Liane Noble

Client Alerts

Justice Department’s “Civil Rights Fraud Initiative” Increases False Claims Act Risks Related to Alleged Discrimination

On May 19, 2025, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche issued a memorandum announcing the creation of the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Civil Rights Fraud Initiative (the Initiative), which directs DOJ attorneys to utilize the False Claims Act (FCA), 31 U.S.C. § 3729 et seq., to combat knowing violations of civil rights law and the false certification of compliance with such laws by recipients of federal funds such as educational institutions and federal contractors.

June 11, 2025 • V&E False Claims Act Update Published by Of Counsel, August 2025. Copyright Wolters Kluwer.

June 11, 2025 • 6-minute read

Client Alerts

What Litigators Should Know About Texas Corporate Governance Reforms Under SB 29

On May 14, 2025, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed into law Senate Bill 29 (“SB 29”), which significantly reforms the Texas Business Organizations Code (“TBOC”).[1] With these reforms, Texas aims to create a legal environment that promotes predictability in corporate governance disputes.[2] The new legislation reshapes corporate governance and the litigation landscape for companies operating in or incorporated under Texas law. The bill took immediate effect upon signing following its passage by supermajority vote in both legislative chambers, so litigators should take note of several key changes to the law.

May 21, 2025

May 21, 2025 • 7-minute read

Client Alerts

The Ripple Effects: Understanding The Potential Commercial Litigation Impact Of New Tariffs

Not long after starting his second term, U.S. President Donald J. Trump announced tariffs on numerous imports from some of the nation’s major trading counterparties, with tariff amounts varying depending on the country and commodity type.

April 18, 2025

April 18, 2025 • 7-minute read

Client Alerts

Local Insight: The New Rules of the Texas Business Court Explained

On March 1, 2025, the Texas Business Court (the “Business Court”) implemented new local rules aimed at enhancing the efficiency and fairness of business dispute resolutions. Key changes include new provisions involving exchanging benches, supplemental jurisdiction waivers, corporate disclosure requirements, streamlined discovery dispute procedures, the concept of a Mediation Wheel, and a new guideline for the use of artificial intelligence. These rules, unanimously approved by all ten judges, mark a significant shift in the Business Court’s operational framework.

April 14, 2025

April 14, 2025 • 6-minute read

Client Alerts

Potential Changes Ahead: Texas Supreme Court Considers Rule Amendments to Petition for Review Process

On February 7, 2025, Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice James D. Blacklock asked the Supreme Court Advisory Committee (the “Committee”) to “study and make recommendations on eliminat[ing] [ ] the Court’s current practice of requesting merits briefing before deciding a petition for review.”1 The Court further requested that the Committee “propose draft rule amendments accomplishing this objective.”2 Given the Court’s stated objective of eliminating the current practice, these changes appear likely on the horizon. This rule change could significantly impact appellate practice in Texas, and practitioners and parties should stay informed and prepared for these developments.

March 11, 2025

March 11, 2025 • 4-minute read