Monthly Archives: March 2013


NEW COST-SAVING CIVIL PROCEDURE RULES

The Texas Supreme Court promulgated some new civil procedure rules that took effect on March 1. Texas now has Rule 91a, which sets the procedure for dismissing meritless claims that have no basis in law or fact early in the litigation process. The Court also promulgated rules for expedited trials for cases involving damages less than $100,000. These expedited actions, which are determined by the plaintiff’s allegations, will have limited discovery (with limits on written discovery and time limits for depositions), optional ADR with limits on time and costs, and shorter trials (not to exceed twelve hours per side). Please contact Wayne Gordon or Amie Fordan if you have any questions about how these new rules will affect Texas civil litigation.

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TWO TOUCHSTONE BERNAYS ATTORNEYS NAMED 2013 RISING STARS®

DALLAS (March 11, 2013) – Touchstone Bernays attorneys Christian P. Shippee and Margaret “Meg” A. Johnson have been named 2013 Texas Rising Stars®.  Law & Politics magazine produces the Super Lawyers® and Rising Stars® lists. Rising Stars® recognizes the top up-and-coming lawyers who are 40 years old or younger, or who have been practicing for 10 years or less. Rising Stars® is published in 18 states.  Mr. Shippee focuses on professional liability defense, employment litigation, commercial litigation, premises liability, and personal injury defense.  He earned his law degree from University of Texas School of Law with honors.  Ms. Johnson’s practice focuses on products liability, personal injury, premises liability, and equine-related legal issues such as the purchase and sale of elite competition horses, application of Texas Equine Activities Liability Act, quarantine issues, contract negotiations and protection of trademarks. She earned her law degree from Texas Wesleyan School of Law.   BACKGROUND Recognized as one of the leading trial firms in Texas for more than 60 years, Touchstone Bernays has a civil trial practice handling cases throughout Texas. … Continue reading

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