Jacob D. Cukjati

As the managing attorney of Cukjati Law Firm, Jacob primarily focuses on serious personal injury claims. Jacob specializes in auto and truck cases, drawing on his previous experience at a distinguished plaintiff’s products liability law firm in Houston, where he focused on tire and automobile defect cases nationwide. He honed his skills in briefing and research on a large docket of complex product defect cases. Thereafter, he joined another reputable personal injury law firm in Houston, where he worked on several large product liability cases and oilfield injury cases.

Profile

Jacob Cukjati, the managing partner at Cukjati Law Firm, is licensed to practice in all state courts in Texas, the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas, and the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas. Jacob brings a wealth of experience to his practice. He previously served as a judicial intern for The Honorable Thomas J. Motley of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia and The Honorable Gary E. Bair of the Circuit Court of Montgomery County, Maryland.

Jacob graduated from Trinity University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Management and a Minor in Spanish in 2014. During his time at Trinity, he played Division III Men’s Basketball, winning the conference championship for two consecutive years. He earned his law degree from the University of Houston Law Center in 2017, where he served as a Student Attorney in the Civil Clinic.

Growing up around the practice of law, Jacob was inspired by watching his father help people. His family creed, “never leave anyone behind,” guides his professional ethos. Jacob prioritizes authenticity, honesty, and maintaining positive relationships with clients, opposing counsel, and court personnel. He believes in the power of communication and often resolves issues through phone calls, seeing it as an essential part of his role as a counselor and practitioner of the law.

Born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, Jacob is the oldest of eight siblings. He attended Antonian College Preparatory, where he graduated with honors, led his basketball team to the State Final Four, and earned accolades such as the 5A District Team, 5A All-State Academic Team, and 5A All-State Second Team.

Jacob is an active member of the State Bar of Texas, San Antonio Bar Association, San Antonio Trial Lawyers Association, and Texas Trial Lawyers Association. He was recently recognized as a Rising Star Lawyer by Scene in S.A. Magazine in 2021, 2022, and 2023.

In his spare time, Jacob enjoys spending time with his beautiful wife, Serena, and their identical twin boys. He enjoys staying active through weightlifting and running and loves outdoor activities such as hiking, bird hunting, and fishing.

Education

  • University of Houston Law Center, 2017
  • Civil Clinic Student Attorney
  • Trinity University, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Management with a Minor in Spanish, 2014
  • Division III Men’s Basketball, winning Conference for two consecutive years

Bar and Court Admissions

  • Texas
  • United States District Court for the Western District of Texas
  • United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas
  • United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas

Professional Affiliations

  • State Bar of Texas
  • San Antonio Bar Association
  • San Antonio Trial Lawyers Association
  • Texas Trial Lawyers Association

Professional Awards

  • 2021 Rising Star Lawyers, Scene in S.A. Magazine
  • 2022 Rising Star Lawyers, Scene in S.A. Magazine
  • 2023 Rising Star Lawyers, Scene in S.A. Magazine

Publications

  • Co-authored: “Break Through Protective Orders,” TRIAL, American Association for Justice, (Oct. 2018).

Curtis L. Cukjati

Curt is an attorney of counsel to the Cukjati Law Firm, specializing in complex civil litigation since 1989. Licensed to practice in all state and federal courts in Texas, Curt represents businesses and individuals in personal injury, business law, and commercial disputes, with extensive trial experience ensuring effective representation. Curt is committed to helping those who are most deserving of focused legal services. Curt achieved an AV Preeminent Rating from Martindale-Hubbell in 2011, which he maintains to this day.

Profile

Curtis “Curt” L. Cukjati is a seasoned trial attorney and of counsel at the Cukjati Law Firm. Practicing law since 1989, Curt specializes in all aspects of complex civil litigation. He is licensed to practice in all state and federal courts in Texas, including the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals and the United States Supreme Court.

Curt is a seasoned trial lawyer with experience at every stage of litigation, from filing lawsuits through appeals. He represents businesses and individuals in various litigation, including personal injury, business law, and commercial disputes across Texas. Known for his dedication to plaintiffs and defendants, Curt’s extensive trial experience ensures effective representation for his clients.

Curt is passionate about providing focused legal services to those who need it most. He finds great satisfaction in taking on meritorious cases that have been overlooked by others, striving to establish accountability and achieve justice regardless of the claim’s size.

He graduated with honors from The University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology in 1986. During his time there, he was a member of the Alpha Kappa Delta Sociology Honor Society, Co-Chairman of the Student Affairs Committee, and a Staff Writer for the yearbook. He earned his law degree from St. Mary’s University School of Law, with honors, in 1989. In law school, Curt was selected for the John Harlan Honor Society, received multiple merit scholarships, served as the St. Mary’s Law Journal Note and Comment Editor, and was a Research Assistant. He also won the Writing Award for Best Law Review Article on a Litigation Topic.

In 2011, Curt achieved an AV Preeminent Rating from Martindale-Hubbell, which he continues to maintain. This rating signifies the highest level of professional excellence, recognizing attorneys for their skill and integrity.

Curt has held various leadership roles in professional associations, including serving on the Editorial Advisory Board for the Texas Pretrial Practice Manual, Editor in Chief of The San Antonio Lawyer, and Sustaining Member of the Pro Bono College of the State Bar of Texas. Outside work, Curt enjoys spending time with his family and managing his ranch.

Education

  • St. Mary’s University School of Law, Juris Doctorate, with honors, 1989
    • Top 6% of class
    • Harlan Honor Society/John Harlan Society
    • Balfour Merit Scholarship, 1989
    • Brackenridge Scholarship, 1987
    • Gilpin, Pohl & Bennet Writing Award for Best Law Review Article on Litigation Topic
    • St. Mary’s Law Journal, Note and Comment Editor
    • Research Assistant
    • Phi Delta Phi, Vice Magister
  • The University of Texas at Austin, Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, with honors, 1986
    • Alpha Kappa Delta Sociology Honor Society
    • Co-Chairman of Student Affairs Sub-Committee
    • Staff Writer for Yearbook

Bar and Court Admissions

  • Texas
  • United States District Court for the Western District of Texas
  • United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas
  • United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas
  • United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas
  • Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals
  • United States Supreme Court

Professional Affiliations

  • State Bar of Texas
  • William S. Sessions American Inns of Court, Former Barrister
  • Editorial Advisory Board for Texas Pretrial Practice Manual, 2000
  • San Antonio Bar Association, Publications Committee Co-Chairman, 1993 – 1996
  • The San Antonio Lawyer, Editor in Chief, 1993 – 1995
  • Texas Antitrust and Business Litigation Bulletin, Contributing Editor, 1990 – 1992
  • The Subpoena, Contributing Editor, Co-Author to Honorable Nancy Stein Nowak, 1990 – 1992
  • American Bar Association
  • Federal Bar Association
  • San Antonio Bar Association
  • Texas Trial Lawyers Association
  • Pro Bono College of the State Bar of Texas, Sustaining Member
  • Texas Bar Foundation, Life Fellow
  • San Antonio Bar Foundation, Life Fellow
  • University of the Incarnate Word®, Adjunct Professor of Business Law, 1992 – 1998

Professional Awards

  • AV Preeminent Rating, Martindale-Hubbell, 2011 – present
  • San Antonio’s Best Lawyers List, Scene in SA Magazine
  • Texas Lawyer‘s “40 under 40,” 2001

Publications

  • Crown Life Ins. Co. v. Casteel—Return of the Prodigal Son, The Appellate Advocate, Vol. XIII, No. 3.
  • Jury Argument: To Object or Not to Object, The Appellate Advocate, Vol. XIII, No. 1, 2000.
  • Superseding the “Other Judgment,” The Appellate Advocate, Vol. XII, No. 1.
  • Motion Practice In the Court of Appeals, A.B.A. Sem. (1996).
  • Tape Recording of Conversations: Ethics, Legality and Admissibility, 59 Tex. B.J. 950, Vol. 59 (1996).
  • Perfecting the Fifth Circuit Appeal, The San Antonio Lawyer, Vol. 2, No. 1 (1994)
  • San Antonio Court of Appeals: Local Rules and a Few Hints The San Antonio Lawyer, Vol. 2, No. 1 (1994).
  • Tunnel Visison: Appellate Review of a Summary Judgment Order Stating a Specific Ground for the Judgment, The Appellate Advocate, Vol. VII, No.3 (1994).
  • Innovations in State Court Securities Litigation, High Stakes Litigation in State Court, State Bar of Texas (1991).
  • Protecting the Fetus from Maternal Drug and Alcohol Abuse: A Proposal for Texas, co-authored with Tom Rickhoff, St. Mary’s Law Journal (1989).
  • Criminal Law—Right Of Confrontation—Screen Used at Trial That Prevents Testifying Child Sex Abuse Victim From Viewing Accused Violates
  • Accused’s Sixth Amendment Right To Face-To-Face Confrontation, St. Mary’s Law Journal (1988).

Community Involvement

  • Community Justice Program Pro Bono Attorney, 2006 – present

Jenny Sanchez

Senior Paralegal

Jenny Sanchez has been an integral part of the Cukjati Law Firm’s success and has worked with attorney Jacob Cukjati for the past 6 years, demonstrating exceptional dedication and expertise in her role as a paralegal. With a keen eye for detail and a strong commitment to excellence, Jenny has significantly contributed to the firm’s success through her diligent, meticulous document preparation, and adept client interactions. With a background in hospitality for many years, Jenny entered the legal field starting as a receptionist working her way up to a senior paralegal. Jenny will always answer the phone with a warm, friendly voice and genuinely cares about giving the clients an incredible experience.

Jenny specializes in personal injury cases where her extensive knowledge and experience have proven invaluable. She is proficient in managing complex case files, drafting legal documents, and coordinating with clients to ensure seamless communication and effective case management.

Beyond her technical skills, Jenny is known for her professionalism, and unwavering work ethic. Her ability to handle high-pressure situations and extensive deadlines with grace and efficiency has earned her the respect and admiration of both colleagues and clients.

Jenny is continually enhancing her skills through ongoing professional development. Her dedication to staying current with legal trends and regulations ensures that our firm remains at the forefront of the legal industry.

Outside of work, Jenny loves to spend time with her husband and daughter. Jenny is passionate about traveling and loves to make a positive impact both professionally and personally.

Trey Martin

Attorney of Counsel

Troy “Trey” S. Martin, III is an attorney of counsel to the Cukjati Law Firm. He has practiced law in Texas for over 30 years, litigating complex civil litigation matters. Trey is licensed to practice in all state courts in Texas. He is also admitted to practice before the United States District Courts for the Western, Southern Districts of Texas, and the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Trey enjoys representing individual clients, including small to medium-sized businesses. He finds himself often representing the underdog in complicated situations, working on a contingency fee basis when the clients cannot afford upfront litigation costs. He prides himself on finding creative and cost-effective ways to help those who need it, especially when something devastating has happened in their lives. He is an aggressive but fair lawyer who looks after his client’s interests and works hard to bring their matters to a swift and positive resolution.

Trey’s practice areas include Commercial Litigation, Business Law, Wrongful Death, Serious Personal Injuries, Construction Accidents, Class Action litigation, Agriculture Law, and Consumer Claims. Trey represents a variety of medium to small businesses on a regular basis, including clients in the rodeo business, ranching, farming, wildlife, construction, and oil & gas.

He was born in San Antonio, grew up in South Texas, and graduated from Devine High School in 1981. Trey enjoyed high school sports, rodeo, and hunting while growing up in South Texas. While obtaining two degrees in Animal Science and Agribusiness, he worked year-round on the Pollard Ranch, which is located in between Fort Davis and Alpine. Trey grew up competing in rodeos. He quit competing to go to college and focus on his legal career but returned after a 17-year break. Trey returned to the sport not only as a competitor but as a business owner of Tejas Rodeo Co. Because Trey is involved in multiple businesses, he understands the challenges small to medium-size businesses face daily.

Trey graduated from Sul Ross State University with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science and Agribusiness in 1984. He earned his Master of Business Administration in Agribusiness from Sul Ross State University in 1986. Trey earned his law degree from St. Mary’s University School of Law, with honors, in 1989. During law school, he was selected for inclusion in the John Harlan Honor Society, served as the St. Mary’s Law Journal Articles/Symposium Editor, and graduated in the top five percent of his class.

Trey is a member of several legal industry professional associations, including the State Bar of Texas, San Antonio Bar Association, and Texas Bar Foundation. Trey is married to Terri Martin. Trey and Terri have one daughter together (Madison) and Trey (Terri’s bonus kids) has three other daughters (Alexis, Shelby, and Cassandra) from a previous marriage and four grandchildren (Natalie, Richard, Ryott, and William). Lexy, Shelby, and Cassie are now grown and college graduates, while Madi is still with Trey and Terri and is a competitive barrel racer.

Education

  • St. Mary’s University School of Law, Juris Doctorate, with honors, 1989
    • Top 5% of class
    • John Harlan Honor Society
    • Mary’s Law Journal, Articles/Symposium Editor
  • Sul Ross State University, Master of Business Administration in Agribusiness, 1985
  • Sul Ross State University, Bachelor of Science in Animal Science and Agribusiness, 1984

Bar and Court Admissions

  • Texas
  • United States District Court for the Western District of Texas
  • United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas
  • Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals

Professional Affiliations

    • State Bar of Texas
    • San Antonio Bar Association
    • Texas Bar Foundation

Professional Awards

  • San Antonio’s Best Lawyers List, Scene in SA Magazine, 2020

Publications

  • “Landlord Tenant – Implied Warranty of Suitability – Landlord Impliedly Warrants that Commercial Premises Suited for Intended Use.” 20 St. Mary’s L.J. 213 (1988).
  • “Limitation of Liability of Limited Partners While Affording Control of Partnership Affairs to Limited Partners,” 22 St. Mary’s L.J. 5 (1990).

Community Involvement

  • Tejas Rodeo Company, Owner
    • Donates venue for charitable events
  • San Antonio Legal Fund, Pro Bono Lawyer handling divorces