate practice,” said Rachel Clingman, co-partner in charge of the Houston office. “Together, Sean and Judge Sullivan provide clients with consummate appellate experience from both sides of the bar.”

One of Jordan’s appeals overturned a trial court ruling that would have allowed fired head football coach Mike Leach to seek more than $10 million in breach-of-contract damages from Texas Tech University.

Jordan said that Sutherland has represented clients before the U.S. Supreme Court, every federal circuit and many state appellate courts. He said having the leaders of the appellate group based in Texas is a reflection of the firm’s growing commitment to the state.

The Atlanta-based firm opened its Austin office in 1993 and now has nine lawyers. Houston opened in 2002 and has 38 lawyers.

Jordan previously was a partner at Jackson Walker in Austin. He is a graduate of the University of Texas School of Law.

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