In this edition of Litigation Roundup, a widow asks the Texas Supreme Court to decide that she owns space artifacts that belonged to her astronaut husband, the high court clarifies the contours of when insurers can avoid liability under life insurance policies and a huge win for an Austin company gets undone by a federal judge in Michigan.
Backlash to Business Court Bill Unites Litigators from Both Sides of the Docket
A rare alliance between groups representing trial lawyers and defense counsel is raising constitutional questions and other concerns about legislation that would create a new system of trial and appellate courts for high-dollar business disputes. House Bill 19 appears on track for House floor debate as soon as next week.
Litigation Roundup: Texas Hammer-based Prejudice Claim Tossed, Chevron Beats a Uri Gas Delivery Suit
In this edition of Litigation Roundup: Uvalde police officers lawyer up in the suit over the Robb Elementary shooting; Fifth Circuit determines discussion of “The Texas Hammer,” during jury selection didn’t taint the outcome of a trial and Pappas Restaurants’ fight over losing a $470 million contract heats up.
Judge Barbara Lynn to Take Senior Status
U.S. District Judge Barbara Lynn, who served as chief judge of the Northern District of Texas from 2016 to 2022, has informed President Joe Biden that she is taking senior status effective May 15.
Judge Lynn, who was nominated to the federal bench in 1999 by President Clinton and confirmed by the U.S. Senate on a voice vote, told The Texas Lawbook that she has no plans to reduce her caseload but is “simply making room for another appointment for our court.”
Houston City Attorney Arturo Michel: ‘Do More with Less’
The son of Mexican immigrants, Arturo Michel grew up in Chicago, earned a degree from University of Michigan Law School, worked in San Antonio for the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund and then moved to Houston to work at Bracewell in its public law group for 18 years. Michel is now in his second tour as Houston City Attorney. The Texas Lawbook interviewed Michel about his biggest challenges, the current legislative session and what he seeks in outside counsel.
How Covid Has Left the Road to Arbitration Full of Potholes
With courts looking to offload their pandemic dockets, which in some instances face yearslong backlogs, virtual hearings in arbitration have dramatically increased. While these hearings are undeniably convenient, attorneys should be very leery before heading down the path of arbitration in the age of virtual hearings.
Austin Startup Battles Toy Giant Hasbro Over Water Guns
In late August 2021, several top executives for toy giant Hasbro flew from the company’s headquarters in Rhode Island to Austin to attend a backyard party that erupted into a water-gun battle. The weapons involved would become one of the hottest new toys to hit the market since the Super Soaker. The good times, however, didn’t last. A year later, the backyard fun had become a full-fledged David-versus-Goliath legal battle.
Samsung Challenges Insurance Industry Playbook in $400M Claim Dispute
A $400 million insurance recovery action filed by Samsung Austin Semiconductor is shining a light on the playbook that insurance companies rely upon to create an unfair advantage in claim disputes. While the damages in this case are eye-popping, the allegations in the lawsuit paint a picture that is all too familiar for businesses and property owners across the state.