Hugh G. Connor II

BIOGRAPHY

Hugh Connor is a partner in the Litigation Section at Kelly Hart, where he excels in representing a diverse clientele that includes individuals, corporations, and other institutions. He specializes in a broad spectrum of intricate commercial litigation cases, ranging from intellectual property disputes and professional malpractice to oil and gas conflicts, contract disputes, insurance claims, defamation cases, construction claims, probate litigation, and marital disputes. Mr. Connor’s extensive experience has seen him at the forefront of numerous high-stakes litigation matters, where he has secured multi-million-dollar jury verdicts for his clients.

His skills and reputation have garnered well-deserved recognition. Mr. Connor is a consistent presence among the best attorneys in commercial and civil litigation, as attested by Best Lawyers in America® and U.S. News & World Report. He has also received accolades as a Top Attorney in 360 West magazine and Fort Worth Magazine. Additionally, Mr. Connor holds the distinction of being a Texas Super Lawyer, an honor bestowed by Thomson Reuters.

EXPERIENCE AND HIGHLIGHTS

• Lead trial counsel for Bass/Exxon against an oil & gas operator. Obtained a $14.2 million arbitration award in connection with a dispute over joint interest billings
• Lead trial counsel for a buyer of a home healthcare company. Obtained a $5 million jury verdict against seller for fraud and other claims relating to the sale after a six-week jury trial
• Lead trial counsel for an oil & gas field services company in a dispute relating to water purification equipment and technology. Obtained a $3 million jury verdict against partner after a two-week trial
• Lead trial counsel to a local fiberglass manufacturing company and its owner in a seven-week jury trial in Hartford, Connecticut. Obtained a defense verdict on claims where the plaintiff was seeking over $42 million in damages. The jury also returned a verdict in favor of clients on their counterclaim and awarded approximately $1.7 million in damages
• Lead trial counsel to a local automobile sales executive in a dispute with his former employer and business partner. Obtained a multi-million dollar jury verdict after an eight-week jury trial
• Lead trial counsel for insurance agency against a large insurance company for fraud and non-payment of commissions. Obtained a $13.8 million jury verdict and judgment for fraud and breach of contract
• Co-lead counsel for a local manufacturing company against an international manufacturing entity. Secured a $12 million jury verdict and judgment after a five-week jury trial for defective machines
• Lead trial counsel for a frac chemicals manufacturer in a theft of trade secrets case. Obtained a $5.8 million jury verdict after a two-week trial
• Lead trial counsel for local real estate developer in tortious interference lawsuit against an oil and gas company. Obtained a $4.8 million jury verdict after a two-week trial
• Lead trial counsel for local doctor group. Obtained a $3 million jury verdict against publicly traded pharmaceutical distribution company in federal court
• Lead trial counsel for local truck body manufacturer. Obtained a $2.5 million jury verdict against competitor for trade dress infringement and false advertising under the Lanham Act
• Co-lead counsel for commission salesperson. Obtained a multi-million dollar jury verdict
• Secured a $10 million settlement for transportation logistics company in trade secrets/hacking case
• Secured a significant seven-figure settlement against company for negligent hiring
• Successfully represented many attorneys and law firms sued for professional negligence

AFFILIATIONS

• Texas Bar Foundation, Fellow
• Tarrant County Bar Foundation, Sustaining Life Fellow
• Tarrant County Bar Association
• Texas Association of Defense Counsel
• American Board of Trial Advocates, Associate

HONORS

• Best Lawyers in America®, U.S. News & World Report, 2006-2025
  • Commercial Litigation
• Top Attorney, 360 West magazine, 2017-2024
  • Commercial Litigation
  • Civil Law | Litigation
  • Professional Malpractice (Non-Medical) Defense
• Top Attorney, Fort Worth Magazine, 2008-2023
  • Civil Law | Litigation
  • Commercial Litigation
• Texas Super Lawyers, Thomson Reuters, 2011-2024
  • Business Litigation
• The 400 Most Influential People, Fort Worth, Inc., 2018
• Texas Super Lawyer Rising Star, Thomson Reuters, 2004-2007
  • Business Litigation
• Power Attorney, Fort Worth Business Press, 2014
• Attorney of Excellence, Fort Worth Business Press
• 40 Under 40 honoree, Fort Worth Business Press
• Rated AV® by Martindale-Hubbell “Peer Review Rated”

EDUCATION

• The University of Maine School of Law, J.D., cum laude, 1993
• The University of Maine, B.S., cum laude, 1988

ADMISSIONS

• State Bar of Texas, 1993
• U.S. Court of Appeals, District of Columbia Circuit
• U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit
• U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas
• U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Texas
• U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas