For more than five decades, Douglas Lang has been a staple of the Texas appellate law community, including 16 years as a justice on the Fifth District Court of Appeals in Dallas.
Last week, Lang joined Dallas-based Carrington Coleman as senior counsel after more than four years at Thompson Coburn.
Monica Latin, Carrington Coleman’s managing partner, said Lang brings a unique perspective in advising clients and attorneys on all aspects of litigation.
“Justice Lang is a legend in the Texas legal community,” Latin said. “His experience on the bench, appellate insight and thoughtful approach to the law will be tremendous assets to our clients and our firm.”
A former president of the Dallas Bar Association, Lang authored more than 2,100 appellate opinions and participated in resolving of more than 6,100 civil and criminal appeals.
In an interview, Lang told The Texas Lawbook that he “was not looking for a new opportunity.”
“But when Monica Latin reaches out to you, it is readily apparent why she is such a successful firm leader and litigator,” he said. “She knows how to present a very persuasive case. This was an intriguing opportunity to join a firm that I have long admired for its innovation and dedication to the ethical practice of law.”
The Lawbook interviewed Lang late last week.
Texas Lawbook: What do you see as your role and practice focus at Carrington?
Douglas Lang: I will be working with our trial lawyers regarding litigation strategy and, in particular, regarding error preservation. I am particularly looking forward to working with the exceptional Ken Carroll, who leads the appellate group. Throughout my career, I have always been dedicated to helping mentor the next generation of attorneys and sharing with them what I can — not only about successful appellate strategy, but also about professionalism and civility within the practice of law. I will also continue to speak and write articles for law journals and other legal publications.
Lawbook: Do you see this as a “last career stop” for you?
Lang: Do I hope this is a lasting, mutually beneficial situation for Carrington Coleman, its attorneys and me? Of course, but I am still far from viewing it as a career wind-down or a “last stop” by any means.
Lawbook: You have been an appellate lawyer and judge for nearly five decades. How has appellate law and practice changed or evolved in Texas during this period?
Lang: In retrospect, when I was getting started, there were just a small handful of lawyers who specialized in appellate work. With the advent of legal specialization certification and the great increase of litigation over the years, many more lawyers have offered their services as appellate specialists. That level of specialization has led to a much more sophisticated approach and more nuanced arguments.
Lawbook: Looking back at more than five decades in the law, what are two or three highlights that make you especially proud?
Lang: During my time in practice, I have witnessed the increase of incivility in the practice of law and society in general. However, it has been heartening to see the profession’s push for an increase in civil discourse. Significant actions include the publication by the Dallas Bar Association of the Dallas Bar Lawyer’s Creed in 1987, the approval and issuance by the Supreme Court of Texas of the Texas Lawyer’s Creed in 1989, and especially the action of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas when it issued the [Dondi Properties Corp. v. Commerce Savings & Loan Association] opinion.
That opinion adopted the DBA’s Lawyer’s Creed as the mandatory standard for civility and professionalism by lawyers appearing in that court. The Dondi standard is still cited by state and federal courts as the standard that requires civil conduct by lawyers.
Lawbook: How do you think the new business courts and the Fifteenth Court of Appeals are going so far and what, if any, changes need to be made?
Lang: From what I have heard and read, those specialized courts are filling the long-standing need for addressing complex business cases. While our other courts are covered up with all manner of other litigation, the business courts move forward to offer an expedient means of resolving business disputes. In my view, Texas business courts offer commerce a superior alternative to what is offered in other states for business dispute resolution.