John Mings, Partner at Baker Hostetler, Commits Suicide

John Jason Mings committed suicide last Monday according to police findings released to the public. He was 45 years old. Mings was a partner in the Houston office of Baker Hostetler, specializing in intellectual property and patent law. He joined the firm in December 2008 from Fulbright & Jaworski, where he was a partner for several years.

Mings was fluent in Spanish and Portuguese, possessed a unique sense of humor and was an avid sailor and member of the Houston Yacht Club. He belonged to several IP, trademark and arbitration bodies and frequently spoke at conferences in the U.S. and South America.

According to the police, witnesses observed Mings sitting alone on the waters edge at a Galveston, Texas beach early Monday afternoon. Police called to the scene found him lying partially in the water, dead from a single gunshot wound to the head. Mings is survived by his wife and two children.

The American Bar Association provides resources and assistance to lawyers struggling with depression, alcoholism, stress and other emotional health issues. The National Suicide Prevention Hotline (1-800-273-TALK) is also available 24/7 to anyone in an emotional crisis and/or contemplating suicide.