Douglas D. D'Arche

Partner

Houston

T +1.713.646.1379

F +1.713.751.1717

ddarche@bakerlaw.com

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Overview

Doug D’Arche is a trial lawyer with a focus on complex commercial litigation and personal injury defense. He places a high emphasis on obtaining successful results for his clients, while at the same time focusing on efficiency, client communication and collaboration. Doug achieves outcomes that are consistent with case-specific requirements and are aligned with his clients’ long-term business goals.

Select Experience

Represented a major airline in a commercial dispute regarding alleged agreements to perform services for the airline. After obtaining dismissal of most of the claims based on the Airline Deregulation Act, obtained a complete defense verdict on the remaining claims and obtained a final judgment dismissing all claims against the client and awarding almost all of the recoverable costs and fees as the prevailing party.
Represented a group of working interest owners who were alleged to have entered into a contract for the sale of over $230 million in oil and gas assets. After obtaining a summary judgment in favor of the clients dismissing the claims at the trial court level, the case was appealed and eventually resulted in a complete affirmation by the Texas Supreme Court.
Represented an oil & gas service company in a multi-item OSHA citation contest filed with the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. After achieving a favorable resolution of most of the claims, defended the client in a two week trial on the merits (decision is pending).

Represented a major airline in a commercial dispute regarding alleged agreements to perform services for the airline. After obtaining dismissal of most of the claims based on the Airline Deregulation Act, obtained a complete defense verdict on the remaining claims and obtained a final judgment dismissing all claims against the client and awarding almost all of the recoverable costs and fees as the prevailing party.
Represented a group of working interest owners who were alleged to have entered into a contract for the sale of over $230 million in oil and gas assets. After obtaining a summary judgment in favor of the clients dismissing the claims at the trial court level, the case was appealed and eventually resulted in a complete affirmation by the Texas Supreme Court.
Represented an oil & gas service company in a multi-item OSHA citation contest filed with the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. After achieving a favorable resolution of most of the claims, defended the client in a two week trial on the merits (decision is pending).
Represented a full service contractor in a multi-item OSHA citation contest filed with the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. By thoroughly investigating and documenting evidence to contest the citation, obtained a complete withdrawal by OSHA and an order vacating the citation and all proposed penalties.
Represented an energy trading company in a dispute arising out of a “take or pay” type clause in an oil barrel exchange contract. Prior to the engagement, a pre-judgment writ of garnishment had been entered against the client. Obtained summary judgment dismissing all of the plaintiff’s claims and granting the client’s counterclaims; later obtained an order dissolving the writ of garnishment.
Represented an oil and gas operator in a lawsuit concerning significant personal injury on a worksite that was filed against multiple defendants. Through a series of motions, obtained quick dismissal of all claims against the client and severed them out, thus avoiding unnecessary litigation costs and exposure.
Represented a medical device manufacturer when a competing company began using confidential information acquired in negotiations. After completing discovery on an expedited basis, obtained a federal court order prohibiting the use of certain confidential information and providing for royalty payments. Ultimately settled the dispute with very favorable terms for the client.
Led a forensic investigation and pursued a federal lawsuit when employees left an energy industry equipment manufacturer to work for a competitor and stole highly confidential trade secrets. Quickly obtained a temporary restraining order. After uncovering significant additional evidence through discovery indicating criminal activity, assisted a federal agency in pursuing criminal charges.
Secured judgment from the court agreeing with a client’s interpretation of a joint exploration agreement concerning an area of mutual interest and joint operating agreement between two oil and gas companies, dismissing all claims and allowing for development of disputed acreage.
Represented a major airline in a lawsuit brought by a vendor alleging breach of contract and seeking to enjoin transfer of multiple aircraft. Obtained a judicial decision that claims were preempted by the Airline Deregulation Act and prevented imposition of injunctive relief. The case was dismissed without any monetary exposure and the airline was able to continue with the transfer of aircraft.
Interfaces and interacts with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) inspectors (state and federal) during workplace investigations, participates in interviews with management, prepares nonmanagement employees for OSHA interviews. Coordinates production of investigation documents for OSHA inspectors and litigates citation contests before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Recognitions and Memberships

Recognitions

Houstonia: Best of Houstonia, Top Lawyers (2015)
Martindale-Hubbell: AV Preeminent
Texas "Super Lawyer" (2012 to 2019)
- Texas Super Lawyers "Top 100" (2019)
- Texas Super Lawyers "Rising Star" (2004 to 2007)
H-Texas Magazine: Houston's Top Fast-Track Lawyers
Texas Young Lawyers Association Outstanding Director Award