Education

J.D., magna cum laude, New York University, 2001. Order of the Coif, Journal of Legislation and Public Policy.
M.A., with honors, Regent University, 1998. Outstanding Graduate of 1998.
B.A., with honors, Stanford University, 1994.

Court Admissions

State of Texas
The U.S. Supreme Court
The U.S. Courts of Appeals for the Fifth and Federal Circuits
The U.S. District Courts for the Northern, Eastern and Western Districts of Texas

Bar Admissions

American Bar Association
State Bar of Texas
Travis County Bar Association

Joel L. Thollander

Principal

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Joel Thollander is a Principal in the Austin office of McKool Smith whose practice focuses on appeals and motions in complex cases. Mr. Thollander rejoined the firm in September 2006 after serving two years in the Attorney General of Texas’ Office of the Solicitor General.

As an Assistant Solicitor General, Mr. Thollander received the Best Brief award from the National Association of Attorneys General for excellence in brief writing in the U.S. Supreme Court.

From 2001-2002, Mr. Thollander was Clerk to the Honorable Craig T. Enoch of the Texas Supreme Court.

Representative Matters

Mr. Thollander has handled and assisted with numerous significant appeals, including:

In the U.S. Supreme Court

Baranowski v. Hart (RLUIPA)
Van Orden v. Perry (First Amendment)
LULAC v. Perry (Redistricting)

In the Texas Supreme Court

Sonat v. Cudd (Choice of Law, Oilfield Indemnity)
State v. Oakley (Ch. 103 Compensation)
Chudej v. State (Right to Appeal, Due Process)

In the Fifth Circuit

Golden Bridge v. Ericsson (Anitrust)
Staley v. Harris County (First Amendment)

In the Federal Circuit

i4i v. Microsoft (Patent)
Katz v. American Airlines (Patent)

Awards & Recognition

Named a Rising Star for 2009 and 2010 by Texas Super Lawyers.