Angela Morris is ALM Media's Texas litigation reporter. She covers lawsuits in all levels of Texas state and federal courts. Based in Austin, Morris earned journalism and government degrees from the University of Texas at Austin in 2006, and since then, has worked primarily as a reporter and writer, but also has skills in videography, photography and podcasts. Follow her on Twitter at @AMorrisReports.
May 12, 2021 | Texas Lawyer
'Take the Punches': Lawyers Give Survival Tips After Court Rules on Abusive JudgeFormer federal prosecutors across the nation—from California to Georgia and Texas to New Jersey—give advice for attorneys who practice before U.S. District Judge Lynn Hughes of Houston.
By Angela Morris
5 minute read
May 12, 2021 | Texas Lawyer
Litigators Brace for Challenges, Opportunities as Texas Courts Reopen for Jury TrialsLitigators say COVID-19 might have permanently changed some aspects of a trial lawyer's job—for the better. But worries remain about court backlogs and the composition of juries.
By Angela Morris
6 minute read
May 11, 2021 | Texas Lawyer
'Come In and Do Your Job': Prosecutors Are Whispering About This Texas Judge"Come in and do your job," the judge once said to prosecutors. "I know you all are useless government bureaucrats. It's not that you're annoying me, which you are—apparently, it's what you all do."
By Angela Morris
5 minute read
May 10, 2021 | Texas Lawyer
No Verdicts, No Appeals: How COVID-19 Affected Melissa Davis' Appellate Practice"We have to be flexible, creative, and mindful of ever-changing circumstances to meet our clients where they are and provide them the services that they need, when they need them. This was never more apparent, or more challenging, than in 2020," said appellate lawyer Melissa Davis.
By Angela Morris
4 minute read
May 06, 2021 | Texas Lawyer
'Changing the Content of the Air': Unique Argument Scores Rare Victory for Cinemark's COVID-19 Insurance ClaimA couple of allegations by Cinemark seems to have swayed the court here: that COVID-19 was present in its facilities and the virus had physically changed the air.
By Angela Morris
4 minute read
May 05, 2021 | Texas Lawyer
This Legislation Would Boost The Years of Experience to Become a Texas JudgeDistrict judge candidates must have four years of experience as a lawyer under current law. Senate Joint Resolution 47 would double that requirement.
By Angela Morris
3 minute read
May 04, 2021 | Texas Lawyer
Appellate Court Upholds Houston Judge's Sanction for 'Unwelcome and Unwarranted Touching'"Judge [Lee Harper] Wilson's public admonition of [Sarai] Garza together with the unwelcome and unwarranted touching of her person does not fall within the ambit of patient, dignified, and courteous behavior," ruled the special court of review.
By Angela Morris
6 minute read
May 04, 2021 | Texas Lawyer
Medical Clinic Keeps 1 Claim Against Personal Injury Lawyer Who Allegedly Stiffed BillThe medical clinic can press its claim that an attorney violated an insurance contract when he didn't pay his client's medical bill, ruled the 14th Court of Appeals.
By Angela Morris
4 minute read
May 04, 2021 | Texas Lawyer
Texas Lawyer Sentenced for 'Shaking Down' Drug Trafficker ClientsManor lawyer James Morris Balagia got 188 months in prison, a $1.5 million money judgment and was ordered to forfeit his law office building.
By Angela Morris
3 minute read
May 03, 2021 | Texas Lawyer
Lawyers Have Voted: Laura Gibson, Michael Ritter to Lead Texas Bar and TYLADentons partner Laura Gibson of Houston will become the next president-elect of the State Bar of Texas. She'll then serve as president from June 2022 to June 2023.
By Angela Morris
4 minute read