John Eddie Williams, Jr.

Mr. Williams has been practicing law for over 48 years, graduating first in his class at Baylor Law School in 1978, is board certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in personal injury trial law, has tried over 100 cases to verdict, and has led litigation teams in large, multi-party disputes across the United States and internationally. His extensive experience includes product liability/mass tort cases focused on pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices; complex commercial litigation; catastrophic injury cases; major plant explosions; and large-scale matters involving extensive discovery, expert coordination, and significant motion practice.

Earlier in his career, Mr. Williams was one of only five attorneys retained by the State of Texas to represent the State in its landmark litigation against the tobacco industry, resulting in a $17.3 billion recovery—one of the largest settlements in American history. That representation required sophisticated litigation management, strategic coordination with governmental entities, and oversight of complex, resource-intensive proceedings.

Mr. Williams’ career demonstrates sustained success in high-stakes, heavily contested litigation involving complex factual records, sophisticated defense teams, and substantial financial exposure. His trial experience, leadership of large litigation teams, and proven ability to secure extraordinary recoveries position him to effectively serve as class counsel in complex mass tort proceedings.

Nationally and locally, Mr. Williams and his law firm have played a prominent role in the Roundup (Glyphosate) litigation. Along with co-counsel, they have coordinated efforts, taken hundreds of depositions from plaintiffs to expert witnesses to corporate representatives, tried Roundup cases across the country, engaged in extensive motion practice to obtain important evidentiary rulings, and managed cases in multiple jurisdictions. Further, Mr. Williams has played an active role in protecting class interests by opposing unfair prior attempts to resolve the class.

Mr. Williams has demonstrated—not only in his leading role in the Roundup litigation, but also from other high-stakes, complex cases—that he has the experience and skill set to oversee class-wide claims administration fairly and manage litigation resources effectively.

Mr. Williams has tried mass tort cases in state and federal courts across the country. From asbestos to pharmaceuticals, Mr. Williams has obtained multimillion dollar verdicts on behalf of those severely injured. Not only does he work tirelessly on behalf of his clients in the courtroom, but he also plays an important and active role in case resolution and settlement to ensure that those he represents are treated and compensated fairly.

Mr. Williams and his firm have decades of experience in a wide range of mass torts. Mr. Williams, specifically, has had leadership roles in many litigations such as being appointed co-lead in the Marlboro Lights class action in Arkansas, the tobacco litigation representing the state of Texas as explained above, was one of the attorneys leading national efforts against Wyeth Pharmaceuticals in the Fen-Phen diet drug litigation, and against Abbott Laboratories in the Depakote birth defect litigation. Presently, Mr. Williams is leading the charge against rideshare companies representing sexual assault victims.

Mr. Williams and his wife Sheridan feel strongly about helping the community where they live and were born, donating their time and money to many charitable organizations in Houston. They are particularly excited to be involved with the Houston Chronicle’s Goodfellows Fund, which provides new toys for needy children ages two to 10 during the holiday season. John is also a proud member of the Board of Directors for both the Houston Police Foundation and the Houston Astros.