Eleanor K. Vernon

Eleanor Vernon Ruffner ’04 is a partner at Ruffner Herron in Austin, where she focuses on complex business and commercial litigation. The majority of her current practice is devoted to resolving disputes involving contractual or other legal relationships and obligations; the purchase, sale, merger, or breakup of companies and partnerships; allegations of financial fraud; and 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, Ruffner 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, Ruffner also serves as an adjunct at the University of Texas School of Law where she has taught Intensive Trial Skills and Advocacy Outside the Courtroom and has served as an instructor for the Texas Law Advocacy Program's Fall Litigation Institute and Spring Trial Academy.