The firm's operating principles and values appropriately reflect those of founder, John M. O'Quinn, whose strong work ethic took root during his working-class upbringing in Houston. As a young man, he learned firsthand the value of a hard day's work as an employee in his father's auto mechanic garage - a lesson that served him well years later while attending Rice University and the University of Houston College of Law. Mr. O'Quinn was the first student ever to obtain all three of the top University of Houston law student achievements - he graduated valedictorian of his class (J.D., magna cum laude), served as Editor-in-Chief of the Houston Law Review, and was state champion of moot court. Since graduating, O'Quinn was selected as the 1993 Distingued Alumnus of the University of Houston, the 1996 Distingued Alumnus of the Year (UH College of Law) and served as a Member of the UH Board of Regents.

Today, Mr. O'Quinn is widely acknowledged as one of the most accomplished trial lawyers of his time, having set (at the time of the verdict) record verdicts in a variety of personal injury cases nationwide as well as substantial verdicts in commercial litigation. He is certified in both Civil Trial Law and Personal Injury Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. He was the lead trial lawyer representing the State of Texas against tobacco companies, a case that settled for an historic and unprecedented amount at the that time. Mr. O'Quinn also obtained a verdict that at the time was the largest single plaintiff verdict in history for the family of a woman who died in connection with the use of Phen-Fen dietary drugs.

His continuing success has earned Mr. O'Quinn a reputation as a litigation leader. The National Law Journal designated him as one of the 100 most influential lawyers in the United States. The Houston Chronicle named O'Quinn one of the top five lawyers in the State of Texas, among both present and past lawyers of the 20th century. He has been named one of the "100 Legal Legends of Texas" by Texas Lawyer, and was recognized in Harvard Law's Best Lawyers in America. Mr. O'Quinn has also served as Director for the Texas Trial Lawyers Association. In addition to his legal practice, Mr. O'Quinn is a dedicated philanthropist and donates to many important cultural and charitable causes, such as the Children's Museum, Feed the Hungry, and Women's Center, Children's Assessment Center (to prevent child abuse) and the University of Houston. He also established The John M. O'Quinn Foundation in 1986, which focuses on helping children, public education and the environment.

Quotes about John M. O'Quinn:

• John O'Quinn is considered one of the most effective trial lawyers in the country at arguing a case before a jury. (The Wall Street Journal -Texas Journal)
• O'Quinn's track record for winning million-dollar jury verdicts is unmatched, and his ability to create a rapport with Texas jurors is legendary. (Houston Business Journal - week of September 1-7, 1995, page 18)
• O'Quinn has developed a reputation for landmark legal victories that few successful plaintiff's lawyers can equal. (Houston Business Journal - week of September 1-7, 1995, page 18)
• O'Quinn is one of the state's most successful plaintiff lawyers. (International Commercial Litigation, December 1996/January 1997)
• According to The National Law Journal, Corporations caught up in products liability litigation consider (O'Quinn) one of the scariest trial attorneys in the nation."