Ryan Paulsen

Counsel Dallas

T + 1 214.651.5714

F +1 214.200.0683

[email protected]

Biography

Ryan Paulsen is a seasoned appellate attorney with a proven track record of success in high-stakes litigation. Building on a foundation of academic excellence and a hands-on judicial clerkship, Ryan has established a successful appellate practice representing clients from a variety of industries in both state and federal court.

Ryan has secured reversals of multimillion-dollar judgments, obtained dismissals in challenging personal injury and defamation cases, and helped shape legal precedent through impactful amicus briefs. His work spans industries from media and entertainment to transportation and energy. Clients and colleagues alike value Ryan’s analytical insights, concise writing, and persuasive advocacy.

Ryan also values serving in the community. Working pro bono, Ryan helped one client overturn an order of dismissal on appeal to the Fifth Circuit and enabled another client and his family to obtain refuge from political oppression in their home country. He has drafted several influential amicus briefs raising religious liberty issues on behalf of a diverse range of religious organizations. Ryan also actively serves in his local church congregation.

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: Filed amicus brief to inform the Texas Supreme Court of negative consequences to the railroad industry stemming from a decision on prescriptive easements involving railroad crossings. Albert v. Fort Worth & Western RR. Co., No. 22-0424 (Tex. 2024).

Obtained forum non conveniens dismissal of a personal injury case at the trial court following briefing, oral argument, and remand by the Texas Supreme Court. In re Pinnergy, Ltd., No. 23-0777 (Tex. 2024).

Convinced the Fifth Circuit to affirm the district court's dismissal of untimely claims filed by intervenors in long-completed litigation. Stewart v. Hill, No. 23-10111 (5th Cir. 2024).

Filed amicus brief on behalf of media trade organizations in favor of petition for review that successfully overturned lower court findings and resulted in dismissal of defamation claims against a local newspaper. Polk County Publishing Co. v. Coleman, 685 S.W.3d 71 (Tex. 2024).

Filed amicus brief explaining the potential harm of the district court and panel opinions to Jewish religious practices. Belya v. Kapral, 59 F.4th 570 (2d Cir. 2023).

Obtained affirmance of trial court order dismissing claims based on charitable contributions pursuant to the Texas Citizens Participation Act (TCPA). Hill v. Keliher, No. 01-20-00419-CV, 2022 WL 3031620 (Tex. App.--Houston [1st Dist.] 2022, no pet.).

Obtained a take-nothing judgment reversing a $1.2 million damage award in a case alleging defamation based on a single Yelp post. Gharavi v. Khademazad, No. 05-20-00083-CV (Tex. App.—Dallas Feb. 26, 2021, no pet.).

Filed amicus brief explaining the potential harm of the lower court opinion to Jewish religious practices in underlying mandamus proceeding that resulted in successful dismissal of the lawsuit. In re Diocese of Lubbock, 624 S.W.3d 506 (Tex. 2021).

Persuaded the Texas Supreme Court to vacate a $16.5 million judgment and deny injunctive relief in a highly contentious trade secret dispute. Pike v. Texas EMC Management, LLC, 610 S.W.3d 763 (Tex. 2020).

Filed amicus brief addressing the constitutionality of private religious expression on government property in underlying case that resulted in vacatur and reversal of the adverse district court judgment. City of Pensacola v. Kondrat'yev, No. 18-351 (2019).

Convinced the Texas Supreme Court to affirm a take-nothing judgment dismissing defamation claims with prejudice. Reyes v. D Magazine Partners, LP, 571 S.W.3d 753 (Tex. 2019).

Obtained take-nothing judgment on various tort claims arising out of a failed drug test administered pursuant to the client’s drug safety program. Exxon Mobil Corp. v. Rincones, (Tex. 2017).

Reversed summary judgment and revived antitrust claims based on evidence of concerted action by defendant hospitals. Medical Center at Elizabeth Place, LLC v. Atrium Health System, 817 F.3d 934 (6th Cir. 2016).

Invalidated a $29 million liquidated damages provision in a renewable energy contract. FPL Energy, LLC v. TXU Portfolio Mgmt. Co., 426 S.W.3d 59 (Tex. 2014).

Obtained a permanent injunction on appeal to protect client’s trade secrets after previously securing a jury verdict and judgment awarding damages on trade secret and related claims. Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. v. Axis Technologies, LLC, 444 S.W.3d 251 (Tex. App.—Dallas 2014, no pet.).

Affirmed summary judgment in favor of corporate client in stock option backdating case brought by the Securities and Exchange Commission. SEC v. Bartek, 484 F. App’x 949 (5th Cir. 2012).

After filing of opening appellate briefs, opponent agreed to settle commercial dispute for almost $200 million less than its judgment. i2 Technologies, Inc. v. Dillards, Cause No. 05-10-01645-CV (Tex. App.—Dallas 2011).

Reversed a jury verdict on employment discrimination claims and affirmed a judgment notwithstanding the verdict on retaliation and hostile work environment claims. Southwestern Bell Telephone LP v. Edwards, 2011 WL 3672288 (Tex. App.—Dallas Aug. 23, 2011, no pet.).

Revived civil rights claim dismissed by the district court. McMillan v. Richmond, 400 F. App’x 878 (5th Cir. 2010).

Obtained remittitur in the district court prior to appeal, reducing punitive damages award by $77.6 million. IRCC, et al. v. Harold Simmons, et al., 192nd Judicial District Court, Dallas, Texas (2009).
: State Bar of Texas, Appellate Section

Dallas Bar Association, Appellate Council Member, 2019-Present

J. Reuben Clark Law Society
: "Texas Supreme Court Provides Important Guidance on the Attorney-Client Privilege," co-author, The Texas Lawbook, July 6, 2023.

"Amicus Briefs in Texas Appellate Courts," panelist, UT CLE's 31st Annual Conference on State and Federal Appeals, June 2021.

"Amicus Practice in the Texas Appellate Courts," co-author, UT CLE's 31st Annual Conference on State and Federal Appeals, June 2021.

"Amicus Practice at the Texas Supreme Court," co-author, The Texas Law Book, April 29, 2020.

"Plain Text Interpretation: Theory and Practice in the Texas Courts," co-author with Andrew Guthrie, The Advocate, Volume 71, Summer 2015.

"Mandamus: The Hurdles to Relief," co-author with Karen Precella, State Bar of Texas Civil Appellate Practice 101, September 5, 2012.

"United States Supreme Court Update," The Appellate Advocate, Vol. 22, No. 3, Spring 2010 ?– Present

"Mohawk: Limited Interlocutory Review of Federal Court Orders to Disclose Potentially Privileged Attorney-Client Information," Karen Precella and Ryan Paulsen,The Appellate Advocate, Vol. 22, No. 4, Summer 2010.
: Education
J.D., The University of Texas School of Law, 2007, with high honors; Order of the Coif
B.S., Brigham Young University, 2003, magna cum laude
Clerkships
Justice Don R. Willett, Supreme Court of Texas (2007-2008)
Languages
Spanish
Admissions
Texas
Court Admissions
United States Supreme Court
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan