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Robert E. Thackston
Partner
3333 Lee Parkway
Suite 750
Dallas, TX 75219
Suite 750
Dallas, TX 75219
5830 Granite Parkway
Suite 1000
Plano, TX 75024
Suite 1000
Plano, TX 75024
robert.thackston@nelsonmullins.com
Robert is a trial attorney who has focused his work in high-stakes cases involving Fortune 500 companies from around the world. He has defended manufacturers of products and equipment from a variety of industries, including automotive, industrial, energy, construction, food, and consumer goods. Robert has also defended clients in matters related to data centers including...
Robert is a trial attorney who has focused his work in high-stakes cases involving Fortune 500 companies from around the world. He has defended manufacturers of products and equipment from a variety of industries, including automotive, industrial, energy, construction, food, and consumer goods. Robert has also defended clients in matters related to data centers including potential noise nuisance cases and security issues. He has represented plaintiffs and defendants in nuisance cases and commercial cases. Originally from North Carolina, he has tried cases from South Carolina to San Francisco and Los Angeles to New York, plus many places in between.
potential noise nuisance cases and security issues. He has represented plaintiffs and defendants in nuisance cases and commercial cases. Originally from North Carolina, he has tried cases from South Carolina to San Francisco and Los Angeles to New York, plus many places in between.
Experience
The following is a selected sampling of matters and is provided for informational purposes only. Past success does not indicate the likelihood of success in any future matter.
Representative Matters
- Cardillo v. American International Industries, 6-week trial in NY state court to a unanimous defense verdict. Rested after plaintiff’s case. Opened, closed, crossed 4 experts and 2 fact witnesses. Jan- Feb 2024.
- Bell v. American International International Industries, 627 F.Supp 3rd 627 (MDNC 2021) (Unsealing expert reliance materials in cosmetic talc litigation that undermined credibility of key plaintiff’s expert’s published article)
- Plant v. Whittaker Clark & Daniel’s (Talc trial in SC to verdict, 2-23)
- Fisher v. AII (Talc trial to verdict in Philadelphia to verdict 10-22)
- Lashley v. AII (Talc trial in NJ for 3 weeks before Covid adjournment (2-19)
- Smithfield Hog Farm trials, Eastern district of NC, both the verdict 9-17 and 1-18
Previous Professional Experience
- Partner, Dallas Law Firm (2019–2023)
- Name Partner, Dallas Law Firm (2003–2018)
- Partner, Dallas Law Firm (1996–2003)
- Attorney, Richmond, Virginia Law Firm (1987–1993)
Internships
- Legal Intern, Atlanta Law Firm (1986)
- Legal Intern, North Carolina Law Firm (1985)
Education
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Law, JD with Honors (1987)
-
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill,
BS
(1984)
- Phi Beta Kappa
Admissions
- Texas
- California
- Illinois
- New York
- Virginia
- North Carolina
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
Practice Areas
The following is a selected sampling of matters and is provided for informational purposes only. Past success does not indicate the likelihood of success in any future matter.
Representative Matters
- Cardillo v. American International Industries, 6-week trial in NY state court to a unanimous defense verdict. Rested after plaintiff’s case. Opened, closed, crossed 4 experts and 2 fact witnesses. Jan- Feb 2024.
- Bell v. American International International Industries, 627 F.Supp 3rd 627 (MDNC 2021) (Unsealing expert reliance materials in cosmetic talc litigation that undermined credibility of key plaintiff’s expert’s published article)
- Plant v. Whittaker Clark & Daniel’s (Talc trial in SC to verdict, 2-23)
- Fisher v. AII (Talc trial to verdict in Philadelphia to verdict 10-22)
- Lashley v. AII (Talc trial in NJ for 3 weeks before Covid adjournment (2-19)
- Smithfield Hog Farm trials, Eastern district of NC, both the verdict 9-17 and 1-18
Previous Professional Experience
- Partner, Dallas Law Firm (2019–2023)
- Name Partner, Dallas Law Firm (2003–2018)
- Partner, Dallas Law Firm (1996–2003)
- Attorney, Richmond, Virginia Law Firm (1987–1993)
Internships
- Legal Intern, Atlanta Law Firm (1986)
- Legal Intern, North Carolina Law Firm (1985)
Media
Insights
| Cosmetics Manufacturers Should Watch Out for PFAS Developments, Happi Magazine, Co-Author (April 21, 2021) |
Events / Speaking Engagements
| Speaker, Updates on the Challenges to Plaintiffs' Experts, Defense Research Institute (DRI) Talc Seminar (Aug. 17, 2023) |
News
| Nelson Mullins Team Secures Talc Trial Victory, Law.com (Feb. 27, 2024) |
| Nelson Mullins Expands Product Liability Practice with Hires in Dallas, Los Angeles (Dec. 4, 2023) |
| Law 360 Quotes Robert Thackston on the Increase of Lawsuits Involving "Forever Chemicals", Law 360 (Feb. 12, 2020) |
Recognitions
The bar rules of some states require that the standards for an attorney's inclusion in certain public accolades or recognitions be provided. When such accolades or recognitions are listed, a hyperlink is provided that leads to a description of the respective selection methodology.
- The Best Lawyers in America®, Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants, Product Liability Litigation - Defendants (2025)
Professional Activities
- Fellow, American Bar Foundation
- Texas Lawyer Texas Trailblazers (2020)
- Benchmark Litigation, the Guide to America's Leading Litigation Firms and Attorneys, Local Litigation Star (2020–2024)
- The Best Lawyers in America® (2020–2024)
- Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Defendants, Lawyer of the Year (2024)
- Martindale-Hubbell®, AV Preeminent Rating
- Super Lawyers (2007–2009)
Community
- Member, St. Monica Dads Club
- Team Dad, Bishop Lynch Girls Basketball
Leadership
- Prior roles including managing partner, partner in charge of office, national coordinating counsel
Robert is a trial attorney who has focused his work in high-stakes cases involving Fortune 500 companies from around the world. He has defended manufacturers of products and equipment from a variety of industries, including automotive, industrial, energy, construction, food, and consumer goods. Robert has also defended clients in matters related to data centers including... potential noise nuisance cases and security issues. He has represented plaintiffs and defendants in nuisance cases and commercial cases. Originally from North Carolina, he has tried cases from South Carolina to San Francisco and Los Angeles to New York, plus many places in between.
Experience
The following is a selected sampling of matters and is provided for informational purposes only. Past success does not indicate the likelihood of success in any future matter.Representative Matters
- Cardillo v. American International Industries, 6-week trial in NY state court to a unanimous defense verdict. Rested after plaintiff’s case. Opened, closed, crossed 4 experts and 2 fact witnesses. Jan- Feb 2024.
- Bell v. American International International Industries, 627 F.Supp 3rd 627 (MDNC 2021) (Unsealing expert reliance materials in cosmetic talc litigation that undermined credibility of key plaintiff’s expert’s published article)
- Plant v. Whittaker Clark & Daniel’s (Talc trial in SC to verdict, 2-23)
- Fisher v. AII (Talc trial to verdict in Philadelphia to verdict 10-22)
- Lashley v. AII (Talc trial in NJ for 3 weeks before Covid adjournment (2-19)
- Smithfield Hog Farm trials, Eastern district of NC, both the verdict 9-17 and 1-18
Previous Professional Experience
- Partner, Dallas Law Firm (2019–2023)
- Name Partner, Dallas Law Firm (2003–2018)
- Partner, Dallas Law Firm (1996–2003)
- Attorney, Richmond, Virginia Law Firm (1987–1993)
Internships
- Legal Intern, Atlanta Law Firm (1986)
- Legal Intern, North Carolina Law Firm (1985)
Education
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Law, JD with Honors (1987)
-
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill,
BS
(1984)
- Phi Beta Kappa
Admissions
- Texas
- California
- Illinois
- New York
- Virginia
- North Carolina
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
Practice Areas
Industries
Insights
| Cosmetics Manufacturers Should Watch Out for PFAS Developments, Happi Magazine, Co-Author (April 21, 2021) |
Events /
Speaking Engagements
Speaking Engagements
| Speaker, Updates on the Challenges to Plaintiffs' Experts, Defense Research Institute (DRI) Talc Seminar (Aug. 17, 2023) |
News
The bar rules of some states require that the standards for an attorney's inclusion in certain public accolades or recognitions be provided. When such accolades or recognitions are listed, a hyperlink is provided that leads to a description of the respective selection methodology.
- The Best Lawyers in America®, Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants, Product Liability Litigation - Defendants (2025)
- Fellow, American Bar Foundation
- Texas Lawyer Texas Trailblazers (2020)
- Benchmark Litigation, the Guide to America's Leading Litigation Firms and Attorneys, Local Litigation Star (2020–2024)
- The Best Lawyers in America® (2020–2024)
- Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Defendants, Lawyer of the Year (2024)
- Martindale-Hubbell®, AV Preeminent Rating
- Super Lawyers (2007–2009)
- Member, St. Monica Dads Club
- Team Dad, Bishop Lynch Girls Basketball
- Prior roles including managing partner, partner in charge of office, national coordinating counsel
Highlights from the Firm’s Insights
Fast Forward the Fintech Future
April 21, 2025
Opinion: Inflation Prices Hit Trademark Filings
April 14, 2025
Old North State Report – May 9, 2025
May 9, 2025
FCC Download: Monthly Updates - May 2025
May 8, 2025
Old North State Report – May 5, 2025
May 5, 2025