Draft:Levi McCathern

McCathern was born in Perryton, a town in the Texas panhandle, and grew up in Snyder, Texas.

He earned his BA from Baylor University in 1990, graduating summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa, and his law degree from the same institution in 1993. At Baylor he became a member of the Order of Barristers and served as pastor of a church in Travis, Texas.{{citation |url= https://profiles.superlawyers.com/texas/dallas/lawyer/levi-mccathern-ii/36708b14-16b4-409d-a130-f0116bd7ca5a.html | title= Levi McCathern, II | publisher= Super Lawyers | accessdate=6 December 2024}}

He was licensed to practice law in Texas in 1993 and became an associate with the firm Godwin & Carlton, P.C. that year. Within five years he became the firm's youngest-ever shareholder.

On October 1, 1998, he founded his own firm, McCathern Wadlington Mooty, LLP, which became known in 2012 as McCathern, PLLC.{{citation |url= https://marketscale.com/industries/business-services/road-to-dallas-100-mccathern-law-levi-mccathern/ | title= The Road to the Dallas 100™: McCathern Used To Be A Small Boutique Firm. Busting COVID Helped Them Hit The Big Time. | publisher= MarketScale | date=11 August 2023 |accessdate=11 December 2024}} In 2021 the firm was renamed McCathern, Shokouhi, Evans, Grinke, PLLC to recognize the contributions of its other founding partners.{{cite press release |author= |title= McCathern Renames Firm to Recognize Founding Partners |url= https://www.prweb.com/releases/mccathern-renames-firm-to-recognize-founding-partners-801588684.html |location= Dallas, TX |publisher= McCathern, Shokouhi, Evans, Grinke, PLLC |date=12 February 2021 |access-date=11 December 2024}} In 2023 the firm was renamed McCathern, Shokouhi, Evans.

Levi McCathern is currently licensed to practice in New York as well as Texas, and in the federal district courts of Arkansas.

Since 1998 McCathern has represented Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, including defending Jones against a sexual assault lawsuit (which was dismissed by a judge in 2014){{citation |url= https://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/17/sports/football/judge-rules-sexual-assault-lawsuit-against-jerry-jones-was-filed-too-late.html | title= Judge Rules Sexual Assault Lawsuit Against Cowboys' Owner Was Filed Too Late | work= The New York Times |date=16 October 2014 | accessdate=6 December 2024}} and against a defamation lawsuit brought by a woman claiming to be Jones' daughter.{{citation |url= https://www.si.com/nfl/2022/03/31/cowboys-jerry-jones-paid-millions-alexandra-davis-paternity-suit | title= Report: Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones Paid Millions to Woman Who Filed Paternity Suit | author=Mike McDaniel |publisher= Sports Illustrated |date=31 March 2022 | accessdate=6 December 2024}}{{citation |url= https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/sports/defamation-suit-against-dallas-cowboys-owner-jerry-jones-dismissed/3488752/ | title= Defamation suit against Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones dismissed |publisher= NBC DFW |date=14 March 2024 | accessdate=6 December 2024}} McCathern represented the Cowboys and the NFL in Super Bowl-related matters in 2011-12 and 2014-15,{{citation |url= https://www.dallasnews.com/news/2015/03/10/dallas-cowboys-owner-jerry-jones-testifying-today-in-super-bowl-xlv-seating-trial/ | title= Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones testifying today in Super Bowl XLV seating trial |author=Jeff Mosler|publisher= Dallas Morning News |date=10 March 2015 | accessdate=10 January 2025}}{{citation |url= https://www.dallasnews.com/news/2014/02/22/2011-super-bowl-lawsuit-over-falling-ice-and-snow-going-to-trial/ | title= 2011 Super Bowl lawsuit over falling ice and snow going to trial |publisher= Dallas Morning News |date=21 February 2014 | accessdate=9 January 2025}} and has represented many Dallas Cowboys players individually, including:

In 2023, he represented NFL Network analyst and former Cowboys wide receiver Michael Irvin when Irvin was accused of sexual misconduct. Irvin denied the accusations,{{citation |url= https://www.fox4news.com/news/michael-irvin-to-address-super-bowl-hotel-misconduct-allegations | title= Michael Irvin denies Super Bowl hotel misconduct allegations | author1= Alex Boyer |author2= Blake Hanson |publisher= Fox4 News |date=8 March 2023 | accessdate=9 December 2024}} no charges were ever filed, and his $100 million defamation lawsuit against the accuser and Marriott International Inc., claiming among other things that the accusation resulted in Irvin's being axed from the NFL Network's Super Bowl week coverage,{{citation |url= https://apnews.com/article/michael-irvin-nfl-defamation-lawsuit-marriott-25997fc06f18c29db77199dc0c2752dc | title= Witnesses: Michael Irvin's encounter with woman was friendly | publisher= AP News |date=8 March 2023 | accessdate=6 December 2024}} was settled.

In 2024 McCathern represented Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott in filing an extortion lawsuit in response to false sexual assault claims. A civil court judge dismissed the claims in June 2024.{{citation |url= https://www.fox4news.com/news/dak-prescott-civil-claims-dismissed | title= Judge dismisses claims against Dak Prescott in civil court | author= Fox 4 Staff |publisher= Fox 4 News |date=26 June 2024 | accessdate=6 December 2024}}

With assistance from civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump, McCathern represented Reggie Bush in Bush's long-running attempt to get his Heisman Trophy and USC records back.{{citation |url= https://www.postnewsgroup.com/press-room-civil-rights-attorney-ben-crump-and-co-counsel-levi-mccathern-file-defamation-lawsuit-on-behalf-of-reggie-bush-against-ncaa/ | title= PRESS ROOM: Civil Rights Attorney Ben Crump and Co-Counsel Levi McCathern File Defamation Lawsuit on Behalf of Reggie Bush Against NCAA |publisher= Postd New Group |date=23 August 2023 | accessdate=6 December 2024}} Their work resulted in the restoration of the Heisman.{{citation |url= https://www.latimes.com/sports/usc/story/2024-09-30/reggie-bush-wants-usc-pay-legal-fees-heisman-trophy | title= Reggie Bush's attorney says the Heisman winner expects USC to pay his legal fees | author= Ryan Kartje |work= Los Angeles Times |date=30 September 2024 | accessdate=6 December 2024}} McCathern also represented Bush in his suit against USC, the Pac-12 Conference, and the NCAA seeking compensation for their use of his Trojans-era name, image, and likeness.{{citation |url= https://www.si.com/fannation/college/cfb-hq/news/reggie-bush-nil-lawsuit-usc-pac-12-ncaa | title= Reggie Bush sues USC, Pac-12, NCAA over NIL usage | author=James Parks |publisher= Sports Illustrated |date=23 September 2024 | accessdate=9 December 2024}}

McCathern represented Cowboys defensive tackle Mazi Smith when Smith lost the possessions he had kept in a storage garage to an auction,{{citation |url= https://www.si.com/nfl/cowboys/news/dallas-cowboys-mazi-smith-insane-storage-unit-auction-goof-michigan | title= Cowboys' Mazi Smith 'Wants His Stuff Back!' After 'Insane' Storage-Unit Auction Goof | author=Mike Fisher |publisher= Sports Illustrated |date=27 February 2024 | accessdate=9 December 2024}} and Ezekiel Elliot in the matter of a car crash.{{citation |url= https://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nfl/dallas-cowboys/article233310447.html | title= Cowboys, Elliott sued for $20 million, accused of conspiring with police after wreck | author=Stefan Stevenson |publisher= Fort Worth Star-Telegram |date=31 July 2019 | accessdate=9 January 2025}} Over the years McCathern has also represented other professional athletes in litigation matters, such as Eric Williams, Deion Sanders and Emmitt Smith.

In 2024 McCathern defended singer Chris Brown against charges of assault that allegedly took place outside Brown's dressing room.{{citation |url= https://www.vibe.com/news/entertainment/chris-brown-blasts-backstage-brawl-lawsuits-setup-pay-1234902097/ | title= Chris Brown's Attorney Blasts Backstage Brawl Lawsuits As Elaborate "Setup" For Pay | author= Preezy Brown |publisher= Vibe |date=1 August 2024 | accessdate=6 December 2024}} McCathern asserted in interviews with CBS News Texas{{YouTube|WyNyaUfebWE}} and TMZ{{citation |url= https://www.tmz.com/watch/2024-07-31-073124-levi-mccarthern-1875896-217/ | title= CHRIS BROWN LAWYER LEVI MCCATHERN CONFIDENT VIDEO WILL CLEAR HIM IN $50M LAWSUIT |publisher= TMZ |date=31 July 2024 | accessdate=6 December 2024}} that the $50 million lawsuit against Brown and Yella Beezy was a shakedown, telling TMZ, "It's clear that Chris was targeted in this incident, it's clear [the accuser] saw an opportunity for financial gain." McCathern also represents Brown in a $500 million defamation lawsuit against Ample LLC and Warner Brothers in response to their docuseries Chris Brown: A History of Violence. TMZ reported that McCathern "says folks will always try to make a quick buck off celebs with false allegations, but says the onus is on the studios to weed out the BS."{{citation |url= https://www.tmz.com/2025/01/22/chris-brown-lawyer-rips-warner-brothers-docuseries/ | title= CHRIS BROWN'S LAWYER: SHAME ON YOU, WARNER BROS.!!! |publisher= TMZ |date=22 January 2025 | accessdate=16 February 2025}}

Over several years McCathern represented guitarist Neal Schon of Journey{{citation |url= https://www.cc-courts.org/calendars/calendars/20230320-0830-D018-8.pdf | title= Court Calendar for March 20, 2023 |publisher= Superior Court of California, Contra Costa County |date=20 March 2023 | accessdate=16 February 2025}} in Schon's disputes with other band members.{{citation |url= https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/journey-jonathan-cain-neal-schon-resolution-legal-battle-1235090762/ | title= JOURNEY'S JONATHAN CAIN AND NEAL SCHON REACH RESOLUTION IN LONG LEGAL BATTLE |publisher= Rolling Stone |author= Daniel Kreps |date=29 August 2024 | accessdate=16 February 2025}} McCathern also represents Joe Maldonado (aka Joe Exotic) in the former Tiger King star's efforts to be released from prison and receive a pardon from President Donald Trump because of failing health and exonerating evidence.{{citation |url= https://www.newsweek.com/joe-exotic-makes-new-pardon-push-cancer-return-2022879 | title= Joe Exotic Makes New Pardon Push as Cancer Returns: 'Not Going to Live to Carry Out Sentence' |publisher= Newsweek |author= Joshua Rhett Miller |date=29 January 2025 | accessdate=16 February 2025}} McCathern told Fox4 that Maldonado "was convicted of a murder-for-hire, but there's a problem with that. No one was killed, no one was paid and no one, except for Joe, was ever charged."{{citation |url= https://www.fox4news.com/news/joe-exotic-prison-tiger-king-new-evidence | title= Joe Exotic seeking pardon from Donald Trump |publisher= Fox4 |author= Adam Fullerton |date=16 January 2025 | accessdate=16 February 2025}}

While McCathern is publicly known for representing sports and entertainment figures, he has represented many other types of clients.

Corporate clients have included AIG, The Travelers Companies, Walmart and Whole Foods Market.

Individual and other clients have included investors,{{citation |url= https://westfaironline.com/courts/acorda-investor-sues-top-execs-for-3-3m/ | title= Acorda investor sues top execs for $3.3m | author= Bill Heltzel |publisher= Westfair Business Journal |date=12 August 2024 | accessdate=9 December 2024}}, a Chamber of Commerce,{{citation |url= https://www.itemonline.com/news/local_news/city-files-lawsuit-against-chamber-3-others/article_a8a6e283-0cb8-5b2c-904b-6615aeaa6b6f.html | title= City files lawsuit against Chamber, 3 others | author= Jay Ernis | date= September 21, 2009 |publisher= The Huntsville Item |accessdate=10 January 2025}} victims of sexual assault,{{citation |url= https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/more-families-coming-forward-abuse-allegations-prosper-isd-bus-driver/287-c6ee64f7-d206-4229-928d-a25d1eaef471 | title= More families coming forward with abuse allegations against Prosper ISD bus driver, attorneys say | author1= Kevin Reece| author2= Matt Howerton |publisher= WFAA |date=30 August 2022 | accessdate=6 December 2024}} and farmers claiming the industrial practices of Pilgrim's Pride caused damages to their land.{{citation |url= https://caselaw.findlaw.com/court/tx-court-of-appeals/1171693.html | title= NUGENT v. PILGRIM PRIDE CORPORATION (2000) |publisher= caselaw.findlaw.com |date=2 October 2000 | accessdate=9 January 2025}} In a widely reported case, he successfully represented a victim of racist violence who accused white classmates of wrapping a rope around her neck and pulling her to the ground.{{citation |url= https://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/18/us/texas-family-sues-after-rope-is-wrapped-around-black-girls-neck-on-school-trip.html | title= Lawsuit Says Texas Students Wrapped Rope Around Black Girl's Neck | author= Christopher Mele |work= The New York Times |date=17 June 2016 | accessdate=9 January 2025}}{{citation |url= https://www.kwtx.com/content/news/Jury-awards-68K-to-family-of-local-girl-in-12M-suit-over-rope-burns-499209441.html | title= Jury awards $68K to family of local girl in $12M suit over rope burns | publisher= KWTX |date=31 October 2018 | accessdate=6 December 2024}}

An avid hunter, McCathern was celebrated in 2011 for shooting and killing an 880-pound alligator, possibly the largest ever killed in Texas, that was preying a local rancher's cattle.{{citation |url= https://www.dallasobserver.com/news/when-the-hunter-becomes-the-hunted-or-how-killing-big-gator-got-dallas-attorney-in-trouble-7128467 | title= When the Hunter Becomes the Hunted: Or, How Killing Big Gator Got Dallas Attorney In Trouble | author= Robert Wilonsky |publisher= Dallas Observer |date=20 July 2011 | accessdate=11 December 2024}}{{citation |url= https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/giant-gator-killed-in-trinity-river/1896803/ | title= Giant Gator Killed In Trinity River | author= Randy McIlwain |publisher= NBC DFW |date=22 June 2011 | accessdate=6 December 2024}}

McCathern's professional honors include:

• Listed by Super Lawyers in 2003, 2004, and 2008–2022.
• Named by Best Lawyers as among the Best Lawyers in America for Litigation – Labor and Employment (2021, 2022, 2023)
• Peer-rated by Martindale-Hubbell as AV Preeminent
• Named by D Magazine among Best Lawyers in Dallas for Business/Commercial Litigation and General Corporate Law (2010s)

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