The U.S. Senate confirmed Nicholas Ganjei, who was the acting U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Texas, to a lifetime federal judgeship in Houston Tuesday. He succeeds retired Judge Lynn H. Hughes.
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Texas Federal Courts are Largely Rejecting Administration’s New Interpretation of Immigration Detention Law
Federal district court judges in Texas — from across the political spectrum — are rejecting the Trump administration’s reinterpretation of immigration law in order to detain immigrants without the opportunity to seek bond while they contest the government’s attempts to deport them, even if they’ve lived in the U.S. for decades and have no criminal record.
One case is headed for review before a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit Tuesday morning.
At least one U.S. district judge in El Paso is urging lawyers in related habeas corpus cases to be prepared for dispositive hearings following the Fifth Circuit panel’s decision, saying his court has been receiving up to 25 such cases each week.
‘To the Gates of Hell’ One Dallas Lawyer Was Willing to Go in Federal Habeas Fight Over ICE Detention
Charles Gearing felt an itch last summer to get more involved in pro bono work. The healthcare litigation lawyer at Weaver Johnston Nelson in Dallas found a project that advertised a limited scope — helping detained noncitizens apply for bond — that seemed like work that required less lawyering than sleuthing and logistical hustle, or so Gearing thought. He took on the case of Pedro Romo Navarro, a Mexican citizen living in Dallas for the past three decades who was facing deportation after being stopped by police for riding a bicycle without a front light.
What began as a seemingly simple bond request plunged Gearing into a nationwide legal and political controversy over the detention of longtime U.S. residents with no criminal records, often for months at a time in unsanitary facilities and without the opportunity for a bond hearing. Lawyers argue that these detentions violate the Immigration and Nationality Act and constitutional due process rights.
Melsheimer, Stodghill Lead Nine-Partner Litigation Team to King & Spalding
Prominent Dallas trial lawyer Tom Melsheimer, long-time law partner Steven Stodghill and seven other litigation partners from Winston & Strawn started their new positions as partners at King & Spalding in Dallas today. “I was on top of the mountain with Winston,” Melsheimer told The Texas Lawbook. “But then I saw another mountain. King & Spalding made an offer that I could not say no to, so I didn’t. King & Spalding understands that this is a war for the best talent because the best talent attracts the best clients. King & Spalding is in it to win this war.”
Groundhog Day: More Competition for Texas Talent
Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow and the first week of February has seen at least 20 business lawyers in Texas on the move, including a new Oil & Gas co-chair at Baker Botts.
Litigation Roundup: DOJ Claims Jackson Walker Fee Deals Put Private Interest Over Public Trust
In this edition of Litigation Roundup, a veteran trial lawyer has been chosen to lead the South Texas College of Law Houston board and a First Amendment case is settled between a Texas Tech professor and an ex-dean. Meanwhile, the Department of Justice opposes Jackson Walker’s fee settlements related to the romance scandal between former U.S. Bankruptcy Chief Judge David Jones and a former Jackson Walker partner, while a Houston-area man pleads guilty in a Ponzi scheme.
Susman, Litigation Funder Sued by Former Client for Loss
Dublin-based Arigna Technology filed a lawsuit against Susman Godfrey and Longford Capital in Harris County over a $37 million award. The case in which the patent monetization firm hired Susman went to arbitration, and Longford was awarded over $37 million.
How Businesses Can Protect Insurance Claims After Winter Storm Fern
Winter Storm Fern left a historic trail of damage across more than 30 states, affecting an estimated 230 million Americans. With a predicted six more weeks of winter ahead, property owners face a critical window to protect both their physical assets and their legal rights to insurance recovery. This guide outlines essential actions for business owners navigating the aftermath of Winter Storm Fern.
Coterra Energy to Merge with Devon Energy to Create $58B Shale Giant
Skadden and Gibson Dunn advised the two companies on the merger, which would create one of the largest shale oil producers in the Delaware Basin. The Texas Lawbook‘s Jason Philyaw has the details.
Nine Energy Hires Kirkland and KRCL for Chapter 11 Restructuring
Houston-based Nine Energy Services and eight of its affiliated businesses filed Sunday for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the Southern District of Texas.