My Why

What powers my practice

I followed in the footsteps of my siblings in becoming a lawyer, and I found a calling in client service for mission-driven institutions. What fulfills me most is helping clients solve complex problems and building lasting partnerships—especially with in-house attorneys at higher education institutions and businesses across Texas and the country. As a teacher’s son, supporting the educational missions of my university clients is an honor and privilege. I enjoy sharing my passion for exceptional client service with colleagues, particularly associates, and I strive to instill respect and dedication to the fiduciary responsibilities to our clients that define our work. It is a privilege to serve as a trusted advocate, and I work hard every day to earn and maintain that trust. Above all, I hope my clients and colleagues see how deeply I value the relationships that are the backbone of our client relationships and our firm.

Overview

Darren Gibson is a zealous advocate and trusted advisor to private businesses and public sector employers. Darren vigorously defends his clients in restrictive covenant and trade secret litigation, discrimination and retaliation claims, and class and collective actions, among others. Darren loves the courtroom, is not afraid to take cases to trial, and regularly handles temporary injunction hearings and appeals. In addition, he conducts workplace investigations across the country, with deep experience investigating allegations against senior executives and leaders.

Darren has a particular focus representing higher education, healthcare, and financial institutions. Darren’s higher education experience includes representing universities and related individuals in employment and Title IX litigation and conducting investigations into sexual harassment and sexual misconduct under Title IX.

Darren is board certified in labor and employment law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Prior to his return to private practice, Darren worked at the Attorney General of Texas, where he defended state agencies and universities in employment litigation and class actions. Before coming to Texas, Darren was a senior associate in New York City, where his practice focused on securities litigation, internal investigations, and business disputes in the accounting and financial services industries.

Experience

Solutions in action

Darren has represented clients in the following matters:

  • First chair federal jury trial victory on behalf of higher education institution defending against discrimination and retaliation claims related to termination of police officer.
  • Obtained dismissal at the pleading stage of disability discrimination and section 1983 claims by dental student against dental school and dean, with the Fifth Circuit affirming on appeal.
  • Obtained arbitration award in favor of hospital and individual defendant in case brought by pharmacist under Texas healthcare whistleblower law.
  • Secured dismissal of individual defendant and award of sanctions against plaintiff’s counsel in defamation suit pursuant to the Texas anti-SLAPP statute.
  • Successfully defended large online retailer in wage and hour collective action brought by delivery drivers of delivery contractor, including resolution of claims in contractor’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Credentials

  • Harvard Law School, Juris Doctor (J.D.), 2000, cum laude
  • University of Kentucky, Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Chemical Engineering, 1997, summa cum laude

  • Texas
  • New York
  • United States Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit
  • United States Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
  • United States District Court, Eastern District of Texas
  • United States District Court, Eastern District of New York
  • United States District Court, Northern District of Texas
  • United States District Court, Southern District of New York
  • United States District Court, Southern District of Texas
  • United States District Court, Western District of Texas

  • Best Lawyers®, Litigation – Labor & Employment, 2026-present

Engagement

  • Member, Labor and Employment Section, Texas State Bar
  • Member, Labor and Employment Law Section, Austin Bar Association
  • Member, National Association of College and University Attorneys

  • Board Member, Austin Symphony Orchestra
  • Member, Leadership Austin, Essential Class of 2018

Insights

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