Teri A. Walter
Top rated Business Litigation attorney in Houston, Texas
Practice Areas:
Business litigation,
Banking
Education Qualification:
University of Houston Law Center
Practice Areas:
Business litigation,
Banking
1111 North Loop West, Suite 1115Houston, Texas, 77008
First Admitted: 1988, Texas
Professional Webpage: https://prevaillawyers.com/teri-walter/
Bar / Professional Activity:
- President, Texas Association of Civil Trial and Appellate Specialists, 2015
- Member, Texas Association of Civil Trial and Appellate Specialists, 2009
- President, Association of Women Attorneys, 2007
- Treasurer, Association of Women Attorneys, 2005
- Member, Association of Women Attorneys, 1994
- College of the State Bar, 1992
- Houston Bar Association, Litigation Section, Construction Section, 1989
- State Bar of Texas, 1988
Verdicts / Settlements:
- Business Broker Commissions. Husband and wife were getting divorced in California, and engaged a business broker to sell husband’s business in California and Texas. Divorce was settled, awarding the business to husband, and Broker claimed $650k in commissions based on the assumed “sale” of the wife’s interest in the business. After a two day hearing, Arbitrator awarded nothing to a business broker against firm’s client wife. , 2024
- Title to Real Estate. After a one day trial, firm’s client was awarded full title to a house, and attorneys’ fees, based on an oral contract. , 2021
- After a one day trial, firm’s client was awarded full title to a commercial lot, and attorneys’ fees, based on terms of a contract, and client’s adverse possession. , 2021
- Promissory Note and Release of Deeds of Trust - Trial Client received three properties in her divorce, and owed a $100,000 note to her ex-husband, secured by the properties. Note was overpaid, and ex-husband refused to release his liens. Judgment was entered for client declaring the liens invalid, and awarding attorneys' fees., 2020
- Trespass to Try Title - Trial Trial court awarded title to house and attorneys' fees to firm's client, who had paid off the mortgage, paid taxes and made improvements to the property over a 12 year period, pursuant to an oral agreement with the seller, before seller claimed that the arrangement really only allowed client to rent out the property., 2020
- No Interference with Child Custody - Trial Client, an attorney, was accused by the opposing party in a custody modification case, of interfering with child custody, by ailing to continue to comply with a superceded court order. Bench trial found no liability, and awarded sanctions against the accusing party., 2020
- Deceptive Trade Practices / Breach of Contract - Surveyor - Trial Judgment in favor of client who hired surveyor, where survey company's employee accepted payment for project, kept the funds personally, and survey company refused to perform the work. The court of appeals affirmed the judgment in October, 2020., 2019
- Temporary Injunction - Shareholder dispute Dispute between shareholders of a closely held insurance brokerage, arising out of 75% shareholder's continuous demands for distributions and company payment of his personal debts and obligations. Temporary injunction denied the majority shareholder any power to direct employees, vendors or clients of the company, to make changes to the board of directors and from access to the business premises until the case is resolved., 2019
- Declaratory Judgment - Fraudulent Deed Son in law forged a deed to house owned by client, who was his mother in law, transferring the property to his wife, then forced his wife to sign a deed transferring the house to a limited liability company owned by husband. The deed to the company was declared void and client recovered a judgment for the house and attorney's fees. , 2019
- Foreclosure of Mechanic's Lien - Judgment Filed mechanic's lien for contractor client whose work was not paid for, and obtained a judgment foreclosing the lien and awarding attorneys' fees., 2019
- Pre Judgment Garnishment - Judgment Pre Judgment Garnishment and judgment awarded in favor of client whose husband had moved $500,000 in separate property funds out of a joint account, threatening to take the money out of the country. The garnishment stopped the transfer, and husband did not answer the suit, resulting in a default judgment in the client's favor., 2019
- Fraudulent Deed - Trial Obtained judgment in favor of client / property owner who agreed to purchase a house for a couple who could not qualify for a mortgage. Couple was to get new financing and purchase the house in a year, after credit improved. Later, two forged deeds were filed purporting to grant title to the couple After trial, title was restored to client, along with a judgment for $37,000. , 2018
- Deceptive Trade Practices - Realtor - Trial Obtained judgment in favor of firm's client for the amount of her realtor's commission on the purchase of a house, where home buyer did not receive title to the property., 2018
- Collections, Sale of Goods - Settlement Suit for outstanding invoices for sale of goods resulted in settlement and payment to firm's client of $130,000., 2017
- Sanctions overturned - Restrictive Covenants - Appeal First Court of Appeals reversed the trial court's award of $120,000 in sanctions and an injunction against the firm's client. , 2017
- Judgment Affirmed - Real Estate title - Appeal First Court of Appeals affirmed summary judgment in favor of firm's client, confirming title to a house she purchased, and awarding her attorneys fees as an offset to the remaining debt to the seller for the property. , 2017
- DTPA - Custom Leather Coat - Trial Represented buyer in Deceptive Trade Practices Act claim over a custom leather coat which was not delivered, and seller had retained payment. Jury awarded full refund, plus attorneys fees., 2017
- Mechanic's Lien - Settlement Suit filed to enforce mechanic's lien filed on behalf of client was settled for full value of lien and fees, resulting in payment to firm's client of $40,000. , 2017
- DTPA - Air Conditioning Contractor - Settlement Represented homeowner against an air conditioning contractor in a DTPA case for improper sizing of unit, causing serious mold issues in the house. Case was settled for $68,500 paid to client for damages and attorneys' fees., 2016
- Promissory Notes, Limited Partnership, Fraud Clients lent money and invested in a purported limited partnership which owned a storage facility. Borrower defaulted on a series of Promissory notes (purportedly secured by the storage facility); Limited Partnership was found not to exist. Obtained summary judgment for more than $500,000.00, which included $200,000.00 in punitive damages. Judgment was paid in full., 2014
- DTPA - Roofing leakRepresented homeowner who had roof replaced. New roof leaked from the date of installation, but roofing company refused to replace or repair, despite an 8 year warranty, and the company’s own inspection confirmed the leak. Court awarded the full cost of replacement roof, plus interest, court costs and attorneys’ fees. Judgment was paid in full., 2013
- No Breach of Commercial Lease, no fraud Represented landowner in suit by tenant alleging that landlord’s refusal to grant a substantial utility easement over landlord’s property, for the benefit of tenant’s adjoining property. After a three day trial, jury found in favor of landowner on all counts., 2012
- Partition of Real PropertyRepresented widower who had inherited ½ interest in house from his deceased wife. The wife’s ex-husband sued for child support not previously awarded, attempting to acquire Widower’s interest in house. Court found that widower had a ½ interest in the property., 2012
- Collections - Summary Judgment AffirmedThe 14th Court of Appeals Affirmed a Summary Judgment in favor of creditor client in a collections matter; Judgment was paid in full out of funds escrowed from sale of debtor’s property., 2011
- Collections/Lender LiabilityRepresented Bank in promissory note deficiency case with lender liability counterclaim in excess of $2M. Case settled on the third day of trial., 2011
- Promissory Note - Trial After a one day trial, judgment was awarded to client on breach of a promissory Note, for approximately $17,000 plus attorneys' fees. , 2010
- Promissory Note - Judgment Judgment entered for client on a defaulted Promissory Note for approximately $48,000 plus attorneys' fees., 2009
- No fraudulent lien Represented ex-wife in claim by ex-husband of fraudulent lien. After a 3 day trial, the jury found that a notice of unpaid child support lien was not fraudulent for mentioning a property which ex-husband claimed was homestead., 2009
- No contract with churchRepresented Defendant Church which had been convinced to sign a "contact" to provide lifetime pay to deceased pastor’s wife without receiving any consideration. After jury trial, case was settled for 10% of the amount demanded., 2008
- Builder - fraud in settling construction defects claimRepresented buyer of a new home that had significant plumbing problems. Builder agreed to buy the house back, then refused to close. After three day trial, jury unanimously found that builder had breached the settlement agreement, and had fraudulently induced buyer to settle, and awarded full value of settlement, plus attorneys fees and punitive damages. Total award of more than $375,000.00., 2008
- Lender Liability / Deceptive Trade PracticesRepresented bank in suit by borrower claiming Deceptive Trade Practices as a result of truck repossession. The parties entered into an Agreed Judgment in favor of bank after investigation revealed that documents submitted in support of borrower’s claims were forged., 2007
- Slip and Fall; apartment stairwayPlaintiff slipped and fell on an apartment stairway, breaking her elbow, and sought in excess of $660,000.00 in damages. After a three day jury trial, the court awarded a judgment in the amount of only $10,575.16 against the firm’s client, the apartment complex., 2007
- Neighbor wants house movedClient’s neighbor sued, claiming Client’s house was constructed in the wrong location, encroaching on the neighbor’s property. Neighbor wanted the house moved 13 feet to the east, at an estimated cost of more than $100,000.00. After a one day trial, the court found in favor of Client., 2007
- Home Remodeling/Mold RemediationDeceptive Trade, Theft, Contract Plaintiff made multiple claims against the firm’s client, a remodeling company, in connection with a contract to remediate mold and remodel Plaintiff’s house, seeking a total of $144,000.00 in damages. After a three day jury trial, the court found against Plaintiff and in favor of Client on all counts., 2006
- Non-Payment of Sales taxes on computer software - Trial After a one day trial, the court awarded judgment in favor of the firm's client, a software vendor, for the full amount of unpaid sales taxes and fees sought., 2006
- Appeals Court Affirms Judgment on misplaced fenceTexas Court of Civil Appeals, 13th District, Affirms the judgment of the trial court in favor of the firm’s client, whose neighbor claimed to own a part of Client’s lot due to a fence which was not on the property line., 2006
- House returned to Heirs Texas Court of Civil Appeals, 13th District reverses and renders the decision of the trial court, resulting in the firm’s clients regaining ownership of property in Wharton County. Property had belonged to their grandmother, and was claimed by a stranger who received a deed from the grandmother’s Guardian, who deeded the property without court approval., 2006
- Improper plattingRepresented Seller of real property in suit by developer/Buyer alleging that the property had been improperly platted, making it impossible to build the townhouses which had been designed for the site. After completion of discovery, case settled for 1% of the amount demanded., 2005
- Unpaid Construction CostsAfter a one day trial, the court awarded judgment in favor of the firm’s client, a construction company, the amount of $32,326.75 for unpaid construction costs., 2005
- No Breach of LLC Member Agreement - Settlement After 2 days of trial, all claims made against client by LLC and other members were dismissed, and payment was made to client on her counterclaim., 2004
- Long Term Disability Policy - Settlement Represented client against an insurance company on a long term disability policy. After depositions were taken, case was settled for the full value of the policy, plus attorneys fees., 2004
- Fence placement does not create ownershipAfter a 2 day jury trial, the court awards judgment in favor of the firm’s client. Client sought to regain possession of the property deeded to her, which her next-door neighbor claimed was hers due to a fence which was not placed on the property line., 2004
- Homebuilder Limited PartnershipRepresented Defendant homebuilder against claims by a limited partner for breach of contract, fraud and negligence. After completion of discovery, Court awarded Summary Judgment in favor of homebuilder, and claimant surrendered her limited partnership interest in settlement of homebuilder’s counterclaim., 2001
- Pipe threading machine injuryPlaintiff sought damages of $50,000 due to a hand injury on a pipe threading machine. After a two day jury trial, the court finds that the firm’s client, Plaintiff’s employer, was not responsible for the injuries., 2000
- Premises liability - injured in robberyPlaintiff had sought damages of $31,000.00 for injuries suffered during a robbery at an apartment complex. After a three day jury trial, the court finds that the firm’s client, the apartment complex, was not responsible for the injuries., 2000
- Car WreckAfter a one day trial, the court awards a judgment of to the Plaintiffs in connection with injuries they sustained in a car accident with the firm’s client. Plaintiffs had sought a total of $130,000.00, but received $7,500.00, 2000
- Engineering NegligenceAfter a one day trial, the court finds that the firm’s client, an engineering company, was not negligent in connection with a structural engineering inspection for the Plaintiffs. Plaintiffs had sought damages of $46,000.00 for loss of value and estimated repair costs for their home., 2000
- Contractual Child Support from Estate - Appeal Appeals Court holds that firm's client, mother of a child whose father was deceased, should receive contractual child support from the deceased father's estate, in compliance with a court order entered before the father's death., 1999
- Home Inspector; Deceptive Trade PracticesPlaintiffs sued a home inspector, along with the seller and real estate agent, alleging violation of the Deceptive Trade Practices Act. Plaintiffs alleged that the defendants had represented the foundation to be a slab; the foundation was actually a pier & beam foundation, in which the sellers had filled the crawl space filled with concrete, and sought damages of $90,000.00. During the 2nd day of a jury trial, the court awards a directed verdict, finding no liability against the firm’s client, the home inspector., 1999
- Homeowners Association, DTPA Claim. Represented Defendant in contract/negligence/DTPA case against homeowners’ association for foundation movement. Plaintiff sought $100,000 plus attorneys’ fees. Trial court denied any recovery to Plaintiff and awarded Defendant attorneys’ fees. Appeals court affirmed judgment on all issues except the attorneys’ fees award. 7 S.W.3d 663 (Tex. App. -- Houston, [14th Dist.] 1999, no writ)., 1999
- Theft of Trees - Settlement Represented 11 clients in case of trees clear-cut from vacant residential lots., 1997
- Defense of DTPA claim for Termites. Represented Defendant, seller of house, in DTPA case for allegedly concealed termites and termite damage. Plaintiffs sought $200,000, was awarded $7,500, but no recovery due to settlement credit., 1995
- Medical Malpractice. Represented Plaintiff in medical malpractice case. Appeals court reversed summary judgment in favor of one defendant doctor on statute of limitations. 877 S.W.2d 472, (Tex. App.--Houston, [1st Dist.] 1994, no writ). Case ultimately settled for $3.2 Million., 1994
- Dorm Fight. Represented Defendant in dorm fight, in which Defendant threw the only punch. Plaintiff suffered skull fracture and alleged epilepsy. Plaintiff sought $1 Million; jury awarded $30,000, finding Plaintiff 40% negligent., 1993
Representative Clients:
- Tradition Bank, 2003
- K. Hovnanian of Houston II, LLC, d/b/a Brighton Homes , 2001
Scholarly Lectures / Writings:
- Admitted, US District Court, Western District of Texas, 2011
- Board Certified - Civil Trial Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization, 2006
- Real Estate Brokers' License, Texas Real Estate Commission, 1995
- Real Estate Sales License, Texas Real Estate Commission, 1991
- Admitted, US District Court, Southern District of Texas, 1989
Pro bono / Community Service:
- Board Member, Women Contractors Association, 2017
- River Oaks Business Womens' Exchange Club, 2014
- Board Member, Bellaire Business Association, 2014
- Member, Greater Heights Area Chamber of Commerce, 2013
- Greater Houston Builders Association, 2009
- Treasurer, Federation of Houston Professional Women, 2008
- Board Member, Greater Southwest Houston Chamber of Commerce , 2003
- Treasurer, Greenway Plaza Business Networking International, 2003
- Member, Greenway Plaza Business Networking International, 2001
- Member, Houston Association of Realtors, 1991
Honors:
- Teri A Walter is named to the 2024 Texas Super Lawyers list. , Texas Super Lawyers, Thomson Reuters Super Lawyers, 2024
- Walter Law Firm, PC named to the prestigious University of Houston Cougar 100, listing the top 100 fastest growing firms owned or operated by University of Houston graduates , Cougar 100, University of Houston, 2022
- Featured as one of Houston's Top Lawyers, Civil Litigation. , Top Lawyers, 2020, H Town Magazine, 2020
- Ms. Walter was featured as one of Houston's Top Lawyers, Litigation., Top Lawyers, Litigation, Houstonia Magazine, 2017
- Ms. Walter was featured as one of Houston's Top Lawyers, Litigation., Top Lawyers, Litigation, Houstonia Magazine, 2016
- Ms. Walter was featured as one of Houston's Top Lawyers, Litigation., Top Lawyers, Litigation, Houstonia Magazine, 2015
- Ms. Walter was featured as one of Houston's Top Lawyers, Litigation., Top Lawyers, Litigation, Houstonia Magazine, 2014
- Houston Lawyers with "Superb" Rating on AVVO., Top Lawyers, Houstonia Magazine, 2013
- Active Member of Association of Women Attorneys, a member organization, who is outstanding in her field., Women of Excellence Award, Federation of Houston Professional Women, 2008
- Awarded to a member who has been of outstanding service to the Association., Tiffany Star, Association of Women Attorneys, 2006
- Active member of the Southwest Houston Chamber of Commerce that is a positive influence on their community., Movers & Shakers Award, Southwest Houston Chamber of Commerce, 2001
Educational Background:
- University of Houston Law Center, JD, top 25% of class, 1988
- University of Houston, BA - Economics, Magna Cum Laude, 1985
- Des Moines Area Community College, AA - Legal Assistant, 1979
Industry Groups:
- Banking
- Construction
- Real Estate
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