Kristin Cope is a skilled trial and appellate lawyer. Her practice focuses on complex litigation, frequently involving high-stakes business disputes and cutting-edge issues in the intellectual property, energy, technology, and financial sectors. She has represented clients in state and federal trial courts, various Federal Circuit Courts of Appeals and the United States Supreme Court. She is skilled at combining bold stand-up representation with goal-oriented approaches to litigation to protect and advance her clients' interests.
Ms. Cope has substantial experience in disputes regarding trade secrets and other intellectual property, breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, business torts, consumer liability, and class action claims. She has briefed and argued complex appellate issues in multiple industries and courts, as well as advised on appellate preservation and strategy issues during trial.
Following graduation from law school, Ms. Cope served as law clerk to the Honorable David W. McKeague of the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.
- Served as trial counsel and appellate advisor for one of the world's largest oil and gas companies against $1.4 billion damages claims for trade secret misappropriation and tortious interference in a hostile forum. Trial resulted in a favorable outcome for the client, and was profiled in Forbes and Bloomberg.
- Served as appellate counsel for aerospace contractor following jury verdict of $38 million in contract dispute. Adverse verdict was overturned on appeal.
- Represented major telecommunications company in defense against patent, trade secret, and copyright claims relating to mobile phones and virtual reality technologies.
- Defended real estate investment fund and investment manager in dispute with development partner. Granted complete defense award (including attorneys’ fees) in JAMS arbitration.
- Represented major food and beverage company on trade secret, patent, contract breach, and business tort claims. Total summary judgment was upheld on appeal.
- Defended a major exploration and production energy company against class action claims brought by oil and gas royalty owners. Led joint defense efforts to receive dismissal by the district court which was affirmed by the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals.
- Defended major technology company in arbitration of dispute over development of complex software systems, was granted favorable client outcome.
- Represented large bank in defense against petition for writ of mandamus.
- Served as counsel for major accounting firm in dispute involving accounting malpractice and negligence actions and enforcement of motion to compel arbitration.
- Represented consumer reporting agency in numerous consumer protection and Fair Credit Reporting Act matters, including proposed class actions and identity theft claims and cases in multiple federal courts.
Pro Bono
- Served as co-counsel for Veterans of Foreign Wars and assisted with amicus brief that was cited 12 times in the plurality and concurring opinions of the United States Supreme Court (Salazar v. Buono, 130 S. Ct. 1803 (2010)).
- Appointed as lead counsel in habeas case regarding unconstitutional sentencing; received grant of habeas relief and remand for full resentencing.
- Represented Knights of Columbus to support protection of Knights’ war memorial on federal land.
- Appointed as lead counsel for Michigan prisoner in civil rights case regarding denial of necessary medical care.
Admissions
Bar Admissions
- Texas
Court Admissions
- US Supreme Court
- Fifth, Sixth, Ninth and Federal Circuit Courts of Appeal
- US District Courts, N.D. Texas and S.D. Texas
Education
- Duke University School of Law, J.D.: high honors, Order of the Coif, Law & Contemporary Problems Law Journal
- Trinity University, B.A., Political Science: summa cum laude
Honors & Awards
- Recognized as a “Texas Rising Star” by Super Lawyers (2017-2020)
- Named to Texas Monthly “Texas Outstanding Young Lawyers” list (2018-2019)
- Named to Texas Monthly “Texas Outstanding Young Women Lawyers” list (2017-2019)
- Named to Texas Monthly “Texas Top Young Lawyers” list (2017)
- Awarded Baker Botts, LLP Peter W. Gray Award for outstanding public service
- Awarded Baker Botts, LLP Julius Dorsey Award for commitment to community service and partnership with local elementary school
- Organized and ran extensive animal relief efforts to locate, medically treat, house, and/or re-home hundreds of pets to assist tornado victims in Rowlett, Texas
- Leader in firm fundraising efforts for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
Professional Activities
Member
- Dallas Association of Young Lawyers
- Dallas Bar Association