A Trinity Industries spinoff company won a $12.6 million bench trial judgment for damages incurred from a flopped wind tower deal with a customer. But the customer is resisting the result with a new motion that alleges the eight-figure judgment is not supported by the evidence.
Bellaire Lawyer and Client Sanctioned $150K for Telling ‘Numerous Outright Lies’
A state judge sanctioned a Bellaire lawyer $150,000 after finding that the lawyer filed false and frivolous claims on behalf of his Chinese client, including one of residence near his failed Houston area chicken restaurant, while he was apparently living in Shanghai.
Thompson Coburn Gains Healthcare Litigator in Dallas
A healthcare trial lawyer from Thompson & Knight starts this week at Thompson Coburn as the 11th attorney and seventh partner to join the St. Louis-based firm’s Dallas office since it launched in early 2020.
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.
‘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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.