From January
2002 Update
CHAPTER 1 TAKING THE CASE
I. Initial Client Contact
II. Case Assessment and Valuation
A. Weigh Costs and Benefits
B. Evaluate Client
C. Consider Ethical Factors (State Bar Rules)
1. State Bar Rules Govern
2. Is There a Conflict of Interest?
D. Evaluate Fee Sources
III. After Assessment and Valuation
A. Initial Steps
B. Prepare for Case Conference
C. Consider Fee and Cost Arrangements
1. Preliminary Considerations
2. Factors in Selecting Fee Arrangement
3. Time-Based (Hourly-Rate) Billing
4. Contingency Fees
5. Retainers
6. Other Fee Arrangements
7. Costs and Expenses
D. Prepare to Formalize Attorney-Client Relationship
1. Preliminary Considerations
2. Ethical (State Bar Rules) Guidelines and Requirements
3. Draft Proposed Engagement Contract
a. In All Cases
b. In Hourly-Rate
Billing Arrangements
c. In Contingency-Fee
Arrangements
d. In Other
Arrangements
IV. Case Conference
A. Overview
B. Information to Obtain
C. Information to Convey
V. Taking Over From Prior Counsel
CHAPTER 2 PRESUIT ACTIVITIES
I. Investigation
A. Preliminary Considerations
B. Methods and Sources for Investigation
1. Preliminary Considerations
2. Witnesses
3. Documents
4. Experts
5. Other Sources of Information
C. Protecting the Results of Your Investigation
II. Litigation Planning
A. Pre-Filing Resolution
1. Negotiation
2. Alternative Dispute Resolution
B. Plaintiff’s Considerations
1. Legal Research
2. Parties
3. Causes of Action
4. When to File
5. Where to File
a. Personal
Jurisdiction
b. State or Federal
Court?
c. State Subject Matter
Jurisdiction
C. Defendant’s Considerations
III. Presuit Communications, Notices, and Demands
A. Communicating With the Opposition
B. Presuit Notice Requirements
C. Other Presuit Requirements
D. Insurance Coverage Issues
E. Fee Issues
CHAPTER 3 STATUTES OF LIMITATIONS
I. Overview
A. General Points
B. Sources of Law
C. Notice of Claim Requirements
D. Laches
II. When Limitations Period Begins: Accrual
A. General Points
B. Continuing Torts
C. Written Acknowledgment
III. When Limitations Period Expires: Filing
A. General Points
B. Effect of Errors in Parties
C. Relation-Back Rule
1. Counterclaims and Cross-claims
2. Amended Pleadings
3. Added and Omitted Parties
D. Effect of Service After Limitations Deadline
IV. Determining Applicable Limitations Period
A. Contract Actions
1. Contractual Limitations Agreements
2. Specific Contract Claims
3. Real Estate Contracts
B. Torts
1. Intentional Torts
a. Injury to Persons
b. Injury to Property
2. Negligence
3. Premises and Product Liability
4. Business and Commercial Claims
5. Defamation and Malicious Prosecution
6. Fraud and Related Claims
7. Claims Governed by Federal Limitations
C. Health Care Negligence Claims (Medical Malpractice)
1. Two Years From Accrual
2. Time of Accrual
3. Extension by Notice of Claim
4. Discovery Rule and Fraudulent Concealment
5. Other Tolling Provisions
D. Other Professional Negligence Claims
1. Attorneys (Legal Malpractice)
2. Accountants and Auditors
3. Engineers
E. Negotiable Instruments
F. Adverse Possession
G. Family Code Actions
H. Claims by or Against Governmental Entities
I. Derivative Claims
J. Other Actions
V. Fraudulent Concealment and the Discovery Rule
A. Fraud and Fraudulent Concealment
1. Application and Effect
2. What Constitutes Fraudulent Concealment
3. Duty to Disclose
B. Discovery Rule
1. Application and Effect
2. Qualifying Injuries
3. End of Suspension
4. Application to Specific Causes of Action
VI. Tolling and Extension Rules
A. General Points
B. Defendant’s Absence From State
C. Minority and Unsoundness of Mind
1. General Points
2. Minority
3. Unsound Mind
D. Death
E. Filing in Court Without Jurisdiction
F. Extension by Agreement
G. Other Tolling Provisions
H. Tolls in Federal Statutes
VII. Statutes of Repose
A. General Points
B. Architects, Engineers, and Designers
C. Builders and Repairers
D. Surveyors
E. Manufacturers and Sellers of Manufacturing Equipment
VIII. Constitutional Issues
A. Open Courts
B. Retroactive Application of Amendments
[Chapters 4 and 5 Reserved]
CHAPTER 6 PARTIES
I. General Concepts
II. Capacity to Sue or Be Sued
A. Preliminary Considerations
B. Minors and the Mentally Incompetent
1. Nature of Legal Disability
2. Representatives for Persons Under Legal Disabilities
3. Appointment of Guardian Ad Litem
4. Discharge of Guardian Ad Litem
5. Duties of Guardian Ad Litem
6. Liability of Guardian Ad Litem
7. Fees
8. Settlement Hearing
9. Distribution of Proceeds for Minors and Incapacitated Persons
10. Minor’s Negligence
11. Testimony by Minor or Incapacitated Person
C. Other Individuals
1. Indigents
2. Inmates
3. Pro Se Parties
D. Corporations
1. Basic Legal Provisions
2. Corporation in default on Franchise Taxes
3. Dissolved Corporation
4. Sold or Merged Corporation
5. Foreign Corporation Without Authorization
E. Partners and Partnerships
F. Limited Partnerships
G. Estates and Trusts
H. Other Entities
I. Misnamed Parties
J. Challenging Capacity
III. Standing to Sue
A. General Concepts
B. Actions in Which Standing May Be an Issue
C. Challenging Standing
IV. Substitution
A. Assumed Names
B. Death
C. Other Substitutions
V. Joinder
A. Adding Parties to a Lawsuit
1. Methods of Adding Parties
2. Alternatives to Joinder
3. Advantages of Joining Parties
4. Disadvantages of Joining Parties
B. Permissive Joinder
1. Requirements for Permissive Joinder
2. Proper Permissive Parties
C. Necessary and Indispensable Parties
1. Basic Concepts
2. Necessary Parties: TRCP 39(a)
3. Parties Made Necessary by Statute
4. Indispensable Parties: TRCP 39(b)
D. Impleader
1. Nature and Purpose
2. Responses to Impleader
3. Improper Impleader Parties
E. Mass Torts
F. Procedures
1. Methods of Joining Parties
2. When Leave of Court Required
3. Time for Joinder
4. Venue
G. Objecting to Absence of Parties
H. Objecting to Joinder: Motions to Strike or Sever
1. Motion to Strike
2. Motion to Sever
a. Purpose and Effect
b. Grounds
c. Objections to
Severance
d. Procedure
e. Appeals
VI. Interpleader
A. Preliminary Considerations
B. Requirements
C. Pleading and Proving Interpleader
1. Filing and Pleadings
2. Response by Rival Claimants
3. Discharge of Stakeholder
4. Attorney Fees
D. Proceedings After Discharge
E. Federal Interpleader Actions
VII. Intervention
A. Nature and Purposes
B. Grounds
C. Procedure
D. Venue
1. General Rules
2. When Intervening Plaintiff Lacks Proper Venue
3. Hearing; Appeal
E. Challenging Intervention
F. Hearing
G. Appeal
H. Post-Intervention Developments
VIII. Class Actions
A. Nature and Purpose
B. Advantages and Disadvantages of Class Actions
C. Requirements for Class Actions
1. In General
2. Prerequisites for All Class Actions
3. Types of Class Actions Maintainable
4. Is a Class Action Superior to Other Available Methods? [TRCP 42(b)(4)]
D. Filing and Pleading Class Actions
E. Class Certification
1. Pre-Certification Proceedings
2. The Certification Motion
3. The Certification Hearing
4. The Certification Order
5. Notice to Class
6. Interlocutory Appeal
7. Post-Certification Developments
8. Trial
F. Final Disposition
1. Settlement
2. Final Judgment
G. Shareholder Derivative Actions
1. In General
2. Pleading Requirements
3. Other Requirements
4. Procedure
CHAPTER 7 SUBJECT MATTER JURISDICTION OF
TEXAS TRIAL COURTS
I. Overview
A. General Points
1. Scope of Chapter
2. Related Concepts
3. Raising Lack of Jurisdiction
B. Strategic Considerations
II. District Courts
III. County-Level Courts
A. Constitutional County Courts
B. Statutory County Courts
IV. Justice Courts
V. Probate Jurisdiction
VI. Amount in Controversy
A. General Points
B. Aggregation of Claims
C. Pleading Amendments
D. Inclusions and Exclusions
CHAPTER 8 PERSONAL JURISDICTION
I. General Points
A. Overview
B. Related Concepts
II. Federal Due-Process Limits
A. General Points
B. Minimum Contacts
1. General Points
2. Purposeful Availment
3. General and Specific Jurisdiction
C. Fair Play and Substantial Justice
1. General Points
2. Burden Analysis
3. Interest of Texas
4. Convenience and Efficiency
5. Social Policy
III. Jurisdiction Based on Presence
A. General Points
B. Individuals
1. Texas Residents
2. Nonresident in Texas When Served
3. Nonresident Doing Business in Texas
C. Corporations
IV. Jurisdiction Based on Consent
A. Contractual Consent
B. Waiver by Appearance
1. General Points
2. What Constitutes a General Appearance
3. Filing Pleadings and Motions
4. Participating in Discovery
5. Seeking Ruling From Court
6. Other Actions Not Constituting Waiver
C. Registered Agents and Authorization to Do Business
V. Long-Arm Jurisdiction Over Nonresidents
A. General Points
B. Doing Business in Texas
C. Contracts
1. General Points
2. Specific Texas Contacts
3. Specific Contracts and Clauses
D. Professional Services
1. What Subjects Professional to Jurisdiction
2. What Subjects Client to Jurisdiction
E. Torts
1. General Points
2. Specific Torts
F. Stream of Commerce Doctrine
G. Real and Personal Property Ownership or Use
H. Agents, Affiliates, Alter Egos, and Parties in Privity
I. Family Law Cases
VI. In Rem and Quasi in Rem Jurisdiction
VII. Pleading and Challenging Jurisdiction
A. Plaintiff’s Petition
B. Defendant’s Special Appearance
C. Response to Special Appearance
D. Discovery
E. Hearing
1. Timing and Type
2. Burden of Proof
3. Merits of Suit
4. Forms of Evidence
F. Disposition
G. Appeal
CHAPTER 9 FORUM SELECTION: VENUE, FORUM NON
CONVENIENS, AND REMOVAL
I. Overview
A. General Points
B. Significance of Venue
II. Determining Venue
A. General Points
B. Mandatory Venue
1. Land
2. Government Entities
3. Injunctions and Prior Litigation
4. Other Mandatory Venue Statutes
5. Forum Selection Clauses
C. Permissive Venue
1. Individual Defendant’s Residence
2. Entity Defendant’s Principal Office
3. Where Events or Omissions Occurred
a. General Points
b. Examples of Specific
Claims (under pre-1995 law)
4. Plaintiff’s Residence
5. Other Permissive Venue Statutes
D. Venue in Multi-Party Cases
1. General Points
2. Multiple Plaintiffs
3. Multiple Defendants
4. Multiple Claims
5. Dismissed and Added Parties and Claims
E. Establishing Venue by Waiver
III. Selecting and Pleading Venue
A. Selecting
B. Pleading Techniques
IV. Challenging Improper Venue
A. General Points
B. Who Can Challenge
C. Whether to Challenge
D. How to Challenge
E. Opposing Challenge
F. Reply to Opposition
G. Hearing and Evidence
H. Disposition
1. Ruling on Merits
2. Motion Granted
3. Further Proceedings
I. Appeal
V. Transfer From Proper Venue
A. General Points
B. For Convenience and Interests of Justice
C. For Impartial Trial
VI. Dismissal From Proper Venue (Forum non Conveniens)
A. General Points
B. Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Actions
1. Standards Depend on Plaintiff’s Residence
2. Bringing Motion
3. Hearing and Appeal
C. Child Custody Actions
D. Common Law Forum non Conveniens
E. Contractual Forum non Conveniens
1. In General
2. Defenses
3. Procedure
VII. Choosing Between Federal and State Court
A. Plaintiff’s Initial Choice
1. Subject Matter Jurisdiction
2. Strategic Considerations
a. General Points
b. Territorial
Jurisdiction, Venue, and Applicable Law
c. Procedure and
Evidence
d. Discovery
e. Judges and Juries
B. Removal to Federal Court
1. Strategic Considerations
2. Grounds for Removal
a. Federal Question
b. Diversity
c. Specific Removable
and Nonremovable Actions
3. Deadline for Removal
a. Removal Based on
Initial Pleading
b. Removal Based on
Subsequent Developments
4. Removal Procedures
a. Notice of Removal
b. Who May Remove
c. Consent of Other
Defendants
C. Remand to State Court
1. Grounds for Remand
a. Initial Grounds
b. Grounds for Remand
Arising After Removal
2. Deadline for Remand
3. Procedures for Remand
a. Motion to Remand
b. Hearing and
Disposition
c. Review
d. Costs and
Attorney’s Fees
CHAPTER 10 CITATION AND SERVICE OF PROCESS
I. Overview
A. General Points
B. Methods of Service
C. Documents Included
D. Time for Service
II. Whom to Serve
A. Individuals
B. Corporations
C. Insurance Companies
D. Estate and Trusts
E. Unincorporated Entities
F. Governmental Entities
III. Standard Service
A. Personal Delivery
B. Certified or Registered Mail
IV. Substituted Service per Rule 106(b)
A. Prerequisites
B. Permissible Means
C. Procedure
V. Substituted Service on Statutory Agents
A. General Points
B. Service on Secretary of State
1. On Nonresidents Under Long-Arm Statute
2. On Corporations Under Business Corporations Act
3. On Limited Partnerships Under RLPA
4. On Limited Liability Companies
5. On Unauthorized or Surplus Lines Insurers
6. Procedure
C. Service on Transportation Commission Chair
D. Service on Commissioner of Insurance
VI. Substituted Service on Business Agents
A. Service on Person in Charge of Business
B. Service on Employee or Agent
C. Service on Agent of Unauthorized Insurer
VII. Service by Publication
A. Who Can Be Served by Publication
B. Prerequisites
C. Procedure
VIII. Pleading Service Facts
A. General Points
B. Service on Employees or Registered Agents
C. Service on Statutory Officials
IX. Who May Serve Process
X. The Citation
A. Preparation
B. Requirements
XI. Return of Service
A. General Points
B. Successful Service
1. General Points
2. Timing
3. Where Service Occurred
4. Who Was Served
5. Capacity of Person Served
6. How Process Was Served
7. What Was Served
8. Server’s Signature, Authority, and Verification
C. Unsuccessful Service
D. Return of Service by Certified Mail
E. Return of Substituted Service per Rule 106(b)
F. Return of Service on Statutory Agents
1. General Points
2. Certificate of Service From Statutory Agent
3. Return Receipt to Statutory Agent
G. Return of Service by Publication
XII. Amending Citation and Return of Service
A. Grounds
B. Procedure
XIII. Waiver of Service
A. Written Waiver
B. Waiver by General Appearance
XIV. Challenging Citation and Service
A. General Points
B. Motion to Quash
C. Motion for New Trial
1. Time Limits
2. Defendant’s Burden and Evidence to Meet It
3. Preserving Issue for Appeal
D. Direct Appeal
E. Restricted Appeal
F. Bill of Review
1. Procedure
2. Defendant’s Burden and Evidence to Meet It
[Chapters 11 through 13 Reserved]
CHAPTER 14 PLEADINGS
I. All Pleadings
A. Basic Points
B. Judicial Admissions in Pleading
C. Format
D. Statements Adopted by Reference
E. Verification
F. Exhibits
G. Sanctions for Frivolous Pleading
1. Basic Points
2. Under TRCP 13
3. Under CPRC Chapter 9
4. Under CPRC Chapter 10
II. The Petition
A. Filing to Commence Suit
B. Drafting Steps and Strategies
1. Initial Steps
2. Styles and Goals of Petition
C. Building Blocks of Petition
1. Basic Points
2. The Prayer
D. Pleading Causes of Action
1. Basic Points
2. “Fair Notice” of Claims
E. Joinder of Claims and Elections of Remedies
1. Joinder of Claims
a. Permissive Joinder
b. Compulsory Joinder
i.
All Claims
ii.
Counterclaims
2. Election of Remedies
F. Alleging Particular Matters
1. Discovery Control Plan Level
2. Party-Related Matters
3. Subject Matter Jurisdiction
4. Other Matters
III. Before Answering
IV. The Answer
A. Basic Points
B. General Denial
C. Special Denials
1. Matters Defendant Must Verify
a. Basic Points
b. Specific Matters to
Be Verified
2. Other Matters Specially Pleaded
D. Affirmative Defenses
1. Basic Points
2. Particular Defenses
a. Listed Under TRCP 94
b. Other Affirmative
Defenses
E. Special Exceptions
F. Pleas in Abatement
V. Counterclaims and Cross-Claims
A. Counterclaims
1. Basic Points
2. Compulsory Counterclaims
a. Basic Points
b. Same Transaction or
Occurrence
3. Permissive Counterclaims
B. Cross-Claims
1. Basic Points
2. Procedure
C. Response
VI. Amended and Supplemental Pleadings
A. Amended Pleadings
1. Basic Points
2. Effects of Amendment
3. Amending to Avoid Dismissal
4. Leave Not Required (at Least 7 Days Before Trial)
5. Leave Required (Less Than 7 Days Before Trial)
6. Challenge to Amendment
B. Supplemental Pleadings
CHAPTER 15 ATTACKING THE PLEADINGS
I. Special Exceptions
A. Nature and Purpose
B. Compared With Other Pretrial Pleadings
1. Demurrer
2. Other Motions
C. Tactical Considerations
D. Advantages
E. Disadvantages
F. Types of Pleading Defects Subject to Special Exceptions
G. Effect of Failure to Challenge Pleading Defects
1. Under TRCP 90, 91
2. Under Waivers Concerning Trial Objections
H. Procedure
1. Part of Defensive Pleadings
2. Hearing
3. Ruling
4. Review of Ruling
II. Plea to the Jurisdiction
A. Nature and Purpose
B. Compared With Other Pretrial
C. Procedure
D. Grounds
III. Plea in Abatement
A. Nature and Purpose
B. Grounds
1. Action Pending in Another Court
a. Proceedings in Texas
Courts
b. Other Proceedings
2. Defects in the Pleadings
a. Parties
i.
Lack of Capacity
ii.
Failure to Join Parties
b. Allegations
C. Procedure
1. The Plea
2. Response
3. Hearing
4. Order
5. Review
CHAPTER 16 MOTION PRACTICE
I. Overview
II. Motion Docketing Systems
III. Preparing, Serving, and Filing the Motion
A. Formal Requirements
B. Essential Elements of Motion: Notice, Factual Basis, Law
1. Notice Requirements
2. Affidavits and Exhibits
3. Brief in Support of Motion
a. Practice and
Procedures
b. Summary of Argument
c. Factual Orientation
d. Citing Authority
e. Styles to Avoid
C. Serving the Motion
1. Service Requirements
2. Methods of Filing and Service
3. Certificate of Service
D. Filing the Motion
IV. Opposing the Motion
V. Hearing on the Motion
A. Tactical Considerations
B. Challenging the Judge
1. Overview
2. Disqualification
a. Basis
b. Grounds
i.
Previous Representation
ii.
Financial Interest in Case
iii.
Relationship to the Parties
3. Recusal
4. Special Cases
a. Visiting Judges
b. Other Special Cases
5. Procedure
C. Oral Argument
VI. Court’s Decision on the Motion
VII. Emergency and Ex Parte Motions
VIII. Motions for Reconsideration
CHAPTER 17 TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDERS AND
TEMPORARY INJUNCTIONS
I. Overview
II. Grounds and Defenses
A. General Points
B. Probable Right to Relief
C. Probable Injury
D. Lack of Adequate Remedy at Law
E. Preservation of Status Quo
F. Other Equitable Considerations
G. Defenses
III. Subject Matter
A. Covenants Not to Compete or Disclose
1. Covenants Not to Compete
2. Covenants Not to Disclose
B. Anti-Suit Injunctions
C. Other Proper Subjects for Injunctions
D. Improper Subjects for Injunctions
IV. Jurisdiction, Venue, and Parties
A. Jurisdiction and Venue
B. Parties
1. Who May Seek Relief
2. Persons Bound
V. Procedure
A. Checklists for Applicant
B. Timing
C. Preparing Application
D. Responding to Application
E. Hearing
1. Notice of Hearing
2. Order of Hearing
F. Preparing TRO or TI Order
1. General Points
2. Reasons for Issuance
3. Persons Enjoined
4. Acts Enjoined
5. Time for Compliance
6. Trial Setting
G. Bond
H. Issuance of Writ
I. Service of TRO and TI
VI. Trial Court Oversight
A. Extension of TRO
B. Reconsideration of Denied TI
C. Dissolution and Modification of TRO and TI
1. Ex Parte TRO
2. TI
D. Enforcement by Contempt
VII. Interlocutory Appeal
A. TRO
B. TI
1. General Points
2. Procedure
3. Scope of Review
4. Mooting of Appeal
VIII. Wrongful Injunction
A. Grounds
B. Procedure for Action on Bond
C. Damages
CHAPTER 18 INTERLOCUTORY APPEALS AND MANDAMUS
PROCEEDINGS
I. Interlocutory Appeals
A. General Points
B. Types of Interlocutory Appeals
C. Special Procedures for Interlocutory Appeals
II. Mandamus Proceedings
A. General Points
B. Requirements
C. Common Uses of Mandamus
D. Procedure
[Chapters 19 through 23 Reserved]
CHAPTER 24 ALL DISCOVERY
I. Purpose, Governing Law, and Filing Requirements
A. Purpose, Goals, Drawbacks
B. Governing Law
C. Filing Requirements
II. Right to Discovery
A. Basic Points
B. Limits on Discovery
III. Scope of Discovery
A. Must Be Relevant
B. Matters Discoverable
1. General Points
2. Experts
3. Insurance and Indemnity Policies
4. Settlement Agreements
C. Matters Usually Outside Scope
1. Limitations on Scope
2. Privileged Matter
3. Work Product
4. Other Matters
IV. Planning and Timing
A. Planning Strategies
1. Basic Points
2. Establish Goals
3. What Discovery Devices to Use
B. Sequence of Discovery
C. Timing Factors
1. For Discovering Party
2. For Responding Party
V. Stipulations
A. Basic Points
B. Confidential Information
VI. Supplementary and Amended Responses
CHAPTER 25 PRIVILEGES
I. General Concepts
A. Overview
1. Definitions, Purposes
2. Creation and Duration
3. Impact on Discovery
4. Governing Law
B. Procedures
C. Waiver
1. Basic Points
2. By Whom
3. How
a. Elements
b. Unprivileged
Disclosure
c. Place Privileged
Information at Issue
4. Extent of Waiver
D. Compelling Disclosure
II. Lawyer-Client Privilege
A. Summary and Tactics
B. Elements of a Privileged Communication
1. A “Communication”
a. Means of
Communication
b. Substance of
Communication
2. Purpose of Communication
3. Confidentiality
a. Client; Lawyer;
Their Agents
b. Experts
c. Joint Defendants;
Common-Interest Clients
C. Exceptions
1. Crime-Fraud Exception
a. Summary of Rules
b. Procedure for
Raising ‘Crime-Fraud’ Exception
2. Not Relevant to Administration of Deceased Client’s Estate
3. Not Relevant to Lawyer-Client or Client-Client Dispute
D. Procedures and Duties
1. Invoking Privilege; Preserving Confidences
a. Standing
b. Counsel, Court,
Others
2. Compelling Disclosure
III. Work Product
A. General Points
B. Elements of Privilege
1. Rule Requirements
a. A Material &
Communications
b. Prepared ‘In
Anticipation of Litigation or for Trial’
c. “Of an
Attorney”
2. Examples: Information From a Witness
C. Procedures
1. Invoking Privilege
2. Waiver
IV. Common Interest / Joint Defense
V. Self-Critical Analysis
VI. Self-Incrimination
A. Summary of Rules
B. Use in Civil Litigation
C. Applications
D. Procedures
1. Asserting Privilege
a. Standing
b. Making the Objection
2. Adjudication
E. Consequences of Invoking Privilege
1. Court Sanctions and Insurance Rates
2. Avoiding Sanctions
3. Informing Jury That Holder Asserted Privilege
VII. Trade Secrets
A. Summary of Rule
B. Elements of a Trade Secret
C. Preliminary Concerns in Litigation
D. Protective Orders for Trade Secrets
1. Uses
2. Requirements
3. Contents
4. Requesting Order
a. By Consent
b. By Contested Motion
i.
Procedure
ii.
Adjudication
E. Sealing Court Files
VIII. Physician-Patient Communications
A. Summary and Purpose of Rule
B. Elements of a Privileged Communication
1. Who Is Privy to Communication
2. ‘Communication’ Defined
3. Contents of ‘Communication’ v. Other Facts
4. Confidentiality
5. Purposes of Consultation and Communication
C. No Privilege for ‘Necessary’ Disclosures
D. No Privilege in Certain Actions
E. Asserting Privilege; Privilege Termination
IX. Mental Health Communications
A. Summary of Rule and Purposes
B. Elements of a Privileged Communication
1. Privy to Communication
2. Topic and Purpose of Consultation and Communication
3. Exceptions: No Privilege in Certain Circumstances
C. Procedures
X. Spousal Communications
A. Summary of Rule and Purpose
B. Elements of a Privileged Communication
C. Procedures
XI. Communications to Members of the Clergy
A. Summary of Rule and Purpose
B. Elements
C. Procedures
XII. Settlement and Mediation
XIII. News Media Sources and Information
XIV. Privacy; Political Vote
CHAPTER 26 REQUESTS FOR DISCLOSURE
I. General Points
II. Making a Request
A. Format
B. Areas of Inquiry
C. Filing and Service
III. Response and Objections
A. Deadline for Response
B. Drafting Response
IV. Supplementation of Responses
A. General Points
B. Procedure
CHAPTER 27 INSPECTION OF DOCUMENTS
I. Party Document Requests
A. General Points
B. Using Requests With Other Discovery Tools
C. Steps to Obtain Documents
1. Prepare Requests
a. Form
b. Format
c. Substance
i.
General Points
ii.
Category Requests
2. Particular Types of Documents
3. Serve and File
4. Track Response
D. How To Respond and Produce
1. Initial Steps
2. Time to Respond
3. Failure to Timely Respond
4. Possession, Custody or Control
5. Locate, Collect and Examine Items
a. General Points
b. Locate Items
c. Collect Items
d. Examine Items
6. The Response
a. General Points
b. Drafting Points
c. Objections
i.
General Points
ii.
Specific Objections
d. Dealing With Problem
Requests
i.
Overbroad, Vague, or Ambiguous
ii.
Unduly Burdensome
e. Protect Confidential
Information
f. Service and Filing
7. Prepare for Production
8. Supplementation and Amendment of Responses and Production
E. Inspection and Copying
F. Discovery Disputes
II. Nonparty Document Inspection
A. Overview
B. Document Subpoenas
C. Deposition Subpoenas
1. General Points
2. How to Subpoena
3. Responding to Subpoena
III. Medical Records
IV. Public Records
A. Overview and Strategies
B. Texas Public Records
1. General Points
2. Procedure
3. Referral to Attorney General
C. Federal Public Records
1. Authority and Exceptions
2. Procedure
V. Request or Motion for Entry Upon Property
A. General Points
B. Procedure
CHAPTER 28 DEPOSITIONS
I. Overview
A. General Principles
B. Types of Depositions
II. Functions
A. General Points
B. Using Deposition Testimony At and After Trial
C. Use in Conjunction With Other Discovery Devices
III. Taking a Deposition
A. Preparation
1. Procedure
a. Select Deponent
b. Choose Location
c. Schedule Deposition
d. Notice a
Party’s Deposition
e. Subpoena a Nonparty
Deponent
f. Select Recording
Method
g. Deposition Officers
h. Interpreters
2. Substantive Preparation
a. General
Considerations
b. Prepare Outline
c. Organize Exhibits in
Advance
B. Conducting the Deposition
1. Getting Started
2. Review Document Requests
3. Examination and Cross-Examination
a. General
Considerations
b. Experts
4. Suspending or Adjourning a Deposition
a. Suspending
b. Adjourning
5. Court’s Involvement
a. Generally
b. Sanctions and Orders
Compelling Discovery
IV. Defending a Deposition
A. Response to Notice (and Subpoena)
1. Objections to Notice
2. Document Production
3. Witness Designation
B. Preparation
1. Introduction
2. Guidelines for Witness
3. Guidelines for Experts
C. Conduct During the Deposition
1. General Points
2. Objections
V. Preparing Transcript for Use at Trial
CHAPTER 29 PHYSICAL AND MENTAL EXAMINATIONS
I. General Points
A. Overview
B. Who Is Subject to Exam
1. Parties
2. Non-Parties
C. Preliminary Considerations
II. Setting the Logistics
A. Overview
B. Examiner
1. General Points
2. Challenging Discoverer’s Designee
C. Location
D. Time
E. Manner and Scope
F. Conditions
G. Costs
III. Requesting Exam
A. By Stipulation
B. By Motion
1. Threshold Requirements
a. Overview
b. Good Cause
Requirement
c. Additional Required
Circumstances
i.
Condition Is “In Controversy”
ii.
Circumstances Not Requiring “In Controversy” Proof
2. Initiating Motion
a. Preliminary Issues
b. Motion Package
c. Filing and Service
IV. Response and Reply
V. Preparing for and Conducting Exam
VI. Subsequent Motions and Appeal
VII. Report of Examining Physician
A. General Points
B. Examinee’s Option to Get Report
C. Discoverer’s Reciprocal Right to Reports
CHAPTER 30 INTERROGATORIES
I. General Points
II. How to Use Interrogatories
A. General Points
B. Types of Interrogatories
III. Propounding Interrogatories
A. Format
B. Preliminary Parts
C. Areas of Inquiry
1. General Points
2. Facts
3. Documents
D. Filing and Service
IV. Responding to Interrogatories
A. General Points
B. Deadline for Response
C. Service and Filing
D. Drafting Responses
1. General Points
2. Format
3. Verification of Responses
4. Option to Produce Records
5. Identifying Witnesses
6. Objections
a. General Points
b. Specific Objections
c. Dealing With Problem
Requests
d. Protect Privileged
Information
V. Supplemental and Amended Answers
A. General Points
B. Procedure
VI. Motions
A. General Requirements and Procedures
B. Extend Time to Answer
C. Obtain Protective Order
D. Obtain Leave for Late Amendment or Supplementation
E. Missing, Evasive, or Incomplete Answers
VII. Evidence Issues
A. Answers as Evidence
B. Excluding Evidence at Trial
CHAPTER 31 REQUESTS FOR ADMISSION
I. General Points
A. Overview
B. Scope of RFAs
II. How to Use RFAs
A. General Strategies
B. Documents
C. Use With Other Discovery Tools
III. Propounding RFAs
A. Drafting Format and Techniques
B. Service and Filing
IV. Responding to Requests
A. General Points
B. Response Deadline
C. Drafting Points
1. Format
2. Responses
a. Substantive Answers
b. Objections
i.
Basic Points
ii.
Specific Objections
V. Motions
A. General Points
B. Motions by Requesting Party
1. Motion Challenging Answer or Objection
2. Motion to Confirm Deemed Admission
3. Sanctions for Failure to Admit (Post-Trial Motion)
C. Motions by RFA Respondent
1. Motion to Extend Time to Respond
2. Motion for Protective Order
3. Motion for Relief From RFA Response
a. General Points
b. Elements
c. Procedural
Strategies
VI. Use of Responses at Trial
A. Admission of Answers Into Evidence
B. Effect of Admissions
CHAPTER 32 DISCOVERY DISPUTES
I. General Requirements and Procedure
A. Before a Motion
B. Making a Motion
II. Motions to Compel Discovery
III. Motions for Sanctions
IV. Motions for Protection from Discovery
[Chapters 33 through 35 Reserved]
CHAPTER 36 SUMMARY JUDGMENT
I. Overview
A. Basic Points
B. Advantages
C. Disadvantages
D. MSJ on the Pleadings
E. Evidence Overview
II. Partial Judgments and Adjudications
A. Partial Summary Judgment
B. Designating Undisputed Facts
III. No-Evidence MSJ [TRCP 166a(i)]
A. Basic Points
B. Responding to No-Evidence MSJ
C. Movant’s Reply to MSJ Response
IV. Requirements for Summary Judgment
A. No Genuine Issue of Material Fact
1. “Material Fact”
2. “No Genuine Issue” (i.e., No Dispute)
B. Party Entitled to Judgment “As a Matter of Law”
V. Burdens on MSJ—and How to Meet Them
A. Ordinary MSJ [TRCP 166a(c)]
1. Movant’s Initial Burden
2. Non-Movant’s ‘Response Burden’
3. If Plaintiff Is Movant
4. If Defendant Is Movant
5. If Both Parties Are Movants
B. No-Evidence MSJ [TRCP 166a(i)]
VI. Evidence
A. Basic Points
1. ‘MSJ Evidence’
2. Examples of Improper or Incompetent Evidence
3. Evidence Filed Late
4. Use of Discovery Products
5. Interested and Expert Witnesses
a. Interested Witnesses
b. Expert Witnesses
B. Affidavits
1. Basic points
2. Strategies
3. Effective Drafting
4. Preparing Affidavits
5. Exhibits and Authentication
C. Depositions
1. Basic Points
2. Using Deposition Extracts
D. Interrogatory Answers
E. Requests-For-Admission Responses
F. Pleadings
G. Other Methods of Establishing Facts
VII. Whether to Move for Summary Judgment
A. Basic Points
B. How to Decide
VIII. Initiating MSJ
A. How and When to Move
B. Preparing MSJ Papers
1. The Motion
2. Other Supporting Papers
IX. Opposing Summary Judgment
A. Initial Steps and Strategies
B. The Response
1. Basic Points
2. Deadline
3. Stating “Issues”
C. Objections and Special Exceptions
1. Objections
a. Basic Points
b. Objection That MSJ
Is Improper
c. Objection to MSJ
Evidence
i.
Basic Points
ii.
Examples: Defects in Form
iii.
Examples: Defects in Substance
2. Special Exceptions on MSJ
D. Continuance to Gather More Evidence
E. Amending the Targeted Pleading
X. MSJ Movant’s Reply To Opposition
XI. Cross-Motion for Summary Judgment
XII. Hearing
XIII. Judgment and Order
A. Basic Points
B. Sanctions
XIV. Post-Judgment Motions
XV. Appeal
CHAPTER 37 DEFAULT JUDGMENT and DISMISSALS
I. Default Judgment
A. Basic Points
B. No-Answer Default
1. Basic Points
2. Bars and Hurdles to Judgment
a. Basic Points
b. Failure to Serve
Amended Petition
3. Motion for Judgment
a. Basic Points
b. Timing
c. Motion Papers
i.
Basic Points
ii.
Proposed Judgment
d. Opposing the Motion
4. Hearing on Damages
a. Liquidated Damages
b. Unliquidated Damages
c. Defendant’s
Participation
C. Post-Answer Default
1. Basic points
2. The Trial
D. Default Judgment as Discovery Sanction
E. Interlocutory and Final Judgments
1. Interlocutory Judgment
2. Final Judgment
a. General Requirements
and Procedures
b. In Default Judgment
Cases
F. Relief From Default Judgment
1. Motion for New Trial (MNT)
a. Basic Points
b. Procedures
c. Legal Grounds
d. Equitable Grounds:
The Craddock Test
i.
Basic Points
ii.
Default Was Mistake—Not Intentional
iii.
Meritorious Defense
iv.
New Trial Would not Injure Plaintiff
e. If Defendant Was
Served by Publication
f. Appellate Review
i.
Appealability of Trial Court’s Order
ii.
Review
2. Bill of Review
a. Basic Points
b. Required Showings
i.
Basic Points
ii.
Default Was Due to Extrinsic Act
iii.
Absence of Defendant’s Negligence
3. Restricted Appeal
4. Collateral Attack
a. Basic Points
b. No Extrinsic
Evidence, Except. . .
II. Nonsuit (Voluntary Dismissal)
A. Basic Points
B. Res Judicata Effect of Nonsuit
C. Other Effects of Nonsuit
1. Basic Points
2. On Defendant’s Affirmative Claims
3. On Sanctions
D. Whether to Take Nonsuit
1. Reasons to Nonsuit
2. Reasons Not to Nonsuit
E. Methods for Taking Nonsuit
III. Involuntary Dismissal
A. Grounds
1. Want of Prosecution (DWOP)
a. Court’s
Inherent Power
i.
Conduct Triggering Court’s Use of Power
ii.
Factors Bearing on Exercise of Discretion
b. Under TRCP 165a
2. Other Grounds
B. Dismissal With or Without Prejudice
C. Procedures
1. Basic Points
2. For Want of Prosecution Under TRCP 165a
a. Dismissal Procedures
b. Motion to Reinstate
After Dismissal
i.
Basic Points and Requirements
ii.
Deadline for Motion
iii.
Required Showing
iv.
Court Order
v.
Appellate Review
CHAPTER 38 SETTLEMENT AND ADR
I. Settlement
A. Case Evaluation
1. Why Try to Settle?
2. When Should You Settle?
3. Tax Consequences
4. Impact on Government Benefits
5. Ethical Responsibilities
B. Negotiation
1. General Points
2. Plaintiff’s Perspective
a. Settlement Letters
or Brochures
b. Negotiations With
Insurers
3. Insurer’s Perspective
C. The Court’s Role
1. General Points
2. Settlements Requiring Court Approval
D. Mechanics and Effects of Settlements
1. Requirements
2. Types of Settlements
a. General Types
b. Structured
Settlements
3. Settlement Documents
4. Multiparty Tort Actions
a. General Points
b. Intentional Torts
c. Negligence, Strict
Liability, and Breach of Warranty
d. Subsequent Trial
E. Enforceability of Settlements
1. Settlements as Contracts
2. Settlements as Judgments
II. Alternative Dispute Resolution
A. General Points
B. Court Ordered ADR
1. ADR Procedures
2. Third Party Facilitators
C. Contractual ADR
1. Arbitration
a. Overview
b. Drafting Arbitration
Agreements
c. Initiating
Arbitration
d. Arbitration
Procedures
e. Award
2. Mediation
a. Overview
b. The Mediation
Process
i.
Overview and Roles
ii.
Agreement |
