Brian S. Rawson

Partner

Since joining Hartline Barger in 2003, Brian has focused on general litigation, including cases involving catastrophic injuries and death, as well as product liability litigation for automotive and tire manufacturers. By repeatedly and effectively defending catastrophic injury and wrongful death claims, he has acquired expertise in a full spectrum of areas, from dram shop cases to complex product liability matters.

Brian is also actively involved in a wide range of other practice areas, including business and commercial litigation, employment claims, professional liability, premises liability, toxic torts, healthcare and medical malpractice, pharmaceutical litigation, trucking litigation, and collection matters.

Brian regularly appears in both state and federal courts in Texas, including extensive experience at the trial level. He has represented multiple Fortune 500 companies at trial, including General Motors, Toyota, and Bridgestone Tire.

Brian was named a ‘Texas Rising Star’ by Thomson Reuters, a legal publisher, in 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015. Attorneys receiving this recognition are nominated in a statewide survey by fellow lawyers who have personally observed them in action. Fewer than 3 percent of the attorneys in a state may be named to the list.

Brian completed his undergraduate studies at SMU with a B.A. in finance and a minor in economics. He then went on to attend SMU Dedman School of Law and graduated in 2003. While attending law school, Brian clerked at the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office, where he assisted in jury selection for dozens of felony cases, all of which ultimately returned guilty verdicts.

In 2022, Brian graduated from Harvard Business School’s 18 month Analytics Program, (“HBAP”). HBAP combines classes from the Harvard Business School (HBS), the John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS), and the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS). This is the only program offered at Harvard under these three shields.

COURTROOM VICTORIES:

Eagans v. Weir Brothers Contracting, Inc.
Transportation Liability; Dismissed by Summary Judgment

Canedo v. XTC
Dram Shop; Dismissed by Summary Judgment

Tolentino v. Houston Country Club
Premises Liability; Dismissed

Villanueva v. RCI
Premises Liability; Dismissed by Summary Judgment

McGeorge v. Northwood Retail, LLC
Premises Liability; Dismissed by Summary Judgment

Allston v. Onyx
Premises Liability; Dismissed by Summary Judgment

Isias v. BMB
Premises Liability; Dismissed by Summary Judgment

Washington v. RCI
Premises Liability; Dismissed by Summary Judgment

Solano v. Twin Peaks
Dram Shop; Dismissed

Fennell v. Hal Rice Insurance Agency 
Professional Liability; Dismissed by Summary Judgment

Reglado v. Fundación
Premises Liability; Dismissed by Summary Judgment

Arellano v. BMB
Dram Shop Trial; Defense Verdict

Peralta – Adame v. Sodexo
Premises Liability; Dismissed by Summary Judgment

James v. Mi Familia
Dram Shop; Dismissed by Summary Judgment

HFIC v. Gilliam
Professional Liability; Dismissed by Summary Judgment

Coronado v. XTC
Dram Shop; Dismissed by Summary Judgment

Furman – Echeagaray v. MAA, L.P.
Premises Liability; Dismissed by Summary Judgment

Moore v. WRPS, Inc.
Premises Liability; Dismissed by Summary Judgment

2319 Walnut LLC v. Joe’s Pizza & Pasta
Commercial Litigation Trial

Sullivan v. RCI
Dram Shop Trial; Defense Verdict

Arias v. VR Park at Waterford Apartments
Premises Liability Trial; Defense Verdict

In re Pate Rehabilitation
Labor and Employment Trial; Defense Verdict

Pickett v. Orion Real Estate, Inc.
Premises Liability; Dismissed by Summary Judgement

Ochoa v. Lonestar Distribution 
Transportation Liability Trial; Settled During Trial

Publicly Traded Hospitality Company Case No. 70 460 00191 1
Labor and Employment Arbitration; Defense Verdict

Sturdevant v. The Mansions of Rockwall
Premises Liability; Dismissed by Summary Judgement

Owens v. Blue Valley Apartments, Inc.
Premises Liability; Dismissed by Summary Judgement

Harris v. Tutle & Tutle Trucking Inc. and Michael Lovvorn
Transportation Liability Trial; Defense Verdict

Eades v. Pate Rehabilitation
Healthcare Professional Liability Trial; Defense Verdict

Washington v. RCI and Micela Liem
Dram Shop Trial, Defense Verdict

Luong v. Bridgestone Americas, Inc. and Jason Bybee
Transportation Liability Trial; Defense Verdict

Kaul v. General Motors and Lone Star Buick-GMC II, L.P.
Product Liability Trial; Defense Verdict

Telephone: 214.346.3727
Fax: 214.267.4227
brawson@hartlinebarger.com
8750 N. Central Expy.
Suite 1600
Dallas, Texas 75231

Curriculum Vitae

  • Education
    Harvard Business School (Analytics) 2021-2022

    Southern Methodist University, J.D. 2003
    • Phi Delta Phi
    • Mac Taylor Inn of Court

    Southern Methodist University, B.A. (Finance) 2000

    Episcopal School of Dallas
  • Bar & Court Admissions
    Texas
    U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
    U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas
    U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas
    U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas
    U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas
  • Honors & Awards
    • Recognized as a Rising Star in the Rising Stars Edition of Texas Super Lawyers Magazine (2012-2016)
  • Professional Affiliations & Activities
    • State Bar of Texas
    • Defense Research Institute
    • Dallas Bar Association
    • Eastern District of Texas Bar Association
    • Episcopal School of Dallas Board of Directors (2013–2015)
    • Episcopal School of Dallas Alumni Association President (2013–2015)
    • Episcopal School of Dallas Alumni Association Vice President (2012 – 2013)
    • Episcopal School of Dallas Alumni Association Executive Committee Member (2010–present)

Competitive Spirit

On the basketball court or golf course, Brian enjoys a little friendly competition when he can find the time. And he doesn’t just play against friends and co-workers; he also takes on bass and trout in the fishing waters of Texas and Arkansas.