Overview
Neely Fortinberry is an accomplished trial lawyer and partner at WSHB's Dallas, Texas, office. With nearly 200 jury trials to verdict, Neely is known for her poise before juries and commanding presence in the courtroom. Her extensive litigation experience spans every phase of the process, from initial pleadings through trial, making her a trusted advocate in high-stakes cases.
Throughout her career, Neely has defended a wide range of matters, including catastrophic injury and fatality cases, dangerous and defective product claims, trucking litigation, and multi-party personal injury disputes. She also has substantial experience in first-party insurance litigation and a deep understanding of the strategic and evidentiary challenges unique to high-stakes injury cases. Regardless of case size or complexity, Neely is recognized for her meticulous preparation and commitment to delivering the strongest possible defense for her clients.
Neely began her legal career as an Assistant County Attorney for Johnson County, where she prosecuted major juvenile felony offenses. She was later appointed as a Felony Assistant District Attorney for Tarrant County, where she managed aggravated felony cases, including serial rape, kidnapping, and murder trials.
In 2002, Neely transitioned to civil litigation, joining one of the largest national insurance companies. Her litigation skills were quickly recognized, earning her the title of Trial Attorney of the Year (2003) for her division.
Over the years, Neely has partnered with several well-known boutique law firms in Dallas/Fort Worth, managing high-exposure, catastrophic cases on both sides of the docket.
Neely is a Certified Mediator and is frequently appointed by courts to mediate cases or serve as a Guardian Ad Litem in litigated matters involving minor children.
Additionally, she is a frequent and sought-after lecturer in the insurance industry, providing updates on litigation ethics and tort reform.
Credentials
Education
- Texas Wesleyan School of Law (now Texas A&M School of Law) (J.D., 1998)
- Texas Christian University (B.S. in Psychology, 1995)
Licensed to Practice in
- Texas
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Texas
Newsroom
News
Community
Community Activities
- American Cancer Society, Current Advisory Council & Event Chair
- Boys & Girls Club of Arlington, Former Member of the Board of Directors
- Texas Health Harris Methodist Foundation, Former Member
- Texas Christian University, “Advisor of the Year”
- TCU Frog Club | TCU Alumni Association
Memberships
- Certified Civil Mediator