News Summary
The Texas Business Courts have quickly become a hub for complex commercial litigation, and Jackson Walker is at the forefront, representing a significant portion of cases. With 185 cases filed since their inception, the courts have seen Jackson Walker involved in 14 cases, showcasing their expertise in various sectors. Changes to the jurisdiction and thresholds are paving the way for more businesses to utilize these courts, reflecting their growing importance in Texas’s legal landscape.
Texas Business Court Sees Rapid Growth in First Year
Jackson Walker has quickly established itself as a leading firm for high-stakes commercial litigation since the Texas Business Courts launched in September 2024. In just its first year, the Texas Business Court has seen a total of 185 cases filed statewide across its five divisions, marking a significant achievement in the landscape of Texas’s judicial system.
Jackson Walker represented a party in 14 of these cases, which accounts for approximately 7.5% of the total cases filed. This representation underscores the firm’s substantial reach and influence within the newly established court system, as it tackled a variety of complex disputes, including those related to energy, technology, and contract claims.
Overview of the Texas Business Court
The Texas Business Court was designed specifically to handle complex commercial disputes, incorporating elements from the Delaware Court of Chancery, which is known for its specialization in corporate law. The court’s management and operations are structured to provide more efficient handling of serious business-related issues, which was one of the goals of its inception.
Recent statutory amendments to the Texas Business Court have contributed to its success and have made it more accessible for various corporate litigations. The amount-in-controversy threshold for many cases was reduced from $10 million to $5 million, allowing a wider range of disputes to be filed within the court. Additionally, the jurisdiction of the Texas Business Court has been expanded to encompass intellectual property and trade secret disputes, further broadening the types of cases it can address.
Impact of Recent Changes and Growth of the Court
The amendments also provide for the transfer of pre-September 2024 cases, provided there is party consent, which could lead to a significant influx of cases into the court from other jurisdictions. With corporate counsel increasingly incorporating forum-selection clauses directing future disputes to the Business Courts, the dockets are expected to grow beyond the initial 185 cases filed in the first year.
Houston and Dallas have emerged as the most active divisions, with 79 and 52 cases filed respectively, while the remaining cases are distributed across other divisions. To aid in the efficient administration of cases, an “exchange of benches” procedure has been introduced, allowing judges from different divisions to handle cases as needed.
Recognition and Capacity of Jackson Walker
Jackson Walker has gained recognition as a “Texas Powerhouse” by leading legal publications, owing to its capability to advise influential companies and executives globally. The firm prides itself on its capacity to manage a high volume of diverse matters with more than 500 attorneys at its disposal, which allows for effective representation across various sectors.
As the Texas Business Court continues to adapt and grow, articles discussing its developments and the experiences of those involved are available through numerous legal resources, including The Texas Lawbook. These insights provide valuable perspectives on the evolving landscape of commercial litigation in Texas.
Looking Forward
With the recent legal reforms and an increasing number of corporate entities choosing to engage with the Texas Business Court, the expectations for the upcoming year are high. As Jackson Walker and other legal firms continue to navigate these changes, it is clear that the Texas Business Court is on a path to reshape the environment of business litigation in the state.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Jackson Walker News
- Norton Rose Fulbright: Texas Business Court Update
- Vinson & Elkins Insights
- D Magazine: Reshaping Texas Business Landscape
- Wikipedia: Texas Business Courts
Author: STAFF HERE GEORGETOWN
The GEORGETOWN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREgeorgetown.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Georgetown, Williamson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Red Poppy Festival, Georgetown Swirl, and Christmas Stroll. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Georgetown Association, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as local wineries and historic downtown shops. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
