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John Council

John Council

Senior reporter John Council is a native Texan who covers litigation and appellate courts in his home state. Contact him at [email protected]. On Twitter: @john_council

November 19, 2018 | Texas Lawyer

5th Circuit 'Stunned' Over $130,000 Fee Request by 2 Texas Lawyers in $1,000 FDCPA Case, Awards Them Zero

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit has slammed two Texas lawyers and their client in a recent decision, writing that it was “stunned” by the trio's $130,000 attorney fee request in connection with a $1,000 Fair Debt Collection Practices Act award concerning a $107.29 unpaid water bill.

By John Council

4 minute read

November 19, 2018 | Litigation Daily

5th Circuit 'Stunned' Over $130,000 Fee Request by 2 Texas Lawyers in $1,000 Debt Collection Case, Awards Them Zero

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit has slammed two Texas lawyers and their client in a recent decision, writing that it was “stunned” by the trio's $130,000 attorney fee request in connection with a $1,000 Fair Debt Collection Practices Act award concerning a $107.29 unpaid water bill.

By John Council

4 minute read

November 16, 2018 | New Jersey Law Journal

Court Rejects Port Authority Worker's Suit Over Working on Jewish Sabbath

“On this record, the religious accommodation offered by the Port Authority was reasonable. And because the blanket exemption proposed by Miller would have imposed more than a de minimis hardship, the employer was not required to accept it,” Judge Kevin McNulty wrote.

By John Council

3 minute read

November 14, 2018 | Texas Lawyer

Lawyer From Historic Child Custody Dispute Returns to Court—as Judge

Ten years ago, San Angelo lawyer Carmen Symes Dusek made a name for herself when she served as the lead attorney for the 330 children taken from Warren Jeffs' Yearning For Zion polygamist compound. Now she's been appointed as judge of the same court that heard that case.

By John Council

3 minute read

November 13, 2018 | Texas Lawyer

Houston Attorney Given First-Ever Thomas M. Reavley Award for Outstanding Public Service

Winning accolades from federal judges for selflessly serving others is nice, but what makes it even better, according to Houston attorney David Adler, is when the award is named after your legal hero.

By John Council

3 minute read

November 12, 2018 | Texas Lawyer

Court Refuses to Hear Interlocutory Appeal from Arbitration Panel

"The application of the certificate of merit requirement to an arbitration proceeding does not evince a concomitant intent to expand the court's jurisdiction over the proceeding," the court said.

By John Council

4 minute read

November 12, 2018 | Litigation Daily

In Issue of First Impression, Texas Court Refuses to Hear Interlocutory Appeal from Arbitration Panel

"The application of the certificate of merit requirement to an arbitration proceeding does not evince a concomitant intent to expand the court's jurisdiction over the proceeding," the court said.

By John Council

5 minute read

November 12, 2018 | Texas Lawyer

Sidley Austin Partner, Former Navy Officer, Gives Back to Vets Via Pro Bono Work

Before Aaron Rigby embarked on a career as a transactional lawyer in the Dallas office of Sidley Austin, he had a front row seat to history when he served for five years as surface warfare officer in the U.S. Navy.

By John Council

3 minute read

November 09, 2018 | Texas Lawyer

Justice Phil Johnson Retires From Texas Supreme Court

“You feel like in this position, you can make a difference. The law is the superstructure of society, the framework for doing what we can do,” he said. “I'll miss that I was contributing. That's what I'll miss about it.”

By John Council

3 minute read

November 08, 2018 | Texas Lawyer

Former Congressman Steve Stockman Sent to Prison for 10 Years for Defrauding Charities

Former U.S. Rep. Steve Stockman has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after a jury found him guilty earlier this year of 23 fraud charges related to a four-year scheme to defraud charitable donors and illegally use their cash for personal expenses and to finance his campaigns for office.

By John Council

3 minute read