Press Release
Winston & Strawn Appoints Brett Johnson as Co-Chair of Litigation Department
Press Release
February 5, 2026
Chicago – February 5, 2026 – Winston & Strawn LLP today announced the appointment of Brett Johnson as Co-Chair of the firm’s Litigation Department, serving alongside Linda Coberly, who assumed the role in 2024. Together, they will guide the continued growth and strategic direction of the firm’s world-class litigation practice.
Brett previously served as Litigation Office Head in Dallas and will continue in his role as Co-Office Managing Partner of the Dallas office. With a focus on trials and arbitration of high-risk, complex matters, Brett’s practice emphasizes all aspects of intellectual property and complex commercial litigation, including patent, trade secret, unfair competition, consumer class actions, and breach of fiduciary duties.
“Brett is a gifted storyteller and advocate with extensive trial experience and, together with Linda, exemplifies the excellence and collaborative leadership that define our Litigation Department,” said Chairman Steve D’Amore. “We are excited to see them lead the department as the firm continues to expand our litigation services to clients globally.”
Brett is experienced in litigation matters before federal district courts, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, Delaware District Courts, and Texas state trial and appellate courts, including the Texas Supreme Court, and in arbitration matters before the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”) and the International Chamber of Commerce (“ICC”). He has tried more than 30 cases in federal and state courts and defended numerous clients in commercial class actions.
Linda, one of the nation’s most accomplished appellate lawyers, will continue to lead the department alongside Brett. She has argued more than 75 appeals, including before the U.S. Supreme Court, nine different federal courts of appeals, and numerous state appellate and supreme courts. She founded the firm’s award-winning Appellate & Critical Motions practice prior to becoming Co-Chair of the Litigation Department.


