Paul L. Mitchell

Paul L. Mitchell: Experienced Commercial Litigator and Corporate Investigations Attorney in Houston, Texas

Paul Mitchell is an experienced commercial litigator and corporate investigations attorney with a diverse litigation practice focused primarily on representing companies in the energy sector. He has extensive experience in both state and federal courts, including oil and gas (upstream, midstream, and downstream), general commercial, construction, real estate, employment, copyright, and trademark litigation. Mr. Mitchell has handled a wide range of contested matters involving claims of breach of contract, tortious interference, fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, covenants not to compete, executive compensation agreements, copyright and trademark infringement, among other matters.

Practice Areas

• Commercial Litigation
• Energy Law
• Litigation - Construction

Mr. Mitchell's experience in corporate investigations has included representation of corporations and audit committees in investigations and disclosures to the SEC and DOJ of transactions implicating the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, investigations of alleged internal wrongdoing, investigations of alleged violations of the antitrust laws, and investigations on behalf of special litigation committees in connection with shareholder derivative actions.

Mr. Mitchell is an experienced trial lawyer with a diverse litigation practice and brings that big-firm experience to his work for clients at Hicks Thomas. For two decades prior to joining Hicks Thomas, Mr. Mitchell was a partner at Baker Botts LLP and Andrews Kurth LLP, two of the oldest and most respected law firms in Texas.

Mr. Mitchell has extensive experience in both state and federal courts, including oil and gas (upstream, midstream, and downstream), general commercial, construction, real estate, employment, copyright, and trademark litigation. He has prosecuted and defended cases involving claims of breach of contract, tortious interference, fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, covenants not to compete, executive compensation agreements, copyright and trademark infringement, among other matters.

Mr. Mitchell’s experience in corporate investigations has included representation of corporations and audit committees in investigations and disclosures to the SEC and DOJ of transactions implicating the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, investigations of alleged internal wrongdoing, investigations of alleged violations of the antitrust laws, and investigations on behalf of special litigation committees in connection with shareholder derivative actions.

Awards

• Recognized: Commercial Litigation
• Recognized: Energy Law
• Recognized: Litigation - Construction
• Practice Area: Arbitration
• Recognized in Lawdragon’s 500 Leading Energy Lawyers (2024-2025)
• Recognized in Lawdragon’s 500 Leading Litigators in America (2023-2026)
• Best Lawyers in America (2019-2026)
• Texas Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters (2005-2007, 2012-2025)
• AV Preeminent Rating by Martindale-Hubbell

Firms

• Hicks Thomas LLP - Recognized Since: Recognized in Best Attorney USA since 2019, Current Firm

Mr. Mitchell attended the following universities:

• University of Houston
• Rice University

Affiliations

• Hicks Thomas LLP - Recognized Since: Recognized in Best Attorney USA since 2019, Current Firm

Mr. Mitchell's languages include:

• English

Recognized Since

• Recognized in Best Attorney USA since 2019

Peter represents clients from Houston, Texas and across the United States. He is a member of various legal organizations including:

• Mortgage Bankers Association
• Texas Bar Association
• Energy Law Section of the American Bar Association

Peter’s areas of focus are diverse and cover all aspects of business litigation, with particular emphasis on commercial disputes. He has extensive experience in both state and federal courts, including oil and gas (upstream, midstream, and downstream), general commercial, construction, real estate, employment, copyright, and trademark litigation.

Mr. Mitchell’s corporate investigations practice covers a wide range of matters, including investigations related to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, internal wrongdoing, violations of antitrust laws, and shareholder derivative actions. He has handled numerous cases and provided strategic advice to clients on how to navigate complex legal issues and disputes.

Mr. Mitchell is known for his ability to bring a practical approach to litigation while maintaining a deep understanding of the law and its application in real-world situations. His experience as a trial lawyer allows him to effectively advocate for his clients' interests, whether in state or federal court.