Business Details
48 Years
experience
Your Trusted Legal Partner in Dallas, Texas
SettlePou first opened its doors in 1978, founded by John D. Settle, Jr., and Robert L. Pou III. We began with a focus on commercial lending and real estate transactions and have grown to include more than 35 lawyers and six practice areas. Our firm is built around good people and great lawyers, with a commitment to client service that remains unchanged since our founding. We live by core values of respect, responsiveness, and results, which guide our culture, client relationships, and practice. Our team includes seasoned attorneys and emerging leaders trained through our clerkship program, all dedicated to providing superior service and excellence through creative problem-solving and unwavering advocacy.We serve clients nationwide from offices in Dallas, Houston, Denver, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Little Rock, and Albuquerque. Our practice areas include commercial lending, real estate law, creditors' rights, bankruptcy, financial services litigation, and more. We are proud to have been named to the Top 100 Places to Work by The Dallas Morning News for four consecutive years, reflecting our 40-year commitment to attracting and nurturing top talent. As we enter our next 40 years, we remain focused on delivering exceptional service and putting our clients' needs first.
Services
Commercial Lending
Real Estate Law
Bankruptcy
Creditors' Rights
Financial Services Litigation
Estate Planning
Insurance Defense
Nonsubscriber Defense
Corporate Counsel
SBA Lending
Details
- Year established: 1978
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of experience in commercial and financial law.
- Our team includes former SBA District Counsel with unparalleled industry insight.
- We maintain a client-first culture rooted in respect and responsiveness.
- Our attorneys are recognized leaders in creditors' rights and bankruptcy.
- We operate from seven strategically located U.S. offices for better client access.
Services
Commercial Lending
We represent commercial finance clients ranging from small banks to large publicly traded institutions. Our attorneys provide personalized attention and efficient solutions for loan documentation, regulatory compliance, and risk management. With decades of experience, we help lenders navigate complex transactions while protecting their interests throughout the lending lifecycle.
Real Estate Law
Our real estate practice covers acquisitions, development, leasing, and dispute resolution for commercial properties. With 35+ years of experience, we assist owners, developers, and managers with transactions involving retail, office, industrial, and resort properties. Our team handles title issues, zoning regulations, and contract negotiations to ensure smooth project execution.
Creditors' Rights
We specialize in maximizing recovery for creditors through bankruptcy proceedings, collection litigation, and workout agreements. Our team of experienced litigators and paralegals develops strategic approaches to enforce liens, collect judgments, and defend lender liability claims. We represent creditors in all stages of the collection process, from initial documentation to courtroom advocacy.
SBA Lending
We provide comprehensive legal support for SBA and USDA lending programs, including loan origination, servicing, and collections. With three former SBA District Counsel on our team, we offer unique insights into regulatory requirements and guarantee enforcement. Our paralegals have over 25 years of experience closing government-backed loans for lenders nationwide.
Financial Services Litigation
We defend financial institutions in complex litigation involving loan disputes, regulatory compliance, and consumer finance laws. Our attorneys represent banks, thrifts, and loan servicers in state and federal courts, focusing on resolving cases efficiently while minimizing reputational risk. We combine deep industry knowledge with aggressive courtroom advocacy to protect our clients' interests.
People
John D (Jay) Settle
Attorney
Co-founder with over 40 years of experience in commercial lending and real estate law. Recognized leader in SBA lending practices and mentor to junior attorneys.
Robert Pou III
Attorney
Co-founder and seasoned litigator with expertise in creditors' rights and bankruptcy proceedings. Instrumental in establishing the firm's national reputation for aggressive advocacy.
Barry Johnson
Attorney
Experienced practitioner in real estate law and development projects. Provides strategic counsel on property acquisitions and complex leasing arrangements.
David O'Dens
Attorney
Specializes in financial services litigation and regulatory compliance. Advises banks on consumer finance law and risk management strategies.
J. Allen Smith
Attorney
Leading expert in nonsubscriber defense and employment law. Represents Texas employers opting out of workers' compensation systems.
Questions
What practice areas does SettlePou specialize in?
We focus on commercial lending, real estate law, creditors' rights, bankruptcy, financial services litigation, and SBA lending.
Where are SettlePou's offices located?
We operate from seven offices in Dallas, Houston, Denver, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Little Rock, and Albuquerque.
How long has SettlePou been in business?
Our firm was founded in 1978 and has served clients for over 45 years.
Do you represent individual or business clients?
We primarily serve businesses, lenders, and financial institutions across multiple industries.
What makes SettlePou different from other law firms?
Our combination of former SBA counsel, 40+ years of experience, and client-first values sets us apart in commercial law.
