RegitzMauck Secures Life-Changing Benefits for Veteran’s Widow After 8 Years

After trying for almost a decade, RegitzMauck finally prevailed in establishing Shirley Donaldson’s common law marriage to her late husband, which resulted in her receiving a lump sum payment of $45,000 for past due benefits and doubling her monthly Social Security payments.
Ms. Donaldson’s husband was a U.S. Veteran who passed away in late 2012. When Ms. Donaldson applied for her Widow’s Insurance benefits in 2014, the Social Security Administration denied her claim on the grounds that she was not validly married to her husband at the time of his death.
Mike Regitz agreed to represent Ms. Donaldson pro bono to overturn that decision, which led to an eight-year ordeal involving three evidentiary hearings, a lost case file, and multiple appeals. And because the Social Security Administration would not provide Ms. Donaldson with any information regarding her husband’s benefits until the marriage was conclusively established, there was no way for Ms. Donaldson’s legal team to know what benefit, if any, Ms. Donaldson would receive even if they were to prevail.
“Over that long stretch of time when we kept getting denied and appealing, getting denied and appealing, there were many opportunities to give up,” said Regitz. “But there was never any doubt in my mind that a common law marriage existed, so we just kept persevering until we got the answer we were looking for and were entitled to.”
The fully favorable decision was issued on October 21, 2022, so in addition to the doubling of her monthly social security benefits, Ms. Donaldson was entitled to back benefits dating from the time she initially filed her claim in 2014. Those back payments added up to approximately $45,000, a significant portion of which Ms. Donaldson is using to make some much-needed home repairs.
Regitz represented Ms. Donaldson through the Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program as part of the Texas Lawyers for Texas Veterans program, which provides pro bono services to veterans and their families. Regitz, who helped found the Dallas Veterans Legal Clinic in 2009, and his law partner Dustin Mauck, each of whom have been twice named Outstanding Clinic Attorney Volunteer for the Veterans Legal Clinic, regularly provide legal counseling and representation on a pro bono basis to those who have served our country. RegitzMauck believes that lawyers have a special obligation to ensure that those who have sacrificed so much to protect our judicial system have full access to it.
RegitzMauck PLLC is an intellectual property boutique based in Dallas, Texas. The firm focuses on providing value-based legal services to cost-conscious clients seeking high quality legal representation in intellectual property, cybersecurity, and data privacy matters and disputes.
RegitzMauck Attorneys Named to 2022 Super Lawyers List

Mike Regitz and Dustin Mauck of RegitzMauck have been selected to the 2022 Texas Super Lawyers list in the practice areas of Intellectual Property and Intellectual Property Litigation, respectively. The Super Lawyers list is an honor reserved for those lawyers who exhibit excellence in practice. Only 5% of attorneys in Texas receive this distinction.
This is Mike’s sixth consecutive year and Dustin’s fourth consecutive year to be selected to the Texas Super Lawyers list.
Both Mike and Dustin are registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and are Certified Information Privacy Professionals (CIPP/US).
Super Lawyers, a Thomson Reuters business, is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The annual selections are made using a patented multiphase process that includes a statewide survey of lawyers, an independent research evaluation of candidates and peer reviews by practice area. The result is a credible, comprehensive, and diverse listing of exceptional attorneys.
The Super Lawyers lists are published nationwide in Super Lawyers Magazines and in leading city and regional magazines and newspapers across the country. For more information about Super Lawyers and RegitzMauck, visit SuperLawyers.com.
RegitzMauck PLLC is an intellectual property boutique based in Dallas, Texas. The firm focuses on providing value-based legal services to cost-conscious clients seeking high quality legal representation in intellectual property, cybersecurity, and data privacy matters and disputes.
RegitzMauck Attorneys Named to 2021 Super Lawyers List

Mike Regitz and Dustin Mauck of RegitzMauck have been selected to the 2021 Texas Super Lawyers list in the practice areas of Intellectual Property and Intellectual Property Litigation, respectively. The Super Lawyers list is an honor reserved for those lawyers who exhibit excellence in practice. Only 5% of attorneys in Texas receive this distinction.
This is Mike’s fifth consecutive year and Dustin’s third consecutive year to be selected to the Texas Super Lawyers list.
Both Mike and Dustin are registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and are Certified Information Privacy Professionals (CIPP/US).
Super Lawyers, a Thomson Reuters business, is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The annual selections are made using a patented multiphase process that includes a statewide survey of lawyers, an independent research evaluation of candidates and peer reviews by practice area. The result is a credible, comprehensive, and diverse listing of exceptional attorneys.
The Super Lawyers lists are published nationwide in Super Lawyers Magazines and in leading city and regional magazines and newspapers across the country. For more information about Super Lawyers and RegitzMauck, visit SuperLawyers.com.
RegitzMauck PLLC is an intellectual property boutique based in Dallas, Texas. The firm focuses on providing value-based legal services to cost-conscious clients seeking high quality legal representation in intellectual property, cybersecurity, and data privacy matters and disputes.
Dustin Mauck Recognized as the 2020 Outstanding Clinic Attorney Volunteer at the Dallas Veterans Legal Clinic

Dustin Mauck of RegitzMauck has been recognized as the 2020 Outstanding Clinic Attorney Volunteer for the Veterans Legal Clinic by the Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program. Dustin was virtually presented the award at the 38th Annual Pro Bono Awards Celebration that took place on October 30, 2020.
Dustin, who also won this award in 2017, has represented veterans and their families in a variety of matters over the years, including impending foreclosures, divorces, child support cases, business disputes, and consumer cases.
Dustin believes that providing pro bono services is a great way to give back to those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom and the judicial system that we practice within. The attorneys at RegitzMauck regularly provide legal counseling and representation on a pro bono basis to those that have served our country.
Over the years, Dustin and Mike have given numerous presentations to various companies, law firms, and organizations on the Dallas Veterans Legal Clinic and the Texas Lawyers for Texas Veterans program. Since the first Veterans Legal Clinic was held in 2009, Dustin and Mike have regularly counseled veterans at the monthly clinics and provided veterans with post-clinic representation in a variety of legal matters.
RegitzMauck PLLC is an intellectual property boutique based in Dallas, Texas. The firm focuses on providing value-based legal services to cost-conscious clients seeking high quality legal representation in intellectual property, cybersecurity, and data privacy matters and disputes.
RegitzMauck Attorneys Named to 2020 Super Lawyers List

October 19, 2020
Mike Regitz and Dustin Mauck of RegitzMauck have been selected to the 2020 Texas Super Lawyers list in the practice areas of Intellectual Property and Intellectual Property Litigation, respectively. The Super Lawyers list is an honor reserved for those lawyers who exhibit excellence in practice. Only 5% of attorneys in Texas receive this distinction.
Both Mike and Dustin are registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and are Certified Information Privacy Professionals (CIPP/US).
Super Lawyers, a Thomson Reuters business, is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The annual selections are made using a patented multiphase process that includes a statewide survey of lawyers, an independent research evaluation of candidates and peer reviews by practice area. The result is a credible, comprehensive, and diverse listing of exceptional attorneys.
The Super Lawyers lists are published nationwide in Super Lawyers Magazines and in leading city and regional magazines and newspapers across the country. For more information about Super Lawyers and RegitzMauck, visit SuperLawyers.com.
RegitzMauck PLLC is an intellectual property boutique based in Dallas, Texas. The firm focuses on providing value-based legal services to cost-conscious clients seeking high quality legal representation in intellectual property, cybersecurity, and data privacy matters and disputes.
Mike Regitz Recognized as Outstanding Veterans Clinic Attorney Volunteer
Mike Regitz of RegitzMauck has been recognized as the 2019 Outstanding Clinic Attorney Volunteer for the Veterans Legal Clinic by the Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program. Mike was presented the award at the Annual Pro Bono Awards Celebration that was hosted by the Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program and held at the Belo Mansion on the evening of September 24, 2019. Mike is a two-time recipient of this award (2011 and 2019) and Dustin Mauck received the award in 2017.

Mike, who helped found the Veterans Legal Clinic in 2009, has represented veterans and their families in a variety of matters over the years. RegitzMauck is a proud supporter of the Veterans Legal Clinic. Mike and Dustin are usually at the monthly clinics and regularly serve as Co-Chairs of the Veterans Assistance Subcommittee of DBA Pro Bono Activities Committee.

RegitzMauck PLLC is an intellectual property boutique based in Dallas, Texas. The firm focuses on providing value-based legal services to cost-conscious clients seeking high quality legal representation in intellectual property, cybersecurity, and data privacy matters and disputes.
RegitzMauck Attorneys Named to 2019 Super Lawyers List
Mike Regitz of RegitzMauck has been recognized as the 2019 Outstanding Clinic Attorney Volunteer for the Veterans Legal Clinic by the Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program. Mike was presented the award at the Annual Pro Bono Awards Celebration that was hosted by the Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program and held at the Belo Mansion on the evening of September 24, 2019. Mike is a two-time recipient of this award (2011 and 2019) and Dustin Mauck received the award in 2017.

Mike Regitz and Dustin Mauck of RegitzMauck have been selected to the 2019 Texas Super Lawyers list in the practice areas of Intellectual Property and Intellectual Property Litigation, respectively. The Super Lawyers list is an honor reserved for those lawyers who exhibit excellence in practice. Only 5% of attorneys in Texas receive this distinction
Both Mike and Dustin are registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and are Certified Information Privacy Professionals (CIPP/US).
Super Lawyers, a Thomson Reuters business, is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The annual selections are made using a patented multiphase process that includes a statewide survey of lawyers, an independent research evaluation of candidates and peer reviews by practice area. The result is a credible, comprehensive, and diverse listing of exceptional attorneys.
The Super Lawyers lists are published nationwide in Super Lawyers Magazines and in leading city and regional magazines and newspapers across the country. For more information about Super Lawyers and RegitzMauck, visit SuperLawyers.com
RegitzMauck PLLC is an intellectual property boutique based in Dallas, Texas. The firm focuses on providing value-based legal services to cost-conscious clients seeking high-quality legal representation in intellectual property, cybersecurity, and data privacy matters and disputes.
RegitzMauck Attorneys Named to “Best Lawyers in Dallas” List

Mike Regitz and Dustin Mauck of RegitzMauck have been selected to D Magazine’s “Best Lawyers in Dallas” list. The list is initially generated by peer nominations of attorneys that offer exceptional counsel in one of 34 categories of law and is finalized by a panel of eminent lawyers. Each year only a small number of attorneys make it on the “Best Lawyers in Dallas” list.
Both Mike and Dustin are registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and are Certified Information Privacy Professionals (CIPP/US).
Founded in 1974, D Magazine is a dominant media brand in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. While it started as a city magazine publisher, D Magazine now lives on and off the page by offering online, print, and custom content to the evolving needs of the metroplex. It has become one of the best-selling magazines per capita in the United States on local newsstands.
RegitzMauck PLLC is an intellectual property boutique based in Dallas, Texas. The firm focuses on providing value-based legal services to cost-conscious clients seeking high-quality legal representation in intellectual property, cybersecurity, and data privacy matters and disputes.
Mike Regitz Named to the 2018 Super Lawyers List
Mike Regitz of RegitzMauck PLLC has been selected to the Texas Super Lawyers list in the practice area of Intellectual Property for the second consecutive year. Selection to the Texas Super Lawyers list is an honor reserved for those lawyers who exhibit excellence in practice. Only 5% of attorneys in Texas receive this distinction.
Earlier this year, RegitzMauck partner Dustin Mauck was selected to D Magazine’s Best Lawyers in Dallas list in the practice area of intellectual property. Both Mike and Dustin are registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and are Certified Information Privacy Professionals.

Mike focuses his practice on intellectual property and technology disputes, counseling, and licensing. As a Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP/US), Mike also assists firm clients with cybersecurity and data privacy issues, including cybersecurity insurance coverage disputes.
Super Lawyers, a Thomson Reuters business, is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The annual selections are made using a patented multiphase process that includes a statewide survey of lawyers, an independent research evaluation of candidates and peer reviews by practice area. The result is a credible, comprehensive, and diverse listing of exceptional attorneys.
The Super Lawyers lists are published nationwide in Super Lawyers Magazines and in leading city and regional magazines and newspapers across the country. For more information about Super Lawyers and RegitzMauck PLLC, visit SuperLawyers.com.
RegitzMauck PLLC is an intellectual property boutique based in Dallas, Texas. The firm focuses on providing value-based legal services to cost-conscious clients seeking high quality legal representation in intellectual property, cybersecurity, and data privacy matters and disputes.
RegitzMauck Makes Intellectual Property Law Presentation to Association for Talent Development
On May 3, 2018, Mike Regitz and Dustin Mauck made an intellectual property law presentation to the Fort Worth/Mid-Cities Chapter of the Association for Talent Development (ATD). With members from more than 120 countries that work in public and private organizations in every industry sector, ATD is the world’s largest association dedicated to the talent development profession.

The presentation (“Intellectual Property 101: Whose IP is it Anyway?”) provided ATD members with a general overview of intellectual property law, including the creation, registration, acquisition, and enforcement of intellectual property rights in the United States. The discussion focused on patents, copyrights, trademarks/trade dress, and trade secrets. The program also addressed the challenges posed by technology in securing and protecting those rights, including issues surrounding the ownership of intellectual property rights in the workplace (e.g., employees vs. third-party contractors, Bring Your Own Device policies).

“It was somewhat intimidating to make a presentation to professionals that create and make presentations for a living,” said Mauck. “But there’s no question we had a live crowd that was interested in the topic, which is always nice.”

RegitzMauck PLLC is an intellectual property boutique based in Dallas, Texas. The firm focuses on providing value-based legal services to cost-conscious clients seeking high quality legal representation in intellectual property, cybersecurity, and data privacy matters and disputes.