Michael Kawalek
Forged in Trial. Refined on Appeal.
Although Michael began his career as a bet-the-business trial lawyer, an appellate practice was inevitable.
Two of his primary talents—creative thinking and compelling writing—are uniquely suited for the appellate field. Michael represents both individual and institutional clients across a variety of state and federal courts of appeals.
Because a successful appeal begins long before the trial court enters judgment, Michael does not limit his practice to appellate courts. He also offers clients strategic litigation support, working closely with trial counsel throughout all stages of litigation, most often by preparing jury charges and handling substantive motion practice, both pretrial and post-judgment. Michael will work as a member of a trial team to ensure error is preserved, no legal theory is waived, and the client maintains its full complement of appellate challenges should the jury get it wrong.
EDUCATION
J.D., The University of Texas School of Law
Editor, The Review of Litigation
Member, Board of Advocates
Broillet Endowed Presidential Scholarship in Law
A.B., Politics, Princeton University
Specialization in Political Philosophy
Writer/Editor, Tiger Magazine
Rockefeller College Council
Men’s Basketball Team
COURT ADMISSIONS
The Supreme Court of the United States of America
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit
U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Texas
U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
U.S. District Court, Western District of Texas
State Bar of Texas
PEER RECOGNITION
2020–23 “Rising Star,” Texas Super Lawyers
2018 “Best Lawyers Under 40,” D Magazine
ACTIVITIES & AFFILIATIONS
Texas Supreme Court Historical Society
Dallas Bar Association, Appellate Section
Princeton Alumni Association of Dallas