Zachary Nichols


Associate

Summary

Zachary Nichols is an Associate Attorney in the Insurance Defense and Tort Litigation practice groups. His experience includes drafting bankruptcy and bankruptcy-adjacent pleadings and motions, legal research on Ponzi schemes and dischargeability of debts, and conducting complex discovery using AI-driven platforms.  Additionally, Zachary spent time in the SMU Civil/Consumer Clinic representing individuals in need in the Dallas area, including one semester as the Clinic’s Chief.

Representative Matters

  • Obtained complete take-nothing, unanimous defense verdict at jury trial in construction defect/fraud lawsuit in Collin County, Texas. Plaintiff homeowners filed a lawsuit against our client, a general contractor, alleging breach of contract, fraud, fraudulent inducement, negligent misrepresentation, violations of the Deceptive Trade Practices Act, and civil conspiracy related to alleged defects in work performed during a multi-year construction project at Plaintiffs’ home in Plano, Texas. Plaintiffs had hired our client to perform extensive renovations and repairs to their 9,000+ square foot residence, as well as build a large addition above one garage, construct/improve outdoor living areas, and update/modernize the landscaping on the 1+ acre property. Near the completion of the project, Plaintiffs asserted there were numerous defects in the work performed and filed suit alleging multiple causes of action against our client. After presentation of the evidence at trial, the jury unanimously agreed with our arguments that the contractor was not liable for any alleged defects on the property and in no way defrauded Plaintiffs in the performance of its work. The jury subsequently declined to award any damages to Plaintiffs, who were seeking approximately $1.4 million in damages from the jury.  (Co-counsel with David Johnson.) 2025

Education

  • J.D., Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law, 2024
    • Dean’s List, Spring 2022 (Top 25% of class)
    • SMU Mock Trial, Fall 2022 (National Trial Advocacy Competition Semifinalist)
    • Jackson Walker Moot Court Competition, Best Advocate in round
    • Dean’s Scholarship
    • Criminal Law Society, 1L Representative
  • B.A., General Studies (focus in English, Sociology, Psychology), Texas Tech University at Waco, 2021
    • President’s Honor List, Spring 2020, Summer 2020
    • President’s Transfer Scholarship

Admissions

  • State Bar of Texas, 2024