Judge Jim Ho is the first Asian American and only immigrant on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. As a child, he learned English from Sesame Street and as a judge he has received threatening racist letters. He’s a hardcore conservative who has joined liberals on the appellate court multiple times, including a recent decision that has energy executives outraged. His wife, Allyson Ho has argued multiple cases at the U.S. Supreme Court, played the harp for the justices when she clerked for Justice O’Connor and helped Justice Amy Barrett through the confirmation process. Despite young twins at home and a hurricane that destroyed their house, Theodore Boutrous Jr. says they are “the ultimate legal power couple” getting things done.
Texas Loses Second SCOTUS Case in a Week
For the second time in less than a week, Texas has lost an “original jurisdiction” case before the U.S. Supreme Court, giving new gravitas to the nickname Lone Star State. Tony Mauro has the details.
Texas SG Hawkins ‘Under Siege’ from Supreme Court Justices in Affordable Care Act Case
Oral arguments over the Texas-led challenge to the Affordable Care Act appeared to be an uphill battle for Texas Solicitor General Kyle Hawkins Tuesday. Questions about the Texas arguments, even from the conservative end of the bench, appeared to be “bludgeoning him,” in the words of one observer. Texas Lawbook Supreme Court reporter Tony Mauro explains.
Supreme Court Wades into the Muddy Shoals of Pecos River Water Dispute
A dispute between the states of Texas and New Mexico over a claim on evaporated water from the Pecos River was among the first cases heard in the new term of the U.S. Supreme Court. The Lawbook’s Tony Mauro listened in.
Texas Takes its Pecos River Water Grievance to the U.S Supreme Court
It’s a case about the cost of evaporated water. Or, if you prefer, a case about the cost of literally nothing. But in one of the earliest disputes to be heard in the term that begins next week, the Lone Star State is taking its complaint over a bill for disappearing Pecos River water to the U.S. Supreme Court. Tony Mauro reports.
TexaSCOTUS: Texas Lawyers Gear Up for the Upcoming U.S. Supreme Court Term
Last term Texas lawyers were involved in most of the headline cases. In the upcoming term, it appears Texas lawyers will again have an outsized role. The difference: the absence of Ruth Bader Ginsburg and, sooner or later, the presence of her successor. Tony Mauro reports on cases Texans are watching.
Is the Fifth Circuit Too Conservative Even for the Current Supreme Court?
With a 90% reversal rate in the term ending last month the U.S. Ninth Circuit continues to be perceived as a whipping boy for SCOTUS. But at an 86% reversal rate, the U.S. Fifth Circuit wasn’t far behind. What’s going on here? Tony Mauro looks at what some describe as a testy history between the upper and lower court.
Record-Breaking SCOTUS Advocate Lisa Blatt Talks Texas
Lisa Blatt has argued more cases before the U.S. Supreme Court than any other woman in history – 40 cases, 37 wins. Born in San Angelo and educated at UT, Blatt embraces the state’s “Don’t Mess with Texas” bravado.
UT Admissions Suit Redux Will Gauge Trump Court Appointees
The complaint filed by Students for Fair Admissions and orchestrated by UT grad Edward Blum is aimed at dismembering the Fisher and Grutter decisions that have sustained diversity in college admissions. Tony Mauro discusses the background.
Dallas Lawyer Dan Geyser: From Solo Shop to SCOTUS Practice Leader
Dallas appellate specialist Dan Geyser has argued nine cases at the U.S. Supreme Court – almost certainly the most of any lawyer in private practice in Texas. He argued five Supreme Court cases in two years – a large number for even the most sought-after Supreme Court practitioners. But last month, Geyser left his solo practice to join the Texas-based appellate firm Alexander Dubose & Jefferson as its U.S. Supreme Court and federal appellate practice chair. Why? Texas Lawbook correspondent Tony Mauro has the exclusive details.
