Smith, Gambrell & Russell Expands Texas Reach with New Addition
International law firm Smith, Gambrell & Russell added Mitch Ackal on Monday and hopes to grow an office in the Houston market. Before joining SGR, Ackal spent two decades at Gray Reed.
Baker Botts Secures a Win for Solaris in Patent Challenge
The Patent Trial and Appeal Board ruled that all claims of Masaba’s patent for sand-handling equipment are unpatentable as obvious over combinations of prior art references. Masaba accused Solaris Oilfield Services Operating of infringing on the patent in a 2023 lawsuit before the Wyoming District Court.
Jury Awards $46M to Parents in Wrongful Death Suit
A Hays County jury found a truck driver and the company he works for liable for the death of an oil field worker. The jury awarded $46 million to the worker’s parents after deliberating for about four hours.
Hamilton Wingo Continues to Grow
Former defense attorney Gina Mills has joined Hamilton Wingo as the plaintiffs’ firm continues to add partners. She was with Thompson, Coe, Cousins & Irons.
Dorsey Hires Litigator from McGuireWoods
Chelsea Hilliard joins Dorsey & Whitney as a partner from McGuireWoods. Her addition is part of the firm’s efforts to grow its litigation practice.
Asked & Answered with Chrysta Castañeda: Cases, Career and Coffee
In this edition of Asked & Answered, trial lawyer Chrysta Castañeda reflects on her career and offers advice for young lawyers. While she has closed her firm, retiring for good is not in her plans.
Bondholder Sues Ex-Judge Jones, Firms Over SDTX Bankruptcy Scandal
A proposed class action lawsuit filed in the Southern District of Texas claims former bankruptcy Judge David Jones, former Jackson Walker bankruptcy partner Elizabeth Freeman and major law firms allegedly hid the romantic relationship between Jones and Freeman. Jones resigned from the bench in 2023 after news of his relationship with Freeman was publicly reported.
Siblings in Law: How Dallas-based Khirallah Trial Attorneys Came to Be
A trio of siblings who initially forged their own independent legal careers have recently united and launched their own personal injury firm. They spoke to The Texas Lawbook about navigating the interesting dynamics that come with working together and why they wouldn’t have it any other way.
Dress Rehearsal: Business Court Case Settles Before Heading to Jury
What would have been the first jury trial for the Texas Business Court became a dress rehearsal instead. Counsel met for a pretrial hearing Friday, planning to begin the jury trial on Monday. They reached a settlement Saturday night.
Longtime Plaintiff Lawyer Joins Hamilton Wingo
After spending years as a trial lawyer for hire, Mike Kaeske has joined Hamilton Wingo. Together, the firm’s founder, Chris Hamilton, and Kaeske have helped clients secure more than $10 billion in verdicts and settlements as lead counsel in cases involving serious personal injuries, wrongful deaths and business disputes.