Andrew Brien

About Andrew Brien

I\'m a motivated litigation attorney at McDowell Hetherington, LLP with a focus on complex civil litigation, including energy, financial, product liability, property and casualty insurance, labor and employment, and general business litigation. I represent insurers, energy companies, and commercial clients in high-stakes coverage, business tort, and complex commercial disputes. My practice spans Texas and Louisiana, with experience handling matters from pre-suit investigations to dispositive motion practice, trial preparation, and appeals. I’ve successfully defended and prosecuted cases involving insurance coverage, commercial litigation, oil and gas, construction, banking, finance, bankruptcy and creditor\'s rights, labor and employment, and estate planning. Recent victories include a summary judgment win for a premises owner in a personal injury dispute and pre-trial dismissals in multi-million-dollar oilfield legacy suits.Recognized by Super Lawyers as a Rising Star in both Texas and Louisiana and by Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Oil & Gas and Employment Law, I’m trusted by clients to bring strategic clarity and precision to complex disputes—whether negotiating resolution or preparing for the courtroom.My litigation style is rooted in thorough case development, credible advocacy, and a strong command of the factual and procedural record. I\'m a problem solver that enjoys getting clients out of difficult situations in an efficient, cost-effective manner. I have particular insight into the insurance industry, having previously held a property and casualty insurance producer license,A Tulane Law School graduate with a maritime law certificate and past extern to Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John Weimer, I’m practicing with McDowell Hetherington LLP in Houston where I’m focused on deepening my litigation bench, mentoring junior attorneys and clerks, and continuing to develop long-term client relationships through responsive service and results-driven advocacy.

Experience

1. Associate Attorney

   McDowell Hetherington LLP

   Jan 2022 — Present · Houston, TX, US

   I represent major manufacturers in complex product-liability litigation, businesses of all sizes in disputes concerning employment agreements, theft of trade secrets, and other labor and employment related claims, and life insurance and financial services companies in all types of matters ranging from complex coverage issues, contractual disputes, and bad faith disputes. I also represent energy and construction clients in breach of contract and collections matters, in addition to providing them with general business advice. Representative results include: • Obtained complete dismissal of multi-million dollar personal injury claims against premises owner via summary judgment on the basis that premises owner owed no legal duty to employee of independent contractor. • Obtained writ of mandamus from Texas state appellate court instructing trial court to vacate its order denying motion to enforce a forum selection clause. In re Express Delivery Enter. LLC, No. 2023 WL 46•••70, at *1 (Tex. App—Tyler July 21, 2023, no pet.)• Obtained complete dismissal of life insurance breach of contract dispute via summary judgment.

Education

• Louisiana State University

  Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Finance

  2009 — 2013

• Tulane University Law School

  Juris Doctor (J.D.), Civil Law Curriculum; Maritime Law Certificate

  2013 — 2016

Skills

• Microsoft Excel
• Liability
• Workers Compensation
• Risk Management
• Insurance
• Property & Casualty Insurance
• Professional Liability
• Casualty
• Sales
• Brokers
• Commercial Insurance
• Legal Liability
• Underwriting
• Finance