John M. Black is a native of Port Arthur, Texas.   John focuses his practice on toxic tort litigation and complex commercial litigation matters.  H Texas Magazine recognized him as one of the Top Lawyers for the People in 2005.  He was also recognized as a Texas Monthly Magazine Rising Star in 2005 and 2006. John is admitted to practice in Texas, including the U.S. District Courts for the Eastern, Southern and Western Districts of Texas.  He is also a member of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America and the Texas Trial Lawyers Association. He is an honors graduate of the University of Texas at Austin.  He earned his J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law. John is a member of the Dean's Roundtable of the University of Texas School of Law, and serves on the Chancellor's Council of the University of Texas System. Harris Martin Publishing Speaking Engagements: March 25-26, 2004 in New Orleans, LA: Preparing a Winning Silica Case "Jurisdictional Update: Texas, West Virginia, South Carolina" October 4-5, 2004 in Las Vegas, NV: Current & Emerging Issues in Silica Litigation "Jurisdictional Updates - What is Happening in Hot-Button Jurisdictions?" June 28, 2005 in Houston, TX: The New Era of Texas Asbestos & Silica Litigation "Plaintiff’s Analysis of SB 15" January 13, 2006 in Choctaw, MS: Mississippi Silica Litigation "A New Spin on MDL Order #29" January 25, 2006 in Houston, TX: Texas Asbestos & Silica Litigation "Asbestos & Silica Case Management Orders" September 2006 in Las Vegas, NV: Plaintiff’s Chair for National Silica Conference