Texas federal courts are defrosting from a late year, Covid-spike-induced freeze in jury trials, with two federal judges resuming jury trials next week. They were among a group of four Texas federal judges who recently shared their wisdom of trying cases in the Covid era.
Duane Morris Opens in Dallas with Four Partners
Four Barnes & Thornburg litigators have left the firm to launch Duane Morris’ new Dallas office, which the Philadelphia firm says solidifies its presence in the state’s high-technology and energy sectors.
Appeals Court Denies Toyota’s Request to Seal Docs in Reavis Case – Updated
A Dallas appeals court ruled Thursday that a trial court did not abuse its discretion by declining to seal a set of documents at Toyota’s request after a 2018 trial that rendered a $242 million verdict. The appeal of the verdict is still pending, but in the meantime, Natalie Posgate dissects the issues around the documents.
NDTX Judge Starr: A Famous Uncle, a Ragtop Beetle and a Career of Public Service
U.S. District Judge Brantley Starr has a penchant for public service, fond memories of growing up in West Texas and is a proud owner of a 1962 VW Ragtop Beetle. Judge Starr recently took time out of his busy schedule to share some insights about his background, his career and his experiences so far on the bench.
Wind Tower Maker Wins $12.6M Judgment, Opponent Requests New Trial
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.