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Commercial Litigation tease

Two Foreign Corporations, a $165M Dispute, COVID-19 and a Fight with a Judge over a Trial Date

Lawyers at Norton Rose Fulbright representing a Spanish tether chain maker have asked the Fifth Circuit to force a federal judge in Houston to postpone a civil jury trial until early next year. The business, Vicinay Cadenas, argues that the judge's order that the $165 million contract dispute go to trial in July violates their constitutional rights and puts the defense at a tactical disadvantage against the plaintiff, Petrobras.

Mark Curriden

First Virtual Trial: No Dogs, No Kids, No Jury Strikes

From the beginning the whole process took only a smidge over 94 minutes. But jury selection in the first actual (sort of) virtual trial was as smooth and efficient as 30 faces from 30 different places mashed onto a screen can be. The Lawbook watched and was impressed.

Allen Pusey

Updated: Exxon’s $77M SDTX Environmental Trial Goes Virtual

Exxon Mobil and the federal government were in the midst of a $77 million bench trial in Houston when the proceedings were interrupted by COVID-19. Instead of waiting to return to court, the parties chose to finish out the trial electronically. And while there has been no decision on the environmental dispute involved, there has been a ruling on the electronic bench-trial experience. Natalie Posgate has the verdict.

Natalie Posgate

Dallas Firm Reaches $52M Settlement for Facebook Workers Suffering From PTSD

The plaintiffs alleged that their repeated exposure to violent and graphic content — child sexual abuse, beheadings, terrorism, animal cruelty and other disturbing images — have caused them PTSD and other psychological issues. The settlement, obtained by Burns Charest, is considered "a first of its kind" because it also provides workplace reform in addition to monetary relief.

Natalie Posgate

Dallas Law Firm Helps Furloughed Tenant Get TRO Against Relentless Landlord

When a furloughed mother-of-two in the Houston area was not able to make rent April 1, her landlord called and texted more than 267 times over the next month — even suggesting she take up prostitution to come up with the money. But a group of attorneys from Crawford, Wishnew & Lang swept in on a pro bono basis and successfully obtained a TRO for the tenant this week. They say the case makes their “blood boil.” Natalie Posgate explains why.

Natalie Posgate

Legal Expert: Governor and AG Make ‘Silly and Dangerous’ Hot Mess of Shelley Luther Case

Shelley Luther was not punished for "giving a haircut." She wasn't punished for violating Gov. Greg Abbott's orders. She was punished for violating a judge's legitimate and legal order from a court. To suggest otherwise or to make her some kind of a martyr for a cause is a disservice to martyrs and causes. Tom Melsheimer gives the actual facts of the case and the dangers of playing politics with it.

Tom Melsheimer

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