Anthony R. LaScalea

About Anthony

EXPERIENCE

Anthony R. LaScalea has been an attorney at Fee Smith & Sharp since 2018. Since joining FSS, he has represented both companies and individuals in complex litigation in state and federal court in Texas, involving products liability claims, employment contract disputes, commercial and transportation, and premises liability cases. He has tried cases representing both defendants and plaintiffs to juries across the State of Texas in County Court, District Court, and to the United States District Court, resulting in favorable verdicts at each level.

On the Plaintiff side, Mr. LaScalea has successfully recovered over eight figures in settlements and verdicts for clients. He has both defended and prosecuted claims involving the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act to verdict and final judgment.

Mr. LaScalea has conducted and defended over 250 depositions, attended more than 100 mediations, obtained summary judgments dismissing all claims with prejudice in four different counties, attended more than 100 mediations leading to favorable settlements, and has litigated cases in all four federal districts in the State of Texas. In addition to his litigation practice, he has also been retained to consult on non-union talent contracts, employment agreements, and major and minor league sports franchises and arena owner contracts.

While in law school, Mr. LaScalea was one of two law students selected to serve on the Office of Professional and Career Development Advisory Board, worked as a clerk in the University of Oklahoma Office of the General Counsel, and served as a research assistant for the University of Oklahoma College of Law. He also served as a summer litigation associate in the City of Atlanta, Georgia Department of Law.

Mr. LaScalea graduated with University Honors from Auburn University, graduating in the top 15% of his class. During his time at Auburn, he was elected to the prestigious Harbert College of Business Executive Society and served as a manager for the Auburn University baseball team.

A first-generation college graduate and supporter of organizations dedicated to improving the quality of education, Mr. LaScalea serves on numerous boards and has volunteered in schools in Tijuana, San Diego, Chicago, New York City and Boston. He also remains active with the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation and the YMCA of Metropolitan of Dallas. He is a graduate of the Collin County Leadership and Prosecutor Academy. He also served as a staff assistant in the United States House of Representatives.

TRIAL VICTORIES

• Second-Chaired four-day automotive accident in the United States Eastern District of Texas At close of trial, the Plaintiff asked the jury for nearly $3 MM for past and future damages. After nearly ninety minutes of deliberations, the jury returned a defense verdict finding Plaintiff 51% negligent and, therefore, not entitled to a monetary award for damages.
• First-Chaired three-day automotive accident case in the 23rd Judicial District Court of Brazoria County, Texas. Lead counsel for Plaintiff/Third-Party Defendant. Obtained a jury verdict in favor of client awarding his client more than 70% of alleged damages.
• Second-Chaired four-day automotive accident in the 96th Judicial District of Tarrant County. Jury awarded Plaintiff a verdict with the Fort Worth Court of Appeals reversed and rendered a Take Nothing Judgment in favor of client.
• Obtained a summary judgment in the 134th Judicial District Court of Dallas County in a hotly contested case as to liability. After hearing the evidence from both sides, including testimony from four depositions, the Court dismissed the case in its entirety.
• Obtained summary judgment in the 394th Judicial District Court of Brewster County on behalf of a resort, arguing that Plaintiff’s lawsuit was barred by a release and by the Texas Equine Act. Plaintiff appealed to the Texas Court of Appeals, Eighth District (El Paso), which the COA affirmed, granting summary judgment in its entirety and awarding Plaintiff zero damages.
• Obtained a Summary Judgment in a high-stakes commercial vehicle accident in Bowie County, Texas during pre-trial arguments in Bowie County, Texas. The Plaintiffs, seeking over $1 million in damages, claimed negligence in hiring, training, retention, supervision, and maintenance. After 22 months of discovery, depositions, and expert testimony, the Court found that Plaintiffs evidence was insufficient to survive Summary Judgment, dismissing the case in its entirety, prior to jury selection. Prior to pre-trial arguments, Plaintiffs made a $2 million settlement demand, which was rejected by Defendants.
• Obtained a summary judgment in the 59th Judicial District Court of Grayson County, dismissing the case in its entirety.
• First-Chaired automobile accident case in Harris County. Obtained a jury verdict finding the opposing party more than 51% negligent.