--- title: "Ari Cuenin" description: "Partner Ari Cuenin brings clarity to complex government disputes, leveraging extensive experience in state and federal appellate courts." source_url: "https://www.stonehilton.com/team/ari-cuenin" canonical_path: "/team/ari-cuenin" content_type: "team-member" --- # Ari Cuenin Role: Partner Distinguished by his experience in litigating complex government disputes, Ari is an invaluable member of the Stone Hilton team. Ari has presented over 30 arguments in state and federal courts. His proficiency in presenting compelling arguments in trial and appellate courts, including the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, the Texas Supreme Court, and the Western District of Texas, has solidified his reputation as a legal tactician of the highest caliber. Ari Cuenin's notable contributions to complex government litigation are evidenced by his involvement in over a dozen U.S. Supreme Court cases for the State of Texas, numerous high-profile emergency appeals, and matters for many more public officials and institutions across Texas. His experience across various courts has equipped him with the skills to handle high-stakes cases with precision and strategic insight. ## Strategic Perspective for an Analytical Approach Before joining Stone Hilton, Ari represented Texas in its most significant litigation as Deputy Solicitor General in the Texas Attorney General’s Office, offering him a unique perspective on state government and the intricacies of Texas politics. Earlier in his career, Ari was an associate in the trial department of a major international law firm, where his work spanned a variety of professional-liability and business disputes, demonstrating his versatility, commitment to justice, and ability to navigate complex legal challenges successfully. Ari's education, including a J.D. summa cum laude from Duke University School of Law and a B.S. cum laude from Cornell University, has provided a strong foundation for his legal practice. His academic success led Ari to two federal clerkships, first on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, then in the federal district court in Houston. In Austin, where he resides with his family, Ari is not only a dedicated attorney but also an active member of his community. His legal acumen, combined with his commitment to his clients and community, makes Ari Cuenin a standout partner at Stone Hilton, ready to tackle the most daunting legal challenges swiftly and confidently. ## Representative Matters ### Texas v. DHS 5th Cir. No. 23-50869 Represented Texas in obtaining an emergency injunction pending appeal, demonstrating his adeptness in defending the State's border security measures. ### United States v. Abbott 5th Cir. No. 23-50632 Secured an emergency administrative stay on behalf of Governor Greg Abbott, showcasing his capability to navigate urgent federal-state disputes effectively. ### 9000 Airport v. Hegar 5th Cir. No. 23-20568 Achieved an emergency stay pending appeal in a First and Fourth Amendment challenge, underlining his commitment to protecting the rule of law. ### Campaign Legal Center v. Scott 5th Cit. No. 22-50692 Played a key role in vindicating the Texas Secretary of State in an emergency appeal of an injunction requiring the disclosure of sensitive voter information, ensuring election integrity. ### Hegar v. Health Care Service Corp. Tex. No. 21-0080 Argued the successful Texas Supreme Court appeal that preserved the State's ability to collect millions in health-insurance premium tax revenue, highlighting his experience in statutory interpretation. ### TDCJ v. Levin Tex. No. 17-0552 Led to a unanimous reversal of a ruling that would have compelled the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to disclose the sourcing of lethal-injection drugs, emphasizing his dedication to public and justice for crime victims. ### United States v. Texas S. Ct. No. 15-674 Contributed to the landmark U.S. Supreme Court argument where Texas successfully challenged DAPA, marking a significant victory in immigration law and state sovereignty. ## Outside the Office In his free moments, Ari enjoys boating on Texas's highland lakes with his family. His wife and three kids keep him busy, and he has a vibrant community life in western Travis County. ## Experience ### Deputy Solicitor General & Assistant Solicitor General Office of the Attorney General of Texas ### Associate Attorney Major international law firm in Dallas ### Law Clerk to Judge Lee Rosenthal U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas ### Law Clerk to Judge Gerald Tjoflat U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit ## Education ### J.D., summa cum laude; Senior Research Editor, Duke Law Journal Duke University School of Law ### Cornell University B.S., cum laude, Landscape Architecture; Minor in Applied Economics & Management; Captain, Cornell Men’s Fencing Team ## Admissions - All courts of the State of Texas - U.S. Supreme Court - U.S. Courts of Appeals for the Fifth, Eighth, & Ninth Circuits - U.S. District Courts for all districts of Texas ## Memberships - Federal Bar Association - Austin Bar Association - The Federalist Society