Daniella E. Martinez

Experience

Energy Litigation

• Assisted in the defense of oil and gas operator in significant personal injury suit. Handled research, discovery, dispositive motions and deposition preparation resulting in the quick dismissals of all claims.
• Served as member of a trial team that obtained a jury verdict awarding over $60 million in damages to an oil and gas exploration and production company. The award, based on a counterclaim, asserted gross negligence and willful misconduct on the part of the operator in the construction of a processing facility.

Restructuring and Bankruptcy

• Represented a junior lien holder while serving as lead associate on foreclosure action involving property in Hawaii worth $100 million. Resulted in a 100% debt recovery for the client, including all late fees, interest and attorney's fees. Property was divided into multiple parcels of land with multiple senior liens.
• Served as lead associate for one of two firmwide recovery task force teams in major tort litigation involving the Northern California wildfires. Represented the Official Committee of Tort Claimants, consisting of over 70,000 victims of the wildfires, in the Chapter 11 reorganization of Pacific Gas and Electric Company and PG&E Corporation. PG&E is the largest bankruptcy case ever filed in California and the sixth largest case ever filed in the U.S.

Noncompete and Trade Secrets

• Assisted in representation of oil and gas service company in suit against former employees and competitor for theft of confidential information. Researched and drafted trial memorandums on key issues. Case resulted in favorable settlement for the client.

Securities Governance and Compliance

• Represented venture capitalists in suit against a technology start-up in the oil and gas industry for falsifying financial information and other representations. Resulted in millions in recovery of investment.

Memberships

• Texas Law Alumni Steering Committee
• Houston Young Lawyers Association: Firm Liaison
• Houston Bar Association
  • Diversity & Inclusion Committee: Co-Chair (2021)

Community

• reVision Houston: Student Mentor and Tutor

Pro Bono

• Obtained final judgment ordering the return of two children to the children’s country of habitual residence in an international child abduction case brought under the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. Served as first chair in the bench trial.
• Represents minors in state court proceedings in an effort to seal juvenile criminal records, drafting petitions, arguing on behalf of the minor at hearings, and ensuring all relevant federal, state and local agencies comply with the sealing requirements.
• Drafts wills, medical directives, and other end-of-life planning documents for senior citizens.
• Worked on protection for non-residents petitions under the Violence Against Women Act, including translation of  personal statements.
• Represented indigent clients charged with misdemeanor crimes.
• Assisted in the appellate process of inmates sentenced to lengthy prison terms.