General Information

Year founded: 1980
This is the year the firm (or its earliest predecessor entity) was founded.
Logo for Godwin Bowman PC

Overview

Content is provided by the firm.

Godwin Bowman PC, based in Dallas, Texas, is a mid-size trial and appellate law firm with a national practice that represents Fortune 500 and middle-market industry leaders in Mission Critical Litigation®. Formed in 1980, our leaders have built a firm with skilled and experienced trial lawyers who demonstrate passion and zeal in their representation of the firm’s clients.

We help our clients solve their legal challenges and gain the outcome they desire — whether that means negotiation or litigation. We help our clients confront their foes and manage the dangerous risks, twists and turns that imperil their companies and market positions. By taking care of their important litigation, we help our clients keep their corporate missions safe.

The trial and appellate lawyers of Godwin Bowman support our clients in key areas, such as banking & financial institutions, business litigation, energy, environmental, family law, labor & employment, trust and probate planning litigation, bankruptcy and creditors rights litigation, unfair competition and trade secret litigation and products liability. We have the capacity and experience to rapidly respond to virtually any business problem.

Our client base is diverse, ranging from global corporations to successful individuals and entrepreneurs. These clients choose Godwin Bowman PC because they have a great deal at stake, and know that the attorneys at our Firm have the experience, dedication and resolve to help them achieve their critical goals.

Godwin Bowman is ranked among the Best Law Firms by US News in Commercial Litigation, Appellate, Family Law and Product Liability Defense.

Rankings

Godwin Bowman PC is metro ranked in 6 practice areas. Best Law Firms rankings are based on a rigorous evaluation process.

Read how Best Law Firms ranks firms

Metro Rankings

Dallas/Fort Worth
Tier 1 for Commercial Litigation
Tier 1 for Product Liability Litigation - Defendants
Tier 2 for Appellate Practice
Tier 3 for Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
Tier 3 for Family Law

About Our Clients

A American First Insurance Company
Andrews Distributing Company
Atlas Copco North America, Inc.

B Baylor Health Care System
Beazer Homes Texas
Business Jet Services

C Chicago Pneumatic Tool Company
City of Celina
Columbia Falls Aluminum Co.
Cox Oil Company

D Dal-Tile Corporation
Danaher Corporation
David Weekley Homes
Drive Financial Services, LP

E El Paso Corporation
Episcopal School of Dallas

F First Southwest Company
Frost Bank

H Haggar Clothing Co.
Halliburton
HBO2 Works
Hunt Consolidated, Inc.
Hunt Realty, Inc.

K Key Energy Group

L Lattimore Materials Company
Liberty Mutual Insurance Company

M MGT of America

N Neiman Marcus Group, Inc.
New Bern Transport
Northern Trust, NA

O Ohio Casualty Group

P Patrizio's Restaurants
Phillip Romano- Restaurateur/Entrepreneur
Pilgrim's Pride

R Ray Hunt
Rental Service Corporation

S ShawCor
Southwest Securities, Inc.
Southwestern Bell Telephone of Texas
St. Paul Insurance Companies

T Texas Capital Bank
Texas Scottish Rite Hospital
The Shaw Group Inc.
Trizec Properties, Inc.
Turner Construction Co.

Select Clients

  • Haggar Clothing Co.
  • Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
  • Hunt Consolidated Inc
  • Hunt Realty, Inc.
  • PlainsCapital Bank
  • Texas Capital Bank

Highlighted Client Comments

All client comments represent the opinions of the people who provided them. All potential clients are urged to remember that no two cases are ever completely alike and that the result in one case does not guarantee a similar result in another case.
Commercial Litigation
I’ve worked with a lot of lawyers and law firms, and Godwin Bowman stands out amongst their peers. They are my go-to firm for sure!
Commercial Litigation
I have been opposing counsel against Don Godwin of Godwin Bowman for over two years in a very complicated business divorce. Don Godwin is one of the Deans of the Dallas Bar. He is a real trial lawyer, not just a litigator. No one is better prepared than he is. He is a real professional and never lets his client's position get in the way of his civility with opposing counsel.
Commercial Litigation
Don Godwin and his team are exceptional. His knowledge of the law and how to apply it is excellent. Don and his team are easy to work with and keep you up to date on everything involved with your case at all times.
Joan Richardson
Appellate Practice
They came in and cleaned up a real mess caused by an inept trial lawyer from another firm. Excellent work by our attorney, Shawn McCaskill.
Phil Wiegers – EGW Utilities, Inc.
Commercial Litigation
Mr. Godwin of Godwin Bowman is a highly-qualified, experienced lawyer who really cares about his clients.
Appellate Practice
The Godwin Bowman PC firm was referred to us by a friend who is a very experienced attorney himself. They lived up to the high recommendation that was given to us and more. The firm has extremely professional, knowledgeable and experienced lawyers who put our mind at ease during a very stressful time. You will not be disappointed by this firm, and they will be our law firm from now on. We sleep better at night knowing that Godwin Bowman has our back and no one will intimidate us with legal threats again.
Jeff Burnett, Vice President – EGW Utilities, Inc.
Appellate Practice
Godwin Bowman PC is extremely responsive to client questions, with an excellent level of experience and depth of talent in all areas of law. The firm's attorneys are personable and caring. They are thoughtful, ethical and offer excellent value.
Commercial Litigation
Godwin Bowman PC's attorneys are extremely responsive to our needs.
William C. Alstrin – Bank of DeSoto, N.A.
Litigation - Banking and Finance
I have worked with Godwin Bowman for many years. They are always my go-to firm and have proved time and time again to be well worth the money spent.
Commercial Litigation
I have worked professionally with Don Godwin of Godwin Bowman for more than 15 years. I truly appreciate and value his expertise and professionalism in every endeavor.
Appellate Practice
Don Godwin and his team at Godwin Bowman are excellent lawyers with the highest standards of ethics and professionalism.
Rob Kaufmann – Brownstein, Hyatt, Farber, Schreck
Commercial Litigation
We have had many years of experience with Bruce Bowman of Godwin Bowman PC.
Commercial Litigation
Godwin Bowman is an excellent law firm, particularly in the area of legal malpractice defense.
Commercial Litigation
I have used Jenny Martinez of Godwin Bowman and have been very, very pleased.
Sammy York – Citizen's Bank
Commercial Litigation
We have experience with several firms and Godwin Bowman is our first phone call when we need legal assistance. They are simply the best!
Phil Wiegers – EGW Utilities, Inc.
Commercial Litigation
I have used Godwin Bowman on several complex commercial litigation matters over the years and have always found the firm to provide excellent services.
Stan Laukhuf – Eagle Oil & Gas Co.
Commercial Litigation
When we have any type of really tough litigation we will always call Don Godwin and Godwin Bowman. They have an excellent track record of achieving results for us in a timely manner. I consider them first class in all respects and thus highly recommend them to anyone.
James Huffines – PlainsCapital Corporation
Commercial Litigation
The Godwin Bowman law firm has been a pleasure to work with. They have been an exceptional ally in legal matters.
Ken Hickman, CEO – Highlands Residential Mortgage
Commercial Litigation
Godwin Bowman PC has been our go-to law firm for many years now. They have always been extremely professional and have given us excellent results. I would highly recommend them for any commercial law needs and especially when it really matters.
Jeff Burnett – Target Utility Service Co.
Commercial Litigation
Godwin Bowman PC offers the hospitality of a small firm with the expertise and knowledge exceeding the majors.
Commercial Litigation
Godwin Bowman PC is one of the premier firms in the country. Their work on Halliburton is the stuff of legends.
Commercial Litigation
Godwin Bowman PC attorney Don Godwin is quite simply the most responsive lawyer we know. He is a 24/7 advocate for his clients and is completely engaged. His content and experience are simply unmatched. He is first-class.
Commercial Litigation
I would never hesitate to refer a client to Don Godwin at Godwin Bowman. He is a master at his craft of complex business litigation.
Commercial Litigation
I’ve had vast experience with Godwin Bowman PC over the years, both as a lawyer and a judge.
Commercial Litigation
Godwin Bowman PC is always prepared for hearings and trials. They are consummate professionals and have great credibility in the Dallas/ Ft. Worth area.
Commercial Litigation
While I have been retired for more than four years, I always thought Don at Godwin Bowman PC was one of the best trial lawyers in the country throughout our 20 year relationship.
Commercial Litigation
Godwin Bowman PC are my go-to law firm for commercial litigation. I have used them for years and can always count on them to get the job done with the best outcome for everyone. They are very responsive and understand my desire to keep expenses to a minimum.
Commercial Litigation
The team at Godwin Bowman PC are my go-to for nearly everything. If they’re not right for the job, they wlll refer you elsewhere. That says a lot about their integrity!
Phil Wiegers – EGW Utilities, Inc.
Commercial Litigation
Godwin Bowman PC are excellent, very knowledgeable, and always very prepared.
Craig Webb – Plains Capital
Commercial Litigation
Godwin Bowman PC attorneys have excellent communication with clients and determination in cases.
Alisa Rich – University of North Texas
Commercial Litigation
Godwin Bowman PC offers great results and relentless pursuit of those results.
Corey Prestidge – Hilltop Holdings / Hunter's Glen/Ford
Commercial Litigation
Godwin Bowman PC is a great firm!
Stephen Jones – Dallas Cowboys Football
Commercial Litigation
I have used Godwin Bowman PC for several years. Their attorneys and staff are very professional and responsive and provide sound advice. I give them five stars across the board!
Rick Jamieson, Senior Vice President – First State Bank
Commercial Litigation
I've known Don Godwin for over 25 years and have worked with him often. He is the best litigator I have ever seen or worked with. Whether it be a state district court in Van Horn, TX, the federal court of appeals in New Orleans, or the Texas Supreme Court, Don is always energized and prepared.
David Cox – Lon Smith Roofing Company
Commercial Litigation
All of the attorneys we have dealt with at Godwin Bowman PC have been extremely professional, knowledgeable and responsive. Our main point of contact is primarily Shawn McCaskill and I can't say enough good things about the way he has handled our case and all other needs we have sent to him. We consider Shawn and his coworkers to be a key part of our success and they have demonstrated that no case is too small or too large for their firm.
Jeff Burnett, Vice President – EGW Utilities, Inc.
Commercial Litigation
Godwin Bowman PC is one of the best firms we deal with. They are always available to assist with any issues on a timely bases.
Carolyn Brown, Supervisor – Nissan Motor Acceptance Corporation
Commercial Litigation
Godwin Bowman PC is an outstanding law firm in every way. They have consistently delivered exceptional results for our bank.
Vince A. Ackerson – Texas Capital Bank
Commercial Litigation
I have only seen the very best from Godwin Bowman.
Commercial Litigation
We became involved with Godwin Bowman at a critical time in our companies existence. If it weren't for them, we would have been losing our business.
Commercial Litigation
I have been familiar with Godwin Bowman for the last 22 years as both a Civil District Judge and a County-Court at Law Judge with unlimited Civil Jurisprudence. They have always been at the top in the above-categories and I endorse them whole heartedly.
Sally Montgomery
Commercial Litigation
We turned to Godwin Bowman after losing what should have been an easy case to win due to the poor performance of our previous attorney. Shawn McCaskill represented us on the appeal and his professionalism, knowledge and abilities really came through for us. He and his firm basically saved our business from a frivolous lawsuit and we will always use them for any legal needs we may have. Everyone at the firm supported us during the suit and have continued to be great supporters and partners with us as our business and legal needs have grown .
Jeff Burnett, Vice President – EGW Utilities, Inc.
Commercial Litigation
Godwin Bowman is exceptional in their work in Commercial Litigation. Don Godwin is exceptional when it comes to strategy and execution. His team is top notch and wonderful to work with. I would recommend them to anyone.
Joan Richardson
Commercial Litigation
I’ve worked with many lawyers over my 35-year career running a $100M business and have seen good and bad lawyering. Hiring the right lawyer is the most important decision you’ll make when life throws you a curve ball. You don’t want to base this decision on costs, you want the best lawyer and the best don’t come cheap. I’ve had first hand experience with hiring ‘good enough’. You’ll spend many months and additional hundreds of thousands correcting “good enough’s” mistakes, if the mistakes are fixable. Look at it this way, the money you pay your lawyer is an essential investment in your future to secure the best outcome for you. The courtroom is where cases are won, and lost. Hire the best trial lawyer money can buy. Don Godwin at Godwin Bowman navigates the court room as if he created it. He is extremely adept at assessing complicated situations that traverse commercial and family law to craft winning strategies that garner the best outcomes. He’s calm, cool and collected in even the most heated exchange, really cares about a client’s well-being, and is a true gentleman.
Gail Fischer – Fischer
Commercial Litigation
Don Godwin and team are world class litigators. They are laser focused on achieving client objectives.

Rankings

Regional Rankings

Dallas/Fort Worth
Tier 1 for Commercial Litigation
Tier 1 for Product Liability Litigation - Defendants
Tier 2 for Appellate Practice
Tier 3 for Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
Tier 3 for Family Law
Tier 3 for Litigation - Banking and Finance

Practice Areas

The below are areas of legal specialty volunteered by the firm and do not designate a specialty in which a Best Law Firms ranking is held.
  • Appellate Practice
  • Bet-the-Company Litigation
  • Collaborative Law: Family Law
  • Commercial Litigation
  • Family Law
  • Family Law Arbitration
  • Family Law Mediation
  • Litigation - Antitrust
  • Litigation - Banking and Finance
  • Litigation - Bankruptcy
  • Litigation - Construction
  • Litigation - Environmental
  • Litigation - Insurance
  • Litigation - Intellectual Property
  • Litigation - Labor and Employment
  • Litigation - Securities
  • Litigation - Trusts and Estates
  • Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants
  • Mediation
  • Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
  • Product Liability Litigation - Defendants
  • Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants
  • Trusts and Estates

Individuals Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America®

Godwin Bowman PC has 7 lawyers recognized for individual performance in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. By receiving this Best Lawyers recognition from their peers for their professional excellence, these lawyers made Godwin Bowman PC eligible for evaluation for Best Law Firms rankings. For almost two decades, Best Lawyers has awarded these singular accolades, making them the foundation of our Best Law Firms awards. Read more about our Best Lawyers process here.
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Client Comments

All client comments represent the opinions of the people who provided them. All potential clients are urged to remember that no two cases are ever completely alike and that the result in one case does not guarantee a similar result in another case.
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Demographics

Partners
Male: 9
Female: 3
Black / African American: 1
Hispanic / Latinx: 1
White / Caucasian: 10
Associates
Male: 5
Female: 8
Hispanic / Latinx: 1
White / Caucasian: 11
Multi-Racial: 1
Attorney Management / Department Heads
Male: 5
Female: 4
Black / African American: 2
Hispanic / Latinx: 1
White / Caucasian: 6
Paralegals
Female: 4
Hispanic / Latinx: 2
White / Caucasian: 2
Non-Legal Employees
Male: 3
Female: 14
Black / African American: 9
Hispanic / Latinx: 2
White / Caucasian: 6

Awards

Awards are self-reported by firms and are not verified by the Best Law Firms rankings.
  • Best Law Firms, 2025

    Tier 1 Rankings - DFW Metro Area

    - Product Liability Litigation - Defendants

    - Commercial Litigation

  • Best Law Firms, 2024

    Tier 1 Rankings - DFW Metro Area

    - Product Liability Litigation - Defendants

    - Commercial Litigation

Main Location

Dallas, TX
Ross Tower
500 North Akard Street, Suite 1100
Dallas, TX 75201
United States
214-939-4400 Call our Dallas, TX location at 214-939-4400 Get Directions Get directions to our Dallas, TX location
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