Many trial-centric CLEs set forth the traditional top 10 tips for a successful trial presentation. Examples include: Don’t ask a question to which you do not know the answer, be honest and ethical, tell a compelling story, make sure your witnesses are prepared, don’t fight with opposing counsel, etc. These are worthy tips. But there are many other mistakes to avoid that stem from the evolution of juror behavior over the last 20 years — and especially in the five years since COVID.
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CDT Roundup: From Solar to Chemicals to LNG, Energy Powers $20.8B Week
The week that ended Oct. 4 saw 21 deals reported with a total value of $20.8 billion with a few billion-dollar transactions, including one that may be the final deal for the Oracle of Omaha. Elsewhere, Texas bank consolidations continue as Prosperity Bank acquires Texas Partners to expand further into San Antonio, Austin and The Hill Country.
That and more in this edition of CDT Roundup.
Jackson Walker, GWG Bankruptcy Trustee Reach $405,000 Settlement
The litigation trustee in the GWG Holdings bankruptcy dispute has asked a federal judge to approve a $405,000 out-of-court settlement agreement with the law firm Jackson Walker related to the scandal involving former Houston Bankruptcy Judge David Jones.
The GWG litigation trustee is the seventh party to reach a proposed settlement with Jackson Walker, which is accused of knowing about and failing to disclose a secret romantic relationship between one of its former bankruptcy partners, Elizabeth Freeman, and Judge Jones.
SDTX Bankruptcy Court Scandal Timeline
2011: David Jones leaves Houston law firm Porter Hedges after 19 years as a corporate bankruptcy lawyer to become a bankruptcy judge in the Southern District of Texas. Jones later hires
GWG Bondholders Slam Dismissal Bids in RICO Suit
In four separate filings, GWG bondholders this week spoke out forcefully against requests from Jackson Walker, Porter Hedges, David Jones and Elizabeth Freeman to dismiss racketeering claims against them, doubling down on allegations that each party was enriched by keeping secret a “live-in, intimate relationship” between then-bankruptcy judge Jones and bankruptcy lawyer Freeman.
P.S. — October is Pro Bono Month for this Houston Organization, Plus Dallas Hispanic Bar Association Celebrates 20th, and Lambda Legal Honors Trailblazing Judge
October brings a flurry of pro bono and legal community celebrations across Texas. Houston Volunteer Lawyers is marking the entire month as Pro Bono Month, spotlighting volunteers and hosting CLE opportunities. The Dallas Hispanic Bar Association celebrated its 20th Anniversary Noche de Luz Gala during Hispanic Heritage Month, honoring civil rights pioneer Sylvia Mendez as keynote speaker and presenting awards to leaders in the legal community. Looking ahead, Lambda Legal will host its Landmark Dinner on Oct. 11 in Dallas, where it will present Judge Tonya Parker with the Liberty Award for her civil rights work and feature speakers including decorated Navy pilot Commander Emily “Hawking” Shilling and Texas lawmakers Jessica González and Nathan Johnson.
Smells Like Dismissal: Court Rules Album Cover Is Not Child Porn
A district court in California dismissed a lawsuit claiming the famous 1991 Nirvana album cover is not child pornography. The court found the photo to be artistic expression.
Norton Rose Hires Veteran Finance Partner from Winston & Strawn
Norton Rose Fulbright announced on Thursday that it has expanded its business practice group by hiring veteran Dallas corporate finance partner Chip Gage. With more than 30 years of experience representing private equity sponsors and their portfolio companies, he joins Norton Rose after spending nearly nine years at Winston & Strawn.
Texas Panel Says State Law Bars El Paso Conspiracy Suit in Cross-Border Dispute
The case turned on whether Texas or Mexico law applied to the issue of res judicata, which precludes parties from relitigating disputes once there’s been a final judgment on the merits. The Eighth Court of Appeals, in a 2-1 opinion, determined the trial court gets to decide which law applies and it was not incorrect in determining the litigation of a related suit in Juarez, Mexico, barred this one in El Paso under Texas law.
Dallas Jury Hits Golf Cart Supplier With $30M Verdict
After nearly four hours of deliberations and an eight-day trial, the Dallas County jury unanimously found a supplier of golf carts breached its exclusivity agreement and purposefully interfered with a retailer’s business by selling its products directly to Lowe’s. One attorney said the jury “sent a message” with its verdict.