Nicholas E. Petree
Top rated Business Litigation attorney in Houston, Texas
Ahmad, Zavitsanos & Mensing, PLLC
Practice areas: Business Litigation, Business & Corporate, Aviation & Aerospace; view more
Licensed in Texas since: 2012
Education: University of Houston Law Center
Selected to Super Lawyers: 2024 - 2026 
Selected to Rising Stars: 2022 Ahmad, Zavitsanos & Mensing, PLLC
1221 McKinney StSuite 2500
Houston, TX 77010 Phone: 832-450-3963 Email: Nicholas E. Petree Visit website
A seasoned trial lawyer and counsel at Ahmad, Zavitsanos & Mensing (AZA) in Houston, Texas, Nicholas E. Petree has a proven track record in both prosecuting and defending a variety of claims, including breach of contract, fraud, tortious interference, breach of fiduciary duties, defamation and RICO violations. His guidance is often sought for negotiations involving service contracts, sale and purchase agreements, and company governance documents.
Mr. Petree’s clientele spans a diverse range of industries, such as oil and gas (covering upstream, midstream, export, retail and oil field services), investments and banking, health care, aerospace, construction and real estate development. Additionally, he adeptly handles high-stakes litigation in both federal and state courts, as well as before arbitration panels nationwide.
With an energetic and empathetic approach, Mr. Petree resonates and engages effectively with any audience, establishing a persuasive presence in jury trials, courtrooms and arbitration settings. His meticulous attention to detail and relentless work ethic consistently drive favorable outcomes for his clients. By deeply understanding his clients' business operations and concerns, he ensures their goals are achieved both in and outside the courtroom.
After earning his Bachelor of Business Administration in marketing from Texas A&M University in 2009, Mr. Petree obtained his J.D. from the University of Houston Law Center in 2012. His commitment to pro bono work has earned him multiple awards, particularly for his representation of students challenging discriminatory dress and grooming codes. Before joining AZA, he refined his trial skills at an international law firm and trial boutique.
Practice areas
Business Litigation, Business/Corporate, Aviation and Aerospace, Civil Litigation: PlaintiffFirst Admitted: 2012, Texas
Professional Webpage: https://azalaw.com/our-attorneys/nicholas-petree/
Bar / Professional Activity
- Texas, 2012
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas
- U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas
- U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit
Verdicts / Settlements (Case Results)
- Obtained multimillion dollar award for energy company client in international arbitration involving competing claims for delays to the completion of two LPG plant conversion projects. And, subsequently, confirmed the disputed arbitration award in adversary bankruptcy proceedings.
- In pro bono partnership with NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund, Inc., represented community activist organizations challenging the constitutionality of Florida’s newly enacted “anti-protest” criminal law. Obtained injunction against the State of Florida’s enforcement of the new criminal statute.
- In pro bono partnership with NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund, Inc., represented students challenging the constitutionality of their school’s discriminatory dress and grooming code. Following weeklong hearing, obtained injunction against school’s enforcement of the policy on grounds of race and sex discrimination, as well as violation of the students’ free speech rights.
- Retained by company and its corporate controller for post-judgment and appellate proceedings, including motion for new trial, net worth contest and discovery (and related mandamus), defense against attachment and collection efforts, and appeal. Successfully defeated attachment and collection efforts and judgment overturned on appeal.
- Represented publicly traded oilfield services company in multiple matters to prosecute claims for defective equipment and products. Obtained favorable settlements in each matter involving significant payments to client.
- Defended investor at trial regarding a claim for recovery of fees under investment and development agreement. Obtained take nothing judgment for client following conclusion of the jury trial.
- Represented partner prosecuting claims against other business partner for breach of fiduciary duty concerning freeze out from the business. Obtained a favorable settlement for client during settlement conference with magistrate judge. Following the settlement, obtained contested orders for enforcement of the settlement agreement as a result of opposing party’s non-compliance.
- Retained to defend real estate investor in ongoing adversary proceeding in bankruptcy court against claims for recovery on a secured note. Obtained reversal of prior sanctions order against client. Also secured dismissal of claims during course of trial.
- Defended multiple national financial services companies against claims of fraud, fraudulent inducement, tortious interference, slander, and breach of contract in connection with secured financing transactions. Successfully obtained orders of dismissal on all claims.
- Represented commercial real estate operators in multiple lawsuits against tenants concerning competing claims for violations of leases. Obtained judgments in clients’ favors following each trial.
- Defended seismic company against claims for breach of contract and trespass. Successfully moved to reopen previously closed bankruptcy proceeding, removed ongoing claims to bankruptcy court, and secured dismissal of all claims in contested adversary proceeding.
- Represented publicly traded fuel retailer in arbitration brought by former parent company for defense and indemnity against third-party claims pursuant to the parties’ spinoff agreement. The third-party claims involved multiple actions brought by state attorneys general for remediation of underground storage tanks. Negotiated favorable settlement for client.
- Retained by real estate developer three days before trial to take over defense against claims for breach of contract and unjust enrichment. Obtained declaration of mistrial during course of the jury trial.
- Defended oil production company in lawsuit from royalty interest owners regarding alleged failure to reasonably develop oil and gas minerals. Negotiated settlement for nuisance value following the filing of summary judgment against plaintiffs’ claims.
- Represented shareholder and director in arbitration against another shareholder and director involving competing claims for breach of fiduciary duties. Obtained award in client’s favor that included injunction against opposing party’s involvement in management or operations of the company.
- Regularly represent and advise executives, directors, and investors concerning issues of fiduciary duties, governance, corporate compliance, and securities.
- Represented oil production company in lawsuit concerning terms of a crude oil purchase agreement executed with one of the world’s largest crude traders. Opposing party asserted claims for breach of contract, mutual mistake, unilateral mistake, and fraud, while client asserted counterclaim for breach of the agreement. Obtained $42.5 million settlement in client’s favor.
- Defended LNG export company against allegations that it usurped an LNG project business opportunity allegedly valued at $200-$300 million from a different company indebted to the opposing party. Following grant of partial summary judgment in client’s favor on eve of jury selection, successfully obtained dismissal of all claims against client without client making any payment.
Educational Background
- The University of Houston Law Center, J.D., Honors: Order of the Coif and Order of the Barons, Editor of the Houston Journal of International Law, Mock Trial Team - 2012
- Texas A&M University, BBA, Honors: President/CEO of the Memorial Student Center, Chair of Memorial Student Center Board of Directors, Co-Founder of Texas A&M Foundation Maroon Coats, Chair of MSC Town Hall, Old Army Gentlemen’s Society (Ol’ Ags) - 2009
Scholarly Lectures / Writings
- David Ammons and Nick Petree, Lessor Development Expectations During Downturn, TEXAS LAWYER, April 6, 2015
- Nick Petree, Born in the USA: An All-American View of Birthright Citizenship and International Human Rights, 34 HOUS. J. INT’L L. 147 (2011)
Industry Groups
- Energy
- Financial Services
- Investments
- Real Estate
Office location for Nicholas E. Petree
1221 McKinney St
Suite 2500
Houston, TX 77010
Selections
- Super Lawyers: 2024 - 2026
- Rising Stars: 2022