On June 28, 2019, the Texas Supreme Court agreed to hear five cases that are being handled by Haynes and Boone, LLP’s Appellate Practice Group. The cases will be argued next fall and involve significant legal issues that are likely to be followed closely in Texas and beyond.
“These cases underscore the depth and breadth of our appellate practice group,” said Haynes and Boone Partner Nina Cortell, who is a member of the Haynes and Boone teams handling the five cases. “Our appellate practice is fortunate to feature so many lawyers with substantial experience in complex, big-ticket state and federal appeals that involve issues of first impression.”
Here is a summary of the matters:
Dallas Police and Fire Pension System: Haynes and Boone represents the Dallas Police and Fire Pension System in the matter, which addresses whether a Texas pension reform statute passed unanimously in 2017 and critical to the future solvency of the pension system passes muster under the Texas Constitution. The case will be argued Sept. 17. The Haynes and Boone team includes: Partner Ben Mesches, Counsel Mike Hatchell, and Associates Kelli Bills and Jason Jordan.
VHSC Cement, LLC: Haynes and Boone represents VHSC in the matter, which addresses, among other issues, unresolved questions under Texas law regarding damages in the trade secrets context. The case will be argued Sept. 24. The Haynes and Boone team includes Partner Mark Trachtenberg, Counsel Ryan Paulsen, Mike Hatchell and Associate Andrew Guthrie.
Energy Transfer Partners, L.P.: On Oct. 8, the Texas Supreme Court will hear arguments addressing the Texas Partnership statute and issues regarding partnership formation. The Haynes and Boone team representing ETP includes: Partner Karen Precella, Associates Kelli Bills and Chris Knight, and Mike Hatchell.
G-TECH: Two cases (Steele and Nettles) will be argued Dec. 3 and involve questions about the parameters of derivative government immunity. The Haynes and Boone team representing G-TECH includes Partner Kent Rutter, Jason Jordan, Chris Knight and Mike Hatchell.
With one of the largest full-time appellate teams of any national law firm, Haynes and Boone’s Appellate Practice Group can match clients with appellate lawyers who offer personal experience with specific industries, procedural issues, and courts. Team members have argued appeals before the U.S. Supreme Court, the federal circuit courts of appeals, and all levels of state appellate courts, setting precedents for our clients in jurisdictions from coast to coast.