Jo Ann Merica | Litigation Attorney

Education

University of Texas School of Law, Austin

J.D., 1984
University of Texas at Austin

B.A., 1981, magna cum laude

Bar Admissions

Texas, 1984

Jo Ann is a recipient of the Austin Bar Foundation's Distinguished Lawyer Award. She has regularly been selected for inclusion in the Texas Super Lawyers List, a Thompson Reuters service, since 2009, and has taught Trial Advocacy as an adjunct professor at the University of Texas School of Law since 1993.

What types of matters do you work on most often?

I work mostly on claims that have or will become lawsuits. But if I can find a path that keeps a client out of the courthouse, that is usually the best outcome for them.
How are you involved in your community?

I have a long history of service in the community through direct volunteering and organized Bar leadership. My favorite project was as co-chair of Texas Lawyers for Texas Veterans, a State Bar program that established pro bono advice clinics around the state to serve Texas veterans.
What types of clients do you represent?

I represent individuals, small businesses and large entities.

Select Matters

Right of first refusal: Representation of owner against subsequent purchaser regarding enforcement of ROFR.
Easement: Representation of landlocked landowner against adjacent commercial property.
Restrictive Covenants: Representation of business in litigation regarding scope of restrictive covenants and permitted businesses in subdivision.
Construction Defects: Representation of residential homeowner in new construction of multi-million dollar home.
Contract Dispute: Representation of aviation company in litigation concerning sale of jet engine.
Real estate brokerage: Representation of agent in suit regarding representations regarding condition of real property.
Joint venture: Representation of managing venturer in family-owned joint venture regarding ownership, reimbursement and distribution of proceeds from sale of commercial property.
Construction Defect: Representation of home builder in condominium construction suit.
Credit Union: Representation of credit union in breach of presentment warranty litigation and contract dispute with service provider.

News

Credentials

Education

University of Texas School of Law, Austin, J.D., 1984
University of Texas at Austin, B.A., 1981, magna cum laude

Courts

Supreme Court of Texas
U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit
U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas
U.S. District Court, Western District of Texas
U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas

Bar Admissions

Texas, 1984

Professional Affiliations

State Bar of Texas, Board of Directors, 2010-2013
Texas Bar Foundation, Trustee, 2013-2016
Austin Bar Foundation, Chair 2008
Austin Bar Association, President 2007-08
Texas Young Lawyers Association, President, 1998-99
Austin Young Lawyers Association, 1993
State Bar of Texas Court Rules Committee, 2003-2007

Awards & Accolades

Distinguished Lawyer Award, Austin Bar Foundation 2019
David H. Walter Community Excellence Award, Austin Bar Foundation 2017
Pathfinder Award, Travis County Women Lawyer’s Association, 2015
Outstanding Alumnus Award, Austin Young Lawyers Association, 2013
Presidential Citation, State Bar of Texas, 2011, 2013
Colonel Bryan S. Spencer Award, State Bar of Texas, 2013
Women of Influence, Austin Business Journal, 2011
Judge Sam Williams Award, State Bar of Texas, 2010-2011
Texas Veteran’s Commission Leadership Award, May 2011
Texas Law Fellowships Interest in Public Service Award, 2004
Distinguished Service Award, City of Austin Ethics Review Committee, 2004