The Texas Lawbook

Free Speech, Due Process and Trial by Jury

More Stories

P.S. — Women’s Advocacy Honorees Revealed, A Discussion on Homelessness 

This upcoming Tuesday, Feb. 27, St. Mary’s University will host a panel of policymakers and experts as they discuss how the community can help people experiencing homelessness. More than 3,155 people in Bexar County experienced homelessness during the 2023 point-in-time count, according to nonprofit Close to Home San Antonio.

Firms and nonprofits mentioned in this week’s column include Akin, Boeing, Carter Arnett, SBA, Figari & Davenport, Nexstar Media Group. Frazier Revitalization, Haven for Hope, Close to Home San Antonio, the DBA and Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas.

Landfill’s Lowered Property Valuation Considered by SCOTX

A unique site with exotic wildlife and an event center, the Texas Disposal Systems landfill near Austin is also a dump, its lawyer argues. The landfill is fighting to uphold a 2019 appraisal review board decision that lowered its valuation from $21.7 million to $2.8 million as part of an equal and uniform tax protest. Travis Central Appraisal District says a district court should review the landfill’s fair market value because of a lack of comparable properties.

SEC: Houston Man Illegally Used Wife’s Insider Info for $1.76M in Profits

Correction: This story has been updated to correct the spelling of the last name of the man accused of insider trading. The Lawbook regrets the error.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filed federal insider trading charges Thursday accusing a Houston man with using information he obtained from his wife, who worked in the M&A division at BP, to illegally profit from the British-based oil conglomerate’s $1.3 billion acquisition of TravelCenters of America one year ago.

Chord Scoops Up Enerplus for $4.2B

Vinson & Elkins advised Chord and Latham & Watkins assisted Enerplus, a combination that analysts say will create a more formidable, acquisitive Williston-focused explorer and producer.

Collin County Jury Awards $1.9M in Rat Infestation Suit

The jury that was selected last Monday and began deliberating that Friday took about two and a half hours to side with construction staffing company Harris Ventures, which does business as Staff Zone, in its dispute with landlord JM-RB Properties. The panel’s 10-2 decision awarded Staff Zone about $1.3 million in lost profits incurred when it was “constructively evicted” from the building it leased in Plano, plus $450,000 in attorney fees and about $150,000 to cover expert witness costs.

How the Changing Law of Chevron Deference Might Affect Texas

In January the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in two matters that could significantly change how federal courts are to review decisions made by federal agencies. Chevron deference has often allowed federal agencies to “fill gaps” and implement policy decisions where the statute may not be express. However, the issues before the Supreme Court in Loper Bright Enterprises and Relentless, Inc. call the doctrine’s viability into question.     

© Copyright 2025 The Texas Lawbook
The content on this website is protected under federal Copyright laws. Any use without the consent of The Texas Lawbook is prohibited.