GARY D. LYKINS
Partner
Dallas, Texas
Phone: 214-954-9540
Email:
glykins@bd-law.com
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's approach to case development is to strive toward an early, yet frank and informed evaluation of the legal and factual disputes. 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 effectively end a controversy is through litigation and the court system. When such is the case, Gary 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, if necessary, appeal.
“The client must be actively involved in making decisions at all critical stages of their involvement with the court system. It is, after all, the client’s case, not mine.”
Following his trial lawyer training at Baylor University, Gary Lykins began his legal career in 1986 as a defense lawyer with a prominent law firm in the Texas Gulf-Coast town of Beaumont, Texas where he handled a variety of matters throughout Southeast Texas. In 1988, Gary moved to Dallas where he spent nearly two decades as a defense trial lawyer, having helped build the prominent Dallas-based defense litigation trial firm of Gwinn & Roby before joining Bellinger & DeWolf, L.L.P. in 2007.
Gary has defended and 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 and before the Fifth Circuit. In addition, Gary helped a prominent securities broker seek certiorari review before the Supreme Court of the United States.
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
Products Liability
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
B.S. Truman State University, 1984
J.D., Baylor University School of Law, 1986
State Bar of Texas, 1986
Dallas Bar Association
Transportation Lawyers Association
American Bar Association
Bar Association of the Fifth Federal Circuit
Life Fellow, Texas Bar Foundation
Gary has spoken at various continuation education courses for insurance adjusters and clients 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.
Volunteer, DBA "Home Project" for the Dallas Area Habitat For Humanity
Active Member and Volunteer for Merriman Park Elementary "Dads' Club"
"Trapper" and "Settlement "Ranger" for the Lake Highlands YMCA Adventure Princess Program
Volunteer, Lake Highlands Early Childhood PTA
Alexander’s Village Homeowners Association
Past Co-Chair, American Bar Association Automobile Law Committee
Past Co-Chair, Dallas Bar Association Community Involvement Committee
Past President, Dallas Chapter, Truman State University
Past Board Member, Truman State University National Alumni Association
HOBBIES & INTERSTS
Keeping up with the demands of two young daughters and their schools and numerous activities; traveling to the Caribbean islands and elsewhere with the family, and playing golf and tennis
Not certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization
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