John D. Sheppard

Founding Partner

attorney john sheppard houston trial lawyer

John D. Sheppard

Founding Partner

“My clients trust me because they know I will take all steps necessary to achieve the best possible outcome. I welcome a challenge, and nothing motivates me more than when one of my clients has been treated unfairly.”

Biography

John D. Sheppard is a Houston trial attorney and co-founder of Morrow & Sheppard LLP. He represents injured workers and their families in catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases — oilfield and industrial explosions, catastrophic burn injuries, Jones Act and offshore/maritime injuries, and serious workplace and trucking incidents — across Texas and the Gulf Coast. A trial lawyer who handles every phase of a case through verdict and appeal, John is admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court.

After growing up near Houston, Texas, John attended Rhodes College in Tennessee and graduated from Emory University in Georgia.

John then attended and graduated with honors from the University of Texas School of Law.

John began his career at a major international law firm. He then joined a litigation boutique handling both plaintiff and defense cases, and was named a partner. In 2015 after ten years of practice, John co-founded Morrow & Sheppard LLP with Nick Morrow, his longtime friend and classmate at UT law. Together they have tried and resolved many cases for millions of dollars on behalf of injured clients, including trials lasting several weeks against powerful and well-funded companies and their lawyers. Both John and Nick have a passion for the law and for representing ordinary people and small businesses who need help.

When a case cannot be resolved by agreement, John personally handles all aspects of trials, including but not limited to jury selection, opening statements, direct and cross-examinations of witnesses and experts, evidentiary matters, closing arguments, motions, and arguments.  John also handles appeals, and has argued cases to state appellate courts, federal appellate courts, and is admitted to the United States Supreme Court.

Pro Bono

John has proudly handled cases for clients who could not afford to pay fees on a pro bono basis since his first year as a lawyer, particularly when the case involves an important community matter. For example, John represented a Texas Army veteran on a pro bono basis to challenge his unconstitutional exclusion from the Texas Hazlewood Act, which provides educational benefits to some but not all Texas veterans. To read about this case, as it was covered in the Houston Chronicle, click here.

Notable Verdicts & Settlements

Representative results from matters John Sheppard has led or worked on at Morrow & Sheppard LLP. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

  • $20.6 million — Confidential settlement for multiple workers who suffered catastrophic burn injuries in a Texas oil-industry explosion (2025). Oilfield explosion / burn injury.
  • $10.5 million — Vergara v. HighPeak Energy Operating LLC — settlement for two plaintiffs severely burned in an oilfield tank explosion; the firm defeated multiple motions to dismiss and took more than two dozen depositions before resolving (2024). Oilfield explosion / burn injury.
  • $9.8 million — Settlement for a client who suffered a traumatic brain injury. Catastrophic injury.
  • $8 million Jones Act settlement — Settlement reached days before trial for an injured tugboat seaman; through roughly ten depositions the firm exposed the employer’s attempt to walk back its own initial investigation findings. Jones Act / tugboat / maritime injury. Case details
  • $7+ million jury verdict — Unanimous verdict against CenterPoint Energy and homebuilder Westwind Homes after a failure to seal a gas valve caused a Laredo home to explode; jury found defendants 100% responsible, affirmed on appeal (2017; aff’d 2020). Residential gas explosion. Texas Lawyer coverage
  • $5.9 million — Maritime injury settlement. Maritime injury.
  • $4.9 million — Jones Act settlement for an injured offshore worker. Jones Act / offshore injury.
  • $4 million — Wrongful-death settlement reached during trial in a Houston apartment-complex negligent-security case, after jurors had already found the complex negligent (2019). Negligent security / wrongful death.
  • $3.2 million Jones Act jury verdict — Unanimous offshore maritime verdict (including $1.5 million in punitive damages) for a deckhand injured during a personnel-basket transfer in the Gulf of Mexico; affirmed by the U.S. Fifth Circuit. Jones Act / maritime injury. Case details
  • $1.75 million — Settlement for a worker who suffered catastrophic burn injuries when propane ignited while he refueled a forklift; the firm pursued the propane supplier and equipment dealer despite limited insurance coverage (2025). Workplace burn injury.
  • $490,000 — Settlement for a longshoreman who suffered a rotator cuff tear when his safety harness caught on a shipping container and pulled him backward at a Gulf Coast port; the firm navigated a workers’ compensation lien and pursued third-party claims against the terminal operator and stevedoring companies (2025). Longshore & Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) / port injury.

Awards & Recognitions

  • Texas Super Lawyers (Thomson Reuters) — selected 2018–2024 and 2026. View profile
  • Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum — Member — limited to trial lawyers with million- and multi-million-dollar results (fewer than 1% of U.S. attorneys). View profile
  • Texas Bar Foundation — Life Fellow — elected 2013; an honor extended to roughly the top one-third of 1% of Texas attorneys. About the Foundation
  • Texas Lawyer “Litigator of the Week” (2017) — for the $7M+ jury verdict against CenterPoint Energy and Westwind Homes. Read coverage
  • Houstonia Magazine “Top Lawyers” (2015) — recognized among Houston’s top attorneys.
  • Best Lawyers in America (2021- Present). Best Lawyers
  • Avvo “Excellent” Rating, 8.9/10. View profile
  • Martindale-Hubbell — peer-reviewed attorney profile. View profile

Education

University of Texas School of Law (J.D., with honors)

Emory University (B.A., Political Science)

Rhodes College, Memphis, Tennessee

Admitted to Practice

John is licensed to appear in the following Courts:

  • All Texas state courts
  • United States Supreme Court
  • United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals
  • United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas
  • United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas
  • United States District Court for the Western District of Texas
  • United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas

What Our Clients Are Saying

Excellent
4.9
Sandra L.
Sandra L.
My biggest gratitude to a fantastic service from start to finish! To the team at M&S law they were highly professional. I’m so thankful to Mrs. Angelina for taking her time to explain all the processes and making sure I understood every step of the case. I would give them my highest recommendation. Thank you for the hard work. In handling my case.
Matt T.
Matt T.
Thank you for everyone's help with my case at Morrow & Sheppard.
Kimberly M.
Kimberly M.
We were treated like family!Morrow & Sheppard LLP took my husband's case, when no one else would. They kept us informed each step of the way. Met with us multiple times. Phone calls and Zoom meetings, as well.Our family cannot thank them enough for everything! They stood by us more than anyone. Nick and Laura were there for us constantly.They understand the case is not just about one family member, but the whole family is affected.
Ziontre C.
Ziontre C.
Amazing firm that fought hard for me. Any time I had questions they took the time to explain everything. They handled all the hard parts so I didn’t have to worry! Im very grateful for everything they did this changed my life forever. Thanks to Laura Rueda and Daniel Sheppard
Delane W.
Delane W.
They took really Excellent care of my family. I highly recommend. I'm from another state.
Giovanni N.
Giovanni N.
Griselda Alvarado helped me throughout my case communication was at 100%! I highly recommend them to anyone!
Javier J.
Javier J.
Great lawyers, very understanding and helpful and helped me out with my case. Great people and will surely use them again.
Christopher S.
Christopher S.
"I can’t thank Morrow & Sheppard LLP specifically Daniel Shepard and Laura Rueda enough for the incredible support and guidance they provided during my injury case. From the very first consultation, they made me feel heard and understood, and they were always there to answer my questions, no matter how big or small. Their team is extremely knowledgeable, professional, and genuinely compassionate.They took the time to walk me through every step of the process, ensuring I knew exactly what to expect. I was impressed with their commitment to getting the best possible outcome for me. Thanks to their hard work and dedication, I received a settlement that exceeded my expectations.If you're looking for a law firm that truly cares about their clients and fights relentlessly for justice, I highly recommend Morrow & Sheppard LLP They are top-notch!"
Sara M.
Sara M.
This was one of the smoothest experiences I have ever had considering it was almost a 5 year case, they were attentive, educational on what was happening and paid close attention to every detail of the case and we ending up winning the case and getting a great settlement out of it. I would HIGHLY recommend them to anyone who needed help with a legal case. I personally worked with Laura and Michael for my case and again, it was a great working relationship.
Robert S.
Robert S.
A big thank you to hogan and Griselda for being so attentive to me this whole entire time during the process so patient with me and guided me step by step. We won with easy everything was always well planned and organized could not have been done with out you alls professionalism and effort.
Johnny V.
Johnny V.
Morrow & Sheppard are truly a blessing i was involved in a oilfield explosion accident they work hard until we got what everybody deserved thank you very much!!!
Roderick H.
Roderick H.
Morrow and Shephard provided excellent services, highly responsive, consistent follow-up. Most importantly, they fought for ever penny of compensation that I deserved. I highly recommend!
Jonathan “Jbyrd” F.
Jonathan “Jbyrd” F.
Griselda and Micheal took care of all my concerns. Made me feel very welcomed and that I wasn’t a bothered to them. Definitely recommend them
David M.
David M.
I strongly recommend morrow and Sheppard for yall legal assistance they was of great. Griselda was really nice and helpful
Terrance S.
Terrance S.
Mr Daniel really is a good lawyer the staff at Morrow& Sheppard good service and most importantly will represent you righteously best lawyer hands down and will defend you accordingly to the demands of your case thanks really appreciate you guys on winning my case
Shelia T.
Shelia T.
Griselda Alvarado is such a kind and patient individual. She has a great personality. Through this process she has been so helpful. I needed ti fill out paperwork for a case . She was very patient with me I'm not a computers wise. I was embarrassed to tell her. She gave me the option to come into the office I declined several times. Finally I had to go into office. When I met her she was so helpful and kind. She was suppose to get off at 5 we stayed close to 6. Never did she try to rush the process she was very patient with me. We got everything done and she was so helpful. She has a beautiful spirit and assured everything was completed. She offered me water and kept asking if I needed a break. Since the covid out break I have a phobia being out in public and dealing with people. She was great assisting my needs. Thanks again Griselda for a job well done.
Sujey G.
Sujey G.
Hola buenos días Excelente atención y servicio Muchísimas gracias a la Sra Jaqueline Rodríguez por toda la atención brindada.
Melissa Z.
Melissa Z.
I hereby acknowledge the valuable help I received from Mrs. Griselda Alvarado and her team in the follow-up and completion of my case, which was favorable and of great benefit to me. In doing so, I highly recommend that people with similar cases turn to this team. Thank you for everything! Virginia Zavala
Bryan M.
Bryan M.
My experience is very excellent because the tension and the way they treat the people is excellent and like the ladies Laura and Griselda are kind with their service because both of them where the ones that most helped for my case to go good with the excellent work that Nick and Mike do.Im very thankful with all of them.
Anna D.
Anna D.
Ms. Griselda Alvarado has helped my friends and family for years. Very thankful for her and her teams support. She goes above and beyond for her clients. She is very knowledgeable, speaks Spanish and is great at explaining the process. If you need help, definitely reach out to her.
Rod A.
Rod A.
Thank you so much Griselda for great service and helping me..through of the case..
Dray H.
Dray H.
From the very first consultation, I was struck by their professionalism and commitment. Chris and Daniel took the time to listen to my concerns, understand our situation, and outline a clear path forward. It was apparent that they all were not just going through the motions; they were genuinely invested in achieving the best outcome for my son as he suffered a lot from being hit by a car. Throughout the process, their hard work was evident. Your choice of legal representation can make a world of difference, and I am fortunate to have found a lawyer and Firm who embodies these qualities. Thank you once again for everything; your efforts will not be forgotten. If you need an honest law firm that's going to be transparent and help get the best results, call Morrow and Sheppard.
FRANK H.
FRANK H.
They went through highs and lows to help me with my case. At the end we won thanks morrow & Sheppard so much…
Elena H.
Elena H.
They were professional and very helpful with everything. If had any questions they would be quick to respond and was able to help me understand it better on things during the whole case. Thank you so much and keep up the excellent work.
Pavan L.
Pavan L.
I must recommend MS LLP for their superb services. Their team is very attentive and responsive in assisting at all times.
Cynthia D.
Cynthia D.
Griselda was so helpful and knowledgeable! She made the entire experience seamless and went the extra mile on our case. We are so happy we chose Morrow & Sheppard to represent us!
Michael J.
Michael J.
John Sheppard and Chris West did an outstanding job in representing me following a rear-end collision. Highly recommended!
Jeff S.
Jeff S.
Nick and Laura are the best..They helped every step of the way.Can’t recommend them highly enough.Not only do they get results but they care and make you feel like family.
Cassandra M.
Cassandra M.
They were very professional and understanding. The have patience and do their job well. If I had to return I would with no hesitation
Juber M.
Juber M.
4 months agoI am Extremely Happy with Morrow & Sheppard Lawfirm. I worked closely with Nick Morrow end Laura on my case With the rest of his staff. They were diligent in handling my law case matter to resolution. Laura end Nick would keep me up to date with the status of my case … More , They fought for me to get the best settlement possible.. I am happy with the outcome Thank you Nick and the staff Of MORROW END SHEPPARD LLP
Candace M.
Candace M.
Chris West is an excellent addition to the Morrow & Sheppard team. His skill set, dedication, and overall reliability he brings to the firm and clients are uncanny. You will not be disappointed.
Melis R.
Melis R.
I highly recommend the Morrow & Sheppard to anyone. They are an incredible group that did an outstanding job to make sure I got the highest settlement for my case. Attorney Daniel and his staff are all outstanding professionals with some serious case law knowledge and skill. His group went the extra mile for me and because of that, my life has forever changed. Thank you Attorney Daniel and everyone that’s a part of his firm that worked so hard. I really appreciate you!
D P.
D P.
I am Extremely Happy with Morrow & Sheppard Lawfirm. I worked closely with Daniel Sheppard and Chris on my case. They were diligent in handling my law case matter to resolution. Daniel would keep me up to date with the status of my case and Chris would also ensure all my paper work was submitted in a timely manner. I am Very Happy with the Outcome! Thank you Daniel and Chris. I highly recommend their services and would not hesitate to use them again.
Nikki L.
Nikki L.
Very strong and courageous law firm I recommend to anyone who has suffered a injury from companies who need to be held responsible for lack of safety and security, my family is set for life and with these lawyers never backing down and fighting for truth behind every case and seeking the best future for our family has given our family a second chance at being able to make it in life and holding companies accountable lifting burdens off our lives, very proud and beyond blessed to have had them fight the fight and have a tremendous outcome for our future. Along with a great and kind staff we HIGHLY recommend this law firm.
angel martinez J.
angel martinez J.
Professional and knowledgeable with years of experience.
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