After spending $22 million on some dry holes in North Texas, Barrow-Shaver Resources Co. jumped at a $27.7 million offer for its development rights. But one of 32 parties blew up the deal by asking $5 million for its approval. Now the Texas Supreme Court is being asked to resolve a question of industry use vs. oil and gas tradition. Janet Elliott explains.
Fifth Circuit Hands Receiver Latest Win in Stanford Ponzi Saga
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit has reversed a trial court ruling that determined one of infamous Ponzi schemer Allen Stanford’s largest investors received a $79 million fraudulent transfer in good faith.
Federal Circuit Affirms $439M Verdict Against Apple
A federal appeals court handed Nevada-based VirnetX its latest win Tuesday in its intellectual property feud with Apple when it affirmed a $439 million judgment that stemmed from a September 2016 jury trial in East Texas.
The Top Texas Litigation Stories of 2018
“Litigation documents the lifelines of relationships: when they blossom, when they crumble and everything in between. And no matter how big a company is, it’s the people and lawyers behind it who drive the narrative.” So notes Natalie Posgate in describing her picks for the top ten Texas-related litigation victories of 2018.
Chief Justice Hecht Celebrates Three Decades on the Texas Supreme Court
On New Year’s Day, Chief Justice Hecht’s tenure on the Texas Supreme Court reached 30 years. Over that time, no one has done more to shape Texas jurisprudence than this son of a New Mexico wheat farmer. A former clerk salutes Hecht as one of the most influential state supreme court justices of his generation.
Fifth Circuit Dismisses Suit Against Schiff Hardin
The U.S. Fifth Circuit has dismissed a lawsuit filed in East Texas against Schiff Hardin charging that the firm had misrepresented facts to an insurance company during its defense of a products liability lawsuit. Most of the claims had already been dismissed, but the appeals court said the trial judge erred in a novel interpretation of Texas case law.
Appeals Court Tosses West Texas $43.1M Jury Award
The Eleventh Court of Appeals ended 2018 by tossing $43.1 million of a nearly $50 million West Texas jury award, ruling that a group of West Texas oil and gas investors who called themselves “partners” had no partnership at all. Allen Pusey explains.
Trial & Appellate Boutique in Houston Mints Two Partners
Brian Cathey and Andrew Nelson’s promotions make 19 partners at Wright Close & Barger.
SCOTX Endorses Arbitration – Yet Again
In yet another show of support for mandatory arbitration, the Texas Supreme Court has ruled unanimously that a duly assigned arbitrator has the power to decide a dispute, even when it involves conflicting court orders. The Lawbook’s Janet Elliott explains.
TX Supremes Weigh Reliance on Contracts v. Texas Law
Mercedes-Benz is asking the Texas Supreme Court to declare that signed written contracts are sacrosanct and override all extra-contractual statements, even if those extra-contractual promises amount to felony fraud, directly contradict Legislative policy and cause severe financial harm to a Texas business. The Texas Lawbook has details.
