Jason Johns

Shareholder

Contact

T (713) 961-9045

F (713) 961-5341

Jason Johns brings a wealth of expertise in construction law, transactional matters, and dispute resolution to WKPZ. With a successful track record of deftly handling complex construction matters, Jason is committed to achieving favorable outcomes for his clients. His pragmatic approach and deep understanding of business operations make him an excellent strategic partner for his clients.

Jason advises clients on all construction phases, from contract drafting and negotiation to preconstruction, dispute avoidance, project recovery, and dispute resolution. By forging personal connections with his clients, Jason implements legal solutions tailored to their specific circumstances. He understands his clients’ business models and needs, and his dedication to client success is unwavering. Jason values responsiveness, first and foremost, and his result-oriented mindset drives his case-specific strategies. His practice primarily focuses on representing owners and developers. He has extensive experience handling multifamily construction defect claims, resulting in multiple multimillion-dollar recoveries for his clients, and has negotiated countless construction transactions of $50,000,000 or more. Jason has significant experience representing developers and equity partners in build-to-suit transactions. He also represents lenders, general contractors, and subcontractors in various construction law issues, including contract negotiation, payment issues, and mechanic’s liens.

Before joining WKPZ in 2019, Jason was a partner at Jackson Walker, LLP in Houston, Texas. He also served in the active-duty Air Force from 1992-2000, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant. During this time, Jason worked primarily on F-15, A-10, C-130, and F-16 fighters, where his responsibilities included aircraft maintenance and non-destructive inspection. His service in the military instilled discipline and attention to detail.

In addition to his legal prowess, Jason Johns leads a rich and fulfilling personal life. He is a devoted family man, sharing his days with his wife, two sons, a daughter, and three delightful Yorkies—Fiona, Clarabelle, and Peppa. Jason has a unique passion for old-school horror films. So, when he’s not drafting contracts or advocating for his clients, Jason can be found huddled on the couch, popcorn in hand, ready to watch a thriller with his pups by his side.

Bar Admissions

State Bar of Texas
U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Texas
U.S. District Court, Western District of Texas
U.S. District Court for the District of North Dakota
Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals

Education

J.D., Texas Tech University School of Law
B.A., Valdosta State University, magna cum laude
Lead Articles Editor, Texas Tech Law Review, 2003

Additional Information

Rising Star, Thomson Reuters, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014
Top Lawyers, H Texas magazine, 2010
Lead Articles Editor, Texas Tech Law Review, 2003

Memberships

State Bar of Texas, Construction Law Section
Houston Bar Association, Construction Law Section

Representative Experience

Successfully defended contractor in a lawsuit brought by an owner asserting claims of defective/deficient work in multifamily property. The owner sought approximately $20 Million in damages. After a three-week arbitration the owner was only awarded $1,300,000 and Jason’s client was awarded $1,700,000 on its counterclaim. The $1,300,000 was paid by insurance, resulting in a net recovery for the client of $1,700,000 after facing a $20,000,000 claim.
Prosecuted owner’s claims for defective/deficient work and design on a multifamily property, resulting in a $11,6000,000.
Successfully represented any owner’s claims for water instruction and defective balcony construction on a multifamily property in College Station, Texas resulting in a $4,700,000 settlement for the client.
Recovered $18,000,000 for a remediation contractor as a result of work done following Hurricane Isaac. This involved a large, complex dispute between his client, an insurance company and a chemical facility.
Represented multifamily developers and owners in over $2 Billion in transactions.
Represented a large, multifamily REIT in connection with construction defect claims to the façade, balconies, and roof of a Class A project. The client recovered over $7,000,000 to cover its damages and attorneys’ fees.
Recovered $2,000,000 in for a remediation contractor based on amounts due to an oil spill in Galveston Bay.
Represented a hotel owner in connection with subcontractor lien claims and general contractor change order claims totaling over $2.5 million. The general contractor’s claims were dismissed in full, and the client recovered 100% of its attorneys’ fees.
Represented a general contractor in arbitration on its claims against a roofing subcontractor regarding a breach of contract and construction defects related to a City of Houston fire station. Obtained a judgment for the full amount sought and the arbitrator did not award the subcontractor any money on its counterclaims.
Represented a New York-based private equity real estate firm in connection with claims related to contractor theft and misappropriation of trust funds in the amount of over $4,000,000. The client recovered all the misappropriated funds as well as 100% of its attorneys’ fees.
Represented owner in a multi-million-dollar arbitration in connection with delay, change order, and differing site conditions claims on major industrial project to expand a client’s current facilities.
Represented lender in connection with favorable settlements of more than $1,000,000 in lien claims associated with large residential development.
Represented the owner of a multifamily complex in Houston, Texas in connection with construction defect claims involving balconies. The client recovered 100% of the cost to rebuild the balconies as well as its attorneys’ fees.

Practice Areas

Construction

Litigation