Title: Member
Mr. Ortega is a bilingual native of San Antonio, Texas. He routinely handles
complex, high-exposure and high-profile disputes and litigation for national
and international clients. Mr. Ortega’s trial practice involves
a diverse array of cases with a focus on commercial disputes, oil &
gas, transportation, construction and product liability. Mr. Ortega has
served as litigation and lead trial counsel for clients in a broad range
of matters. He has tried to verdict a variety of cases, and he serves
as national and regional counsel litigating cases across the southern
United States.
Mr. Ortega served as the Executive Vice-President of one of the largest,
privately held truckload companies in the country. As a result of this
experience, Mr. Ortega represents transportation companies, brokers and
logistics firms with issues involving commercial transportation, federal
and state safety regulations, independent contractors, insurance coverage,
freight claims, border issues and employment matters. Mr. Ortega’s
experience as a business executive has given him significant insight to
corporate operation that has shaped his daily practice as a litigator,
mediator, and expert witness.
Mr. Ortega is recognized by Martindale-Hubbell as an AV Preeminent attorney,
and he has been selected as a Texas Super Lawyer (top five percent) from
2013 to present. He is also retained as an expert witness in cases involving
professional liability and attorney fees.
Areas of Practice
Transportation Liability
Oil and Gas
Product Liability
Commercial Litigation
Mediator
Bar Admissions
Texas, 1994
Michigan, 2000
U.S. District Court Southern District of Texas
U.S. District Court Western District of Texas
U.S. District Court Northern District of Texas
U.S. District Court Eastern District of Texas
Education
Drake University Law School, Des Moines, Iowa
J.D. – 1993
Texas A&M University, Texas
B.A. – 1989
Honors and Awards
Top S.A. Personal Injury (Defense) Attorney, Scene In S.A. Magazine, 2020
Listed, “Best Lawyers in San Antonio”, 2020 (based on poll
of practicing attorneys and as published in Scene by Scene Publications LLC)
Texas Super Lawyer, Thomson Reuters Legal, 2013 – Present
Panel Co-Moderator – “Premier Forum on Defending and Managing
Trucking Litigation.” American Conference Institute, Chicago, 2011
Speaker – “Federal Court Jurisdiction, Venue and Removal.”
Western District of Texas Seminar, 2011
Keynote Speaker – “Lemon Law and Warranty Issues.” Kia
Motors America Seminar, 2004 – 2014
Panelist for (Transportation Industry Defense Association) 2007
Professional Associations and Memberships
State Bar of Texas
State Bar of Michigan
State Bar of Texas Disciplinary Rules Committee, 2015
State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting Committee, 2014 – 2015
State Bar of Texas Pattern Jury Charge Committee, 2010 – 2014
Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation, 2013 – Present
Bexar County Advisory Committee on Elected Officials Salaries – 2015
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, 2004 – 2012
American Inns of Court, 1998 – 2013
Mayor of the Town of Hollywood Park, 2013 – 2014
Fellowship of Christian Athletes, National Trustee, 2001 – 2010
State Bar of Texas Ethics Committee, 1997 – 1999