Darren Nicholson, Business Attorney in Dallas, Texas
Over 25 years of legal practice · focused on Business, General, and IP · 4.9/5 rating from 13 verified client reviews
PartneratBurns Charest LLP
Dallas, TX
Practicing business in Dallas since 2001.
- 25+
- Years practicing
- 4.9 ★
- 13 client reviews
- 3
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Darren Nicholson?
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Quick answer
Darren Nicholson is a partner based in Dallas, TX. The practice focuses on Business, General, and IP. Darren has over 25 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Burns Charest LLP. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 13 client reviews.
- Based in
- Dallas, TX
- Experience
- over 25 years
- Known for
- Business · General · IP
- Handles Business, General, and IP matters from Dallas, TX.
- Over 25 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Darren Nicholson: Darren Nicholson is a partner based in Dallas, TX. The practice focuses on Business, General, and IP. Darren has over 25 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Burns Charest LLP. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 13 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Darren takes on
Darren concentrates on business, general, ip, litigation, and personal injury. Each area below outlines the kind of case Darren handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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General
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IP
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Litigation
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Personal Injury
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Business cases in Dallas, Texas
Darren takes business matters in Dallas, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Darren agrees to represent you.
General cases in Dallas, Texas
Darren takes general matters in Dallas, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Darren agrees to represent you.
IP cases in Dallas, Texas
Darren takes ip matters in Dallas, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Darren agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Dallas, Texas
Darren takes litigation matters in Dallas, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Darren agrees to represent you.
Personal Injury cases in Dallas, Texas
Darren takes personal injury matters in Dallas, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Darren agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Darren Nicholson — business lawyer in Dallas
Darren Nicholson is a partner based in Dallas, TX. The practice focuses on Business, General, and IP. Darren has over 25 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Burns Charest LLP. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 13 client reviews.
An accomplished trial lawyer, Darren Nicholson has been trying cases in state and federal courts for more than twenty years. After beginning his career at Arnold & Porter LLP in Washington D.C., one of the country’s premier law firms, he returned to Dallas in 2008 and became a partner at the nationally-recognized trial boutique Sayles Werbner PC. Darren joined Burns Charest LLP in 2019 with one goal in mind – to help build one of the premier trial firms in the country.
Darren’s cases have been covered by The Dallas Morning News, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Bloomberg News, and other publications. Currently, he is lead counsel for Parkland and other hospitals who have filed claims against manufacturers, distributors, and retailers who caused the opioid epidemic. His past cases include successfully representing plaintiffs in a multi-million dollar lawsuit involving business fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, and commercial bribery; obtaining a multi-million dollar jury verdict against Forgent Network for breach of a patent licensing agreement; and obtaining a favorable judgment in the Texas Ranger Baseball Partners bankruptcy for breach of contract, among many others.
Just as every case is different, so is every client. Whatever the case, Darren invests the time and effort to identify the client’s objectives and to tailor an aggressive strategy to achieve them – whether trying a case, negotiating a settlement, avoiding litigation, or pursuing another option entirely.
Honors
Best Lawyers in America, 2018-2024
Best Lawyers in Dallas, D Magazine, 2017-2023
Texas Super Lawyers, 2017-2023
Texas Super Lawyers Rising Stars, 2010-2015
Fellow, Texas Bar Foundation
Barrister, Patrick E. Higginbotham Inn of Court, 2009-2012
Named “Leading Plaintiff Financial Lawyer” by Lawdragon (2022-2023)
Named “Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyer” by Lawdragon (2022-2024)
Engagements
The Ethics of Witness Preparation and Presentation, State Bar of Texas, Sept. 2019
Turning the Tables—Offers of Judgment Under Federal Rule 68, Dallas Bar Association, Sept. 2015
Protecting Plaintiffs’ Wins from the IRS, Texas Lawyer, June 2014
Closing Arguments, Dallas Bar Association Trial Academy, Oct. 2012
Exclude the Opposing Expert Witness on Qualifications and Reliability, Dallas Bar Association, July 2010
The Ethics of Lawyer-Judge Interactions, presented to the Higginbotham Inn of Court, March 2010
Financial Institutions Fraud, 37 American Criminal Law Review 551, Spring 2000
Representative Cases
Mass Tort, Wrongful Death, Products Liability Cases:
• Dallas County Hospital District, d/b/a Parkland Health & Hospital System, et al. v. Amneal Pharmaceuticals, et al. – currently representing hospitals against the manufacturers, distributors, and retailers that caused the opioid epidemic.
• Powell, et al. v. Thornton Drilling, et al. – confidential settlement on the eve of trial for two minor children in a wrongful death case involving a West Texas oil rig.
• Artinger, et al. v. i3 Plastic Cards, et al. – substantial confidential settlement for a widow and minor child in a wrongful death case involving a workplace electrocution.
• In re Diet Drugs (Phentermine, Fenfluramine, Dexfenfluramine) Prods. Liab. Litig., No. MDL 1203 –representation of Fortune 500 pharmaceutical company in hundreds of product liability cases.
Complex Business Cases:
• AerReach, et al., v. Stanford, et al. – represented plaintiffs in a multi-million dollar business fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, and commercial bribery case against multiple defendants.
• Paradigm Air v. Texas Rangers Baseball Partners – summary judgment recovery for client in breach-of-contract case stemming from the Texas Rangers Baseball Partners’ bankruptcy.
• Andrew Silver v. Tabletop Media, LLC d/b/a Ziosk – favorable settlement for defendant and counter-plaintiff in a breach of contract case involving a patent purchase agreement.
• A take-nothing judgment and an order sealing the case for a client wrongfully accused of fraud and tortious interference of a contract.
False Claims Act Cases:
• United States of America, ex rel. Haight v. RRSA (Commercial Division) LLC, et al. – currently representing relator in a False Claims Act case involving fraudulent small business subcontracting on military bases
• United States of America, ex rel. Haight Fisher, et al. v. Ocwen Loan Servicing – settlement of a major False Claims Act case against non-bank mortgage servicer where plaintiffs sought over $100 million in damages.
Intellectual Property Cases:
• Commil USA, LLC v. Cisco Systems, Inc.,135 S.Ct. 1920 (2015) – favorable U.S. Supreme Court ruling eliminating the defense of good-faith belief in invalidity to induced infringement claims.
• e-Lynxx Corporation v. Ariba – obtained significant patent licensing agreements in patent infringement lawsuit and development of licensing program.
Criminal Cases:
• U.S. v. Mahoney – acquittal on a seven-count indictment for a court-appointed client in Washington, D.C. Superior Court.
• U.S. v. Barry, et al. – favorable plea bargain and no jail time for a real estate agent indicted in a federal case involving mortgage fraud.
Working with Darren on a business matter
An accomplished trial lawyer, Darren Nicholson has been trying cases in state and federal courts for more than twenty years. After beginning his career at Arnold & Porter LLP in Washington D.C., one of the country’s premier law firms, he returned to Dallas in 2008 and became a partner at the nationally-recognized trial boutique Sayles Werbner PC. Darren joined Burns Charest LLP in 2019 with one…
Clients Darren works with
Darren reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, general, and ip matters in Dallas and the surrounding Texas area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Georgetown University Law Center
J.D. · 2001
University of Texas at Austin
B.S. Mathematics · 1997
Jurisdictions
Darren's state bar admissions
West Virginia U.S. S
2021 · ACTIVE
District of Columbia
2002 · ACTIVE
Texas
2001 · ACTIVE
Darren studied at J.D. in Georgetown University Law Center and B.S. Mathematics in University of Texas at Austin.
Law school and academic background
Darren completed J.D. in Georgetown University Law Center and B.S. Mathematics in University of Texas at Austin. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Darren runs in Texas is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Darren has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Locations
Darren Nicholson's office in Dallas
Darren's primary office is at 900 Jackson Street, Suite 500, Dallas, TX, 75202. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Darren Nicholson — 4.9/5 rating from 13 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Darren. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business attorneys in Dallas.
4.9
13 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Darren Nicholson claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Darren Nicholson — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Darren usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Darren charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Darren's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Darren will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in Dallas, Texas
A short list to run through before you commit: How many business matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Darren
Darren discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every business matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Darren confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Darren's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Darren Nicholson
How much does it cost to hire Darren for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Darren walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Darren offer a free consultation?
Darren charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Darren's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Darren's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in Texas typically take?
Simple business matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Darren gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Darren take my case if I'm outside Dallas?
Darren is licensed in Texas. Matters governed by Texas law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Darren will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Darren?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Darren will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Darren accepting new business clients right now?
Darren's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Business attorneys serving Dallas, Houston and Austin in Texas
Darren handles business matters throughout Texas. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
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