During the past 26 years, Rusty has enjoyed a general civil trial practice, including both jury and bench trials in federal and state courts, as well as appearances before state and federal administrative agencies. His experience encompasses a wide variety of litigation, including cases involving personal injury and wrongful death, product liability, medical malpractice, insurance law, business and consumer law, employment law, anti-trust law, health law and school law.
Rusty was born in Great Falls, Montana while his father was stationed there, serving as a pilot with the U.S. Air Force, Strategic Air Command (SAC). In the years following his Air Force career, Rusty’s father became an insurance agent, and the family moved to Abilene, Texas. Rusty also caught the flying bug, and earned his pilot’s license at age 17. After graduation from Abilene Cooper High School, Rusty attended Baylor University, graduating in 1978 with B.B.A. degree in finance. He earned his law degree from Baylor Law School in 1981.
While an undergraduate, Rusty was active in numerous campus organizations and received a J.S. Kemper Foundation Scholarship. In law school, Rusty’s advocacy skills became apparent early when he was honored with the unusual distinction of being named a Barrister during his first year.
Rusty began his law practice in Abilene in 1981 with the firm of Wagstaff, Harrell, Alvis, Stubbeman, and Seamster, holding the position of partner from 1984 until 1996. In 1996 Rusty began his own firm to focus specifically on litigation.
Throughout his career, Rusty's peers have selected him for leadership in local and State Bar activities. He was elected President of the Abilene Bar Association for 1996-1997, having previously served as Secretary-Treasurer. Rusty was also elected by the young lawyers of his 21-county West Texas district to represent them as a member of the Board of Directors of the Texas Young Lawyers Association.
In 1990 and again in 1993, the State Bar of Texas appointed Rusty as a member of the District 14D Grievance Committee, to hear and adjudicate ethical complaints filed by clients against their lawyers. During the three years of his second term, Rusty served as Chairman of the committee. In 1987, the Texas Bar Foundation selected Rusty as a Fellow, a distinction awarded to only 10 percent of the attorneys in Texas. He now enjoys membership as a Life Fellow of the Foundation.
In addition to service to the State Bar of Texas, Rusty has been involved in the leadership of the Texas Association of Defense Counsel, which serves the interests of Texans and his clients. Rusty served two terms on the Board of Directors and was recently appointed to the Nominating Committee, which selects Directors and Officers of the organization.
Rusty’s expertise has been recognized by his membership in the International Association of Defense Counsel, which is comprised of the world’s leading corporate and insurance attorneys. The IADC is a multinational organization whose members specialize in representing many of the largest corporations in the world. Membership is by invitation only, following a stringent peer-review process. Rusty was honored by his inclusion in this internationally recognized class of attorneys.
In addition, Rusty is a member of the Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel, another international organization of defense attorneys. Composed of leaders in the legal community, Federation members have been judged by their peers to have achieved professional distinction, and are committed to promoting knowledge, fellowship, professionalism and the course of justice. FDCC members are experienced attorneys and others who are actively engaged in the administration and defense of civil litigation from throughout the world.
Also, Rusty is a member of the Transportation Lawyers Association, an international association whose members assist providers and users of logistics and transportation services, regardless of mode. Finally, he is gratified that he continues to be listed in the Martindale-Hubbell Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers.
Rusty is married to Jane, a former practicing attorney, and they have two school-aged sons. Rusty has coached many of his sons’ sports teams and serves as Troop Committee Chairman of their Boy Scout troop. The family enjoys snow skiing and traveling together. |
