This year, three Texas federal judges completed their master of laws at Duke University alongside other judicial officers from across the country and internationally. Two of the judges talked with The Texas Lawbook about their experiences.
Minority Owner of Cicis Pizza Secures $46M Verdict
After a week of testimony and nearly five hours for jury deliberations, one cousin walked away a winner Wednesday night. The cousins fought over the management fee, distributions and whether they were meeting the requirements of their jobs. The jury returned a $46 million verdict, but the defense will argue Gala has to pick which $23 million claim to recover damages on.
Parties Rest in Emotional Weeklong Cicis Trial
Jury trial in the $10 million dispute between cousins who bought Cicis Pizza’s debt during the COVID-19 global pandemic continues with testimony from one of the cousins and a valuation expert. The plaintiff’s counsel rested its case Monday afternoon, and the defense rested its case Tuesday afternoon.
Cousins Testify at Trial in Dispute Over Cicis Pizza Business Partnership
The cousins who purchased Cicis’ debt each took the stand Wednesday in the jury trial in Dallas County, where compensatory damages of $10 million are being sought. The trial is expected to last through Monday.
Trial Commences in $10M Dispute Between Cousins Who Bought Cicis Pizza
The cousins are battling over millions in damages from a business partnership to invest in restaurants. The disagreement over management fees and the purchasing of other restaurants led the family to court. Opening statements Tuesday focused on the business agreement between the cousins.
Complications for ‘Die Hard’ Star’s Flight That Netted $1M Award Mostly Upheld by Fourth Court of Appeals
An action movie star’s chartered flight landed aviation companies in a nearly decadelong dispute. The Fourth Court of Appeals almost fully agreed with a San Antonio company, BMH Air, affirming most of a $1 million award.
Legislation Lowers Threshold Amount, Expands Jurisdiction of Business Court
In a few months, cases filed prior to Sept. 1, or before the business courts opened, can be transferred to the courts. Additionally, cases with $5 million in controversy can be filed in the business courts. Filings are expected to increase due to these changes.
State Fair of Texas Can Ban Guns, Judge Rules
Firearms can now be listed as a prohibited item at the State Fair of Texas, a Dallas County District Judge ruled. Judge Emily Tobolowsky granted summary judgment to the city of Dallas and its city manager in a lawsuit brought by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.
AT&T to Pay $177M to Settle Customer Data Breach Class Action
U.S. District Judge Ada Brown has set a schedule that would see the preliminary settlement finalized in December. The company has agreed to pay two classes a total of $177 million.
Jury Awards $37.9M to Residents Affected by Houston Watson Grinding Explosion, Case Continues for Others
Five victims of the Houston Watson Grinding 2020 fatal explosion saw some relief from a Harris County jury earlier this month. Their attorneys discussed the details of the case with The Texas Lawbook and the five-year journey it has taken to obtain the $37.9 million verdict. Another trial in the case is expected at the end of this month. (2020 file photo by Godofredo A. Vásquez/Houston Chronicle via The Associated Press)