Greenberg Traurig Achieves Landmark Victory in Oil Terminal Ownership Case

Greenberg Traurig Secures a Historic Victory in Oil Terminal Ownership Dispute

In a landmark decision on February 20, 2026, attorneys from Greenberg Traurig, LLP celebrated a significant win for their clients, Albert Theodore "Ted" Powers and his company, Allied Ports, LLC. This victory came after a jury trial in the Texas Business Court, specifically in case number 24-BC11A-0025, which marked the inaugural jury verdict in this newly established venue. The Texas Business Court was created to handle complex commercial disputes exceeding $5 million.

The core of the case involved an investment agreement dated back to 2019, in which Powers was granted a 20% ownership interest in a Gulf Coast crude oil delivery system and marine terminal project, valued at potentially $2 billion upon completion. The jury determined that Allen Lawrence Berry and Marvin "Marty" Glenn Berry had breached this contract, thus validating Powers’ claim to ownership.

Lead attorney Roland Garcia expressed his contentment, stating, "We are pleased that the jury agreed with our position that people need to honor their contracts — a deal is a deal." He highlighted the commitment of his entire team as a pivotal factor in achieving this favorable outcome for Powers, emphasizing the importance of protecting contractual rights.

The trial, lasting two weeks and commencing on February 9, saw jurors finding against the defense's counterclaims that Powers had violated his fiduciary duty. This turnaround underscored the ethical obligations expected of parties in contractual relationships.

Alongside Garcia, the Greenberg Traurig team included Real Estate Litigation Shareholder Cara Mittleman Kelly and Litigation Associate Steven Higginbotham, with additional support from several other stakeholders within the firm. Powers also had representation from the late Alistair Dawson and his colleagues at Beck Redden, showcasing the collective effort in bringing this case to a successful conclusion.

Upon hearing the verdict, Powers remarked on the professionalism and dedication displayed by his legal team, which contributed significantly to reaching this historic jury verdict. He praised the meticulous evaluation process by the jury, acknowledging their capability in managing the complexities of the evidence presented.

The implications of this verdict extend beyond the immediate parties involved, as the case sets a precedent in the Texas Business Court, a specialized venue aimed at providing effective resolutions to commercial disputes. As industry experts note, having a clear court stance on contract enforcement is crucial for nurturing trust and reliability in business dealings across Texas.

This victory reflects Greenberg Traurig's deep roots in the Texas legal community, with a presence in key cities including Austin, Dallas, and Houston. The firm has built a reputation for navigating complex legal landscapes while representing clients across a wide range of industries, including real estate, energy, healthcare, and technology.

As the legal field continues to evolve, this case serves as a reminder of the significance of upholding contractual commitments and the vital role that legal counsel plays in ensuring justice is served. Greenberg Traurig's success not only bolsters their clients' position but also reinforces the standards of contract adherence in Texas business law, paving the way for more clarity and reliability in future commercial agreements.