Jonathan Vivat

Jonathan M. Vivat

associate

Biography

Jonathan M. Vivat is an associate attorney in McCathern, Shokouhi, Evans’ Dallas office, where his practice focuses on Business & Commercial Litigation, Litigation & Dispute Resolution, Securities Litigation, and Insurance Litigation. Jonathan is deeply committed to providing clients with exceptional representation through meticulous preparation, analytical precision, and an unwavering drive for excellence.

Jonathan earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of California, Los Angeles, graduating summa cum laude in 2020. While at UCLA, he was a member of the Pre-Law Society and studied political science abroad at the University of Oslo in Norway. Jonathan went on to earn his Juris Doctor from SMU Dedman School of Law, where he graduated cum laude and ranked within the top 25% of his class. During law school, he served as an Article Editor for the SMU Law Review Association and completed a judicial internship with the Honorable Judge Sean D. Jordan of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. Jonathan was also recognized by faculty for his exceptional performance in advanced legal writing and research courses.

Before joining McCathern, Shokouhi, Evans, Jonathan gained extensive experience through multiple clerkships and internships. He served as a Public Interest Volunteer with The Rutherford Institute, where he conducted legal research and drafted briefs in civil liberties litigation. During law school, he worked at a litigation firm where he contributed to high-stakes litigation matters, drafted motions and pleadings, prepared materials for hearings, and engaged in various aspects of complex litigation. Before law school, Jonathan worked as a legal intern at an elite trial firm in Los Angeles.

Jonathan takes great pride in helping clients navigate legal challenges that they might not be able to resolve on their own. He is inspired by the trust his clients place in him and strives for perfection in every aspect of his work. He finds great fulfillment in McCathern’s collaborative environment, where he continues to learn from some of the best litigators in the field.

Outside of his legal career, Jonathan is an avid writer and the author of Strength Is Freedom (2022), a research-based book on health and fitness. Before attending law school, he coached clients internationally on sports nutrition and exercise. In his personal life, Jonathan enjoys writing, staying active, and spending time with his twin brother. 

Awards and Associations

Location

Dallas (MAin)

3710 Rawlins Street
Suite 1600
Dallas, TX 75219

  • 214-741-2662
  • 214-741-4717

PRACTICE AREAS

EDUCATION

  • University of California, Los Angeles

B.A.,  Political Science

  • SMU Dedman School of Law

Juris Doctor 

LATEST NEWS

McCathern, Shokouhi, Evans Announces Stephanie M. Almeter as Managing Partner of Dallas Headquarters

December 5, 2025

McCathern, Shokouhi, Evans is proud to announce the promotion of Stephanie M. Almeter to Managing Partner of the firm’s Dallas headquarters, marking a significant milestone in the firm’s continued growth and commitment to operational excellence. In her new role, Almeter will oversee the day-to-day operations of the Dallas office, support the continued expansion of its legal teams, and promote a unified, high-performing culture across the firm’s flagship location. She will also collaborate closely with the Managing Partners in Frisco, Houston, and Los Angeles to ensure firmwide consistency, strategic alignment, and seamless operational delivery across all markets. Almeter, who joined McCathern in 2011, is a seasoned trial attorney and leader whose practice spans business and commercial litigation, labor and employment, and more. She is widely recognized for her exceptional advocacy, creative problem-solving approach, and dedication to client service. As Managing Partner, she brings more than a decade of experience and a deep understanding of the firm’s mission of Improving People’s Lives to this pivotal leadership position. “Stephanie is an incredible leader whose professionalism, legal skill, and commitment to our team made her the clear choice for Managing Partner of our Dallas office,” said Arnold Shokouhi, Equity Partner and CEO of the firm. “Her ability to balance exceptional client results with strong interpersonal leadership will help guide the next phase of growth in our largest market. I have full confidence in her vision and in the culture she will continue to build.” As part of Almeter’s promotion, Shokouhi will transition into the role of Chief Executive Officer, where he will continue overseeing the firm’s strategic direction and operational development. McCathern, Shokouhi, Evans has experienced significant expansion since Shokouhi was named Managing Partner in 2013, growing its workforce by over 415% and increasing revenue by approximately 275%, alongside multiple successful mergers and a strengthened statewide and national presence. “I am deeply honored to step into the role of Managing Partner for our Dallas headquarters,” said Stephanie Almeter. “McCathern, Shokouhi, Evans is a firm built on integrity, collaboration, and the belief that exceptional legal work can improve people’s lives. I look forward to supporting our incredible team, fostering continued growth, and ensuring that our Dallas office remains a model of excellence within the firm and across the legal community.” The firm extends its congratulations to Almeter as she assumes this important leadership position, and to Shokouhi as he steps into his expanded role as CEO.

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McCATHERN, SHOKOUHI, EVANS SECURES $13 MILLION CIVIL RIGHTS VERDICT AGAINST CITY OF HOUSTON IN DEATH OF CHARLES PAYNE, SR.

November 25, 2025

HOUSTON, TEXAS — November 25, 2025 — A federal jury in the Southern District of Texas has delivered a sweeping $13 million verdict in favor of the family of Charles Payne Sr., finding the City of Houston liable for Payne’s death after a Houston Police Department officer—driving at high speed and not responding to an emergency—struck and killed him. The jury found that the City’s unconstitutional policies, customs, and failures in training and supervision were the direct cause of the fatal incident. The jury also determined that the officer’s conduct violated Payne’s Fourteenth Amendment right to life. Evidence presented at trial revealed that HPD routinely permitted officers to drive more than 20 mph over posted speed limits even when not responding to emergencies, a practice the City knew or should have known placed the public at serious risk. The jury concluded the City acted with deliberate indifference by allowing this dangerous pattern to persist. The jury awarded more than $7.3 million to Payne’s widow, Harriet Payne, for pecuniary loss, loss of companionship, and past and future mental anguish, with additional awards to each of Payne’s seven children for their emotional and familial losses — bringing the total recovery to $13 million. The Payne family was represented by a joint legal team led by McCathern, Shokouhi, Evans Partner Carl L. Evans, Jr., together with the Law Office of Ben Crump and its Co-Director of Litigation, Paul Grinke, and supported by McCathern attorneys Sarah E. Courtney and Asher K. Miller. Together, the team demonstrated that the City of Houston failed to implement and enforce basic safety standards regarding officer driving practices—policies that, if followed, would have prevented this tragedy. “This verdict is not just about what happened to Charles Payne—it’s about preventing it from ever happening again,” said Carl L. Evans, Jr., Partner at McCathern, Shokouhi, Evans. “The jury sent a clear message that no city is above accountability when its policies put the lives of the people it serves in danger. We are honored to stand with the Payne family and grateful that the jury recognized the truth of what happened and the depth of this family’s loss.” Charles Payne was a husband, father, and beloved member of his community. His life was cut short by a preventable act of recklessness—one that the jury found was enabled by systemic policy failures within the Houston Police Department. The verdict marks a significant step toward justice for the Payne family and reinforces the critical importance of safe, constitutional policing practices nationwide. Click here to watch the full press conference following the verdict on 11/24/25. 

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