COS attorneys bring cost-effective, practical solutions to complex legal problems.

Jonathan D. Stokes

Jonathan D. Stokes

Jonathan advises businesses, boards and non-profit institutions, public bodies, and individuals with an emphasis on facilitating business practices that avoid unnecessary legal risks. Jonathan's primary goal is to assist his clients in avoiding legal disputes altogether, but he is prepared when necessary to use his extensive litigation experience to defend and protect his clients' rights.

Jonathan practices primarily in the areas of general business and corporate law, employment law, and commercial litigation.  He also practices education law.  Prior to attending law school, he worked as a high school teacher for six years.  Jonathan began his legal career practicing in Kansas where he worked in commercial and complex litigation at the State's largest law firm.

Jonathan received his Juris Doctor degree magna cum laude from Washburn University School of Law where he served as Editor-in-Chief of the Washburn Law Journal and served as an extern for the Honorable Judge Sam A. Crow of the United States District Court for the District of Kansas.

Areas of Practice:

  • Appeals
  • Business & Commercial Litigation
  • Corporate & Business Law
  • Education Law
  • Tax Controversies & Litigation
  • Employment Law

Education:

  • Washburn University School of Law, J.D., magna cum laude, 2010
  • Louisiana College, B.A., 1998

Bar and Court Admissions:

  • Supreme Court of Louisiana
  • Supreme Court of Kansas
  • United States District Courts
  • Western District of Louisiana
  • Middle District of Louisiana
  • Eastern District of Louisiana
  • District of Kansas
  • United States Court of Appeals
  • Fifth Circuit
  • Tenth Circuit

Representative Matters:

Represented and negotiated on behalf of buyers and sellers in complex business acquisitions, including asset sales and stock sales
Obtained dismissal with prejudice of all claims against purchaser arising out of multi-million dollar business acquisition 

Obtained dismissal with prejudice of wrongful termination claims of tenured faculty member against a private higher education institution 

Represented multiple employers in successfully resolving unpaid wage claims by former employees

Obtained dismissal with prejudice of claims of disgruntled shareholders against corporation and its officers and directors.

Obtained a judgment for rescission of sale of a business on the basis of fraud via motion for summary judgment.

Assisted in obtaining the dismissal of breach of contract claims on a commercial note.

Assisted in obtaining a dismissal of dissenters' rights claims against corporate officers and directors and securing the judgment's affirmation on appeal.

Successful defense of student in violation of school district’s hair length policy, resulting in change of district’s policy and promotion of student to next grade level despite suspension.

Handles numerous matters in litigation and other dispute resolution, including student privacy issues, teacher employment concerns, contract disputes, compliance with government regulations, internal business disputes, and insurance defense.

Navigates cases through every phase of litigation from the initial pleading stage, through discovery and trial preparation, and finally through appellate practice.
 
Advises individuals and businesses on various commercial transactions, including the formation, operation, sale, purchase, and reorganization of commercial businesses, and the drafting and negotiating of contracts.

Recognitions:
 
AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated in Martindale-Hubbell, including: 
Highest Possible Rating in Both Legal Ability and Ethical Standards

2009 GNIP/GNOP Excellence in Legal Writing Award for Best Comment