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2025-01-22 13:00:00

Texas attorneys explore the new Business Court system’s structure, jurisdiction requirements, and practical filing strategies effective September 2024.

2025-01-22 13:00:00

Texas attorneys explore the new Business Court system’s structure, jurisdiction requirements, and practical filing strategies effective September 2024.

2025-01-22 13:00:00

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1000+

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Trusted by Legal Professionals

Course Overview

Navigating Texas Business Court Practice

Practitioners will master jurisdiction requirements, filing procedures, and strategic considerations for the newly established Texas Business Court system. Apply these insights to effectively leverage this specialized forum for complex commercial disputes.

Jurisdictional Requirements

Identify qualifying claims and amount thresholds.

Filing Procedures

Execute proper venue and removal processes.

Judicial Structure

Understand division assignments and judge qualifications.

Strategic Considerations

Evaluate business court versus alternative forums.

Course Overview

Navigating Texas Business Court Practice

Practitioners will master jurisdiction requirements, filing procedures, and strategic considerations for the newly established Texas Business Court system. Apply these insights to effectively leverage this specialized forum for complex commercial disputes.

Jurisdictional Requirements

Identify qualifying claims and amount thresholds.

Filing Procedures

Execute proper venue and removal processes.

Judicial Structure

Understand division assignments and judge qualifications.

Strategic Considerations

Evaluate business court versus alternative forums.

Why Attend

Why this 
program matters

Understanding the Texas Business Court system is critical for practitioners as it represents a major shift in how complex commercial disputes are adjudicated in one of the nation’s largest business economies.
185
Total cases filed in the Texas Business Court during its first year of operation (FY 2025), demonstrating strong initial adoption of the new specialized forum.
78%
Of Texas Business Court filings in the first year invoked jurisdiction over corporate governance claims, making it the dominant case category for the new court.
27+
States now have specialized business courts handling commercial disputes, showing a national trend toward forum specialization that Texas has joined.
65%
Faster resolution time for complex contract cases in specialized business courts (608 days) compared to general dockets (1,746 days), according to Georgia Business Court data.

Agenda

Session 1

HB 19 and Creation of Texas Business Courts

Session 2

Comparing Texas to Other State Business Courts

Session 3

Structure and Geographic Divisions of the Court

Session 4

Jurisdiction and Eligibility for Business Court Cases

Session 5

Procedural Aspects and Filing in Business Court

Session 6

Current Business Court Cases and Practical Insights

clock 1:00 pm - 1:20 pm EST

HB 19 and Creation of Texas Business Courts

Laurie N. Patton

Spencer Fane LLP

Jacob (J.B.) Fishman

Spencer Fane LLP

This session explores the legislative journey of House Bill 19, signed into law on June 9, 2023, creating Texas’s specialized business court system effective September 1, 2024. Participants will learn about prior failed proposals, key success factors that enabled passage, and constitutional challenges the new court structure has faced.

Laurie N. Patton

Spencer Fane LLP

Jacob (J.B.) Fishman

Spencer Fane LLP

clock 1:20 pm - 1:40 pm EST

Comparing Texas to Other State Business Courts

Laurie N. Patton

Spencer Fane LLP

Jacob (J.B.) Fishman

Spencer Fane LLP

This session examines how the Texas Business Court compares to established business courts in Delaware, New York, and 35 other states with similar systems. Key differences in consent requirements, judicial term lengths, jury trial availability, and appellate structures will be analyzed.

Laurie N. Patton

Spencer Fane LLP

Jacob (J.B.) Fishman

Spencer Fane LLP

clock 1:40 pm - 2:00 pm EST

Structure and Geographic Divisions of the Court

Laurie N. Patton

Spencer Fane LLP

Jacob (J.B.) Fishman

Spencer Fane LLP

Participants will learn about the 11 business court divisions corresponding to administrative judicial regions, with five currently operating in Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, Fort Worth, and Houston. This session covers judge qualifications, the appointment process, and profiles of the current business court judges and 15th Court of Appeals justices.

Laurie N. Patton

Spencer Fane LLP

Jacob (J.B.) Fishman

Spencer Fane LLP

clock 2:10 pm - 2:30 pm EST

Jurisdiction and Eligibility for Business Court Cases

Laurie N. Patton

Spencer Fane LLP

Jacob (J.B.) Fishman

Spencer Fane LLP

This session details the three main jurisdictional categories: internal affairs disputes exceeding $5 million, publicly traded company claims, and $10 million threshold qualified transactions. Participants will understand supplemental jurisdiction rules, conditional exclusions, and absolute exclusions from business court jurisdiction.

Laurie N. Patton

Spencer Fane LLP

Jacob (J.B.) Fishman

Spencer Fane LLP

clock 2:30 pm - 2:50 pm EST

Procedural Aspects and Filing in Business Court

Laurie N. Patton

Spencer Fane LLP

Jacob (J.B.) Fishman

Spencer Fane LLP

This session covers practical filing requirements including pleading standards, venue establishment, and the new Rules of Civil Procedure 352-360. Removal and remand procedures, filing fees, timelines, and key differences from federal court practice will be examined in detail.

Laurie N. Patton

Spencer Fane LLP

Jacob (J.B.) Fishman

Spencer Fane LLP

clock 2:50 pm - 3:10 pm EST

Current Business Court Cases and Practical Insights

Laurie N. Patton

Spencer Fane LLP

Jacob (J.B.) Fishman

Spencer Fane LLP

Participants will review the approximately 61 cases filed since September 2024, including energy company disputes, real estate transactions, and internal affairs matters. This session provides practical considerations for choosing between business court and arbitration, plus drafting tips for forum selection clauses.

Laurie N. Patton

Spencer Fane LLP

Jacob (J.B.) Fishman

Spencer Fane LLP

01 06
Prev
Next

Key topics that will be covered

What will you learn

Attorneys will learn about the Texas Business Court's structure, jurisdictional requirements, procedural rules, removal processes, and practical considerations for filing business disputes.

What will you gain

Attorneys will gain the ability to strategically evaluate whether to file in business court and draft effective forum selection clauses for clients.

Court Structure
Five operating divisions exist in major Texas metropolitan areas with two judges each.
Jurisdiction
Cases require $5 million or $10 million thresholds depending on claim type.
Removal Process
Parties may remove cases from district court within 30 days of discovering jurisdiction.
New Rules
Texas Rules of Civil Procedure 352-360 govern business court practice and procedures.
Written Opinions
Judges must issue written opinions on dispositive rulings when parties request them.
Appeals
The 15th Court of Appeals has exclusive jurisdiction over business court appeals.

What will you learn

Attorneys will learn about the Texas Business Court's structure, jurisdictional requirements, procedural rules, removal processes, and practical considerations for filing business disputes.

What will you gain

Attorneys will gain the ability to strategically evaluate whether to file in business court and draft effective forum selection clauses for clients.

Plans

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$95 – $245
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Individual Purchase
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Corporate CLE Plan
$95 – $245
Price varies based
on the course duration
of 1 to 3+ hours
Access type Pay per
class
Number of Available Webinars 1
Number of New Webinars Added Yearly Limited
Earn "Live" CLE credit Included
Ability to Ask Questions During
the Presentation via a Chat Box
Included
Attend "Live" Re-Broadcasts Included
Exclusive Partner Webinars & Events
Special credits (Ethics, Elimination
of Bias, etc.)
Instant Certificates After Completion
Personalized CLE Platform
Live Conferences
Bootcamps

speakers

Joe Ervin

The Law Firm for Truck Safety, LLP
A Partner at The Law Firm for Truck Safety. He focuses exclusively on cases involving commercial motor vehicle crashes and wrongful death. Joe also holds a valid class “A” commercial driver’s license with endorsements for double/triple trailers and tankers.

Education & Credentials

A 2013 graduate of the Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College in Dubois, Wyoming, Joe is rated AV Preeminent™ by Martindale-Hubbell — the highest peer rating for exceptional legal ability and ethics. He is among the first nine attorneys nationwide to earn board certification in Truck Accident Law from the National Board of Trial Advocacy.

Recognition & Leadership

Joe received the Roadway Safety Award from the American Association for Justice (AAJ) for his commitment to improving highway safety.
 He currently serves as Co-Chair of the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys (ATAA) Safety Committee, advocating for higher safety standards across the trucking industry.

Professional Involvement

Joe serves on the faculty of the AAJ Advanced Trial Advocacy College: Litigating Truck Collision Cases (2015 & 2024).
 He is an active member of AAJ’s Trucking Litigation Group and sits on the Board of Regents for the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys.

Experience

Joe frequently consults and co-counsels on complex commercial truck cases. His proven track record includes numerous successful trials against motor carriers and truck leasing companies — delivering justice for victims of commercial vehicle accidents.

Kevin Foley

Reminger Co
A Partner at The Law Firm for Truck Safety. He focuses exclusively on cases involving commercial motor vehicle crashes and wrongful death. Joe also holds a valid class “A” commercial driver’s license with endorsements for double/triple trailers and tankers.

Education & Credentials

A 2013 graduate of the Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College in Dubois, Wyoming, Joe is rated AV Preeminent™ by Martindale-Hubbell — the highest peer rating for exceptional legal ability and ethics. He is among the first nine attorneys nationwide to earn board certification in Truck Accident Law from the National Board of Trial Advocacy.

Recognition & Leadership

Joe received the Roadway Safety Award from the American Association for Justice (AAJ) for his commitment to improving highway safety.
 He currently serves as Co-Chair of the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys (ATAA) Safety Committee, advocating for higher safety standards across the trucking industry.

Professional Involvement

Joe serves on the faculty of the AAJ Advanced Trial Advocacy College: Litigating Truck Collision Cases (2015 & 2024).
 He is an active member of AAJ’s Trucking Litigation Group and sits on the Board of Regents for the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys.

Experience

Joe frequently consults and co-counsels on complex commercial truck cases. His proven track record includes numerous successful trials against motor carriers and truck leasing companies — delivering justice for victims of commercial vehicle accidents.

Grant H. Lawson

The Law Firm for Truck Safety, LLP
A Partner at The Law Firm for Truck Safety. He focuses exclusively on cases involving commercial motor vehicle crashes and wrongful death. Joe also holds a valid class “A” commercial driver’s license with endorsements for double/triple trailers and tankers.

Education & Credentials

A 2013 graduate of the Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College in Dubois, Wyoming, Joe is rated AV Preeminent™ by Martindale-Hubbell — the highest peer rating for exceptional legal ability and ethics. He is among the first nine attorneys nationwide to earn board certification in Truck Accident Law from the National Board of Trial Advocacy.

Recognition & Leadership

Joe received the Roadway Safety Award from the American Association for Justice (AAJ) for his commitment to improving highway safety.
 He currently serves as Co-Chair of the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys (ATAA) Safety Committee, advocating for higher safety standards across the trucking industry.

Professional Involvement

Joe serves on the faculty of the AAJ Advanced Trial Advocacy College: Litigating Truck Collision Cases (2015 & 2024).
 He is an active member of AAJ’s Trucking Litigation Group and sits on the Board of Regents for the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys.

Experience

Joe frequently consults and co-counsels on complex commercial truck cases. His proven track record includes numerous successful trials against motor carriers and truck leasing companies — delivering justice for victims of commercial vehicle accidents.

Laurie N. Patton

Spencer Fane LLP

Jacob (J.B.) Fishman

Spencer Fane LLP

Laurie N. Patton

Spencer Fane LLP

Laurie Patton represents companies and individuals in a wide range of commercial litigation matters and employment disputes, helping clients identify potential risks and liabilities related to their business and workforce and advising on implementing policies and procedures to minimize those risks.

Recognition & Leadership

Helped secure a jury verdict for breach of fiduciary duty, fraud and breach of contract with damages awarded of $649,568.85, plus an additional $548,177.43 as equitable disgorgement. Drafted multiple successful motions for summary judgment, including one affirmed by the Eighth Court of Appeals.

Experience

Experienced litigator who pursues and defends against temporary injunctions including non-compete disputes. Has been integral part of legal teams preparing for and presenting complex business matters at jury and bench trials. Has deposed and defended key witnesses and appeared before Texas state courts on numerous occasions. Has specific experience responding to EEOC claims and defending against claims of age, race, disability, and gender discrimination and wage and hour allegations on state and federal court level. Drafts and revises employment-related agreements and assists clients in maintaining current and appropriate written policies and procedures.

Laurie N. Patton

Spencer Fane LLP

Laurie Patton represents companies and individuals in a wide range of commercial litigation matters and employment disputes, helping clients identify potential risks and liabilities related to their business and workforce and advising on implementing policies and procedures to minimize those risks.

Recognition & Leadership

Helped secure a jury verdict for breach of fiduciary duty, fraud and breach of contract with damages awarded of $649,568.85, plus an additional $548,177.43 as equitable disgorgement. Drafted multiple successful motions for summary judgment, including one affirmed by the Eighth Court of Appeals.

Experience

Experienced litigator who pursues and defends against temporary injunctions including non-compete disputes. Has been integral part of legal teams preparing for and presenting complex business matters at jury and bench trials. Has deposed and defended key witnesses and appeared before Texas state courts on numerous occasions. Has specific experience responding to EEOC claims and defending against claims of age, race, disability, and gender discrimination and wage and hour allegations on state and federal court level. Drafts and revises employment-related agreements and assists clients in maintaining current and appropriate written policies and procedures.

Jacob (J.B.) Fishman

Spencer Fane LLP

Jacob (J.B.) Fishman represents clients using all forms of dispute resolution to achieve desirable outcomes, with experience externing with a federal magistrate judge and interning with a state district judge.

Education & Credentials

Southern Methodist University (SMU) - Law degree. Staff editor for the International Law Review and research assistant for two different professors.

Recognition & Leadership

First-ever student to be named a fellow of the SMU Civil Litigation Clinic while still in school. Achieved one of the largest settlements ever awarded to an SMU Clinic client. Named to SMU's Pro Bono Honor Roll. One of only ten law students inducted into the National Order of Barristers for effectiveness as an advocate. Won SMU's mock trial competition in 2023 and was a finalist in the school's arbitration competition.

Professional Involvement

Pro bono work serving Dallas' underrepresented communities through SMU Civil Litigation Clinic.

Experience

Prior to entering private practice, externed with a federal magistrate judge and interned with a state district judge. Represented clients as chief counsel in the SMU Civil Litigation Clinic serving Dallas' underrepresented communities.

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The Alabama State Bar MCLE Commission requires attorneys to complete 12 credits, including 1 ethics, by December 31 of each year. All credits must be reported by February 15 of the following year. A maximum of 12 credits, including 1 ethics credit, may be carried over for 1 year only.  

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