J. Austin Franklin

Austin Franklin is a seasoned trial attorney who represents individuals, businesses, and institutions in complex disputes across state and federal courts. J. Austin Franklin focuses on commercial litigation involving fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, trade secrets, intellectual property, construction, real estate, oil and gas, and product liability matters. He also handles probate, family, and employment disputes, guiding clients through high-stakes conflicts with steady courtroom advocacy and strategic preparation.

Austin earned his B.S., cum laude, from Texas Christian University, Bob Schieffer College of Communications, in 2009. He then completed his M.B.A. at Texas Tech University, Jerry S. Rawls College of Business, in 2013. In the same year, he received his J.D. from Texas Tech University School of Law, where he served as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Biosecurity, Biosafety, and Biodefense Law and held leadership roles in advocacy and professional organizations.

Austin began his legal career serving as a law clerk to the Honorable Mark T. Pittman and the Honorable Terry R. Means in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas. He later served on active duty in the United States Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps. In that role, he represented soldiers in courts-martial, administrative hearings, and investigations, and advised commanders on operational, fiscal, and administrative law, including matters in active combat zones.

Austin Franklin continues to advocate for clients with disciplined preparation, practical judgment, and a commitment to achieving strong results in demanding legal matters. Austin has secured significant results in complex litigation. His experience includes obtaining a $7.5 million jury verdict in a warranty and negligent misrepresentation case, defending against multi-million-dollar trade secret claims in a six-week jury trial, and winning summary judgments in federal and state courts. He has also earned recognition such as Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America, Best Lawyers®, U.S. News & World Report, Texas Super Lawyers Rising Stars, Thomson Reuters, Top Attorney, 360 West magazine, and Top Attorney, Fort Worth Magazine.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Kelly Hart & Hallman, LLP
• Board of Directors, Tarrant County Young Lawyers Association (2019-2023)
• Fellow, Texas Bar Foundation
• Fellow, Tarrant County Bar Foundation
• Member, Tarrant County Bar Association

Licensed State

• Texas

Education

• Texas Tech University School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Texas Tech University
  Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Texas Christian University
  Bachelor of Science (BS)

Awards & Badges