Partners Gene Besen, Elisha Kobre and Scarlett Singleton Nokes, as well as special counsel Stephen Moulton and associates Rebecca James and Courtlyn Ward, have joined Sheppard Mullin’s governmental practice. The team’s practice grew exponentially at Bradley and a move to Sheppard Mullin was a strategic decision to grow their practice further in a larger firm, Besen said.
Social Media Influencer’s Texas Lawsuit Against Rival Could Pave the Way for Future Copyright Cases
A lawsuit filed by Sydney Nicole Gifford, a former Austin resident who promotes Amazon products, against fellow Austin-area influencer Alyssa Sheil survived a motion to dismiss last month. Lawyers who spoke with The Texas Lawbook said widespread attention on the case is likely to incite other influencers to contact lawyers and explore legal avenues, including litigation, to safeguard their brand aesthetics, even though those same legal observers expressed skepticism about the case’s viability moving forward.
Johnson & Johnson Cleared of Causation in Mesothelioma Trial, But Jury Still Attempts to Award $22M in Punitive Damages
A Pittsburgh jury returned a confusing verdict Monday in a mesothelioma trial involving Texas lawyers on both sides. Jurors handed a defense verdict to the pharmaceutical giant but went on to answer questions about punitive damages that they shouldn’t have. J&J is nevertheless claiming the verdict as vindication.
Thompson Coburn Taps Ex-Federal Prosecutor for Partner
Errin Martin, an assistant U.S. attorney of 17 years, has joined Thompson Coburn’s Dallas office, the firm announced Monday. A former chief of the national security cyber section in the Northern District of Texas, Martin boosts the firm’s business litigation and white collar defense and investigations practice groups.
Reynaldo Anaya Valencia to Make History as First Hispanic Leader of South Texas College of Law Houston
South Texas College of Law Houston has named Reynaldo “Rey” Anaya Valencia, dean of the Capital University Law School in Columbus, Ohio, as its next president and dean following a nationwide search. Valencia will assume the position in July.
Fisher Phillips Adds Two Lawyers to Expand Dallas Presence
The Dallas office of Fisher Phillips continues to grow with the hiring of Amanda Brown as partner from Reed Smith and Lauren McDonald from Tenet Healthcare. The labor and employment law firm’s Dallas office tripled in size in 2024.
Dispute Over Settlement Terms Leads to New Trial in 2019 Crane Collapse Case Against Greystar, Bigge
One week into an August trial, the real estate developer and crane rental company reached a settlement agreement with plaintiffs over the crane collapse onto a Dallas apartment complex. Or so they thought. A conflict over the settlement terms has prompted the case to return to court, and another trial date has been set.
Investors Allege Multimillion Dollar Fraud in Suit Against Bitcoin Mining Company
A group of investors allege Rhodium Enterprises executives and Fort Worth-based Imperium Investments Holdings, LLC deceived investors to secure a $33 million investment. Rockdale-based Rhodium filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in August.
Energy Transfer Co-Founder Kelcy Warren’s Testimony Blocked in Breach-of-Contract Trial Over 2018 Pipeline Explosion
A Pennsylvania judge ruled to block testimony from Energy Transfer co-founder Kelcy Warren, who is also executive chairman on the board of directors. Dallas-based Cardinal Midstream had sought to have Warren testify about comments he made about Energy Transfer “making mistakes” in its Pennsylvania projects. Cardinal Midstream is seeking $33 million from Energy Transfer under a purchase agreement, claiming that a pipeline explosion prevented the fulfillment of an earnout condition tied to gas delivery volumes. Energy Transfer argues that the explosion, caused by a landslide from heavy rains, qualifies as a “force majeure,” while Cardinal Midstream blames poor pipeline design for the failure.
Dallas Law Firms Face Off in $33M Breach-of-Contract Case Over Pipeline Explosion Near Pittsburgh
Cardinal Midstream II LLC, represented by Reese Marketos, is suing Energy Transfer and its affiliate ETC Northeast Pipeline LLC for $33 million in a bench trial that started Monday before Beaver County (Pa.) Court of Common Pleas Judge James J.Ross. Lynn Pinker Hurst & Schwegmann represents Energy Transfer, which says the judge should find the force majeure clause applies because a landslide caused the 2018 pipeline explosion.