
John Michael Bell, ADR Attorney in Houston, Texas
Over 53 years of legal practice · focused on ADR, Business, and Class Action · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Of CounselatThompson & Knight LLP
Houston, TX
Practicing adr in Houston since 1973.
- 53+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 6
- Bar admissions
Are you John Michael Bell?
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Quick answer
John Michael Bell is an of counsel based in Houston, TX. The practice focuses on ADR, Business, and Class Action. John has over 53 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Thompson & Knight LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Houston, TX
- Experience
- over 53 years
- Known for
- ADR · Business · Class Action
- Handles ADR, Business, and Class Action matters from Houston, TX.
- Over 53 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About John Michael Bell: John Michael Bell is an of counsel based in Houston, TX. The practice focuses on ADR, Business, and Class Action. John has over 53 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Thompson & Knight LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
John's practice areas in Houston
John concentrates on adr, business, class action, energy, and environmental. Each area below outlines the kind of case John handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
ADR
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Business
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Class Action
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Energy
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Environmental
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General
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Health Care
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Litigation
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Personal Injury
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Aviation
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ADR cases in Houston, Texas
John takes adr matters in Houston, 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 John agrees to represent you.
Business cases in Houston, Texas
John takes business matters in Houston, 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 John agrees to represent you.
Class Action cases in Houston, Texas
John takes class action matters in Houston, 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 John agrees to represent you.
Energy cases in Houston, Texas
John takes energy matters in Houston, 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 John agrees to represent you.
Environmental cases in Houston, Texas
John takes environmental matters in Houston, 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 John agrees to represent you.
Biography
John Michael Bell, adr attorney serving Houston
John Michael Bell is an of counsel based in Houston, TX. The practice focuses on ADR, Business, and Class Action. John has over 53 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Thompson & Knight LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review. John works from Houston, Texas and takes on adr matters across the region.
John Michael Bell is a lawyer practicing accidents and injuries, alternative dispute resolution, arbitration and 10 other areas of law. John received a B.A. degree from Vanderbilt University in 1970, and has been licensed for 53 years. John practices at Thompson & Knight LLP in Houston, TX.
John's approach to adr cases
John Michael Bell is a lawyer practicing accidents and injuries, alternative dispute resolution, arbitration and 10 other areas of law. John received a B.A. degree from Vanderbilt University in 1970, and has been licensed for 53 years. John practices at Thompson & Knight LLP in Houston, TX.
The kind of cases John takes
John reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adr, business, and class action matters in Houston and the surrounding Texas area.
Credentials
Credentials — where John studied and practices
University of Texas School of Law
J.D. · 1973
Vanderbilt University
B.A. · 1970
Jurisdictions
John's state bar admissions
New York
2005 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1985 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1981 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1977 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1974 · ACTIVE
Texas
1973 · ACTIVE
John studied at J.D. in University of Texas School of Law and B.A. in Vanderbilt University.
Law school and academic background
John completed J.D. in University of Texas School of Law and B.A. in Vanderbilt University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice John runs in Texas is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
John's legal honors and published work
John has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
John's professional memberships and bar associations
State Bar of Texas (Member, Litigation Section) Houston and American Bar Associations
membership
Locations
John Michael Bell's office in Houston
John's primary office is at 811 Main Street, Suite 2500, Houston, TX, 77002-6129. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Thompson & Knight LLP
811 Main Street, Suite 2500
Houston, TX 77002-6129
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of John Michael Bell — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of John. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing adr attorneys in Houston.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once John Michael Bell claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire John Michael Bell — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new adr attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with John usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
John charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain John'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; John will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a adr attorney in Houston, Texas
A short list to run through before you commit: How many adr 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 John
John discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in adr practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every adr 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. John confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
John's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many adr practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about John Michael Bell
How much does it cost to hire John for a adr case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. John walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does John offer a free consultation?
John charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain John's office. Some adr attorneys offer free consults — check John's current terms during booking.
How long do adr cases in Texas typically take?
Simple adr 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. John gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can John take my case if I'm outside Houston?
John 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 — John 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 John?
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. John will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is John accepting new adr clients right now?
John's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
ADR attorneys serving Houston, Dallas and Austin in Texas
John handles adr matters throughout Texas. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified adr attorneys in that community.
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Other top-rated adr attorneys in Texas
If John's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these adr attorneys in Houston handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





