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Houston [14th] Court Renders Take-Nothing Judgments Against Both Plaintiff and Defendant in Fraudulent Lien Case
In an outcome we can’t remember having seen, at least in a long time, the Houston [14th] Court of Appeals has reversed the trial and rendered take-nothing judgments on both Plaintiff’s fraudulent lien claim and Defendant’s counterclaim for breach of contract. West...
Divided 15th Court of Appeals Upholds SOAH Dismissal of Property Tax Appeal Involving Classification of Industrial Property
The 15th Court of Appeals has upheld a trial court order granting SOAH’s and a SOAH ALJ’s plea to the jurisdiction in a case in which a taxpayer asked SOAH to conduct an evidentiary hearing on whether Harris County Appraisal District properly classified certain...
San Antonio Court of Appeals Reverses TC Ruling That a Deed Reservation of “All Coal” Excluded Lignite
The San Antonio Court of Appeals has overturned a trial court ruling that a 1931 deed conveying an undivided 1/12 interest in an express reservation of “all Coal” in or under the land did not include lignite. San Miguel Electric Cooperative, Inc. v. Lively (No....
15th Court of Appeals Upholds Validity of TDI Rule Regarding TWIA Assessment of Excess Losses
The Fifteenth Court of Appeals has denied ASI Lloyds Insurance Company’s appeal in a dispute concerning the computation of excess-loss payments for damages caused by Hurricane Harvey. ASI Lloyds Insurance Company v. Texas Windstorm Insurance Association and the...
Dallas Court of Appeals Affirms TC Denial of TCPA Motion to Dismiss in Employer-Employee Dispute
The Dallas Court of Appeals has affirmed a trial court order denying an employer’s TCPA motion to dismiss a defamation lawsuit brought by its former employee. Quattro Operating, Inc., a Division of Arch Energy Group, LLC v. Clayton Byrd (No. 05-25-00357-CV; October...
El Paso Court of Appeals Reverses TC Order Granting Special Appearance of California Defendant Who Asserted Fiduciary Shield Doctrine
In a dispute over a failed, ‘eleventh hour’ real estate financing arrangement, the El Paso Court of Appeals has reversed the trial court’s order granting Defendant’s special appearance, finding the fiduciary shield doctrine did not protect him since he failed to...
15th Court of Appeals Foils Venue-Shopping in Medicaid Fraud Qui Tam Case Against Pharmaceutical Company
The 15th Court of Appeals has conditionally granted a writ of mandamus requested by pharmaceutical company in qui tam action under the Texas Health Care Program Fraud Prevention Act. The court’s decision was the second time the court had to mandamus a Harrison...
Austin Court of Appeals Affirms TC Order Dismissing Case Against Director of Texas Military Forces Museum
The Austin Court of Appeals has affirmed a trial court ruling that dismissed the director of the Texas Military Forces Museum from a lawsuit over a gift of WWI memorabilia. Bruce Feltner v. Texas Military Department (No. 03-23-00653-CV; October 10, 2025) arose from...
Houston [14th] Court of Appeals Largely Affirms TC Summary Judgment for Insurer in Homeowner’s Insurance Dispute
In a home insurance policy dispute stemming from a 2020 plant explosion, the 14th Court of Appeals has affirmed a Harris County Civil Court at Law’s summary judgment order pertaining to Plaintiff’s extracontractual claims but reversed and remanded with respect to...
Business Court Rejects Claim for Specific Performance in Failed Real Estate Deal
The Business Court [11th Division] has rejected a purported real estate purchaser’s claim of entitlement to specific performance after the sale fell through at the last minute. City Choice Group, LLC v. TMC Grand Blvd Land Company, LLC and BCEGI Grand Blvd Manager,...
SCOTX Grants Mandamus, Dismisses Shareholder Suit Against Trust Advisor, and Enforces Forum-Selection Clause Requiring Shareholder Derivative Suits to Be Brought in Maryland
The Texas Supreme Court has thrown out a lawsuit filed in Dallas County by shareholders of a Maryland-based real estate investment trust against the trust’s advisors, alleging individual harm from the advisors’ corporate mismanagement. The court concluded that the...
Dallas Court of Appeals Reverses TC Order Vacating $36 Million Arbitration Award
The Dallas Court of Appeals has reversed a trial court order vacating a $36 million arbitration award in a separation dispute between a corporate director and consultant and various investment funds. Sheldon Stein v. Beneficient f/k/a The Beneficient Company Group,...