Edward Fernandes is nationally recognized for his representation of domestic and international clients. Mr. Fernandes' practice focuses on complex business litigation, financial services transactions, legal and accounting malpractice, patent litigation and trade secrets, securities, and bankruptcy disputes in both state and federal courts across the United States.
Relevant Experience 
Significant Trial ExperienceRepresented one of the nation's largest specialty chemical companies in a six-week trade secret jury trial against a competitor resulting in a $152 million jury verdict for the client. The verdict was identified by The National Law Journal as one of the 10 largest verdicts in the U.S. in 2006.
Represented a major U.S. bank in a $400 million fraud case brought by a Mexican pharmaceutical company resulting in a jury verdict for the client after a multi-week jury trial and awarding the client $2 million in attorneys' fees.
Represented a major manufacturer in a $270 million antitrust lawsuit resulting in a directed verdict for the client after seven weeks of trial.
Represented a major venture capital firm in a $300 million breach of contract case by a Spanish-language television station resulting in a jury verdict for the client.
Represented a major U.S. bank in a four-week trial successfully defending an action by the FDIC seeking $1.2 billion in damages.
Other Relevant Experience
Represented a major international software company in connection with a $1.3 billion patent infringement and trade secret dispute.
Represented one of the nation's largest accounting firms in connection with a $500 million negligence/malpractice lawsuit.
Represented one of the nation's largest utility companies in the defense of a $200 million class action.
Represented a major law firm in an $80 million class action involving claims of aiding and abetting securities violations.
Represented one of the nation's largest medical devices manufacturers in connection with a $1 billion patent infringement and trade secrets case.
Represented one of the nation's largest banks in a suit by 54 foreign investors alleging fraud and aiding and abetting securities violations and seeking more than $27 million.
Represented a global leader in the power industry in connection with a $58 million dispute involving property damage and lost profits.
Represented a bankruptcy trustee in a highly publicized bankruptcy case involving one of the nation's largest mortgage fraud cases.
Represented an international telecommunications provider in a $15 million fraud claim.
Background
- Texas Bar Foundation, Board of Trustees, Chair (2010-2011)
- Texas Appleseed, Board of Directors (2007-Present)
- State Bar of Texas, LeadershipSBOT Steering Committee (2010-2011)
- State Bar of Texas, Director (2005-2008)
- Houston Bar Association, Director (1996-2000)
- University of Houston School of Law, Adjunct Professor (1991-1994)
Membership
- State Bar of Texas
- Massachusetts Bar Association
- Admitted to practice before the U.S. Courts of Appeals for the 1st and 5th Circuits and the district courts of Texas and Massachusetts
Awards and Professional Recognition
Recognized by The National Law Journal in its annual 2004 feature "Winning" ranking that profiles the nation's top 10 litigators
Recognized as one of "The 50 Most Influential Minority Lawyers in America" by The National Law Journal (2008)
Recognized as a Texas "Super Lawyer" in a survey of his peers for the years 2004-2009
Education - J.D., Columbia University School of Law, 1983
- B.A., Dartmouth College, 1980
