By Chris Bankler

As the Texas Business Court moves from concept to operating reality, companies facing high-stakes commercial disputes need counsel who understand not only the statute that created the court, but how the new forum functions in practice. Jackson Walker has been at the forefront from the start.

The Court and Jackson Walker’s Early Role

The Texas Legislature created the Business Court through H.B. 19 as a specialized forum for certain complex commercial disputes filed on or after September 1, 2024, then refined its framework through H.B. 40. Between September 1, 2024, and June 30, 2026, 456 matters were filed. Jackson Walker appeared in approximately 36 of them—more than any other Texas firm in the survey data. That early activity gives the firm firsthand insight into how the court approaches jurisdiction, removal, case management, and litigation strategy across its divisions. For clients, the implication is straightforward: Business Court strategy is no longer theoretical—it is a front-end consideration in dispute planning, contract drafting, entity governance, and litigation risk assessment.

Growth, Experience, and What It Means for Clients

The filing data confirm the court’s momentum. After 16 filings in its opening month, quarterly totals climbed to 39 (Q4 2024), 47 (Q1 2025), 75 (Q4 2025), and 109 (Q2 2026). Sophisticated litigants are increasingly choosing the Business Court for disputes involving governance, fiduciary duties, significant contracts, and ownership.

Jackson Walker’s sustained presence on this docket equips the firm to help clients navigate the court’s evolving procedures. The firm understands how jurisdiction is tested, how removal issues arise, and how to evaluate whether the forum advances a client’s litigation objectives. In a court where early rulings may define the landscape for years, that perspective is a meaningful advantage.

For businesses operating in Texas, the takeaway is clear: the Business Court has quickly become a significant venue for high-value commercial disputes, and planning for it should begin before litigation is filed. Jackson Walker’s litigation bench, business-law experience, and active role in the court’s formative docket position the firm to advise clients at every stage—from contract and governance planning through trial strategy and appeal.

The Business Court is now an active and growing part of Texas’s litigation landscape. As it develops, Jackson Walker will continue helping clients understand the court, anticipate its implications, and use the forum to strategic advantage.

The opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the firm, its clients, or any of its or their respective affiliates. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For more information, please contact Chris Bankler or a member of the Trial & Appellate Litigation practice.

Meet Chris

Chris Bankler focuses on the resolution of disputes for businesses and financial institutions. He counsels clients through the process of complex business litigation, including general business disputes, fraud claims, breach of fiduciary duty cases, and complex business bankruptcy litigation. He has served as litigation counsel in more than 100 cases in state and federal courts, as well as FINRA and AAA arbitrations.