The vibrant Texas economy drives business disputes into federal court and ultimately, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. This article identifies ten recent cases from the Fifth Circuit that will likely influence commercial litigation in the year ahead. The specific areas of law include forum selection, federal jurisdiction over class actions, arbitration, civil procedure, and the substantive fields of antitrust and trademark.
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Personal Reflections on Pro Bono Service and the Importance of Access to Justice
There are many things I recall about beginning my legal career in Dallas. But one thing I remember clearly, from the very first day on the job, was the pervasive sentiment that an indispensable part of being a lawyer – a real lawyer committed to the craft and the profession – is helping those who need access to our courts. It reminds us of why we became lawyers, and it underscores the importance of serving others as zealously as we support our clients.
Dean Foods GC Marc Kesselman Jumps to Yum! Brands
Kesselman takes over as the chief legal officer at Yum! on Feb. 1, where he will oversee a legal department of about 100 lawyers.
IRS: Sam Wyly Considered Renouncing U.S. Citizenship
A lawyer for the Internal Revenue Service on Monday confronted Dallas entrepreneur Sam Wyly with emails and legal memos from 2004 apparently showing that he was interested in knowing the legal and financial ramifications if he renounced his U.S. citizenship. The Texas Lawbook has full coverage of the billion-dollar bankruptcy trial of Sam and Dee Wyly., which is now in its second week.
Handguns in the Texas Workplace – A Shorty for the Employer
The Texas Open Carry law went into effect Jan 1. The law allows a concealed handgun license holder to openly carry a holstered handgun in a shoulder or belt strap in most public or private places without violating Texas’ general prohibition against carrying handguns. Employers need to know their rights in light of this game-changing law. The article is divided into sections concerning (1) notice and regulated notice to employees, (2) regulated notice to visitors, (3) prohibited places/activities for carrying handguns and (4) the role of alcohol for the CHL holder.
Texas Open Carry Leaves Open Questions
The Open Carry Law will undoubtedly have a significant impact on property owners and employers, but given that it took effect only one week ago, the full scope of that impact has yet to be determined. The first step for those affected is to become familiar with what has changed and the various questions and action items to keep in mind. Furthermore, there are several ambiguities related to the implementation and enforcement of the law that remain open to examination.
Northern District of Texas Emerges as Wildcard Among Infringement Venues
For now, its neighbors to the east reign supreme as the national hotspot for patent litigation. But Congressional and appellate forces could eventually squelch the Tyler-based crowd’s party – and make Dallas-Fort Worth courts an attractive alternative.
Updated – Sam Wyly: I filed Bankruptcy to make IRS Put Up or Shut Up
© 2015 The Texas Lawbook. By Mark Curriden (Jan. 8) – Dallas entrepreneur Sam Wyly testified Friday that he filed for bankruptcy to force the Internal Revenue Service to “put
Ogletree Deakins Adds Employment Litigator Gary Eisenstat as Shareholder in Dallas
Eisenstat discusses two employment trends he sees developing in 2016.
Strasburger Taps Sujata Ajmera to Lead Immigration Practice
Ajmera says she is seeing an increased scrutiny on professional visa categories.