"There was a decision that this attorney general has allowed to extend way too far," Cris Feldman said. "The legal culture has developed where, in the course of a lawsuit, you do everything you can to hide information from the other side. That same mentality has carried over to the lawyers who are representing governmental entities." Denial rates of records requests ranged from 37 to 40 percent under the previous attorney general Greg Abbott. Under Ken Paxton, denial rates trend higher, between 42 and 46 percent. Similarly, release rates for Abbott range between five and 12 percent. They range between 4-5 percent for Paxton. "This attorney general doesn't prioritize, period, in that his view on government transparency is clear as mud," Cris Feldman said. The Texas Public Information Act was written in the early 1970s after nearly two dozen state officials were accused of being paid off by Houston businessman Frank Sharp for favorable legislation. The scandal … [Read more...] about Analysis: Secrecy reigns as information requests almost always denied by Attorney General
Dallas attorneys employment and labor law
Injunction, Attorney Fees Ordered Against EmCare in EEOC Sexual Harassment and Retaliation Case
"When our federal judges follow up on jury verdicts with appropriately tailored and specific injunctive orders, so many more people than those who sit in the courtroom benefit," said Robert A. Canino, regional attorney for EEOC's Dallas District Office. "Beyond the immediate justice done, orders promoting prevention and accountability can have a longer-lasting impact than a monetary award." … [Read more...] about Injunction, Attorney Fees Ordered Against EmCare in EEOC Sexual Harassment and Retaliation Case
How to pull off a successful law firm merger
In Mayer Brown’s case, it became increasingly apparent with each merger that the new partners should be immediately commingled in client teams and practice leadership. “Just as for lateral hires—it’s not good enough to say, ‘Here’s your office, computer and assistant; let us know if you have questions’—the same principle applies to a merger,” Theiss explains. Mayer Brown’s recent Hong Kong-Germany crossover was the fruitful result of new lawyers traveling to different offices to learn about everyone’s expertise and clients. “That builds internal trust and gives a superior level of service” to clients. … [Read more...] about How to pull off a successful law firm merger
Texas Oil Field Services Company Pays $30,000 to Settle EEOC Retaliation Suit
"Ms. Garza had a legal right to report what she considered offensive sexual conduct and should not have been terminated for engaging in this protected activity," said Devika Seth, senior trial attorney in the EEOC's Dallas District Office. "We are pleased that this settlement vindicates her right to report violations of federal law, and we hope it sends a message to employers that EEOC will fight for a workplace that is free from punishment against employees who seek legal protections." … [Read more...] about Texas Oil Field Services Company Pays $30,000 to Settle EEOC Retaliation Suit
OK Concrete Sued by EEOC for Disability Discrimination
EEOC Trial Attorney Meaghan Shepard said, "An employee should feel comfortable disclosing his or her disability to a supervisor without fear of being fired as a result. Mr. Snyder was not asking for immediate extended time off, nor did he give any indication that his cancer would interfere with his ability to be a mixer driver. He was only giving the company the courtesy of advance notice of his need for a few days off in the future, and that courtesy was repaid with a pink slip." … [Read more...] about OK Concrete Sued by EEOC for Disability Discrimination