joSE PORTELA

PARTNER

Having more than 20 years of experience in the trenches as a litigator, Jose has an unmatched reputation as a fierce opponent with significant experience in complex litigation. Jose practices in State and Federal courts throughout the nation. His aggressive style ensures that your case is proceeding in the direction you want and at the pace your case mandates. Relentless effort is a motto he lives by.

Born in Puerto Rico and raised in Dallas, Jose graduated from The American University in Washington D.C. with a double major in Accounting and International Business. He interned with former U.S. Congressman and House Majority Leader Dick Armey in Texas and Washington, D.C. He was an entrepreneur from an early age having owned his own business buying and selling sports memorabilia and created a virtual marketplace for online gaming. After college, Jose then returned home to his high school sweetheart, Jennifer, and attended SMU Dedman School of Law.

Jose began working for a litigation boutique while he was still in law school, and even took an active role in a 3-week trial before graduating. He knew he had found his calling and has remained in the courtroom ever since.

Jose and Jennifer have two sons, Jose M. Portela III and Jacob Thomas Portela. On the weekends, you can find them attending Watermark Church, on the sidelines of football and lacrosse games, or at school functions.

Education

SMU Dedman School of Law
Juris Doctorate
Carl W. Summers Scholar
National Semi-Finalist
Hispanic National Bar Association Moot Court Competition

American University
Bachelor of Business Administration Accounting
Bachelor of Arts International Business

Admissions

State Bar of Texas
U.S. District Courts for the Northern, Eastern, and Western Districts of Texas
U.S. Bankruptcy Courts for the Northern and Eastern Districts of Texas
Central District of California
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth and Ninth Circuit

Affiliations

Dallas Bar Association
State Bar of Texas