Profile
Mr. Ortega is a bilingual native of San Antonio, Texas. He has litigated thousands of cases nationwide and routinely handles complex, high-exposure, and high-profile disputes for national and international clients. Mr. Ortega's trial practice involves a diverse array of cases with a focus on commercial disputes, transportation, product liability, and oil & gas. Mr. Ortega has served as 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.
Mr. Ortega served as the Executive Vice-President of one of the country's largest privately held truckload companies. Mr. Ortega's experience as a business executive shaped his daily practice as a litigator and mediator. Mr. Ortega also serves as an expert witness for matters involving legal ethics and disciplinary rules, attorney fees, transportation-related issues, and fiduciary responsibilities.
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.
Recognition
The Best Lawyers in America® - Product Liability Litigation - Defendants (2025)
Thomson Reuters | Super Lawyers - Texas Super Lawyer (2013 – 2018)
Scene In S.A. Magazine - Top S.A. Personal Injury (Defense) Attorney
Scene In S.A. Magazine - Best Lawyers in San Antonio
American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys - Client Satisfaction Award
Affiliations
Civic & Professional
State Bar of Texas
State Bar of Michigan
State Bar of Texas Disciplinary Rules Committee, 2015-2016
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 Official Salaries – 2015
Mayor of the Town of Hollywood Park, 2013 – 2014
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, 2004 – 2012
American Inns of Court, 1998 – 2013
Fellowship of Christian Athletes, National Trustee, 2001 – 2010
State Bar of Texas Ethics Committee, 1997 – 1999
News & Insights
News
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
