Biography
Neakzaad (“Neak”) L. Horriat is a commercial litigator who vigorously advocates for his clients’ needs and achieves swift, favorable outcomes. With an exceptional track record in handling high-stakes disputes across a wide spectrum of industries, he delivers a deep understanding of complex business issues and a relentless commitment to securing his clients’ rights in the courtroom. Neak is a trusted advocate and strategic counselor with rich experience litigating in various state and federal courts. He has handled a wide array of matters spanning from civil RICO healthcare fraud in federal court to breach of contract, non-compete, and trade secret theft in various forums.
Neak has victoriously handled numerous matters starting in the pleadings stage, through fact and expert discovery, dispositive motion practice, and trial preparation and mediation. He thrives on his feet in the courtroom, and he has successfully argued dispositive and countless other impactful motions in various courts.
Neak has also prepared various dispositive motions and responses, and taken and defended depositions in various matters. An aggressive yet even-handed litigation philosophy drives Neak’s commitment to his clients and their interests. He has demonstrated an unrelenting commitment to favorable case resolution successfully mediating many disputes. Neak is a skilled negotiator that can find pathways to resolutions that others might miss or be unable to persuasively present.
Throughout his career, Neak has represented clients in various business sectors including healthcare, construction, real estate, entertainment, private equity, oil and gas, hospitality, public utilities, and aviation. Prior to joining the firm, Neak served in the litigation departments of two Dallas-based firms and a large international law firm.
Outside the Firm
Neak is an avid weightlifter and enjoys playing in recreational soccer leagues. He also serves as a volunteer catechist teaching faith formation to young Catholics at his local parish.
Experience
- Successfully obtained 12(b)(6) dismissal of civil RICO counts against chain of healthcare providers in multi-million-dollar dispute within the Southern District of Texas.
- Victoriously argued numerous motions to compel in fraudulent transfer dispute against 13 Defendants. Argued and obtained negative inference sanctions in dispute against homeowners’ association for breach of fiduciary duty.
- Argued and obtained Rule 91a dismissal of petition on behalf of client defending various causes of action asserted by pro se plaintiff.
- Successfully argued portions of, and obtained temporary restraining order, and further injunctive relief, in $30 million lawsuit against private equity backed company in case involving trade secret theft, breach of contract, theft of employees, and theft of other confidential information.
- Prepared multiple winning briefs in the Second of Appeals in Texas involving motions to dismiss under the Texas Citizens Participation Act and mandamus proceedings involving discovery disputes in $30 million private equity dispute.
- Prepare d winning briefs in the Fifth Court of Appeals in Texas in which Court of Appeals affirmed trial court’s grant of summary judgment in lawsuit involving rights to production of a Hollywood blockbuster film.
- Successfully arbitrated seven-figure construction dispute between commercial general contractor and property owner and favorably settled the same.
Recognitions
- 2026, “Best Lawyers Under 40,” listed in D Magazine
- 2024-2026, “Ones to Watch,” listed in Best Lawyers
Affiliations
Memberships
- Dallas Bar Association
- Dallas Association of Young Lawyers
Neak serves as a member of the Dallas Bar Association, Dallas Association for Young Lawyers, and St. Thomas More Society. He is also a member of the Dervish Club in Dallas, Texas.
Credentials
Admissions
- U.S. District Court - Northern District of Texas
- Texas
- U.S. District Court - Eastern District of Texas
- U.S. District Court - Southern District of Texas
- U.S. District Court - Western District of Texas
Education
- Southern Methodist University, Dedman School of Law, JD, cum laude
- Biola University, BA, magna cum laude
