Michael Best Secures Trial Victory for The University of Texas at Austin in High-Profile First Amendment Case

Michael Best successfully secured a defense verdict for The University of Texas at Austin following a three-day bench trial in a closely watched First Amendment case arising from campus protests in the spring of 2024. 

The lawsuit was brought by a UT Austin student who alleged First Amendment retaliation related to disciplinary actions taken following his involvement in pro-Palestine protests and encampments on campus. The demonstrations were part of a broader movement that occurred on college and university campuses across the country at that time. 

After nearly two years of litigation, the case proceeded to a three-day bench trial in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas. The court subsequently issued Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law in favor of UT Austin, rejecting the plaintiff's claims and entering judgment for the university. 

"We are proud to have represented The University of Texas at Austin through nearly two years of litigation and trial,” said Darren Gibson, partner and Industry Group Co-Chair of Higher Education at Michael Best. "While this ruling is an important victory, it is also a testament to the remarkable efforts of the attorneys, paralegals, legal assistants, and litigation support professionals who worked on this matter.” 

The Michael Best team included attorneys and legal professionals from across the firm who supported all phases of the matter, from discovery and motion practice through trial. Daniel Jozwiak served as lead associate on the case and played a key role throughout the litigation. Additional contributions came from Jumi Park, Julie Denny, Carolyn Payne, Melissa Pingel, Ryan Gray, and Gia Lewis. 

The case also attracted media attention throughout the proceedings because of its connection to the nationwide campus protest movement and the legal questions surrounding university responses to on-campus demonstrations. The victory reflects the firm's strength in handling complex constitutional and higher education litigation matters.