Our Law Firm

Thirty 30 IconIntegrity, professionalism, and dedication to its clients are guiding principles at DeHay & Elliston, L.L.P. With unwavering loyalty to such principles, the attorneys and professional staff of DE diligently pursue the fulfillment of every client's litigation objective. Each case is valued as an opportunity to uphold and elevate the standard of excellence by which the legal profession should be judged.

The mighty oak has traditionally been a symbol of strength and character. The commitment of DE to excellence and professionalism is firmly rooted in the legacy of J. Carlisle DeHay Jr., a legendary trial lawyer and consummate gentleman.

DE is recognized for its expertise in the defense of toxic tort, products liability, premises liability, medical/legal malpractice, professional negligence, general negligence and commercial litigation. The experience gained by defending complex medical and scientific issues often promotes DE attorneys to leadership positions at the trials of large multi-party litigation. This ever expanding knowledge gained from defending complex medical/legal issues allows the firm to provide a more cost-effective defense as education and preparation time is significantly reduced. Experience with experts from a wide field of disciplines eliminates the need to educate counsel on many important aspects of most cases.

DE earned its reputation for excellence in the defense of lawsuits involving personal injury, wrongful death, products liability, premises liability, medical and legal malpractice, toxic tort and insurance bad faith.

The partners of DE play active roles in various defense litigation organizations and publish and present articles on the medical/legal subjects of current interest, including claims relating to pulmonary medicine, carcinogenicity, toxicology, medical monitoring, trial tactics, and standards of care for medical and legal services.

The attorneys of DE are joined by common goals and beliefs about the art of trial advocacy and the practice of law. Preparation has long been recognized as the most essential element of effective courtroom advocacy. The firm also recognizes that its reputation is based upon the talent, experience and ethical standards of its attorneys and professional support staff -- each attorney, paralegal and secretary.

Our History

DeHay & Elliston, L.L.P. is a registered limited liability legal partnership practicing in all phases of litigation with special emphasis in the areas of medical malpractice, personal injury, toxic tort, professional liability, products liability, premises liability, and insurance defense litigation.

DE traces its roots through the career of legendary trial attorney, J. Carlisle DeHay, Jr., who practiced in Dallas County for over 40 years. Carlisle played a special and significant role in the training and life of DE's founding partner Gary D. Elliston, prior to his death on November 15, 1991.

In 1978, Gary Elliston joined the litigation section of Gardere, Porter & DeHay to practice with his mentor, J. Carlisle DeHay, Jr. In 1979, Gardere, Porter & DeHay merged with Wynne Jaffe & Tinsley to form Gardere, Wynne, Jaffe & DeHay. However, within a year, 13 attorneys including Carlisle and Gary left that firm to form DeHay & Blanchard. On August 15, 1992, a group of partners and associates withdrew to form DeHay & Elliston, L.L.P.

DE was formed with a commitment to the practice and preservation of the ethics, professionalism, and high ideals demonstrated by Carlisle DeHay during his life. The partners have joined together with three primary objectives: 1) Provision of quality and responsive legal services to business, legal, accounting, and medical communities involved in professional liability, products liability, premises liability, or personal injury litigation at economically justifiable rates; 2) To maintain their reputation as lawyers of the highest quality and a viable alternative to the large national firms; and 3) Provision of a professional environment which is conducive to attracting and retaining highly competent and motivated attorneys and staff.

DE attorneys are experienced in handling complex litigation involving numerous plaintiffs and/or defendants in Federal and State Courts throughout numerous states. That experience has provided DE nationwide familiarity with numerous plaintiff and defense firms, expert witnesses and courts.