Commercial Litigation Archives - Page 35 of 121

Litigation Roundup: Kinder Morgan Prevails at SCOTX, LG Chem Does Not

In this edition of Litigation Roundup, Kinder Morgan gets a win at the Texas Supreme Court in a tax fight with a school district, a jury sides with the widow of a NASA astronaut in a probate dispute involving space artifacts, and a Houston company is accused of monopolizing an ERCOT savings program.

May 22, 2023 Michelle Casady

Former Texas GOP Chief Justice: SB 896 ‘Causes Needless Increases in Litigation Costs for Texas Citizens’

Former Texas Chief Justice Wallace Jefferson has written the Texas Legislature asking them to defeat a bill that would erode free speech rights in Texas and cause Texas citizens to unnecessarily spend large amounts of money to protect their First Amendment rights.

May 19, 2023 Mark Curriden

Citing Years of Foot-Dragging by BMW and Local Counsel, Dallas Judge Orders Trial ASAP in ‘Lemon’ Lawsuit

After hitting BMW North America and Hedrick Kring Bailey with $773K in sanctions for ‘frivolous and groundless’ efforts to delay discovery in a woman’s suit over the sale of a defective used BMW, Judge Eric V. Moyé informed the automaker the case will go to trial June 6.

May 19, 2023 Bruce Tomaso

Analysis: Texans for Lawsuit Reform and Politicians Push Bill to Weaken Free Speech Rights of Texas Citizens

The National Right to Life Committee and the ACLU do not see eye-to-eye on much, but they agree that legislation being pushed by certain Texas Republicans will significantly weaken free speech rights in this state. SB 896, which has passed the Texas Senate, severely erodes strong free speech and free press rights under the 2011 Texas Citizens Participation Act, which is a law that allows judges to quickly dismiss frivolous libel and defamation lawsuits against individuals, families and news organizations.

May 19, 2023 Mark Curriden

Updated — ‘Very Emotional’ McKool Smith Co-Founder Leaves Firm After Three Decades

Legendary Dallas trial lawyer Mike McKool announced Thursday that he has left the 130-lawyer firm that he co-founded 32 years ago in order to take on an assignment that he sees as the final big case of his career.

McKool, who has tried more than 100 cases to juries resulting in verdicts exceeding $1 billion, told The Texas Lawbook that he has shed many tears today because he is leaving McKool Smith to take on a case for a client that presents a conflict with other clients at the law firm that bears his name.

May 18, 2023 Mark Curriden

Trial Tripleheader Has Tillotson Claiming Win, Win, Win

Opposing counsel already are plotting challenges and appeals in at least two of the cases, and Tom Melsheimer — a former law partner of Tillotson’s and best man at his wedding — views his win on liability for PlainsCapital Bank, which came with an award of $2.5 million in fees and expenses, as a loss for Tillotson. But Tillotson recently spoke to The Lawbook about the intense few weeks of litigation that resulted in what he said are favorable results for each of his clients.

May 16, 2023 Michelle Casady

Chief Judge Godbey to Sen. Schumer: Addressing Forum Shopping in Single-Judge Division is Complex and ‘Presents Logistical Challenges’

Chief U.S. District Judge David Godbey of the NDTX told U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer that he is “not authorized to impose unilaterally a new method of case allocation” in order to eliminate forum shopping for favorable judges for specific kinds of cases.

In a two-page letter, Chief Judge Godbey said he is “cognizant of the public perception of improper judge-shopping in single-judge divisions,” but the “issues of single-judge divisions are long-standing, and they are not limited to any one class of litigant.”

May 16, 2023 Mark Curriden

Verdict in Personal Injury Case May Limit Future Attorney-Physician Protections

A Dallas trial court’s recent decision following new guidance from the Texas Supreme Court on protected information can provide invaluable guidance to attorneys on both sides of the aisle — as well as medical providers — in the pursuit of personal injury claims.

May 16, 2023 William H. Chamblee

Litigation Roundup: Investors Sue Blackstone over ‘Rushed’ $788M Sale, SCOTX Decides Arbitration Spat

In this week’s edition of Litigation Roundup, the state of Texas turns to Gibson Dunn & Crutcher to defend it in a long-running lawsuit over the quality of foster care, minority investors in an energy company allege one of the world’s largest hedge funds breached its duties in a rushed $788 million sale, and the Texas Supreme Court clarifies the reach of arbitration provisions.

May 15, 2023 Michelle Casady

Dallas Judge Orders BMW, Local Counsel to Pay $773K Sanction for Foot-Dragging in ‘Lemon’ SUV Suit

In a scathing order, Dallas County District Judge Eric V. Moyé said BMW and Hedrick Kring Bailey have used “delay, misdirection, and both rejected as well as frivolous arguments to make litigation unfairly difficult and expensive for its opponents.”

May 11, 2023 Bruce Tomaso