Maryam Ghaffar’s practice focuses on commercial litigation.
Before attending law school, Ghaffar taught middle school for three years in the Houston Independent School District. Her ability to empathize, listen, and serve were transferred into her work throughout law school while serving on the Houston Law Review. The same traits translated effortlessly into her role as a law clerk at both the Texas Supreme Court and the Southern District of Texas. All these experiences have taught her that each client has unique needs, and a true advocate understands the nuances of every situation.
Lawdragon Honors
| Honor | Year | Practice |
|---|---|---|
| The 2025 Lawdragon 500 X – The Next Generation | 2025 | Commercial Litigation |
Representative Experience
- Represented Tempur Sealy International, Inc. in defending against the Federal Trade Commission’s attempt to block its $5 billion acquisition of Mattress Firm Group. As co-counsel with Cleary Gottlieb, secured a Texas federal court ruling denying the FTC’s motion, allowing the deal to proceed despite regulatory opposition. See Opinion and Order here.
- Achieved a favorable settlement for a co-owner of a nutrition and supplement company after successfully prosecuting claims of minority owner oppression.
- Represented an investor defrauded in a $1 million deal and secured a favorable resolution following aggressive discovery and depositions.
- Obtained dismissal and removal of invalid and unenforceable mechanic’s liens on behalf of a major energy company, serving as lead counsel in defeating subcontractor claims.
Pro bono
- Secured victory as lead counsel in Hague Convention matter pursuant to the International Child Abduction Remedies Act after an 11-hour evidentiary hearing in federal district court and secured affirmance at the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. See Opinion and Order here.
- Representing a class of incarcerated persons challenging the Texas Department of Criminal Justice’s (TDCJ) use of Security Precaution Designator (SPD) codes that have kept hundreds of people in prolonged solitary confinement without due process. Representation thus far has included securing class certification for our clients alongside our co-counsels at the Texas Civil Rights Project.
- Represented an incarcerated person through final judgment in a jury trial in federal court pursuing claims against a correctional officer for 8th Amendment violations.