The Texas Lawbook

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Michelle Casady

Michelle Casady is based in Houston and covers litigation and appeals — including trials, breaking news and industry trends — for The Texas Lawbook.

Michelle Casady

Michelle Casady has been a reporter in Texas since January 2009. She's covered crime at The Bryan-College Station Eagle, courts at the San Antonio Express-News and civil litigation for Law360. In July 2022, she joined The Texas Lawbook.

Her reporting has included covering arrests, trials, plea deals and settlements, executions, natural and manmade disasters, colorful characters and various oddities.

She lives in Houston with her husband Matt, a sweet dog Hurricane Harvey brought into their lives, and a confident cat who keeps everyone in line. She holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from Texas Tech University and was a 2018 fellow of the Loyola Marymount University Journalist Law School.

You can reach Michelle at michelle.casady@texaslawbook.net or (713) 614-7929.

Trial Tripleheader Has Tillotson Claiming Win, Win, Win

Opposing counsel already are plotting challenges and appeals in at least two of the cases, and Tom Melsheimer — a former law partner of Tillotson’s and best man at his wedding — views his win on liability for PlainsCapital Bank, which came with an award of $2.5 million in fees and expenses, as a loss for Tillotson. But Tillotson recently spoke to The Lawbook about the intense few weeks of litigation that resulted in what he said are favorable results for each of his clients.

Michelle Casady

Litigation Roundup: Investors Sue Blackstone over ‘Rushed’ $788M Sale, SCOTX Decides Arbitration Spat

In this week’s edition of Litigation Roundup, the state of Texas turns to Gibson Dunn & Crutcher to defend it in a long-running lawsuit over the quality of foster care, minority investors in an energy company allege one of the world’s largest hedge funds breached its duties in a rushed $788 million sale, and the Texas Supreme Court clarifies the reach of arbitration provisions.

Michelle Casady

Texas Law Schools Make Jumps in 2024 U.S. News Rankings

U.S. News & World Report had to delay its release of the 2024 rankings after some institutions raised questions about the data. The new list shows the University of Texas at Austin School of Law still leads the state, but Texas A&M University School of Law is rising rapidly.

Michelle Casady

Baker McKenzie’s Nick Kennedy Goes to Washington

Nick Kennedy, a partner in the firm’s Dallas office, recently argued his first case before the U.S. Supreme Court. He sat for an interview with The Lawbook about the experience, the preparation and the possible ramifications of the court’s decision.

Michelle Casady

FedEX, Amici Tell 5th Circ. $365M Punitive Award Can’t Stand

The International Association of Defense Counsel, the Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel, Airlines for America, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Lawyers for Civil Justice all filed amicus briefs in support of FedEx last week. FedEx is fighting a $366 million jury verdict in favor of former employee Jennifer Harris.

Michelle Casady

Litigation Roundup: SEC Calls Out $155M ‘Ponzi Scheme,’ Air Force Contract Fraudsters Owe $70M in Restitution

In this week’s edition of Litigation Roundup, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has filed suit against a Texas company it accuses of perpetrating a $155 million Ponzi scheme affecting more than 500 investors, a fracking project funder alleges fraud in a $1.8 million deal, and the Texas Supreme Court clarifies the requirements to bring a Texas Whistleblower Act claim.

Michelle Casady

Texas Justices OK State’s Emissions Scandal Suit Against VW, Audi

The case went through two rounds of oral arguments at the state’s high court, saw the voluntary recusal of two justices and the appointment by the governor of two intermediate appellate justices to the case. The ruling will allow Texas to bring its lawsuit against the German automakers alleging they violated state environmental laws via the emissions-cheating software scandal perpetrated by the companies.

Michelle Casady

Texas Employment Lawyers Talk FTC’s Proposed Noncompete Ban

The Texas Lawbook recently spoke to labor and employment lawyers in Texas about the proposal and what it would mean for both their employer clients and the litigation landscape statewide should the rule go into effect. The comment period, which was extended for an additional month because of the number of comments received, closed April 19 and garnered 26,814 responses.

Michelle Casady

Lee Yeakel Joins King & Spalding

The announcement of his move to the firm’s Austin office came Monday, the day his retirement from the Western District of Texas became official. He served on the federal bench for more than 20 years.

Michelle Casady

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