Angela Morris

April 25, 2011 | Texas Lawyer

The Texas Supreme Court on April 19 re-heard oral arguments in Severance v. Patterson, a case pitting private property rights against the state's enforcement of the public's right to free beach access. In its November 2010 opinion, a 6-2 court held that Texas does not recognize a public easement that automatically moves far inland after storms decimate large swaths of coastline. However, the high court subsequently granted the state's motion for rehearing. Dave Breemer represents Carol Severance.

By Angela Morris

5 minute read

October 03, 2011 | Texas Lawyer

An exciting aspect of being general counsel of AdvoCare International Inc. is that Allison Levy occasionally meets celebrity athletes like New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees and NASCAR champion Richard Petty.

By Angela Morris

8 minute read

May 23, 2011 | Texas Lawyer

The University of Texas School of Law recently joined a group of about 10 law schools nationwide to offer law students a chance to earn law degrees in two countries. The program enables U.S. and Mexican students to earn a Juris Doctorate and a Licenciatura en Derecho, the Mexican professional degree in law.

By Angela Morris

5 minute read

April 29, 2011 | Texas Lawyer

"The state bar may not take a position or expend any funds in a manner that appears to advocate a position on a proposed rule or an amendment to a rule," under House Bill 2919, filed by Rep. Ron Reynolds, R-Missouri City. Bar President Terry Tottenham says he opposes the bill, because he thinks the elected members of the Bar's board of directors should be allowed to speak on behalf of their constituents.

By Angela Morris

4 minute read

July 08, 2011 | Legaltech News

Sessions about social media and smartphone apps at this year's State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting drew standing room-only crowds to the June 23-24 event in San Antonio. Panels titled "Ethically Using Social Media: Real Live Lawyer Success Stories!" and "60 Apps in 60 Minutes" suggest what have been termed "disruptive technologies" are entering the legal mainstream.

By Angela Morris

6 minute read

May 18, 2011 | Texas Lawyer

Until the committee releases its substitute bill, the gauge of public support or opposition comes from the May 16 committee hearing in which 21 people testified on the house's version of H.B. 274. The Senate committee version of the bill may include changes to provisions addressing early dismissal of claims and attorney's fees for defendants in some offer-of-settlement situations.

By Angela Morris

8 minute read

May 24, 2011 | Texas Lawyer

It took only a few minutes this afternoon for the Texas Senate to pass unanimously a new version of the loser-pays bill, with changes limiting types of suits subject to early dismissal and limiting attorney's fees parties can recover after some rejected settlement offers. Because the Senate version differs from the bill the House passed on May 9, both chambers must now appoint members for a conference committee to negotiate a final version of the loser-pays bill.

By Angela Morris

9 minute read

September 12, 2011 | Texas Lawyer

The top lawyer at a major U.S. hotel company says his "mantra" at work is that he and his legal colleagues are partners who participate fully in business decisions. Alan Rabinowitz is executive vice president, general counsel and secretary of Accor North America in Carrollton.

By Angela Morris

6 minute read

May 18, 2011 | Texas Lawyer

The massive bill — 10 sections and more than 100 pages — includes several significant changes would allow courts to conduct business with fewer delays and create uniform rules and definitions for county courts-at-law, according to S.B. 1717. On May 5 it reported out of a House committee with six minor amendments, but the committee has yet to distribute its report. The judicial-overhaul bill could die unless the House races to meet deadlines next week.

By Angela Morris

6 minute read