A federal judge in Houston is considering whether to take over an explosive adversary proceeding currently in U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Marvin Isgur’s court that may result in Isgur calling the U.S. Attorney’s Office on one of the parties.
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.
‘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.