The Texas Lawbook

Free Speech, Due Process and Trial by Jury

Avatar photo

Alexa Shrake

Alexa covers litigation and trials for The Texas Lawbook.

Alexa Shrake

A former reporter with The Indiana Lawyer in Indianapolis, Alexa covers litigation and trials for The Texas Lawbook. Alexa won two first place awards from the Indiana Society of Professional Journalists: one was for a story examining the foster care system and the other was for her coverage of the attorney general election and retention of Indiana Supreme Court justices.

Jury Sides with 2 of 3 Jane Does in Sexual Assault Trial Against Dallas Developer

In a case where three Jane Does alleged Dallas developer Bill Hutchinson sexually assaulted them, a jury agreed with two of the women Thursday night after 11 hours of deliberation. The two women who prevailed alleged that Hutchinson raped them. The third plaintiff alleged Hutchinson groped her, a claim the jury rejected.

The jury awarded the prevailing women a combined $860,000 in damages, but the plaintiffs were seeking an award of $79.8 million.

Alexa Shrake

Dallas Jury Sides with Defense in Dispute Over Commercial Property Sale

Following a weeklong trial, the 12-member jury awarded no damages Thursday morning after deliberating for nearly four and a half hours. A group of 13 investors had sued a Houston lawyer claiming he breached his fiduciary duty when he sold a property that formerly housed an LA Fitness for $8.5 million instead of a higher value.

Alexa Shrake

Dallas Developer Faces Accusers in Sexual Assault Jury Trial

Jerry Jones’ neighbor, reality TV show actor and Dallas developer Bill Hutchinson, has been sued by three anonymous plaintiffs claiming he sexually assaulted them. The women also sued Virgin Hotel Dallas, of which he used to be a minority owner, alleging it was negligent and aware of his behavior toward young women but failed to act. Counsel gave opening statements Thursday morning.

Alexa Shrake

Jury Trial Begins in Dispute Over Property Next to Mavericks New Home

A jury trial began in Dallas County Judge Maria Aceves’ courtroom Wednesday in a breach of contract and fiduciary duty case over two men whose business partnership soured. The property at the center of the suit was once an LA Fitness next to the old Valley View mall, which the Dallas Mavericks have announced will be their new arena and an entertainment district.

Alexa Shrake

© Copyright 2026 The Texas Lawbook
The content on this website is protected under federal Copyright laws. Any use without the consent of The Texas Lawbook is prohibited.