Peter Laurie – Austin, Texas

Areas of Practice

General Civil Litigation • Insurance Defense • Insurance Bad Faith • Premises Liability • Employment Tax

Legal Experience

Mr. Laurie’s practice focuses on civil litigation, including insurance defense, premise liability, bad faith, and appellate work. Mr. Laurie has argued before Texas’ Third, Fifth, and Fourteenth Courts of Appeal, among others. Before joining Dorsett, Johnson, & Cisneros, Mr. Laurie taught ninth grade English in Austin. Before that, he worked for the Texas Attorney General in the Tax Division, primarily representing the Texas Workforce Commission in tax disputes.

Before moving to Texas in 2009, Mr. Laurie practiced law in California. His practice there included insurance coverage litigation and general civil litigation.

Peter Laurie brings a unique blend of legal acumen, teaching expertise, and a commitment to service that spans over two decades. As an accomplished attorney with extensive trial and appellate experience, Peter has represented clients ranging from government agencies to private entities. His tenure as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Texas showcased his ability to navigate complex legal landscapes, particularly in cases involving the Texas Workforce Commission. Peter’s practice is distinguished by a meticulous approach to legal strategy, underscored by his success in obtaining favorable outcomes in high-stakes litigation. His appellate work, including several published opinions, demonstrates a mastery of legal writing and oral advocacy. His representation of clients in various industries has solidified his reputation as a tenacious and insightful problem solver. Notable victories include defending sovereign immunity in landmark cases and skillfully resolving intricate disputes related to employment law and administrative decisions.

Peter has a robust appellate practice, showcasing expertise in complex administrative and employment law matters. His notable appellate cases include Risk Mgmt. Strategies, Inc. v. Texas Workforce Comm’n, where he convinced the Austin Court of Appeals that sovereign immunity was waived only for unemployment claims under a specific statute, and successfully defended against the first ultra vires claim at the appellate level. In Stoker v. TWC Com’rs, he persuaded the Dallas Court of Appeals that the filing deadline for judicial review of Texas Workforce Commission decisions is jurisdictional, setting a precedent for timeliness in appellate filings. Additionally, in Johnson v. Oxy USA, Inc., he navigated a complicated appeal, successfully arguing that jurisdiction to review a Texas Workforce Commission dismissal was limited to timeliness, while also establishing res judicata as a bar to overlapping claims. His work in JMJ Acquisitions Mgmt., LLC v. Peterson demonstrated his ability to litigate jurisdictional and evidentiary challenges, as he defended the Texas Workforce Commission’s authority to adjudicate wage claims, obtaining an affirmation of the Commission’s jurisdiction and the employee’s award. Similarly, in Just Energy Texas I Corp. v. Texas Workforce Comm’n, Peter successfully argued procedural and substantive issues related to unemployment benefits, including the timeliness of appeals and the exhaustion of administrative remedies, further solidifying his reputation for navigating nuanced legal issues and securing favorable outcomes for his clients.

Currently, Peter specializes in bad faith litigation involving high-value property claims, drawing on his deep knowledge of insurance law to navigate challenging legal and factual issues. His ability to dissect intricate claims and mount robust defenses has earned him a reputation as a tenacious advocate for his clients. Peter’s practice spans various areas of civil litigation, including premises liability, insurance disputes, commercial litigation, and catastrophic personal injury claims. Over the course of his career, he has successfully defended national retailers, insurance companies, and businesses in both state and federal courts. From skillfully crafting dispositive motions to managing intricate discovery disputes, Peter combines strategic insight with meticulous attention to detail.

In addition to his legal career, Peter is a dedicated educator with years of experience teaching English and art in Austin public schools. This role reflects his passion for mentorship and his ability to communicate effectively—a skill that also serves his clients well in the courtroom. His educational achievements, including a Master’s in Secondary Education and a J.D. from Syracuse University College of Law, complement his intellectual rigor and adaptability.

Peter’s background is as diverse as his accomplishments. A former U.S. Marine Corps machine gunner, he applies the discipline and resilience honed in military service to his legal practice. Outside the office, he channels his competitive spirit into Muay Thai and lacrosse, where he remains active in recreational leagues. This balance of grit and teamwork defines Peter’s approach to his professional and personal endeavors.

Whether advocating for his clients, crafting innovative legal solutions, or mentoring future leaders, Peter exemplifies dedication, versatility, and excellence in every aspect of his work.

Education

Doctor of Jurisprudence, Syracuse University School of Law, 2003 Bachelor of Arts, Philosophy and English, University of California at Davis, 2000

Professional Licenses

State Bar of Texas, 2009 State Bar of California, 2003