John R. Walker – Smith & Carr P.C.

Practice/Organization Description

JOHN R. WALKER received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Baylor University in 1985. He attended South Texas College of Law in Houston where he received his Doctor of Jurisprudence in 1989. After passing the Texas bar exam in 1989, Mr. Walker has handled maritime, insurance and worker's compensation defense matters. His practice has also expanded to include products liability, professional liability, commercial litigation, insurance coverage and "bad faith" litigation, and employment law.

Specifically, Mr. Walker has been retained by insurance interests and employers to defend claims under the Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act (LHWCA),Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA), Non-Appropriated Funds Instrumentalities Act (NFIA), Defense Base Act (DBA), Jones Act, Federal Employers Liability Act ("FELA") and the Texas Workers Compensation Act. Additionally, John R. Walker is regularly retained by temporary services employers and staffing agencies for consultation and guidance related to employee practices, contracts, and injuries to employees.

His maritime and admiralty practice includes Jones Act defense. John R. Walker is presently defending parties to the Transocean - BP Macondo Oil Spill litigation.

Additionally, John R. Walker is regularly retained by temporary services employers and staffing agencies for consultation and guidance related to employee practices, contracts, and injuries

John Walker is licensed to practice law in all Courts of the State of Texas, the United States District Courts for the Southern and Eastern Districts of Texas, the United States Court of International Trade, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Additionally, he regularly practices before Texas and federal administrative agencies. Mr. Walker frequently conducts continuing education programs and seminars for insurance professionals and employers.

Bar Admissions

All Texas Courts;

United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas;

United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas;

United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit;

United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit;

United States Court of International Trade;

United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Baylor University 1985

Doctor of Jurisprudence - South Texas College of Law 1989

Professional Associations & Memberships

Texas Bar Association

Houston Bar Association

Honors and Awards

South Texas Law Review; American Jurisprudence Award.

Areas of Practice

• Insurance
• Labor & Employment Law
• Litigation
• Maritime Law
• Personal Injury
• Worker’s Compensation