Category Archives: Business Law
Pitcher Lawsuit Against Astros Misses the Plate Over Venue, Claims
On February 10, 2020, former major league pitcher Mike Bolsinger filed a lawsuit against the Houston Astros, alleging that the Astros’ sign-stealing scheme in 2017 was responsible for “interfering with and harming his career.” Is Bolsinger’s lawsuit completely insane? Yes, yes it is, and not just because I’m a lifelong Astros fan. Let us… Read More »
Texas Law Seeks to Improve Cybersecurity for Individuals
The idea of someone in another country hacking or cyber-attacking the internet and stealing money and financial information from hard working people makes me really angry. The idea of someone in this country hacking into the internet and stealing money and wreaking havoc for individuals, businesses, and municipalities makes me really angry. It happens… Read More »
Sick-Leave Ordinances by Texas Cities Face Opposition by State, Private-Sector Employers
At some point in our lives, we’ve all been under the weather and had to take a day or two off of work. Many employers offer paid sick leave for their employees when the inevitable stomach bug or flu strikes. However, millions of Texas workers are not so fortunate. For those without paid sick… Read More »
Dead Law: How Void, Repealed or Superseded Laws Can Rise Again
Well, it’s Halloween again, and I usually like to get into the spirit of the season—pun intended—by writing a blog on an eerie topic. This year, I’m channeling something from beyond the grave. It’s faint but getting stronger. Yes, I can sense it clearly now. It’s…it’s…dead law! Okay, so it’s not the spirit of… Read More »
What’s in a Signature? Sign in the Dotted Line
Autograph, signature, imprimatur, John Hancock—they all mean essentially the same thing. We sign so many things as we go about our daily lives that it hardly seems like our signature even matters. Can you even remember the last thing that you signed? Was it a check? A credit card receipt? Maybe a Valentines Day… Read More »
It’s Not Just a Game: the Super Bowl is a Play for Economic Development
The New England Patriots are Super Bowl champs yet again after defeating the Los Angeles Rams. What some casual fans might not realize is that prior to the Super Bowl, New Orleans Saints fans threw one last Hail Mary pass aimed at replaying a portion of the NFC title game against the LA Rams…. Read More »
Cities and the First Amendment, or How To Avoid Violating Your Citizens’ Free Speech Rights
Any time any government agency limits the rights of citizens to speak, assemble or practice their religion, those limitations could trigger constitutional issues and those issues could become a real legal headache for that government under the First Amendment. City officials may not even realize that they are creating free speech questions as they… Read More »
Defining Words by Ordinary or Particular Meaning – It Depends
According to Abraham Lincoln, “a lawyer’s time and advice are his stock in trade.” I would add that the tools of the lawyer’s trade are words. In some cases, millions of dollars have been “won” and “lost” in legal battles over the meaning of a single word. Therefore, it behooves a lawyer to use… Read More »
Steps for Buying an Existing Business
For many people, the word “entrepreneur” conjures up an image of an enterprising person who wants to strike out on his own, starting a new company to “build a better mousetrap,” hoping that the world will beat a path to his door. In some cases, however, it may be wiser and more profitable to… Read More »
Icy Roads, Respondeat Superior and Scope of Employment
This week, much of Texas experienced icy conditions on the roadways, resulting in many school and business closures. Some such “inclement weather” closures may be strictly for humanitarian reasons, but others may be, at least in part, for employer liability reasons. This article discusses when an employer may be held liable for an employee’s… Read More »