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Overview

A business litigation attorney with a construction focus, Jarett helps clients involved in disputes by focusing on the central issue and not the emotionally charged and oftentimes costly distractions they can generate.

Jarett supports businesses with disputes that range from construction projects to general breach of contact matters. He drafts and negotiates engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contracts, designed to protect clients undertaking complex commercial, energy, and renewable energy projects by ensuring services are delivered safely, reliably, and efficiently. Well-versed in mechanic’s lien disputes, clients also rely on him to resolve issues created by work performed by other parties that is defective, not completed to specification, or otherwise disrupts progress—whether through litigation, arbitration, or other strategies that make the most business sense.

In his broader commercial practice, Jarett negotiates myriad agreements and represents plaintiffs and defendants in litigation resulting from their breaches. He has handled arbitrations and led national commercial litigation efforts, including but not limited to claims related to commercial contract disputes, real estate disputes, and private disputes pertaining to regulations enforced by federal, state, and local governments. Jarett provides clients with ongoing legal counsel on compliance issues.

A decorated NCAA Division I athlete who played professionally in the National Football League prior to law school, Jarett served as a fellow of the City of Philadelphia’s Office of the Mayor in the offseason. During this formative time, he conceptualized a program that aims to lower recidivism by financially incentivizing employers to hire the previously incarcerated, as well as those reintegrated citizens who complete their assignments. Known for his listening skills and team-oriented approach—qualities he honed on the gridiron—Jarett continues to find creative solutions by having honest, straightforward conversations with clients about their challenges, then developing and executing gameplans that successfully address them.

Industry

Services

Recognition

  • Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America
    • Construction Law, 2021-2025
    • Litigation – Construction, 2021-2025

Education

  • J.D., South Texas College of Law
  • B.A., Rice University
    • All-America Recipient
    • College Football Hall of Fame

Admissions

  • Texas
  • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas
  • U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
  • U.S. District Court, Western District of Texas

Professional Memberships and Certifications

  • National Association of Minority Contractors
  • State Bar of Texas, Construction Section
  • Houston Bar Association
Experience
  • Successfully achieved summary judgment in arbitration under the statute of repose against a titan in global energy.
  • Obtained a favorable summary motion ruling on removing an invalid mechanic's lien filed against an affordable housing development in Texas.
  • Successfully defended against a temporary injunction seeking to enjoin a contractor from performing its scope of work on multiple real estate ventures and maintenance contracts.
  • Prepared detailed briefing regarding the Residential Construction Liability Act and its limitations associated with residential construction lawsuits.
Outside the Office

A proud father to three beautiful children—two daughters and a son—Jarett can be found in the stands, supporting them at their volleyball, basketball, T-ball, track and swim meets, as well as at their ballet and jazz dance recitals and competitions. When time permits, he also takes to the links.

Jarett met his wife, a physician, during their senior year of high school. The couple, who have been married since 2012, are foodies who delight in Thai fare.

Jarett remains involved in football and is an active member of the NFLPA Former Players Houston Chapter and the Rice Owl Club, the fundraising arm of Rice Athletics. Jarett visits his former team, the Jacksonville Jaguars, annually to speak to current players about transitioning to professional careers after football.

Community Leadership
  • City of Houston Contract Compliance Commission, Board Member
  • LEAD (Letting Everyone Achieve Dreams) Houston, Co-chair
  • TaxAct Texas Bowl, Former Committee Chair

Jarett is deeply committed to helping the disadvantaged and offers legal advice to indigent clients on issues including civil, family, probate, estate, and criminal disputes through the Houston Bar Association’s LegalLine. His pro bono accomplishments include:

  • Successfully representing a victim of Hurricane Harvey that devastated Houston, Texas, against a contractor seeking to recover damages for unperformed work.
  • Successfully representing an indigent client against an employer who challenged the client’s unemployment benefits after experiencing a clear and apparent layoff.