Gary D. Lykins
Partner
Dallas, Texas
Phone: 214-954-9540
Email:
glykins@bd-law.com

CLIENT SERVICE PHILOSOPHY

Gary Lykins strongly believes the role of a trial lawyer is to help clients end and avoid litigation, not to create or prolong controversies. 

Gary Lykins’ approach to case development is to strive toward an early, yet frank and informed evaluation of the legal and factual dispute.  In doing so, Gary provides the client with an early and realistic assessment of potential outcomes, strengths and weaknesses while simultaneously giving practical considerations toward achieving the client’s desired goals.

Litigation cannot, and should not, always be avoided.  Sometimes, the only way to end a controversy is through litigation and the court system.  When such is the case, Gary Lykins is fully prepared to assist the client at all stages of their encounter with the judicial system, from the initial judicial or arbitration filings to verdict and appeal, if necessary.   

“The client must be actively involved in making decisions at critical stages of their involvement with the court system.  It is, after all, the client’s case, not mine.”

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

Gary Lykins began his legal career as a defense lawyer with a prominent law firm in Beaumont, Texas, handling matters throughout Southeast Texas.  Gary then spent nearly two decades as a defense trial lawyer with another prominent Dallas-based defense litigation firm before joining Bellinger & DeWolf, L.L.P. in 2007.

Gary has represented clients literally throughout Texas.  His practice includes all aspects of tort-based litigation, commercial litigation and first-party insurance coverage disputes.

Gary has tried numerous cases in many different venues across Texas.  He has represented clients in arbitration proceedings and before administrative agencies.  Gary has also represented clients before various appellate courts across Texas.

Gary is “AV” peer-review rated by Martindale-Hubbell.

KEY PRACTICE AREAS

General Tort Litigation
Transportation Litigation
Commercial and Business Litigation
Professional Liability Claims
Insurance Coverage Disputes
Premises Liability Claims
Administrative Law

COURT ADMISSIONS

Supreme Court of the United States of America
United States Court of Appeals – Fifth Circuit
United States District Courts for the Northern, Southern, Eastern, and Western Districts of Texas

EDUCATION

B.S. Truman State University, 1984
J.D., Baylor University School of Law, 1986

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

State Bar of Texas, 1986
Dallas Bar Association
Transportation Lawyers Association
American Bar Association
Life Fellow, Texas Bar Foundation

SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS

Gary has spoken at various continuation education courses for insurance adjusters covering a variety of topics and recent developments in the law.  Gary enjoys the opportunity to visit with groups to speak concerning topics of interest.

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES

Volunteer, Dallas Area Habitat For Humanity
Volunteer, Lake Highlands Early Childhood PTA
Alexander’s Village Homeowners Association
Past Co-Chair, Dallas Bar Association Community Involvement Committee
Past President, Dallas Chapter, Truman State University National Alumni Association
Past Board Member, Truman State University National Alumni Association

Not certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization