A magistrate in Austin has threatened sanctions against a legal recruiter and his lawyer for “scorched earth discovery tactics” in his trade secrets case against another legal recruiter. One side is calling the order “well deserved” while the other side is calling it “sensational.” Natalie Posgate has been following the case for The Lawbook. Let her explain.
Dewayne Brown’s Lawyers on SCOTX Decision: ‘We’ve Set a Precedent’ — Updated
Alfred Dewayne Brown’s lawyers said a decision released Friday by the Supreme Court of Texas will allow future innocent Texans who have been wrongfully convicted of crimes to have “a much easier time getting compensated from the state.”
“We got justice for one man but in the process we’ve set a precedent that’s going to help bring justice to a lot of women and men in the future who might otherwise not be able to get it,” said Susman Godfrey partner Neal Manne, one of Brown’s lawyers.
PE Firm Prevails in $460M Breach of Contract Case
An appeals court has declined to revive a lawsuit that claimed Five Point Energy usurped a $460 million corporate opportunity from a portfolio member, but the ruling does more than provide a nine-figure sigh of relief for the Houston private equity firm. Natalie Posgate explains.
Quantum Lodges New Claims at K&L Gates, Becomes a $300M Battle
An amended petition in a dispute between San Marcos-based Quantum Materials and K&L Gates is now armed with more ammo and the possibility of a steeper price tag should K&L lose the malpractice battle. But the Philadelepha-based global firm has responded publicly for the first time.
Federal Jury Trial Scheduled Amid COVID Concerns
A Fort Worth federal judge denied an unopposed motion to continue an in-person jury trial that involves lots of out-of-state travel and one of the lawyers currently testing positive for COVID-19. The Lawbook has the details.
A Word With Rodney Acker: ACTL’s New President
The Texas Lawbook recently visited with Norton Rose Fulbright partner Rodney Acker, the American College of Trial Lawyers’ newest president. Acker follows a legacy of Fulbright lawyers who have led the prestigious organization during an unprecedented year for the College.
Dallas Lawyers Deliver Thanksgiving Dinners to Families in Need
Today 33 lawyers in Dallas are delivering Thanksgiving dinners to 34 families in need. It has become a tradition and important cause for Dallas trial lawyer Michael Hurst, who started the effort 17 years ago.
SAS v. WPL: A Longstanding Transatlantic Dispute with an East Texas Flavor
Two competitors in software programming have almost tied up a complex copyright infringement lawsuit in East Texas. For the prevailing side, World Programming Limited, hopes the development is the final destination of what’s involved multiple layovers of legal disputes elsewhere in the U.S. and across the pond.
WDTX Judge Dismisses Patent Claims Against Two Formula 1 Drivers — Updated
A federal court in Waco on Friday dismissed Lewis Hamilton and Charles LeClerc from a patent infringement suit brought against the Formula One drivers and several other major players in the world of professional racing. Some may hail from Monaco, but that hasn’t stopped a legal who’s who of Texas lawyers from already appearing in the litigation.
Porter Hedges Wins $143M Judgment for Downhole Tech Founder
The nine-figure judgment is a bittersweet win for a team of Porter Hedges lawyers, whose client did not live to see the result. But opposing counsel at three Houston firms assured an appeal is coming — one that is sure to catch the attention of Texas employers and boards alike as important issues surrounding for cause termination play out.