Chief Judge O’Connor to Lead Northern District Court, Judge Godbey Moves to Senior Status
Chief Judge Reed O’Connor assumed his new role on Monday. Judge David Godbey served in that role for three years and will take senior status next month.
Fifth Circuit Panel Says National Labor Relations Board’s Structure is Likely Unconstitutional
Three federal district courts in Texas saw their judgments affirmed by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit Tuesday. The Fifth Circuit determined the district courts did not abuse their discretion in granting preliminary injunctions for SpaceX, Energy Transfer and Findhelp halting administrative proceedings before the NLRB while they pursue constitutional challenges to the agency’s structure.
Litigation Roundup: Toyota Faces Vehicle Tech Patent Lawsuit
In this edition of Litigation Roundup, Texas loses an appeal to the Fifth Circuit, universities battle over alleged trademark infringement, a religious society must pay delinquent taxes after not filing for exemption, and farmers throw a water fight with a Dallas hedge fund manager.
Family Seeks More Than $1M for Daughter’s Death in Kerr County Floods
The first lawsuit in the aftermath of the Fourth of July Kerr County floods was filed in Kerr County District Court. The family of a woman who died in the flooding alleges an RV park committed negligence and is seeking a jury trial and damages.
Fifth Circuit Splits in Property Rights Case, Reverses Southern District’s Judgment
An apartment complex damaged by Hurricane Harvey sees a reversal in a constitutional takings case that the city of Houston shouldn’t have denied its request for a repair permit. The case returns to the Southern District for further proceedings to compensate the apartment complex.
Online Dating Company to Pay $14M to FTC
A settlement between Match Group and the Federal Trade Commission will resolve the dating website’s alleged misleading practices. The Dallas-based company has agreed to pay $14 million and clarify its “guarantees.”
Asked & Answered with V&E’s Quentin Smith: Morehouse, Michigan and MDL — the Making of a Texas Litigator
Asked & Answered is a new standing feature The Texas Lawbook will bring readers twice a month, highlighting the work of leading Texas lawyers and offering insight into their lives outside the courtroom. In this edition, Alexa Shrake sits down with Vinson & Elkins partner Quentin Smith, who discussed securing an $80 million breach of contract verdict for Huntsman Chemicals in Louisiana and representing Oncor Electric in litigation stemming from Winter Storm Uri — as well as the only brand of jelly beans worthy of the war room.
Litigation Roundup: Energy Giants Seek SCOTUS Review in High-Stakes Colorado Climate Case
In this edition of Litigation Roundup, Exxon petitions the U.S. Supreme Court to halt climate change cases, a former Honeywell International employee had religious exemptions for the COVID-19 vaccine, Tesla faces a federal class action lawsuit over robotaxi safety, a $15 million jury verdict was reversed in favor of CenterPoint Energy and more.
$28M Dispute Between Trucking Companies Revs Up with Motion to Dismiss
A Texas freight trucking company brought a complaint to the Texas Business Court, alleging an Indiana company caused $28 million in damages for alleged fraudulent schemes. The defendant calls the complaint “baseless” in a motion to dismiss.
Bondholders Call for Judge Isgur to Recuse from GWG Holdings Bankruptcy Case
GWG Holdings bondholders call for U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Marvin Isgur to step away from the case, alleging he is protecting David Jones, a former bankruptcy judge, and Elizabeth Freeman, a former Jackson Walker partner with whom Jones had an undisclosed romantic relationship.