Most days, Hogan Lovells partner Kevin Lipson dives into complex legal matters for energy regulation law. But today, his attention was on an art auction that reeled in $5 million for the estate of famed artist Robert Indiana, known around the world for his “LOVE” images. Lipson represents the executor of Indiana’s estate. Details here on how he got involved.
Houston Litigation Boutique Scores $190M Settlement for Natural Resource Partners
Houston-based MLP Natural Resource Partners recently got a $25 million payday thanks to their lawyers at Schiffer Hicks Johnson. The payment is tied to a $190 million settlement the firm obtained in a payment dispute tied to a couple coal mines owned by Foresight Energy. Details here.
The Secret To Defending An Oil Company? Don’t Expect Love
There are three ways to defend an oil company involved in litigation, according to EDGE Litigation Consulting’s Dan Jacks and Mark Sobus: the good, the bad and the downright ugly. But even if it’s ugly, it’s best to start any defense with the reality of what jurors really think about your client going in.
Lawyers from Major Oil Companies Drill Down on Today’s Key In-House Issues
If you were ever wondering what it takes to get hired on big cases for BP, Exxon or Chevron, look no further. A trio of lawyers from the major oil companies dished during a conference last week on qualities they’re looking for – or not looking for – in their outside law firms. Natalie Posgate was at the panel discussion and has the details.
$49M Battle Over Fracking Sand Container Designs Heads to Next Phase
It started with a client-vendor deal. A nondisclosure agreement was signed. The deal took the back burner, and the parties went their separate ways. But now, they are reunited in the courtroom in the thick of a $49 million legal battle. Neither side is backing down. Natalie Posgate tells the story.
Hon. Dale Tillery: The Dallas Judge Always Free for a Lunch Hearing
Judge Dale Tillery of the 134th District Court is easily the busiest civil trial judge in Dallas County. But it’s not easy being the busiest. It involves relentless punctuality, the occasional 3 a.m. hearing and a willingness to eschew lunch. Natalie Posgate profiles the judge who presided over Reavis v. Toyota.
Updated: Dallas Judge Preserves Bulk of $242M Verdict Against Toyota
Dallas District Judge Dale Tillery on Friday ordered Toyota Motor Corp. to pay a Dallas family $213 million – the bulk of a $242 million jury verdict from August that found the automaker liable for a 2016 rear-end accident that left two small children with permanent brain damage. Toyota says it will ask for a new trial. The Lawbook has the details.
Fifth Circuit Affirms Verdict in Favor of Saudi Prince
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit has affirmed a 2017 jury verdict that awarded $3 million to a member of the Saudi royal family in a breach of contract dispute. The ruling benefits Prince Mansour Bin Abdullah Al-Saud of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Details here of the ruling.
FTC Abandons False Advertising Case Against DIRECTV
The Federal Trade Commission on Friday dismissed its remaining claims against DIRECTV in the middle of a bench trial that once had $4 billion at stake. The dismissal is the denouement to an opinion issued by a federal judge in California in August that arguably killed the case for the FTC.
A Word with USPTO Director Andrei Iancu
Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and USPTO Director Andrei Iancu spoke at the SMU Dedman School of Law Friday during its Tsai Leadership Lecture series. The Texas Lawbook’s Natalie Posgate had the opportunity to sit down with Director Iancu for a few minutes after the program. Check here to find out what he said.