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 Associations
- American Bar Association
- State Bar of Texas
- Travis County Bar Association
Joel L. Thollander
Austin OfficePrincipal
TEL: 512.692.8735 | FAX: 512.692.8744jthollander@mckoolsmith.com
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 (Antitrust)
- Staley v. Harris County (First Amendment)
In the Federal Circuit
- i4i v. Microsoft (Patent)
- Katz v. American Airlines (Patent)
Awards & Recognition
- Named a Texas "Rising Star" by Super Lawyers, 2009-2011
News
- June 21, 2010
- March 26, 2010
- March 25, 2009
Press Releases
- September 13, 2011
- June 9, 2011
- December 22, 2009