John W. Bridger

Principal

Overview

John’s practice includes a wide variety of civil and maritime litigation, including tort and commercial disputes. He has tried over 70 cases to verdict. He frequently defends personal injury and property damage claims typically occurring on or at chemical plants, refineries, fabrication shops, docks, marine terminals, vessels, offshore oil rigs and platforms, and construction sites. These cases regularly involve claims of negligence, gross negligence, personal injury, premises liability, products liability, maritime law, toxic tort, appellate law and contribution and indemnity.

John also handles a variety of commercial and contractual matters, including claims arising from breach of contract, insurance and indemnity disputes, and maritime bunkers sales.

John looks for creative, innovative, and efficient means to pursue his clients’ litigation goals.

Professional Background

  • 2021-present Of Counsel, Wilson Elser Markowitz Edelman & Dicker, LLP
  • 1991-2021 Partner, Strong Pipkin Bissell & Ledyard, L.L.P.
  • 1986-1990 Associate, Strong, Pipkin, Nelson & Bissell
  • 1985-1986 Associate, Hinds, Meyer, Billings, & Solomon

Bar Admissions

  • American Board of Trial Advocates
  • Texas Association of Defense Counsel
  • Defense Research Institute
  • College of the State Bar of Texas
  • Houston Bar Association
  • Jefferson County Bar Association
  • Co-Editor of TADC Commercial Law Newsletter
  • State Bar of Texas
  • U.S. District Courts for Eastern, Southern, Northern, and Western Districts of Texas
  • U.S. Court of Appeals – Fifth Circuit

Professional Certifications

  • Civil Trial Law (Since 1992)
  • Personal Injury Trial Law (Since 1990)

Education

  • University of Texas School of Law (with honors), J.D., 1985
  • Baylor University, B.A. (magna cum laude), 1982

Recognitions and Honors

  • ABOTA Advocate
  • AV rated, Martindale Hubbell
  • AVVO “Superb” Rating – 10/10
  • Best Lawyers® (by Levine Leichtman Capital Partners)
  • The Best Lawyers in America©
    • Commercial Litigation (2017-2021)
    • Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants (2012-2021)
    • Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions – Defendants (2020-2021)
    • Product Liability Litigation – Defendants (2021)
  • “Houston’s Top Lawyers,” H Texas Magazine (2007, 2008, 2011-present)
  • Texas Super Lawyers (a Thomson Reuters® service), 2004-2020

An experienced attorney is ready to help at Germer.