Rima C. Patel

Ms. Patel is a highly experienced versatile civil litigator with a strong track record of defending a wide spectrum of clients in complex, high-exposure cases involving wrongful death, catastrophic injuries, dram shop liability, and negligent security. Based in Houston, she brings a strategic, results-oriented approach to a wide range of litigation matters, with a particular focus on claims arising from premises liability, construction liability, and general liability.

Ms. Patel has successfully represented national retailers, restaurants, bars, property owners, construction firms, and insurance carriers in high-stakes litigation throughout Texas. Her practice includes defending against claims involving serious bodily injury and death, alleged violations of the Texas Dram Shop Act, and negligent hiring or security practices at commercial properties. She has also handled litigation involving construction defects, breach of contract, transportation claims, and products liability.

With a strong command of courtroom advocacy and motion practice, Ms. Patel is known for conducting detailed investigations, developing risk-reducing strategies, and leveraging in-depth legal analysis to secure case dismissals, summary judgments, and favorable settlements. Her ability to assess the merits of a case early and advise clients on practical, cost-effective solutions has made her a trusted defense counsel for clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to regional businesses and insurers.

Prior to joining Brown Sims, Rima practiced at a national coverage and litigation defense firm in Houston. She began her legal career in New York after earning her law degree from St. John’s University School of Law, defending property owners, developers, architects, and engineers in premises, construction, and employment-related litigation.

Admitted to practice in both Texas and New York, Rima brings a dual-jurisdictional perspective and a strong command of litigation across multiple industries. Her clients value her responsiveness, legal insight, and unwavering commitment to protecting their interests in complex and often emotionally charged cases.

Outside of work, she enjoys running and hiking with her husband and two sons. She has completed the Houston Marathon, the NYC Marathon, and several half marathons, and loves exploring new trails with her family.

Representative Matters

• Successfully secured summary judgment on behalf of convenience store client in a dram shop wrongful death case, in which plaintiffs alleged liability following a fatal motor vehicle accident. The court found no evidentiary basis linking the store to the incident and dismissed the case with prejudice.
• Achieved summary judgment on behalf of a restaurant client in a premises liability action arising from a trip and fall incident involving exposed rebar in the parking lot. The court agreed with defense that the plaintiff failed to establish the essential elements of premises liability and gross negligence, resulting in a complete dismissal of claims.
• Obtained a favorable jury verdict for a chain restaurant in a slip and fall trial. Although the plaintiff alleged significant injuries, the jury reduced the plaintiff’s multi-million-dollar demand substantially and assigned 10% comparative fault to the plaintiff, mitigating potential damages.
• Obtained summary judgment with dismissal of all claims against oil industry equipment manufacturer client involving a products liability claim following a construction accident wherein plaintiff claimed negligence and strict product liability theories against client for injuries; court granted summary judgment based on an absence of proof that any product manufactured, designed or supplied by the client caused plaintiff’s injuries.
• Obtained complete dismissal through summary judgment in a complex products liability case involving an oilfield equipment manufacturer. Plaintiff alleged negligence and strict liability stemming from a construction site injury. The court granted judgment based on the absence of evidence linking any product manufactured, designed or supplied by the client to plaintiff’s alleged harm.
• Secured summary judgment in favor of a residential property owner in a premises liability case involving a trip and fall on an allegedly defective sidewalk. A land survey conclusively established that the defect was outside the client’s property boundary, resulting in full dismissal of all claims.
• Successfully defended against an appeal challenging the denial of a motion to vacate a stipulation of settlement in a residential habitability dispute. The appellate court upheld the lower court’s ruling, preserving the favorable settlement for the client.

Professional

• Houston Bar Association
• South Asian Bar Association
• Texas State Bar Association