The Lanier Law Firm Servior Attorney Joshua Upham

Joshua Upham

Senior Attorney
Product Liability
Issues & Appeals

Personal Background

Joshua is a senior attorney in the Houston office, whose practice areas include issues and appeals and product liability. Joshua is a native Texan who grew up in the Austin hill country and now enjoys spending time with his fiancée, being outdoors, and playing the guitar.

Before joining the Lanier Law Firm, Joshua worked as an associate at a highly respected Houston firm where he specialized in construction law representing commercial contractors and homeowners. He also clerked at the Lanier Law Firm as a law student in the summer of 2020.

As an attorney, Joshua is a creative problem solver, a quality his peers often use to describe him as well. He has a unique ability to view challenges through a bigger-picture lens, often spotting alternative approaches that others might overlook. A strong advocate and writer, Joshua has channeled these strengths into considerable success within the Issues and Appeals section. Joshua has also had the opportunity to lead internal firm training on best practices for using artificial intelligence.

Joshua Upham Hyla President's Award

Representative Cases

Canoga Park Contamination

Joshua worked on the Canoga Park contamination litigation from its early stages, including drafting a key motion to amend the complaint in federal court. As the case moved toward trial, he contributed to several evidentiary motions and helped negotiate the final settlement agreement.

Wrongful Death – Inadequate Hotel Security

Joshua provides research and briefing support for the family of a man murdered at a hotel property in New Orleans after the assailant pulled the fire alarm to draw guests from their rooms before attacking them. His work primarily focuses on motions and appellate briefing on the legal issues surrounding the property owner’s and security contractor’s failure to provide adequate security to protect guests from an attack.

Community and Professional Activities

  • Houston Young Lawyer’s Association
  • Houston Bar Association (Appellate Section)

Education

J.D. – Pepperdine Law School, 2021

  • Order of the Barristers: Excellence in national trial and appellate advocacy competitions
  • Interscholastic Moot Court and Trial Team: Executive board member
  • Champion: Vincent S. Dalsimer moot court competition: Most Outstanding Advocate
  • Terry Giles Honor Scholar

B.A. – Baylor University (University Scholars program with concentrations in Political Science and Economics), 2018

  • Honors Scholar with Distinction
  • Baylor Undergraduate Mock Trial Team: Executive board member and team captain

Awards

  • Best Lawyers “Ones To Watch” – 2025 and 2027 – Appellate Practice and Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs
  • National Trial Lawyers – 2025 Texas Top 40 under 40 – Civil Plaintiff
  • Champion, Most Outstanding Advocate – Dalsimer Moot Court Competition
  • All American Attorney – America Mock Trial AssociationHouston Young Lawyers Association (HYLA) President’s Award 2023 and 2024

Houston Office

10940 W. Sam Houston
Pkwy N Suite 100,
Houston, TX 77064

713-659-5200