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.