Overview
Jerry Klaristenfeld is a trial lawyer who represents plaintiffs and defendants in high-stakes antitrust, breach of contract, trade secret, and tort actions. Jerry has briefed and argued winning summary judgment motions and a peremptory exception leading to the dismissal of a multi-million-dollar lawsuit. He has also deposed and defended the depositions of company presidents, corporate representatives, and key damages and liability experts. Most recently, Jerry directed the examination of Yale University’s key trade secret misappropriation witness at trial, after which a federal jury found willful and malicious trade secret misappropriation and awarded Yale millions in damages.
Before joining Susman Godfrey, Jerry clerked for Judge Danny J. Boggs on the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. Jerry graduated from the University of Texas School of Law, where he served as Managing Editor of the Texas Law Review and was inducted into the Order of the Coif. Jerry previously taught high school English, Biology, and Special Education in the Bronx through Teach for America.
Notable Representations
- Biohaven Therapeutics and Yale University v. Avilar Therapeutics and RA Capital Management (D. Del). Secured a jury verdict on behalf of Yale University that venture capital firm RA Capital Management GP and Avilar Therapeutics willfully and maliciously misappropriated Yale’s trade secret. At trial, Jerry directed the examination of Yale’s key trade secret misappropriation witness. His team won multi-million-dollar jury verdict on both claims.
- Yellow Rock vs. Westlake (Louisiana State Court) Successfully defended Fortune 500 company in trespass and negligence suit alleging tens of millions of dollars in damages. Briefed and argued winning peremptory exception that resulted in a complete dismissal of suit.
- Provi v Southern Glazer’s and RNDC (D. Ill) Represented plaintiff start-up company in antitrust suit against America’s two largest alcohol distributors, which resulted in a settlement before the close of fact discovery.
Honors & Distinctions
Honors and Awards
- Legal Lion of the Week, Law360 (July 31, 2026)
- One to Watch, Commercial Litigation Best Lawyers (2025, 2026, 2027 Woodward White, Inc.)
- Order of the Coif
- Managing Editor, Texas Law Review, Vol. 100
- Outstanding Note Award, Texas Law Review, Vol. 100
- Pro Bono Scholar Award
- Criminal Defense Clinic
- Texas Law Expunction Project
- Dean’s Achievement Award in Public Law
Clerkships
- Honorable Danny J. Boggs, United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
Education
Education
- The University of Texas School of Law (J.D., with Honors)
- Hunter College (M.S.Ed.)
- The University of Texas at Austin (B.B.A., with Honors)
Admissions
Admissions
Bar Admissions
- Texas
Court Admissions
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
Publications
- Note, High Press: Stakeholders and the Fight Against Racism in Football, 100 Texas Law Review 189 (2022)
