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

Baker McKenzie’s Nick Kennedy Goes to Washington

Nick Kennedy, a partner in the firm’s Dallas office, recently argued his first case before the U.S. Supreme Court. He sat for an interview with The Lawbook about the experience, the preparation and the possible ramifications of the court’s decision.

May 11, 2023 Michelle Casady

Irving-Based Mining Co. Can’t Recover $48M Mexican Judgment

The ruling is the latest — but surely not the last — in an 11-year litigation war over the operation of a gold mine in Sinaloa, Mexico.

May 9, 2023 Bruce Tomaso

FedEX, Amici Tell 5^th Circ. $365M Punitive Award Can’t Stand

The International Association of Defense Counsel, the Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel, Airlines for America, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Lawyers for Civil Justice all filed amicus briefs in support of FedEx last week. FedEx is fighting a $366 million jury verdict in favor of former employee Jennifer Harris.

May 9, 2023 Michelle Casady