TRACK RECORD OF LEADERSHIP AS AN ATTORNEY, EDUCATOR AND COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER

    Paul K. Stafford received his Bachelor of Science (Political Science) from Texas A&M University in 1990, and his J.D. from Texas Tech School of Law in 1994. He is licensed in all four Texas Federal District Courts (Northern, Southern, Eastern, and Western). He has served the Dallas community as an attorney, civic leader and community volunteer for all of his adult life.

    Paul’s legal career is extensive. Early in his career, he served as an Assistant Criminal District Attorney in both Denton and Dallas counties. Afterwards, as a civil litigator, he worked at a large law firm, and he then operated his own private law boutique for ten years. He is now a seasoned litigator with Thompson & Knight LLP.

    Paul has been voted by his peers as a “Super Lawyer” every year for approximately 15 years, and has been recognized by local, state, and national publications. He is also the only African-American male to serve as President of both the J.L.Turner Legal Association (2002) and the Dallas Bar Association (2012).

    Paul has also served as an Adjunct Professor at Texas Tech University School of Law (Insurance Law; Client Counseling & Negotiations; Trial Advocacy), 2002-present, and as an Adjunct Professor at Texas A&M University School of Law (Real Lawyer Basics; Texas Pre-Trial Procedure), 2019.

    Paul focuses his practice primarily on civil litigation, torts, complex commercial and business litigation, and insurance policyholder and coverage litigation; he also has experience in data privacy & cyber-security matters, intellectual property and technology litigation, labor and employment, and corporate matters.

    During his career, Paul has tried more than 200 cases to verdict, including approximately 100 criminal cases (primarily violent crimes, drugs, organized crime, and white collar) as a former state prosecutor in two Texas counties (Denton & Dallas Counties) and as a defense attorney, as well as approximately 100 civil cases (including insurance, business and complex commercial litigation, and intellectual property litigation).

    Paul is a frequent speaker and lecturer, and has written and presented numerous articles, papers, and CLE presentations on insurance, e-discovery, cyber-security and litigation. Clients trust Paul with their most sensitive matters because of his ability to implement a comprehensive representation strategy that mitigates the collateral consequences that can be associated with complex civil and criminal matters.

    Paul brings that same trusted commitment to his service to the community. He is actively involved with DISD schools and numerous community organizations, including Habitat for Humanity, Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, and Camp John Marc, as well as providing service and financial assistance through his professional involvement.

    SELECTED COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES AND HONORS

    Honoree, D Magazine Best Lawyer, 2019

    Founder, Communities Organized for Fairness, Equity & Empowerment, 2018

    Member, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas Board, 2017-2019

    Coach, Booker T. Washington Mock Trial Team, 2016-2019

    Member, Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas Business & Advisory Council, 2012-2014

    Honoree, Top-Five Commercial Litigator, Texas Lawyer, 2012

    Honoree, Thomson Reuters Super Lawyers, 2010, 2012

    Honoree, Thomson Reuters Texas Super Lawyer, 2008-2019

    Honoree, Eclipses Magazine Most Dynamic Lawyers in Dallas, 2008

    Big Brother, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Dallas, 2007-2010

    Honoree, Thompson Reuters Rising Stars, 2005-2007

    Member, German Marshall Fund Board of Trustees, 2009-2017

    Member, Dallas Bar Foundation Board of Trustees, 2005-2013

    Multiple Leadership Roles, Dallas Bar Association, 2001-2019

    President, Dallas Bar Association, 2012

    President, JL Turner Legal Association, 2002

    Multiple Leadership Roles, State Bar of Texas, 1995-2019

    Co-Founder, Texas A&M University Black Former Students, 2001-2019

    Member, Texas Tech Law School Foundation Board of Trustees, 2012-2019

    Co-Founder, Texas Tech Law School Black Law Students Assoc., 1991

    Honoree, Texas A&M Presidential Achievement Award, 1990

    Honoree, Who's Who Among Texas A&M Greeks (Alpha Phi Alpha), 1990