Free Speech, Due Process and Trial by Jury
This year, three Texas federal judges completed their master of laws at Duke University alongside other judicial officers from across the country and internationally. Two of the judges talked with The Texas Lawbook about their experiences.
The liquidating trustee overseeing the Sorrento Therapeutics Chapter 11 bankruptcy filed an adversary proceeding this week against the company’s directors and officers, alleging their breaches of fiduciary duty caused the company’s creditors to suffer at least $100 million in damages.
After a week of testimony and nearly five hours for jury deliberations, one cousin walked away a winner Wednesday night. The cousins fought over the management fee, distributions and whether they were meeting the requirements of their jobs. The jury returned a $46 million verdict, but the defense will argue Gala has to pick which $23 million claim to recover damages on.
Vincent R. Johnson was an aspiring lawyer when the Watergate scandal was unfolding. Disciplinary proceedings were brought against more than 20 lawyers for misconduct including obstruction of justice and violation of campaign laws, and “it was embarrassing to be a lawyer at that point in time,” Johnson said. But there was no doubt in Johnson’s mind that he wanted to be an attorney. As the ethics professor retires from St. Mary’s University School of Law this year, the Association of Corporate Counsel San Antonio chapter has honored him with its prestigious Lee Cusenbary Ethical Life and Leadership Award. Pictured: Johnson with Lauren Valkenaar at the St. Mary's Alumni Luncheon in June.
The U.S. Trustee’s Office has told Chief U.S. District Judge Alia Moses that Jackson Walker “has no substantive right to a jury trial” in the case where it is trying to claw back millions in fees awarded to the law firm in 33 cases where former bankruptcy judge David Jones served as a mediator or judge.
In response to President Donald Trump’s executive order targeting Susman Godfrey, 57 Texas law students signed a student-led amicus brief supporting the firm and warning of the order’s chilling effect on the legal profession. The Texas Lawbook reached out to the 57 — seven agreed to be interviewed. The students, including organizer Brennan Caruthers, say the amicus brief and their actions were born from a growing frustration among students who felt the legal profession had been largely silent in the face of mounting political pressure.
Jury trial in the $10 million dispute between cousins who bought Cicis Pizza’s debt during the COVID-19 global pandemic continues with testimony from one of the cousins and a valuation expert. The plaintiff’s counsel rested its case Monday afternoon, and the defense rested its case Tuesday afternoon.
The multimillion-dollar dispute between Jackson Walker and the U.S. Trustee over legal fees paid to the law firm involved in the Houston bankruptcy court romance scandal looks like it is heading to trial. Lawyers for Jackson Walker informed federal court officials Tuesday that efforts to resolve the litigation through mediation had failed.
A Pennsylvania-based glucose and diabetes monitoring device manufacturer listing liabilities of $1.7 billion filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection Tuesday in the Southern District of Texas.
Maverick Gaming, a Washington state-based gambling operation, and 68 of its affiliated businesses filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, citing $100 million to $500 million in liabilities.
© Copyright 2026 The Texas Lawbook
The content on this website is protected under federal Copyright laws. Any use without the consent of The Texas Lawbook is prohibited.
