Foley Expands Texas Presence and Capabilities Across Key Sectors with Addition of Three Attorneys

Foley & Lardner LLP bolstered its Texas presence with the addition of three seasoned attorneys across its Litigation and Business Law Departments. Trey McDonald and James McFall join the firm’s Houston and Dallas offices, respectively, as partners in the Business Litigation & Dispute Resolution Practice and Innovative Technology Sector. Ronald Green, an of counsel with extensive experience in public finance, recently joined the firm’s Finance Practice Group in Houston.

“We are pleased to welcome Trey, James, and Ronald to Foley. Their addition underscores our commitment to expanding our capabilities in Texas and across key industries and sectors,” said Daljit Doogal, chair and CEO of Foley. “Trey and James bring invaluable experience and insights that enhance our ability to serve clients effectively, particularly in complex litigation disputes across industries such as sports, entertainment, and technology. Ronald’s tenure as city controller and CFO for the City of Houston is instrumental in expanding our public finance capabilities. Collectively, they are exceptional additions to our team, aligning seamlessly with our strategy to attract top lateral talent and bolster our presence in key markets.”

McDonald brings extensive experience in media, sports, entertainment, trademark, and complex commercial litigation, with a particular focus on First Amendment, Lanham Act claims, false advertising, endorsement deals, publishing, and the emerging name, image, and likeness (NIL) law. His clients have included Savannah and Bronny James, global supermodel Jasmine Tookes, C.J. Stroud, Micah Parsons, NFL super agent David Mulugheta, Dr. Mehmet Oz, and Sony Pictures Television, Inc. McDonald has handled a range of high-profile cases, including representing media personalities and companies in trademark dilution lawsuits, false endorsement and trademark dilution claims, and unfair competition and false advertising lawsuits. Additionally, he has extensive experience counseling elite professional athletes and family offices as they navigate various business endeavors. 

McFall’s practice focuses on media, sports, entertainment, and complex commercial litigation, encompassing cases involving alleged fraud, tortious interference, breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, and theft of trade secrets. He has represented large national banks and financial institutions in a variety of matters, including multimillion-dollar disputes. McFall has also advised clients in First Amendment media and entertainment litigation, successfully handling disputes involving libel, defamation, and misappropriation of likeness. Additionally, he has extensive experience representing professional athletes and sports franchises in commercial disputes.

In a joint statement, McDonald and McFall said, “We are thrilled to become part of Foley’s esteemed team and contribute to its national platform. Foley’s sector-driven approach and commitment to assembling top-tier teams to serve clients particularly appealed to us as we look to expand our practices. We look forward to collaborating with our new colleagues and leveraging the firm’s resources and deep industry knowledge to deliver exceptional results for our clients.”

Green focuses his practice on a wide variety of matters, such as corporate governance, public-private partnerships, government relations, and public, project, and bond financings. Before going into private practice, he served as a member of the Houston city council for six years, followed by six years as the city controller and chief financial officer. In that capacity, he led the issuance and refinancing of more than $15.5 billion in tax-exempt and $2.3 billion in taxable bonds, including more than $3.2 billion in conduit financing.

McDonald and McFall come to Foley from Jackson Walker LLP, where they were members of its Trial & Appellate Litigation Practice. Green, who the firm welcomed last month, joined from Jones Walker LLP.