It started with a Chapter 11 bankruptcy tied to an Austin affiliate of the Forest Park hospital. It ended with a revelation in a separate case in Dallas of multiple potentially illegal transfers of millions of dollars during the bankruptcy proceeding. The bankruptcy case has now reopened to determine whether a Dallas private equity manager, the recipient of these millions, should be held in contempt and hit with six-figure sanctions. The Lawbook has the story.
Top Texas Biz Litigation Concerns: Cybersecurity, Contract Conflicts & Employment Disputes
Texas-based companies are facing fewer and fewer lawsuits and the lawsuits they are facing are costing them less, according to a new survey of corporate general counsel by Norton Rose Fulbright. But corporate in-house counsel in the state are increasingly worried about cybersecurity attacks and data breaches. The Texas Lawbook has the details.
DBJ: Union Sues American Airlines over Drug Tests
A union that represents American Airlines fleet service employees is suing the Fort Worth-based carrier because of what it deems are unnecessary drug tests.
Austin Catholic Diocese Sued Over Alleged Priest Abuse
Six women are suing the Catholic Diocese of Austin alleging the church took no action after they reported that a priest sexually abused and harassed them for years.
Texas AG Sues San Antonio Contact Lens Dealer
It marks the second time in 17 months that Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has taken action against New Jersey-based THEG Inc., which does business as Fine & Clear.
Houston Energy Litigator at Center of High-Profile Battle of Famed Artist’s Legacy
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.
Substantive Changes Coming to Courts of Appeals in Austin, Dallas & Houston
The unprecedented election last week of 20 Democratic candidates to the state courts of appeals in Austin, Dallas and Houston will have an almost immediate and substantive impact on civil litigation and issues such as enforcement of arbitration clauses, excessive use of Anti-SLAPP laws and deference to juries in large-dollar plaintiff’s verdicts.
$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.