Texas’ direct-to-consumer sales law is similar to Louisiana’s. A decision from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit panel could have implications for Texas, where Tesla has unsuccessfully lobbied to overturn the law.
Houston Jury Hits Fracking Company with $8.9M Verdict in Patent Infringement Trial
Nitro Fluids infringed on two of Cameron International Corporation’s patents, a federal jury decided. John Keville, the Sheppard Mullin partner who represented Cameron, discusses what challenges Cameron faced and why he believes the trial went in his client’s favor.
Tom Melsheimer to Co-Chair Winston & Strawn Litigation Department
Melsheimer, who is the managing partner at the Dallas office, is poised to take on a new role, helping to lead the firm’s 450-person litigation team. In an interview with The Texas Lawbook, Melsheimer shares his philosophy for leadership and ways the firm is breaking the mold.
SCOTX Hears Arguments in Oncor Appraisal Disputes
The justices had consolidated the oral arguments in two cases that involve disputes in Mills and Wilbarger counties. The cases are part of a large group of lawsuits filed by Oncor to fight the valuation of its transmission lines in 13 counties. The utility company argues incorrect data provided by a private appraisal firm to determine 2019 values led to a $7 million overvaluation of its property and a “windfall” of taxes for the local governments.
Ben Barnes Talks Leaving Kirkland, Launching Texas Office for Missouri Boutique
Texas’ growing economy and “dynamic legal market” present “many opportunities for a nimble firm like Dowd Bennett,” Barnes said in an interview with The Texas Lawbook following the announcement of his move from Kirkland & Ellis. Barnes, now a partner at Dowd Bennett, has long-held ties to St. Louis, where the litigation boutique is based.
Former Senior SEC Lawyer Scott Mascianica Leaves Holland & Knight for Hilgers Graben
Mascianica joins the firm as a partner and head of its Government Investigations and Regulatory Enforcement group. Mascianica shares why the career move was “too good of an opportunity to pass up” in an interview with The Lawbook.
Oversight Board Constitutionality Case Gets Transferred to D.C. District Court
U.S. District Judge Karen Gren Scholer of the Northern District of Texas said a John Doe auditor’s argument that the case should be heard in Texas is “unpersuasive.” The lawsuit challenges the constitutionality of the U.S. Public Company Accounting Oversight Board’s disciplinary proceedings.
Sorrels Law Taps Doctor-Lawyer Hieu Dang to Open Dallas Office
Dr. Hieu T. Dang has an impressive résumé, packed with medical and legal experience as well as a diversity of languages. Dang will continue his anesthesiology practice while working for Sorrels and his own private practice. In a Q&A, Dang shares his keys for success and his winding career path.
Fifth Circuit Panel Decries ‘Rambo’ Tactics in Reversal, Scathing Opinion
A three-judge panel including the chief judge issued a rare reversal of a trial verdict on the grounds of improper jury argument. Two Texas lawyers who resorted to name calling, including one who threw a tissue box at opposing counsel, “employed nearly every category of what we have previously held to be improper closing argument,” the judges wrote.
McKool Smith Associate Gets Patent Issued For Study App
Intellectual property and business disputes lawyer Kyle Ryman was a top scorer on the July 2021 Texas Bar Exam thanks to his very own study app that he used to convert long outlines to flashcards. Now, he wants to donate the patent and code to a deserving school or nonprofit.