TX Chief Justice on Partisan Elections: ‘It just looks horrible’

Texas’ system of selecting judges by partisan elections and campaign fundraising is fraught with problems and ought to be changed. That is the opinion of the current and past chief justices of Texas, as well as the findings of a statewide blue-ribbon commission. What are the chances that Texas sees substantive judicial elections reforms? The two chiefs and two prominent trial lawyers - David Beck and Chip Babcock - have the answer.

January 13, 2021 Bruce Tomaso & Natalie Posgate

‘You Have Been Grossly Negligent’: Fireworks Continue in Legal Recruiter Case

A magistrate judge in Austin has ordered the lawyer for legal recruiter Evan Jowers to reconsider a brief filed by Jowers that heavily criticized the judge in response to a sanctions warning.

“Judges like you are the reason most Americans who are frivolously sued … don’t trust the court system to defend themselves, even if they can raise the funds,” the brief states.

January 12, 2021 Natalie Posgate

Top 10 Commercial Litigation Moments of 2020

2020 proved to be a tense year for Texas commercial litigators. Many courthouse doors remained shuttered for in-person proceedings and jury trials were nearly non-existent. The stresses of client needs and operating a law firm loomed at home. But it’s necessary to also recognize the highlights and headways that advanced the world of litigation as lawyers trudged through the dark tunnel created by COVID-19. Natalie Posgate picks 10 of these moments.

January 6, 2021 Natalie Posgate

NDTX Enforces Arbitration Clauses Signed During Ongoing FLSA Litigation

While not tied with a bow, U.S. District Judge Karen Gren Scholer issued a ruling this week that employers who often find themselves as defendants in wage and hour lawsuits will likely view as Christmas coming early.

December 23, 2020 Natalie Posgate

Judge Berates Recruiter and Attorney for ‘Deplorable’ Discovery Conduct

A magistrate in Austin has threatened sanctions against a legal recruiter and his lawyer for "scorched earth discovery tactics" in his trade secrets case against another legal recruiter. One side is calling the order “well deserved” while the other side is calling it “sensational.” Natalie Posgate has been following the case for The Lawbook. Let her explain.

December 22, 2020 Natalie Posgate

PE Firm Prevails in $460M Breach of Contract Case

An appeals court has declined to revive a lawsuit that claimed Five Point Energy usurped a $460 million corporate opportunity from a portfolio member, but the ruling does more than provide a nine-figure sigh of relief for the Houston private equity firm. Natalie Posgate explains.

December 15, 2020 Natalie Posgate

Emoji Creator Sues Apple in Waco Federal Court

Apple received kudos when it rolled out a stock of emoji that revealed diverse skin colors along with their typically diverse emotions. But a Texas woman has filed suit in Waco contending that Apple stole the concept when she approached the company about a partnership. Bruce Tomaso has details of the litigation.

December 10, 2020 Bruce Tomaso

Quantum Lodges New Claims at K&L Gates, Becomes a $300M Battle

An amended petition in a dispute between San Marcos-based Quantum Materials and K&L Gates is now armed with more ammo and the possibility of a steeper price tag should K&L lose the malpractice battle. But the Philadelepha-based global firm has responded publicly for the first time.

December 9, 2020 Natalie Posgate