Dallas-Based DOBS Gets Whopping $966M Verdict Against J&J in California 

Dean Omar Branham Shirley, which has racked up numerous wins on behalf of clients who allege Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder caused their mesothelioma, has done it again. 

In a verdict returned by a California jury Monday evening, jurors determined Mae Moore, who died in December 2021 of mesothelioma, was exposed to Johnson’s baby powder or Shower to Shower, a body powder product, that contained asbestos, that the company was negligent in selling the product and that it was a substantial cause of Moore contracting mesothelioma.

October 6, 2025 Michelle Casady

Litigation Roundup: Fifth Circuit Revives Securities Fraud Suit

In this edition of Litigation Roundup, Jerry Jones takes an “L” in his latest bid to bring an early end to a sexual assault lawsuit, American Airlines is hit with a permanent injunction in an ESG-related investor suit, and a Houston-based furniture company secures a $2.1 million final judgment.

October 6, 2025 Michelle Casady

All-Texan Team Gets $296M Jury Verdict in Arizona

After a 12-day trial in Maricopa County, Arizona, and five hours of deliberations in a dispute between two real estate companies, a jury found ZOM Holding breached its contract with Gray Services and Gray Development and owes more than $296 million in damages. Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher attorneys from Texas, many of whom also successfully represented Energy Transfer in a trial against Greenpeace earlier this year, represented Gray.

October 6, 2025 Alexa Shrake

The Top 10 Trial Mistakes That You Didn’t Know Were Mistakes

Many trial-centric CLEs set forth the traditional top 10 tips for a successful trial presentation. Examples include: Don’t ask a question to which you do not know the answer, be honest and ethical, tell a compelling story, make sure your witnesses are prepared, don’t fight with opposing counsel, etc. These are worthy tips. But there are many other mistakes to avoid that stem from the evolution of juror behavior over the last 20 years — and especially in the five years since COVID.

October 6, 2025 John Zavitsanos

Smells Like Dismissal: Court Rules Album Cover Is Not Child Porn 

A district court in California dismissed a lawsuit claiming the famous 1991 Nirvana album cover is not child pornography. The court found the photo to be artistic expression. 

October 3, 2025 Alexa Shrake

Dallas Jury Hits Golf Cart Supplier With $30M Verdict

After nearly four hours of deliberations and an eight-day trial, the Dallas County jury unanimously found a supplier of golf carts breached its exclusivity agreement and purposefully interfered with a retailer’s business by selling its products directly to Lowe’s. One attorney said the jury “sent a message” with its verdict.

October 2, 2025 Alexa Shrake

Federal Judiciary Has 2 Weeks Until Pressure From Shutdown Increases

The federal government has shut down for lack of funding for the first time in seven years. With lawmakers in a deadlock, it is uncertain when the shutdown will end. Federal workers will continue to be paid for two weeks.

October 1, 2025 Alexa Shrake

Judge Says He Has Lost Sleep in Dr. Phil Bankruptcy Case, Takes Motion to Dismiss Under Advisement

The two-week-long hearing in the Dr. Phil McGraw bankruptcy case concluded Monday afternoon. Counsel presented their closing arguments to the Northern District bankruptcy court on whether the case should be dismissed or converted to a Chapter 7.

September 30, 2025 Alexa Shrake