The Texas Legislature met for numerous special sessions during the 2013 year. Some proposed legislation was highly publicized, some not. A piece of legislation passed will benefit small businesses and large corporations alike who do business in the Lone Star State. Senate Bill 593, effective September 1st, 2013, codified the Texas Uniform Trade Secret Act…
When most employers or employees hear the term “sexual harassment” they assume harassment between individuals of the opposite sex. However, numerous federal courts across the country are finding sexual harassment can be based on “gender stereotyping” the victim. For example, a group of male employees harass another male employee because he does not dress similar…
According to a recent NALP (The Association for Legal Career Professionals) press release, even though women made small gains in law firm partnership ranks, the percentage of female associates in law firms has fallen slightly for the third year in a row. Women made up 45.05 percent of associates in an “incremental but steady slide…
On November 26, 2012, Governor Perry appointed Jeffrey S. Boyd to fill the vacancy seat on the Texas Supreme Court, which was created when Dale Wainwright stepped down from the bench. Boyd took the bench on December 3, 2012. This term will run through the end of 2014. Texas judges are elected, but openings between…
100-Car Crash Kills 2 in Texas on Thanksgiving – Motor Vehicle Accidents – Injured.
In Texas, once a plaintiff has filed a lawsuit against a business entity (corporation, limited liability company, etc.) defendant, the plaintiff will then attempt to serve the registered agent, president or vice president of the business entity defendant. If the registered agent is served, the registered agent should forward the citation and petition to the…
A covenant not to compete, also known as a non-compete clause or a non-compete agreement, is a business law agreement between an employer and an employee. In a non-compete agreement, an employee makes certain promises to an employer. Certain businesses have information and clients that are highly desired by competing businesses. It is possible –…
The outcomes in these races varied greatly depending on the geography of each district — and much less candidate to candidate. In most districts, that resulted in a one-party sweep. In one, it resulted in some very close contests. AUSTIN COURT In my local Austin Court, the Republicans swept with winning vote totals in a…
Recently, in TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE-COMMUNITY JUSTICE ASSISTANCE DIVISION v. LUZELMA CAMPOS, BETTY JO GONZALEZ, AND MISTY VALERO, No. 11-0728, the Texas Supreme Court reviewed a case under the Texas Tort Claims Act involving two particular provisions of the Texas Statute – (1) that the statute bars claims for intentional torts against the State and…
The ABA recently noted a decision by the Seventh Circuit, ruling that since bribes paid to a Chicago zoning inspector didn’t reach a $5,000 threshold, he couldn’t be punished for taking them. The federal bribery statute bars agents of federally funded entities from taking anything of value for influence “in connection with any business, transaction,…
Recently, Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia spoke at the University of Wyoming in Laramie. When asked about the single best piece of advice he would give to law school students, he advised them not to waste their time taking “frill courses.” He continued: “The only time you’re going to have an opportunity to study a…
On October 16, 2012, the Louisiana’s Supreme Court ruled that Justice Bernette Johnson has the seniority that entitles her to become the panel’s chief justice at the end of January. Johnson will be the first African-American to sit in the chief justice’s seat. The state’s first Supreme Court was created in 1812. Visit the NPR website for…
Gary E. Patterson, P.C. has assisted many clients with their incorporation matters. Whether starting your own business, expanding your commercial presence, or making personal financial plans, it is important to ensure that you limit your personal liability, maximize your tax savings, and create a professional image for your clients, customers, and business associates. The attorneys…
Gary E. Patterson, P.C. defends people accused of all criminal misdemeanors. A misdemeanor is a criminal offense punishable by time in the county jail and are handled in county courts. You do not lose any civil rights for a misdemeanor conviction. Misdemeanors include simple assault, theft and DWI, first or second offense. There are 3 classes…
Q: I was just named Independent Executor of someone’s will – what should I do? You should understand the importance of your job as independent executor of someone’s estate and the duties and powers that follow. You should also consult a qualified probate attorney since an independent executor acts in a fiduciary capacity, and failure…
Legal Blog of Gary E. Patterson, P.C. 