Jacob Esparza

Jacob Esparza assists clients through all phases of complex litigation involving the insurance, construction, energy, and transportation industries, utilizing traditional and alternative dispute resolution methods to achieve legal outcomes that reduce liability while also aligning with business objectives and goals. This includes handling residential and commercial construction defect, oilfield losses, risk allocation/indemnity, and trucking and aviation matters, as well as handling subrogation efforts in these areas. He has also represented entities engaged in regulatory investigations arising from energy exploration and production activities in the Gulf of Mexico.

In addition, Jacob represents U.S. and London-based insurers and reinsurers in coverage and extra-contractual litigation relating to policy wording disagreements involving property, hull, warehousemen, transportation/cargo, and casualty risks. In 2014, he seconded with a leading global specialty lines insurer to gain greater understanding of North American property, energy, aviation, and casualty claims. That experience provides him with unique perspective when advising clients on all matters related to coverage issues and extra-contractual exposures.

Jacob’s work centers around the understanding that litigation can threaten the future of any client’s business when reputation, success, and even survival hang in the balance. He has a proven track record of successfully collaborating with all key stakeholders in a litigation matter to formulate and execute successful strategies with mediators, arbitration panels, judges, and juries to reach favorable outcomes.

Highlights of Jacob’s experience include:

• Advise insurer clients on response to demands at or in excess of limits in matters with varying coverage and exposure issues
• Obtained judgment for defendants in Texas Theft Liability Act case arising from split of six related companies, including a six-figure attorney fee award in favor of Defendants.
• Advise first party insurer clients on exposure and litigation risks relating to freeze, COVID and weather-related losses including exposure for extra contractual claims
• Represented major operator in securing additional insurance coverage in excess of $3 million.
• Secured a $2.75 million settlement of insurer’s counterclaim against insured for fraudulent claim for coverage under builder’s risk policy.
• Obtained a take-nothing arbitration award for oil field services company alleged to have drilled a dry hole at the incorrect location.

Presentations and Publications

• 2022 DRI Construction Law Seminar – Coverage 101
• 2015 DRI Construction – Coverage Panel
• Numerous In-House Client Presentations Regarding:
  • Deposition Preparation
  • Nuclear Verdicts
  • Updated Legislation

Community Involvement

• Immediate Past President of the Wilchester Men’s Club – 501c3 Organization “Doing Good” in Houston; Current Parliamentarian
• Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo – Breeder Greeter Committeeman, 2003-2017
• Spring Branch Memorial Sports Association – Coach – Softball, Baseball and Football

Memberships

• Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel, State Representative
• International Association of Defense Counsel
• Claims & Litigation Management Alliance
• Defense Research Institute

Distinctions

• Texas Bar Foundation, Fellow
• Texas Super Lawyers. Rising Star (2014-2019)
  • Energy and Natural Resources
  • Insurance Coverage
  • Transportation/Maritime

Contact Jacob Esparza at 713.212.2654 or jesparza@spencerfane.com.