It is hard to narrow a list of favorite books to five, but here is my list – at least today’s version. Two great Texas novels, one of literature’s unforgettable characters, a dense work of non-fiction, and an incredible story of adventure, survival and leadership.
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‘There is No Hope for Rehabilitation’: Judge Converts Dr. Phil’s Media Startup Bankruptcy to Chapter 7
After a three-hour hearing, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Scott Everett ruled to convert Dr. Phil McGraw’s Chapter 11 startup media bankruptcy case to a Chapter 7 and will have a trustee appointed. The ruling comes after a weekslong hearing in September on the motion to dismiss or to convert.
Mavs Hire Jackson Walker in Stars Lawsuit
To lead the high-profile breach of contract lawsuit the Dallas Mavericks ownership filed against the Dallas Stars ownership Tuesday, the basketball club’s General Counsel and Chief Ethics Officer Sekou Lewis has tapped the law firm Jackson Walker. Partners Charles “Chip” Babcock, Chris Bankler and associate Sarah Starr are representing the Dallas Sports Group and Radical Arena in the litigation against DSE Hockey Club.
Going Global: Judges Go Abroad to Sell Texas Business Court
A year into operation, the judges who preside over the Texas Business Court are getting comfortable at home and promoting the court abroad. Business Court Judge Sofia Adrogué has traveled to Argentina and Fifteenth Court of Appeals Justice Scott Field has traveled to Mexico.
Sherri Alexander Leading the Charge as Healthcare Litigation Grows More Complex
For three decades, Sherri Alexander has built a career where medicine and law meet — leading Polsinelli’s national healthcare litigation practice through some of the industry’s toughest battles. As chair of a 70-lawyer division, she tackles disputes over reimbursement, government investigations and hospital peer review. Known for her skill in mediation, she has resolved more than 240 hospital-physician disputes and handled 70 “mini-trials,” helping Texas hospitals balance patient safety with fair treatment for doctors.
The Texas Lawbook caught up with Alexander to discuss the surge in healthcare litigation, the battle against AI-driven claim denials, the art of resolving high-stakes disputes and more.
Texas Hires Keller Postman for Tylenol Suit
Plaintiffs law firm Keller Postman, which has its sole Texas outpost in Austin, has been hired by the state to pursue a deceptive trade practices lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson and Kenvue over their marketing of Tylenol. Three lawyers from the firm’s office in Washington, D.C., and Ashley Keller from its Chicago office all signed on to the lawsuit filed Tuesday in Panola County.
Lawyers Need Not Fear Being Replaced — If They Learn to Use It the Right Way
Like many firms, Baker Botts is exploring how best to leverage AI — both for the benefit of our clients and for training our lawyers. This summer, the firm hosted an AI Learning Lab that immersed 70 summer associates in a simulated typical workflow for a trade secret dispute. What we learned was encouraging.
Thought Leadership: Why Texas Businesses Are Embracing Mediation
Texas businesses are increasingly turning to mediation for dispute resolution. While cost-effectiveness is a significant factor, it’s not the only benefit driving this trend. Mediation offers important advantages beyond financial ones, making it a valuable tool for businesses.
‘What-a-Lawyer’ — Meet the Fast-Food Chain’s CLO Elena Kraus
“I have witnessed Elena transform not just our legal department but also how the company operates in many positive ways, with an emphasis on legal and business ethics at all times,” said Whataburger VP of legal affairs Jeff Hagelman. “From Day One, Elena emphasized the ethical and respectful treatment of others, not just within the company but also with those outside the company, including adverse counsel and business competitors. From a legal community perspective, Elena has pushed each of us in the Whataburger legal department to take active roles in the communities we serve, including our home city of San Antonio. Elena is more than just a lawyer — she is helping run and lead the company.”
The Association of Corporate Counsel’s San Antonio Chapter and The Texas Lawbook are honoring Whataburger Chief Legal Officer Elena Kraus with the 2025 C. Lee Cusenbary Ethical Life and Leadership Award.
Premium Subscriber Q&A: Elena Kraus
Texas Lawbook: How has the GC/CLO role changed during your 35 years in-house? Elena Kraus: So much has been written about the changing role of the GC/CLO recently that I