Daniella E. Martinez

Associate

Houston
T +1.713.646.1370
F +1.713.751.1717

Overview

Daniella Martinez focuses her practice on complex commercial litigation in both state and federal courts. She represents clients in a broad range of matters, including commercial disputes, energy litigation and personal injury claims. Prior to joining BakerHostetler, Daniella clerked for the Honorable Rolando Olvera, U.S. District Judge in the Southern District of Texas.

Select 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.

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.

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.
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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.

Recognitions and Memberships

Recognitions

  • Best Lawyers in America®:
    • "Ones to Watch" Texas: Commercial Litigation (2022 to 2023)

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.

Prior Positions

  • Law Clerk for the Honorable Rolando Olvera, United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas (2017)
  • U.S. House of Representatives, Congressman Henry Cuellar: District Press Secretary (2011 to 2013)

Admissions

  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Texas
  • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas
  • U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
  • Texas

Education

  • J.D., The University of Texas School of Law, 2016; Texas Journal on Civil Liberties & Civil Rights, Staff Editor; Order of Barristers; Student Bar Association, President; Chicano Hispanic Law Student Association, Board Member
  • B.S., The University of Texas at Austin, 2011, with high distinction, Business Foundations Certification

Languages

  • Spanish