About Karina
Overview
Karina is a seasoned litigator with nearly 20 years of experience representing clients in complex, high-exposure disputes across Texas. She focuses her practice on transportation, business, and premises liability litigation, routinely defending national transportation carriers, property owners, restaurants, and hospitality establishments against negligence claims. Known for her strategic, results-driven advocacy, Karina has earned a reputation as a trusted defender of businesses facing significant litigation risks.
Karina also maintains a robust commercial litigation practice. She has prosecuted and defended a wide range of commercial and fiduciary claims, including breach of contract, shareholder and partnership disputes, and business torts involving allegations of fraud, negligent misrepresentation, shareholder oppression, theft of trade secrets, and tortious interference.
She understands the importance of providing thorough yet efficient legal solutions, always balancing the demands of litigation with her clients’ broader strategic objectives.
Representative Matters
- Successfully defended major franchisor in lawsuit alleging participation in breach of fiduciary duty, resulting in take-nothing judgment following a two-week jury trial.
- Represented major aircraft modification company in delay claim dispute, obtaining a favorable jury verdict awarding delay damages after a two-week trial.
- Represented CEO of a corporation with over 400 shareholders in a securities fraud and fiduciary duty case; successfully argued a plea to the jurisdiction resulting in dismissal of all claims.
- Defended one of the nation’s largest line clearance and vegetation management companies in a wrongful death claim, achieving a favorable settlement.
- Defended major produce importer against breach of contract claim while prosecuting counterclaims, resulting in favorable settlement.
- Represented e-commerce company in prosecution of a trademark cancellation proceeding, enabling successful registration of desired trademark.
- Represented international charity in will contest involving disputed claim to an estate valued at more than $2.5 million, achieving favorable settlement.
- Co-authored Private Letter Ruling Request to IRS seeking modification of IRC 6166 Election for a taxable estate valued at more than $100 million.
- Prosecuted fraud and breach of contract claims on behalf of a departing shareholder of a closely held corporation, securing a significant monetary recovery.
- Defended large residential home builder against fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, breach of warranty, and construction defect claims, reaching favorable settlement.
- Successfully represented appellant before the Fourth Court of Appeals in a breach of contract case, securing reversal of an adverse judgment.
- Represented defendant property owner against fraud and forgery claims, obtaining a take-nothing judgment after a bench trial.
Community Involvement
- Karina is deeply engaged in the San Antonio community. From 2009–2016, she served on the San Antonio Housing Authority’s Board of Commissioners, an appointment made by Housing and Urban Development Secretary and San Antonio Mayor Julián Castro. SAHA is one of the nation’s largest housing authorities, providing affordable housing and pathways to self-sufficiency for families in need. During her tenure, Karina chaired the Finance Committee, overseeing an annual operating budget exceeding $170 million, and also led the Audit Committee.
Awards and Recognitions
- Scene in SA – “San Antonio Rising Stars”
- Scene in SA – “Best SA Lawyers”
- San Antonio Magazine – “Top Attorneys in San Antonio” (2021)
Publications and Speeches
- “The Buy-Sell Agreement” NSIDE Magazine, November 2008
- “The Story of Big Tom Callaghan” NSIDE Magazine, July 2009
- “A US/Mexico Love Affair” NSIDE Magazine, September 2009
- “Beyond Washington” NSIDE Magazine, November 2009
- “An Unwritten Story: Texas and the Series LLC” NSIDE Magazine, January 2011
- “Non-Compete Agreements” NSIDE Magazine, August 2011
- “The ‘Loser Pays’ Bill” NSIDE Magazine, November 2011
- “Alternative Dispute Resolution” NSIDE Magazine, January 2012
- “The Bully in the Boardroom” NSIDE Magazine, January 2013