Sean O’Neal Braun

Biography

Sean O’Neal Braun advocates for and represents clients in the areas of employment and commercial litigation, from pre-litigation through trial and appeal, as well as in administrative proceedings, arbitration, and dispute resolution. Sean regularly advises clients on employment matters, including negotiating agreements, investigating internal complaints, drafting employment policies, and compliance with federal and state laws. Sean is actively involved in advising clients on risk management and policy creation and implementation. Sean also has experience in the areas of employee disability, life, and health benefits disputes and professional negligence.

Based on Sean’s attention to detail and problem-solving approach, clients of all types and sizes rely on Sean to handle their most challenging legal problems, evaluate risks, and achieve their desired results quickly and efficiently. If arbitration, litigation, or appeal are necessary, Sean brings his substantial experience and expertise to every matter. Unsurprisingly, Sean has achieved remarkable success and favorable results for many clients.

Outside of the office, Sean enjoys spending time with his son, caring for his dozens of houseplants, and honing his astrophotography skills.

Experience

Sean’s prior experiences include:

  • Secured an appellate victory on behalf of manufacturer when the Fifth Circuit affirmed summary judgment in breach of contract and fraud lawsuit. Reported opinion: Sheet Pile, L.L.C. v. Plymouth Tube Co., ___ F.4th ___, No. 23-50123 (5th Cir. 2024).
  • Obtained summary judgment and appellate affirmance of summary judgment on behalf of municipality in discrimination, retaliation, and failure to accommodate lawsuit under the ADA and ADEA. Reported opinions: January v. City of Huntsville, 74 F.4th 646 (5th Cir. 2023); January v. City of Huntsville, 608 F. Supp. 3d 488 (S.D. Tex. 2022).
  • Leveraged thoroughly researched and persuasive opposition and supplemental briefing to achieve a favorable resolution to Title VII matter ripe for the Supreme Court of the United States’ decision on petition for writ of certiorari.
  • Secured an appellate victory on behalf of an international airline and airport services company, when the Fifth Circuit affirmed order dismissing without prejudice and compelling arbitration of claims under Title VII and Section 1981. Reported opinion: Eastus v. ISS Facility Servs., 960 F.3d 207 (5th Cir. 2020)
  • Attained jury verdict on behalf of multinational assurance, inspection, product testing and certification company in breach of employment agreement lawsuit with former executive.
  • Secured directed verdict on behalf of municipality during trial of failure to accommodate claim under the ADA.
  • Obtained appellate reversal of summary judgment, including award of sanctions and attorneys’ fees on behalf of employer after former employee sought a declaratory judgment as to enforceability of noncompete agreement.
  • Obtained appellate reversal of trial court order denying hybrid motion to dismiss under the Texas Citizens Participation Act and motion to compel arbitration in legal malpractice lawsuit.
  • Secured dismissal of on behalf of GAP insurance company in arbitration arising breach of dealer services agreement.
  • Achieved bench trial victory in dispute between municipality and journalist in dispute under the Texas Public Information Act.
  • Obtained dismissal of legal malpractice and related claims arising from fee dispute with former client who had settled the underlying lawsuit.
  • Obtained summary judgment on behalf of municipality in Title VII retaliation lawsuit with police officer fired for misconduct.
  • Secured partial dismissal of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation claims on behalf of independent school district in lawsuit under Title IX.

Education

American University, Washington College of Law

  • Juris Doctor, 2013

Syracuse University, Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs

  • Bachelor of Arts, History, 2010, cum laude
  • Bernice Hogan Prize for Best History Thesis, 2010

Bar/Court Admissions

Bar/Court Admissions

  • State Bar of Texas
  • United States District Courts for the Northern, Southern, Eastern, and Western Districts of Texas
  • United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit

Honor & Professional Affiliations

  • Houston Bar Association
  • Houston Young Lawyers Association
  • American Bar Association