Multiple media outlets are reporting this morning that State Rep Jim Jackson, the powerful chair of the House Civil Jurisprudence Committee, will not seek re-election. The four-term Republican representative from Carrollton was instrumental in the passage of HB 274 (Guv’s lawsuit reform package) on the House side in the 2011 regular session. Most bills affecting the civil justice system in Texas are assigned to this committee. The current vice-chair of the committee is Tryon Lewis, R-Odessa.
HB 274 Rulemaking: HB 274, the Guv’s lawsuit reform package, directs the Texas Supreme Court to promulgate new rules to govern expedited trials for matters involving less that $100,000 and new rules governing early dismissal of actions that are not based on law or fact. In response, Tex-ABOTA, TADC (defense lawyers) and TTLA (plaintiffs lawyers) have agreed to meet to explore the possibility of formulating proposed rules for the court’s consideration that are fair to plaintiffs, defendants and serve the best interests of the civil justice system. David Chamberlain, representing Tex-Abota, is a member of this working group whose first meeting is July 19 in Austin.
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David Chamberlain has been elected President of the Austin Bar Association. His term began July 1st. The Austin Bar is composed of over 4,800 central Texas lawyers and judges including members of the Texas Supreme Court, the governor’s office and many members of the Texas legislature. The association has received numerous awards over the years as being among the top bar associations in the state and nation from the State Bar of Texas and the American Bar Association.
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Chamberlain♦McHaney, with offices in Austin and San Antonio, handles all types of civil litigation throughout the state. The firm is A-V (highest peer review) rated by Martindale-Hubbell (Bar Registry of Preeminent Lawyers) and is listed in A.M. Best’s Directory of Recommended Attorneys. For information regarding our areas of practice and a list of representative clients, please visit: www.chmc-law.com.
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We will cover this and other important developments at our full day, full accredited 16th Annual Ultimate Claims Handling Seminar on October 7, 2011 at CityPlace Conference Center in Dallas, Texas. Mark your calendars now and save the date.