The Houston Bar Association has released its bi-annual evaluation of state and federal trial and appellate judges. The best rated judge mustered a “B” grade. Dozens of civil court judges got straight “F’s.” U.S. District Chief Judge Lee Rosenthal got the highest score, while Houston District Court judges Ursula Hall and Dedra Davis received the lowest rating.
By a Nose, Waco Overtakes Marshall as Patent Litigation Hotbed in TX
The reign of the Eastern District of Texas as the busiest patent docket in the U.S. ended last year when Delaware captured the top spot. Now, EDTX isn’t even the busiest patent jurisdiction in Texas. The designation now belongs to the Western District and new federal judge Alan Albright. The Texas Lawbook has an exclusive interview with Judge Albright, new data and an in-depth report on the new hot patent docket.
Lawsuit Alleges Anadarko Covered Up Risks on Mozambique Project
A terminated project risk manager for Anadarko claims the Woodlands-based company downplayed the risks of a multibillion-dollar LNG project in Mozambique. The action, the plaintiff says, came before a beheading of another Anadarko worker and a whistleblower complaint. Natalie Posgate reports.
Chron: Feds Charge Harris Co. Judge with Misuse of Campaign Funds
A Harris County judge is facing federal charges that accuse her of using campaign donations for personal expenses, including for mortgage payments, private school tuition and travel.
Kirkland Nabs Two Antitrust Lawyers in Dallas
The move expands Kirkland’s growing litigation practice in Dallas, which the firm launched in September with another high-profile lateral hire.
Houston Jury Awards Ex-Fort Bend County Worker $350K in Religion Suit
Fort Bend County did not reasonably accommodate an employee’s religious observation when she attended church on a Sunday instead of going to work, a Houston federal jury ruled on Friday.
Lisa Blue Sues Tolleson Wealth, Hartford & AIG in Dispute Tied to Al Hill III
Prominent Dallas lawyer Lisa Blue Baron has sued Tolleson Wealth Management for its failure to obtain appropriate commercial insurance on her behalf, which she says led to a coverage refusal by two carriers after Al Hill III rekindled a legal spat with Blue this summer.
Former Navy SEAL Joins Crawford, Wishnew & Lang
Christopher E. Hamilton, the ninth attorney to join budding Dallas litigation boutique Crawford, Wishnew & Lang, has two former careers on his résumé unlike most of his peers: a former Navy SEAL and Central Intelligence Agency operator. More on his background in this article.