Charlene Koonce

Background

About Charlene Koonce

Practice Emphasis Ms. Koonce is a seasoned commercial litigator who represents both small and large clients. Her recent tenure as the staff attorney for the Chief Justice of the Fifth District Court of Appeals provides unique insight and experience in handling appeals and mandamus matters. She has obtained favorable results in cases involving complex international contract disputes, CGL insurance defense matters, commercial tenancy, and business torts. Ms. Koonce’s practice emphasis is in federal courts and her experience includes extensive service as and representation of equity receivers. General Litigation and Trial Experience Jury, bench trials, and appeals in state and federal courts. Extensive experience with federal court motion and appellate practice, including disputes regarding jurisdiction, choice of law, limitations, standing, fraud, commercial torts, and commercial contracts. Defense of high-profile national non-profit organization in lawsuit seeking recovery of sponsorship payments, resulting in a zero dollar settlement for the non-profit entity. Obtained millions of dollars in summary judgment rulings based on fraudulent transfer claims, and successfully defended judgments on appeal. Recovered fees, coercive incarceration, and other related remedies in numerous civil contempt proceedings. Published opinions include Warfield v. Byron, 436 F.3d 551 (5th Cir. 2006)(Upholding summary judgment directing brokers’ disgorgement of commissions received in exchange for sale of fraudulent securities); Crawford v. Silette, 608 F.3d 275 (5th Cir. 2010)(Affirming imposition and foreclosure of lien in favor of Receiver despite assertion of Florida homestead protection, where fraudulently obtained funds were transferred from Ponzi operator to innocent home-owner, and used to satisfy mortgage); Hartis v. Century Furniture Indus, Inc, 230 S.W.3d 723 (Tex. App—Houston [14th Dist.] 2007, no pet.)(Upholding judgment following bench trial involving UCC Article 2 formation, interpretation, and enforcement issues). Specialties: Practice Areas Appeals Business Litigation Commercial Litigation Consumer Disputes Receiverships Securities Fraud Litigation