I once took a personality test that said I should become a monk. I didn’t take its advice. Instead, I became a lawyer. Turns out, I am a good lawyer. And I love practicing law. But the monk in me has noticed a belief in our society, and in our profession. The belief is: “I do not do enough. I do not … [Read more...] about You Are Enough: A Monk’s Thoughts on the Practice of Law
U.S. Supreme Court: Enforceability of Noncompete Must Be Decided by Arbitration
This week, the U.S. Supreme Court decided a case that involves two hot topics in employment law: arbitration agreements and noncompetes. In Nitro-Lift Technologies, LLC v. Howard, two employees who worked in Oklahoma signed a noncompete with their employer at the time, Nitro-Lift. The noncompete … [Read more...] about U.S. Supreme Court: Enforceability of Noncompete Must Be Decided by Arbitration
Guns in the Workplace: A Primer for Texas Employers
As we approach the holidays, I’d like to discuss a subject near and dear to the heart of many Texans: guns. Traditionally, Texas law provided that an employer could prevent employees from bringing guns onto the employer's property, including the employer's parking lot. But did you know that in … [Read more...] about Guns in the Workplace: A Primer for Texas Employers
Happy Thanksgiving, Mario
There is a guy who works at the drive-through at my bank. According to the large rectangular sign in front of his station, his name is Mario. I have a hard time seeing him through the shaded glass. I think he has dark hair and a goatee. He wears a tie. When I am in his lane, he says hello and asks … [Read more...] about Happy Thanksgiving, Mario
How Tax Rate Increases May Affect the Sale of Your Business
Welcome, guest blogger Arun Prakash! Arun is a Vice President with Virgo Capital, a private equity firm based in Austin, Texas, focused on acquiring small software and technology-enabled services companies. More information on Virgo Capital can be found at www.virgocapital.com. As someone who … [Read more...] about How Tax Rate Increases May Affect the Sale of Your Business
The Role of Experts in Litigation: How Dare You Call Me a “Hired Gun”?
Welcome, guest blogger Dr. Andrew Cook! Andrew is a senior director in the Economic Consulting segment of FTI Consulting. He specializes in economic and statistical analysis to clients involved in litigation, arbitration, mediation and other contexts where parties are engaged in complex business … [Read more...] about The Role of Experts in Litigation: How Dare You Call Me a “Hired Gun”?
The Role of Experts in Litigation: A Lawyer’s Perspective
I have a fear of fashion. I don’t like to wear things that are too loud, too big, or, as my best friend with the opposite fashion sense likes to say, too “look-at-me.” Yesterday I wore a scarf. It was borderline traumatic. I have another friend, Carol—a shopping expert—who helps me face this fear. … [Read more...] about The Role of Experts in Litigation: A Lawyer’s Perspective
Winning and Losing: What Litigators Know
When Walter “Fritz” Mondale lost to Ronald Reagan in 1984, he is said to have asked George McGovern, who lost to Richard Nixon in 1972, “Tell me, George, when does it stop hurting?” To which McGovern answered, “When it happens, Fritz, I’ll let you know.” Watching Mitt Romney’s concession speech … [Read more...] about Winning and Losing: What Litigators Know
Election Day Laws for Texas Employers
I like to vote on Election Day. Why? A couple of reasons. First, I like to procrastinate. Call me an adrenaline junkie, it’s true. I like to get things in just under the wire. Second, I like the buzz on Election Day. The energy. The people watching and listening. If you have employees like me, here … [Read more...] about Election Day Laws for Texas Employers
Does Your Texas Business Need EPLI?
Picture this: you have a small business with more than fifteen employees. Tough economic times require you to lay someone off. You lay someone off who happens to be female. She sues for sex discrimination. You now have to hire an attorney to defend the claim. The attorney wants a retainer of $10,000 … [Read more...] about Does Your Texas Business Need EPLI?