Eleanor Ruffner focuses her practice on the litigation needs of the firm’s business clients. The majority of her current practice is devoted to resolving disputes arising from contractual or other legal relationships and obligations; from the purchase, sale, merger, or breakup of companies and partnerships; from allegations of financial fraud; and from the performance or breach of fiduciary obligations.  In addition, she also represents select clients in appellate proceedings, contested probate litigation, complex civil litigation, and administrative disputes against the State of Texas.

Throughout her career, Eleanor has litigated a variety of matters in state and federal court, handling disputes from pre-suit investigation and counseling through exhaustive appeals.  Over the course of her career, she has represented and advised individuals, small businesses, and international companies on a broad range of legal issues, including securities law violations, intellectual property claims, antitrust regulations, personal injury defense (including toxic tort, premises, and products liability), professional malpractice, and constitutional rights.

In addition to her private law practice, Eleanor also serves as an adjunct at the University of Texas School of Law.  She has taught Intensive Trial Skills and Advocacy Outside the Courtroom and has served as an instructor for the UT Law Advocacy Program's Fall Litigation Institute and Spring Trial Academy.  

Eleanor and her husband, Tom, have two children and a variety of rescue animals.  In her recreational time, she enjoys cooking, spending time outdoors, and reading.

Professional Associations, Activities, and Recognition:

Austin Monthly Magazine Top Lawyers in Civil/Commercial Litigation, 2018, 2020, and 2022

Texas Super Lawyer (Thompson Reuters), 2018-2023

Texas Rising Star (Thompson Reuters), 2015-2018

Fellow, Texas Bar Foundation

Fellow, Austin Bar Foundation

Texas Bar Association

• Litigation and Antitrust and Business Litigation Sections

• Planning Committee, "Drafting for New Lawyers," Texas Bar CLE, 2018-2019

Travis County Women Lawyer's Foundation

• Board Member, 2015-2020

• Fellows Liaison, 2017-2019

Austin Mother Attorney Mentoring Association

• Board Member, 2014-Present

• Communications Coordiantor

Austin Bar Association

• Diversity Bar Committee, 2015-2017

• Bench Bar Committee, 2014-2015

• CLE Committee, 2013-2018

  ·      Co-chair 2016-2018

Presentations:

"Overcoming Evidentiary Objections," Advanced CAFA 2015 CLE (October 22, 2015).

“Drafting Cheat Sheets and Takeaways,” Drafting for New Lawyers, Texas Bar CLE (March 28, 2019)

 “Religious Freedom Laws:  A Commercial Litigator’s Perspective,” University of Mississippi Dialogue Initiative:  Policy Talks (April 26, 2019)

Publications:

"Strategic Venue," The Advocate, vol. 72 (Fall 2015), with Alex W. Albright.

"CLE Update:  Executive Actions Impacting U.S. Immigration -- What's Happening and What's Next?" Austin Lawyer, vol. 26 no. 2 (March 2017), with Kate Lincoln Goldfinch (available online here)

Media:

Dexheimer, Eric.  “Did quarter horse racing’s top trainer win too much for his own good?”  Houston Chronicle, June 27, 2019.

"Austin Bar Association Member Spotlight:  Meet Eleanor Ruffner," January 25, 2016 (available online here).

Kocian, Ryan.  "Austin Poets between a Pit and a Pendulum."  Courthouse News Service, August 5, 2015 (available online here).

Osborn, Claire.  "Manager tells breastfeeding mom:  no food or drink allowed in pool."  Austin American Statesman, July 14, 2015 (available online here).

Education:

J.D. (with honors), The University of Texas School of Law, 2004.

• Townes Hall Society Scholar, Jesse P. Luton Endowed Scholarship

B.A. (summa cum laude), The University of Mississippi, 2001 (Philosophy and English).

• Phi Beta Kappa

Admissions:

State Bar of Texas

U.S. District Courts for the Southern and Western Districts of Texas

If you are interested in having Eleanor speak to your group please email Hello@rsmblaw.com