Profile
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 transportation, product liability, oil gas & natural resources, commercial disputes, and construction. Mr. Ortega has 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.
Recognition
Top S.A. Personal Injury (Defense) Attorney, Scene In S.A. Magazine, 2020
“Best Lawyers in San Antonio”, Scene by Scene Publications LLC, 2020
Client Satisfaction Award, American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys, 2016
Texas Super Lawyer, Thomson Reuters Legal, 2013 – Present
Affiliations
Civic & Professional
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
News & Insights
Speaking Engagements
“Premier Forum on Defending and Managing Trucking Litigation”, American Conference Institute, Panel Co-Moderator
“Federal Court Jurisdiction, Venue and Removal”, Western District of Texas Seminar, Speaker
“Lemon Law and Warranty Issues”, Kia Motors America Seminar, Keynote Speaker
Transportation Industry Defense Association, Returning Panelist
Capabilities
Admissions
- State Bar of Texas, 1994
- State Bar of Michigan, 2000
- 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
Education
Drake University Law School, J.D., 1993
Texas A&M University, B.A., 1989