Updates and commentary on legal issues that are important to us and our clients.
We are proud to announce that our founder and colleague, Mr. Hector De Leon, has been recognized in the 28th Edition of The Best Lawyers in America© for his high caliber of work in the field of Insurance Law. Mr. De Leon is proud to receive this honor once again, and he looks forward to…
When people hear the phrase “trade secret litigation,” they likely envision large, wealthy, tech corporations arguing over allegations that one company stole the trade secrets of another and is using that information to make a profit. But trade secrets, and the laws that protect them, don’t have to involve cutting-edge technology or even computer data….
In Texas, various state agencies administer licensed professions. Some of these professions and their respective state agency/board (hereinafter “board”) include lawyers (Texas Board of Law Examiners), doctors (Texas Medical Board), nurses (Texas Board of Nursing), dentists (Texas State Board of Dental Examiners), pharmacists (Texas State Board of Pharmacy), psychologists (Texas State Board of Examiners of…
Planning Ahead – Four Essential Documents in Estate Planning Planning ahead is an essential part of life. Although death and incapacity are certainly not topics we like to contemplate, it is important for family and friends to know our wishes upon the occurrence of these events. In order to prevent potential problems and ensure that…
While contracting parties typically envision that their agreement will proceed smoothly, allegations of fraudulent inducement can arise when a party believes they were intentionally misled by the other party to the contract. The elements of a claim for fraudulent inducement to a contract are: (1) a material misrepresentation, (2) made with knowledge of its falsity…
As a follow up to our discussion on successor liability, there are further considerations regarding what a “successor” entails. For quick context, my previous blog on successor liability discussed § 111.020 of the Texas Tax Code (“Tax Code”), explaining that when a buyer purchases a business or stock of goods, any pending tax obligations of…
Many employment and service contracts contain covenants not to compete so that businesses can have some assurance that their valuable employees or contractors, upon separation, do not dilute the businesses’ marketability in their established area. However, noncompetition language is not enforceable simply by virtue of being in a contract. It must follow applicable laws to…
What is the Unauthorized Practice of Law? Texas’ statutes prohibit people from “practicing law” when unauthorized and even provide penalties for doing so. But what does it mean to violate these statutes and possibly open oneself up to legal penalties for such conduct? Texas Government Code Section 81.101 This statute reads in part: (a) In…
We are excited to see Hector De Leon, our founder and chairman of the board, featured in the Texas Monthly December 2018 Power Issue for his contributions as co-chair of the Associated Republicans of Texas. Read more about Hector’s efforts at the link below. Here is an excerpt: When Senator John Tower started the Associated Republicans of Texas,…
Texas state agencies have a great deal of authority over governmental executive and licensing decisions across the state, including such ubiquitous activities as the issuance of drivers licenses and the regulation of multiple licensed professionals, such as doctors, attorneys, nurses, hairdressers, insurance agents, electricians, and plumbers. How are state agencies defined? Texas Government Code Section…