
2100 Ross Avenue, Suite 2700
Dallas, Texas 75201
T 214.720.0854
F 214.981.3839
schelette@lynnllp.com
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Sara Chelette
A Trial Lawyer Who Wins in the Courtroom—Not Just at the Negotiating Table
Don’t settle for a lawyer who always settles. Sara Hollan Chelette is a seasoned trial attorney with a track record of success in high-stakes commercial litigation. From her time in Baylor Law School’s rigorous Practice Court program, she knew she wanted to do more than just negotiate behind the scenes—she wanted to stand before a judge and jury, advocate passionately, and win.
As a first-chair trial lawyer at one of Texas' top litigation firms, Sara has successfully led jury and bench trials for both plaintiffs and defendants across a wide range of industries, including energy, finance, real estate, construction, and technology. She represents clients in complex commercial disputes, including:
- High-Stakes Contract Litigation – Handling disputes involving breach of multi-million-dollar take-or-pay contracts, supply and vendor agreements, and professional services agreements.
- Mergers & Acquisitions Disputes – Representing clients in litigation over breaches of asset purchase and membership interest purchase agreements, including contested earnout payments and indemnification claims.
- Lending & Finance Disputes – Advocating for lenders and borrowers in matters involving loan defaults, guaranty enforcement, and financial misrepresentations.
- Trade Secret & Fiduciary Duty Claims – Prosecuting and defending cases involving misappropriation of trade secrets, breaches of fiduciary duty, fraud, and business torts.
- Land Use & Real Estate Litigation – Successfully defended a private tennis academy against claims of spot zoning and prevailed in a partition lawsuit concerning a multi-million-dollar property after the court found waiver of the right to partition.
At times, it is not practical to wait for the conclusion of the case to remedy a wrong. If your business is being threatened, it may be possible to obtain extraordinary relief. Sara has successfully obtained temporary restraining orders, temporary injunctions, and permanent injunctions on behalf of clients in matters involving trade secrets, non-competes, breaches of loan agreements, and land use matters.
Beyond the courtroom, Sara is a trusted advisor on data privacy and cybersecurity issues, holding multiple certifications in the field and serving as her firm’s privacy officer. She has been recognized as a “Texas Super Lawyer” and one of the “Best Lawyers in America” for commercial litigation, reflecting her reputation for excellence and results.
If your business is at risk or you need a proven litigator on your side, Sara is the advocate you want in your corner.
- Baylor Law School, J.D., magna cum laude
- Texas A&M University, Renewable Natural Resources, B.S., magna cum laude
- Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP/US)
- Certified Information Privacy Professional Europe (CIPP/E)
- EU GDPR Foundation Qualification (C GDPR F)
- Certified Information Privacy Manager (CIPM)
- Obtained a take nothing defense judgment in favor of premium finance company being sued for $66 million in damages for allegedly wrongfully cancelling its borrower’s financed insurance policy.
- Arbitration award in favor of law firm’s former partners in fee dispute relating to contingent fee income.
- Obtained favorable settlement sufficient to satisfy judgment in post-judgment collections action arising out of contentious divorce proceeding.
- Secure successful settlement for investor in oil and gas venture.
- Represented a general partner in a breach of fiduciary duty lawsuit brought by limited partners, obtaining a defense verdict after jury trial
- Represented the owner/developer in a lawsuit alleging spot zoning, obtaining summary judgment in client’s favor allowing project to proceed.
- Represented a broker in a fee dispute with a potential client, obtaining summary judgment on client’s behalf.
- Represented seller in an International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) arbitration, obtaining an award in seller’s favor.
- Represented employer in action against former employee alleging misuse of confidential information, obtaining injunctive relief and a favorable settlement.
- Represented owner/developer in zoning dispute, successfully defending against a temporary injunction seeking to halt construction on project.
- Represented property owner in nuisance dispute, obtaining injunctive relief and a favorable settlement.
- Represented subcontractor on multi-site project against construction defect claims, obtaining a favorable settlement.
- Represented service provider in breach of contract lawsuit, obtaining a favorable settlement.
- Represented limited partners in general partner removal action, obtaining a favorable settlement.
- Recognized as one of the “Texas Super Lawyers,” by Super Lawyers, 2020-2024 (Women’s Edition)
- Recognized as a "Rising Star," by Texas Super Lawyers, 2013-2020
- Recognized as one of the “Best Lawyers in America” in Commercial Litigation by U.S. News & World Report, 2020-2024
- Dallas Bar Foundation-Fellow
- William “Mac” Taylor Inn of Court-Barrister
- Dallas Bar Association’s inaugural class of WE LEAD: Women Empowered to Lead in the Legal Profession
- International Association of Privacy Professionals
- Leadership Dallas Alumni Association-Advisory Council
- Leadership Dallas-Class of 2013
- Mayor’s Star Council, 2014-2015
- William “Mac” Taylor Inn of Court-Mentor
- Human Rights Initiative of Texas-volunteer attorney
- Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program-volunteer attorney
- “How to Tell Your Story at Trial” co-author with John Adams for Dallas Bar Association Headnotes, February 2021
- “Why is the Economic Loss Rule Important in Business Litigation?” Dallas Bar Association, Litigation Section, October 2020
- “Mr. Zuckerberg Goes to Washington: Facebook Founder Faces Congress” IAPP, May 2018
- “Healthcare Cybersecurity Roundtable” KPMG, January 2016
- “CIO Security Lunch & Learn” International Cyber Fraud Cyber Hunt Operations, November 2015
- “Best Practices for Preventing Cybersecurity Breaches” Austin Compliance Roundtable, February 2016
- Texas
- United States District Court for the Northern, Southern, Eastern, and Western Districts of Texas