An appeals court in Houston has ruled a lawyer who threatens to file a grievance against opposing counsel during a trial in order to get an advantage in the litigation is committing an ethics violation.
SCOTX Walks Back Hyder
Saying a lower court misconstrued its 2015 decision in Chesapeake Exploration v. Hyder, the Texas Supreme Court ruled unanimously that the deductibility of production costs from energy company royalties is a matter commanded by contractual language. Janet Elliott, who has followed the controversy, explains.
SCOTX: Written Contracts Can Protect Corporations’ Fraudulent Conduct
The Texas Supreme Court ruled Friday that a written contract between Mercedes-Benz and a South Texas car dealer exempts the automaker from being held financially responsible for the economic losses it caused by its false oral promises and misleading comments – conduct a jury described as criminal.
Two Former Texas Appellate Justices Announce Next Moves
Former Houston Court of Appeals Justice Bill Boyce has joined an appellate law boutique and ex-Dallas Court of Appeals Justice Jason Boatright has signed as a partner at a Fort Worth law firm.
SCOTX May Look for New Evidence to Rewrite Your Contract
The Texas Supreme Court has recently been shooting holes in the basic principle that any evidence forming the basis of a decision must have been admitted in a trial court – particularly in contract disputes. Chrysta Castañeda of The Castañeda Firm explains the potential impact on cases going forward.
Supreme Court Experts Discuss Kavanaugh, RBG, Gerrymandering & Lack of Women SCOTUS Advocates
The U.S. Supreme Court is in a period of unprecedented change. On Tuesday, The Texas Lawbook enlisted a panel of SCOTUS experts, including Gibson Dunn partner Allyson Ho, Dykema appellate law partner Chris Kratovil and legendary Supreme Court journalist Tony Mauro to discuss trends and developments at the High Court and what it means for Texas businesses.
SCOTX Hears Arguments Over Oysters
AUSTIN – When a navigation district leased out underwater acreage to an oyster farming business, the State of Texas took exception. Now their argument over leasing authority and oyster regulation has reached the Texas Supreme Court. Janet Elliott explains.
SCOTX Erects New Hurdle for Litigating Anonymous Defamation
When responding to anonymous online defamation, the first challenge a business faces is finding out the identity of the writer. The Texas Supreme Court recently added another potential snag to that process, holding that a Rule 202 petition does not toll a claim’s statute of limitations. Nicole Williams and Mackenzie Wallace of Thompson & Knight provide an analysis.