Profile

Lincoln Chen is an experienced trial attorney who represents a broad range of clients in a variety of complex contract and commercial disputes, with a focus on energy and property issues. Lincoln’s career evidences a track record of successful litigation. His cases have even contributed to shaping the evolving legal landscape of the renewable energy sector. He has represented some of the largest energy companies in the world, ensuring that his clients receive not only effective representation but also strategic insights.

The eldest son of a bobble-head maker from Houston, Lincoln brings to each case accountability, responsiveness, an acute attention to detail and an ability to find creative solutions to the most sophisticated legal issues. Lincoln understands the value of his clients’ time and takes pride in being accessible, responsive, and efficient. He is adept at communicating legal issues in an understandable way and will ensure that the firm’s strategy aligns with your interests and objectives. As a pragmatist, he will candidly advise you on the costs and benefits of each legal matter, so as the client, you can make informed business decisions as we work to achieve the best legal strategy and results possible under the circumstances.

Notable Representations

Renewable Energy Litigation

• International Wind Arbitration: Successfully defended client against counterclaims and secured multi-million-dollar award in complex international arbitration involving grid integration challenges, indemnity obligations, and delay liquidated damages on a 300 MW utility-scale wind project.
• Massachusetts SREC Trading Litigation: Prevailed in federal court trial (D. Mass.) representing renewable energy trader in sophisticated SREC contract dispute. Successfully argued “commercially reasonable” standard, defeating opposing party’s unreasonable demand for assurance. Judge awarded client 100% of damages sought plus attorneys’ fees and interest. Skyview Fin. Co. v. Kearsarge Trading, LLC; Civil Action 20-cv-11666-PBS.

• Solar Commodity Arbitration Defense: Successfully defended solar developer in complex dispute involving a unit-contingent SREC purchase agreement for a 1.75 MW DC project. Prevailed on arguments involving regulatory risk allocation. Secured complete defense verdict with recovery of all arbitration costs, defeating claimant’s strategically-timed default declaration designed to maximize SREC market price exposure.

Oil & Gas Operations Litigation

• Terminal Facility Defense in Catastrophic Injury: Successfully defended premier marine terminal operator specializing in crude oil and residual fuel oil storage in multi-plaintiff litigation following a Houston facility explosion. Developed compelling summary judgment position based on sophisticated premises liability arguments regarding actual and contractual control boundaries. Strategic motion practice and technical understanding of terminal operations led to favorable settlement terms.

Real Estate & Construction Litigation

• Residential Construction Recovery: Obtained multi-million-dollar judgment in state court action under the Residential Construction Liability Act and Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act. Case involved systematic construction defects, project mismanagement, and material misrepresentations in high-value residential construction.
• Zoning Dispute before Planning Commission: Successfully advocated before the City of Houston Planning Commission against significant opposition, securing removal of client's property from proposed zoning restrictions. Presented complex land use arguments demonstrating regulatory overreach and disproportionate economic impact.

Complex Commercial Litigation

• Multi-Forum Licensing Dispute: Secured complete dismissal of all claims against clients across four distinct forums in sophisticated licensing agreement dispute. Prevailed on critical choice-of-law determination during arbitration proceedings, leading to plaintiff’s voluntary withdrawal of claims.
• Investment Fraud Injunctive Relief: Obtained emergency injunctive relief for victims in two separate investment fraud schemes. Case development and forensic financial analysis attracted Texas Securities Board and FBI investigation, resulting in criminal indictments against defendants in both matters.

Publications and Presentations 

• "Pre-dispute Posturing: How Strategic Communications Can Help Avoid Lawsuits and Protect Your Interests" - Houston Bar Association Litigation CLE (February 2025)
• "Maritime Law and Offshore Wind: Trends, Challenges, and Insights" - MyLawCLE (January 2024)
• "Commercially reasonable efforts explained," featured contributor, Thomson Reuters – Contracts/Commercial Litigation (April 2024)

Professional Affiliations

• Houston Bar Association
• Houston Young Lawyers Association
• Texas Bar Foundation
• Commercial Finance Association YoPro - Houston Chapter
• Houston Symphony - Young Associates Council

News

Publications