Bracewell Wins Texas Supreme Court Victory for The John M. O’Quinn Foundation

HOUSTON – The Supreme Court of Texas upheld an appellate ruling in favor of The John M. O’Quinn Foundation in its 12-year battle with Darla Lexington, the longtime companion of the late John O’Quinn (1941-2009), who sought to recover 50 percent of Mr. O’Quinn’s Estate. In this latest litigation with Ms. Lexington, Bracewell LLP successfully represented The O’Quinn Foundation in the trial court and in the appellate courts. 

The O’Quinn Foundation is the sole beneficiary of the famed trial lawyer’s nine-figure estate. In July 2021, the Houston Court of Appeals affirmed entirely the trial court’s dismissal of all claims brought by Lexington against The O’Quinn Foundation and others related to a prior settlement between the parties, the ownership of certain real estate, and the disinterment of O’Quinn’s remains. The Court rejected Lexington’s claim that she was O’Quinn’s common-law spouse, as well as her claim that she owned the real estate on which O’Quinn was buried. On September 2, 2022, the Texas Supreme Court declined to accept Lexington’s appeal, effectively ending the long-running saga and finding in favor of The O’Quinn Foundation.

Established in 1986, The John M. O’Quinn Foundation supports a wide variety of charitable activities, including conservation, education, healthcare and programs benefiting underprivileged youth in Houston and the surrounding areas. Rob Wilson, III, current President and long-time Trustee of The O’Quinn Foundation, as well as a close friend of Mr. O’Quinn prior to his death in 2009, reports that as of June 30, 2022, The O’Quinn Foundation has awarded more than $155 million in grants to charities in the Greater Houston and surrounding areas.