News
Beck, Redden & Secrest L.L.P. Receives Honorable Mention in Annual Litigation Boutique of the Year Award from American Lawyer Magazine
January 5, 2009American Lawyer has bestowed Honorable Mention honors to Beck, Redden & Secrest L.L.P. in their annual Litigation Boutique of the Year award for 2009. This is the second time the firm has been received recognition from the magazine, having been selected as a finalist in 2005.
Contributing to the recognition were successes for major clients Wyeth and 3M Company in product liability cases, Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc, in a key patent case, Clear Channel Communications with a $19 million buyout, and the reversal of a lingering defamation judgment against ExxonMobil Corporation. The complete article can be found at: http://www.law.com/jsp/tal/PubArticleTAL.jsp?id=1202426961736
Connie Pfeiffer Featured in Texas Lawyer Magazine
December 18, 2008Connie Pfeiffer's success with presenting oral arguments in the 14th District Court of Appeals this past year was recognized in an issue of Texas Lawyer Magazine. The complete article can be found at: www.law.com/jsp/tx/PubArticleTX.jsp?id=1202426709005
Dawson and Coffey Secure Favorable Arbitration Award in Commercial Lease Dispute
December 8, 2008On
Tom Ganucheau Elected Secretary-Treasurer for the TADC
November 26, 2008Thomas E. Ganucheau has been elected to the Executive Committee of the Texas Association of Defense Counsel (TADC) as the 2008-2009 Secretary/Treasurer. TADC is a state-wide professional association of approximately 2,100 private practice attorneys specializing in civil defense trial law.
Pfeiffer Rolls Out Vote America! in Houston
October 30, 2008Connie Pfeiffer, a board member of the Texas Young Lawyer’s Association, recently rolled out the “Vote America!” program to high school students at Houston's Yes Prep academy.
Vote America! is a documentary video and high school curriculum that educates students about the heroic efforts made for equality and democracy; the struggles of the civil rights era, passage of the 1965 Voting Rights Act, and the 15th, 19th, and 26th amendments to the U.S. Constitution. Board members created the video and curriculum and have reached thousands of Texas students in anticipation of the 2008 election.
"Vote America!" continues a longstanding tradition of the Texas Young Lawyers Association's commitment to producing quality, law-focused education programming for the citizens of Texas and beyond. For more information, visit the TYLA website at www.tyla.org/voteamerica.
Ford and Paterson Obtain Defense Verdict for Major Electronics Company in Products' Liability Lawsuit
October 27, 2008On October 23, 2008, Troy Ford and Andrea Paterson obtained a defense verdict in favor of firm client LG Electronics in a products liability dispute in Robertson County, Texas. The case involved allegations that a window air conditioner purchased by a homeowner burned a house down within hours of its first operation. After a four day trial, the jury returned a defense verdict in favor of LG Electronics.
Ford Argues Appeal before the First Court of Appeals and Wins Favorable Judgment Preserving Multi-Million Dollar Settlement
October 27, 2008On August 29, 2008, the First Court of Appeals upheld the trial court's denial of a plaintiff's motion for a new trial in a case involving exposure to silicon. The case arose when multiple plaintiffs sought to overturn an agreed judgment related to the settlement of their claim. Plaintiffs argued that their agreed judgment should be set aside as "void as against public policy" because their trial lawyers did not tell them that the settlement was allegedly an aggregate settlement.
Beck Redden's Troy Ford argued the appeal along with Jeffery C. Kubin of Gibbs & Bruns, LLP. Andrea Paterson, also with Beck Redden, assisted with the briefing.
Fogler Secures Favorable Verdict In Construction Contract Dispute
October 14, 2008On October 10, 2008, Murray Fogler obtained a jury verdict in favor of firm client Dudley Construction Ltd. in a construction contract dispute. The case was tried for five days before Judge J.D. Langley of the 85th District Court of Brazos County, Texas. Dudley had been hired by a surety company, Fidelity Guaranty Insurance Underwriters, Inc., to complete a sewer project after a prior contractor had defaulted. Dudley sought recovery of amounts owed under the completion agreement, including delay damages, against Fidelity. The jury awarded over $1.8 million, plus attorneys' fees and pre-judgment interest under the Prompt Payment Act.
BRS Obtains Defense Verdict in Eastern District of Texas for Palomar Medical Technologies
October 10, 2008On October 7, 2008, David Beck, Michael Richardson, and Tim Cleveland obtained a defense verdict for firm client Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc. in a patent lawsuit involving light-based dermatology products. Palomar was also represented by Foley & Lardner LLP. The trial lasted six days in Lufkin, Texas before Judge Ron Clark in the Eastern District of Texas. The plaintiffs, Candela Corporation and Massachusetts General Hospital, alleged that six Palomar products infringed on three patents, and were seeking approximately $60 million in actual damages. A week before trial, the plaintiffs dropped two Palomar products from the case, as well as all claims under two of the three patents. After a six day trial, the jury returned a verdict of noninfringement in favor of Palomar. The jury also determined that certain claims of the plaintiffs’ patent were invalid.
David J. Beck Featured in 2008 Texas Super Lawyers Magazine
October 8, 2008Texas Super Lawyers magazine has once again revealed that David J. Beck is the Top Point Getter for 2008. Recognized as the "lawyer that other lawyer's go to when they're in trouble," Texas Super Lawyer chronicles Beck's rise in the legal community in a cover story article of their 2008 edition. (Complete article attached)
Nakia Davis Selected as a Member of LeadershipSBOT
September 5, 2008Nakia Davis has been selected as a member of the inaugural 2008-2009 class of LeadershipSBOT, a joint program sponsored by the State Bar of Texas and the Texas Young Lawyers Association. Only 20 Texas attorneys were selected for the pilot program, designed to develop and retain those selected for leadership positions in the legal community and the State Bar of Texas.
BRS Obtains Defense Verdict for Houston Law Firm
July 29, 2008On July 25, 2008, Murray Fogler and Tim Cleveland obtained a defense verdict on behalf of firm client Andrews Kurth LLP in a lawsuit concerning the law firm's distribution of fees from its representation of the maternal heirs of Howard Hughes. The trial lasted 8 days before Judge Martha Hill Jamison in the 164th Judicial District of Harris County, Texas. The plaintiff was the administrator of the estate of a deceased Andrews Kurth partner, Raymond Cook, who died two years before the law firm began representing the maternal heirs of Howard Hughes. The plaintiff claimed that Andrews Kurth should have included the Cook Estate in the distribution of the Hughes fee, asserting claims for breach of contract, legal malpractice, fraud, and breach of fiduciary duty. The plaintiff sought nearly $15 million in actual damages, plus attorney's fees and punitive damages. The jury returned a verdict in favor of Andrews Kurth on all liability claims.
BRS Receives Win on Appeal in Case Where Nursing Home Recruited Violent Residents
July 1, 2008On June 25, 2008, the San Antonio Court of Appeals upheld a multimillion-dollar verdict in favor of a family whose late father was savagely beaten by another nursing home resident.
The case arose after a nursing home in west Texas sought to increase its resident population by recruiting from the lockup wing of the local V.A. hospital. The nursing home took in a psychotic army veteran but placed him with the home's general population. The army veteran promptly attacked those around him indiscriminately, including the late Tranquilino Mendoza. The jury found the nursing home negligent and awarded the Mendoza family actual and punitive damages. When the nursing home appealed, the family and the trial team hired Beck Redden to help defend the verdict.
Beck Redden's David M. Gunn argued the appeal for the family, along with Henry Giessel of the firm Marks, Balette, and Giessel. Mr. Gunn did the briefing with the help of Beck Redden associate Erin Huber, and in collaboration with the trial team of David Marks, Jacques Balette, and Henry Giessel.
BRS Participates in Lone Star Legal Aid Pro Bono Efforts
June 25, 2008The firm was recently recognized in the Spring 2008 issue of LegalFront magazine for their efforts in providing pro bono services to Lone Star Legal Aid. (Complete article attached.)
BRS and Attorneys Receive Top Tier Rankings in Chambers USA 2008
June 11, 2008Beck, Redden & Secrest, L.L.P., has received top tier rankings for General Commercial Litigation law firm and Energy & Natural Resources - Dispute Resolution in Texas in the 2008 Chambers USA: America's Leading Business Lawyers.
David J. Beck was ranked in the top tier for Litigation: General Commercial and Energy & Natural Resources. Additionally, three firm partners were recognized in their fields of expertise: Murray Fogler, in Energy & Natural Resources-Dispute Resolution and General Commercial Litigation; Joe Redden, Jr., in General Commercial Litigation and David M. Gunn, in Litigation-Appellate. Thomas McDade, of counsel, was recognized in Energy & Natural Resources - Dispute Resolution.
Alistair Dawson and Russell Post were recognized "Up and Coming" in General Commercial Litigation. (Press release attached)
Nakia Davis Recognized in Texas Bar Journal for Involvement in the Jackie Robinson Foundation
May 2, 2008
Nakia Davis, a former Jackie Robinson Foundation scholar, remains active in the organization which provides four-year college scholarships to minority students with records of academic distinction, leadership capacity, and financial need. Recently, Davis took part in presentations regarding the Foundation to the business communities in Austin and Houston. (Article attached).
Nakia (pictured second from left in top photo and with Astros manager Cecil Cooper in bottom photo) was also honored in pre-game ceremonies on Jackie Robinson Day at Minute Maid Park on Friday, April 18. Read more on Astros.com.
Joe Redden Featured in American Lawyer Magazine
March 25, 2008Joe Redden was one of the Texas lawyers noted in the cover story “Taming Texas” in the March 2008 issue of American Lawyer Magazine. The article profiles several out-of-state lawyers who are challenging the conventional wisdom that defendants cannot win patent cases in the Eastern District of Texas. Mr. Redden's voir dire examination of the jury panel and handling of a key defense expert were cited as instrumental in OutlookSoft Corporation's recent victory before a Marshall, Texas jury.
BRS Successfully Defends Tanner Companies, Inc.
March 10, 2008Alistair Dawson and Nakia Davis recently obtained a summary judgment dismissing all claims against firm clients Tanner Companies, Inc., Tanner Companies Shared Services, L.L.C., Tanner Operations, L.L.C. Tanner Construction Company of Texas, Inc., and several employees and former employees from Judge Tony Lindsay of the 280th Judicial District Court of Harris County. The plaintiff had asserted claims against Defendants for misappropriation of and conspiracy to misappropriate trade secrets, unfair competition, breach of duty to maintain the confidentiality of trade secrets, tortious interference with business relations and prospective business relations, breach of fiduciary duty, and destruction of property and was seeking recovery of more than $2 million dollars in damages.
BRS Secures Total Victory on Appeal of Defamation Lawsuit
March 1, 2008On February 26, 2008, the Firm won a total victory from the Fourteenth Court of Appeals in an employment discrimination and defamation lawsuit arising from the termination of two former Exxon employees. The case, originally tried by David Beck in 2006, already had resulted in a substantial victory in the trial court, where the plaintiffs lost their discrimination claim, but over objection, recovered a judgment on their defamation claim that was significantly less than they demanded. On appeal, the Firm secured a reversal of the defamation judgment and successfully defended the favorable portion of the judgment. Russell Post acted as lead counsel on appeal, with assistance from Connie Pfeiffer, Erin Huber and Doug Pritchett.
Jury Awards Favorable Verdict for BRS Client
February 26, 2008Curt Webb and Andrea Paterson received a jury verdict late December for firm client South Texas Electric Co-Operative for a breach of contract and breach of warranty lawsuit regarding the purchase and installment of a defective steam turbine manufactured and installed by Dresser-Rand Company. The lawsuit was tried in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Victoria Division. A motion for entry of judgment as well as a motion for attorney's fees for a combined total in excess of $1.1 million are currently pending with the court.
Firm Secures A Favorable Outcome in Wrongful Termination Case
January 11, 2008January 11, 2008 – Alistair Dawson, Partner and Nakia Davis, Associate, secured a favorable outcome in a wrongful termination case tried in Montgomery, County, Texas, for their client,a leading national distributor of food and paper products.The plaintiff was seeking in excess of $100,000 in damages. The jury did not award any compensatory damages and awarded only $10,000 in lost wages to the plaintiff.
Constance Pfeiffer Honored by Texas Bar Foundation
January 7, 2008Constance H. Pfeiffer has been elected to membership in the Fellows of the Texas Bar Foundation. (Press release attached.)
Michael E. Richardson Named Partner
January 4, 2008Beck, Redden & Secrest, L.L.P. is pleased to announce that Michael E. Richardson has been named a partner of the firm. (Press Release attached.)
Four New Associates Join The Firm
October 23, 2007Beck, Redden & Secrest, L.L.P. is pleased to welcome Jeff Bentch, Jas Brar, Patrice Blahoff Childress and Alex Roberts as Associates in the Firm. (Complete article attached)
BRS Successfully Defends Morgan Stanley & Co.
October 19, 2007October 18 - David Beck, Alistair Dawson and Michael Richardson recently obtained a summary judgment dismissing all claims against firm client Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated from Judge Halbach of the 333rd Judicial District Court of Harris County. The plaintiff had asserted claims against Morgan Stanley for breach of fiduciary duty, fraud, negligent misrepresentation and tortious interference with contractual relations and was seeking recovery of more than half a billion dollars in damages. Morgan Stanley was also represented by lawyers from Wilkie Farr & Gallagher in New York.
Post, Pfeiffer and Richardson Secure Favorable Judgment for Moody National Bank
October 16, 2007October 2007 – Russell Post, Connie Pfeiffer, and Michael Richardson secured affirmance of a summary judgment in favor of Moody National Bank in a case involving allegations of fraud, conspiracy, and violations of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO). The United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas (Hon. Lynn Hughes) granted summary judgment in favor of our client, which was upheld by the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.
Five BRS Attorneys Listed in Best Lawyers in America - 2007
September 1, 2007September 2007: The Best Lawyers in America has released their 2007 guide, and five Beck, Redden & Secrest attorneys have made the list. (Complete article attached)
David Beck argues appeal before the First Court and wins favorable judgment for one of the firm's oil and gas clients
August 14, 2007The First Court of Appeals in Houston rendered a favorable judgment for one of the firm’s oil and gas clients, vacating an arbitration award for natural gas production revenues, ruling that the arbitrator had exceeded his powers under the parties' agreement. David Beck argued the appeal before the First Court.
Curt Webb successfully defended a Fortune 500 client in a product liability case
July 16, 2007Curt Webb, successfully defended a Fortune 500 client in a product liability case. The plaintiff, a 52-year- old male dying from lung cancer, claimed his illness was caused by an unreasonably dangerous and defective disposable respiratory protection device, provided by his employer, to protect him from exposure to silica dust. The plaintiff was demanding in excess of $9 million in damages. After three hours of deliberation, the jury found no negligence on the part of the defendant. The case was filed in the Eastern District in Missouri.
Curt Webb helped to secure a victory for a minor in Abeilene
June 22, 2007Curt Webb, Partner, Beck, Redden & Secrest, L.L.P., Houston, helped to secure a victory for a minor involved in a job related accident in Abilene, Texas on June 21, 2007.
Dawson elected Chair, Litigation Section of the State Bar of Texas
June 18, 2007Alistair Dawson elected Chair of the Litigation Section of the State Bar of Texas. (Complete article attached)
David Beck Receives Leon Green Award
June 14, 2007June 14, 2007: David J. Beck, founding partner of Beck, Redden & Secrest, L.L.P. has received the Leon Green Award from the Texas Law Review Association “for outstanding contributions to the legal profession.” Previous winners include Dean Bill Powers (2006) and The Honorable Carolyn King, (2007), former Chief Judge of the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. (Complete article attached.)
Fogler and McDade Join BRS
June 11, 2007June 11, 2007: Beck Redden & Secrest, L.L.P. are pleased to welcome Murray Fogler, as Partner and Tom McDade, of counsel, to the firm on March 15, 2007. (Complete article attached)
BRS Welcomes New Attorneys to Firm
January 12, 2007January 2007: Beck, Redden & Secrest, LLP is pleased to welcome S. Douglas Pritchett, Jr. as Of Counsel in its Appellate Section and Tim Cleveland, Nakia Davis and William Getschow as Associates in the firm. (Complete article attached)
Beck Appointed to Judicial Conference Standing Committee
January 5, 2007January 2007: Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr. of the United States Supreme Court recently appointed David J. Beck for a 3 year term to the prestigious Judicial Conference Standing Committee on Rules of Practice and Procedure. (Complete article attached)
David Beck Installed as President - American College of Trial Lawyers
October 20, 2006October 2006: American College of Trial Lawyers installs 2007 President David J. Beck and confers honorary fellowship on Chief Justice Roberts and Lord Scott of Foscote at 56th annual meeting in London. (Full article attached)
2006 Chambers USA Rankings
October 20, 2006October 2006: Beck Redden & Secrest, L.L.P. has been ranked as the number two General Commercial Litigation law firm in Texas in the 2006 Chambers USA: America’s Leading Business Lawyers. (Complete article attached)
David Beck Installed as President of ACTL
October 17, 2006October 2006: The American College of Trial Lawyers (ACTL) one of the premier professional organizations composed of the best trial lawyers in the U.S. and Canada, installed David J. Beck as the organization’s new president at its 56th annual meeting in London. (Complete article attached)
Victory in Patent Infrigement Case
October 12, 2006October 2006: Beck, Redden & Secrest, L.L.P. announced today that it helped to secure a victory for its client OutlookSoft Corporation in a patent infringement lawsuit brought by Hyperion Solutions in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. (Complete article attached)
Six Named to 2006 Super Lawyer List
October 1, 2006October 2006: Beck, Redden & Secrest announced today that six of its attorneys have been named "Texas Super Lawyers" by Texas Monthly magazine in its October issue. Only five percent of all Texas lawyers are so honored. (Complete article attached)
BRS Recognized In Annual Defense Hot List for '06
August 21, 2006September 2006: Beck, Redden & Secrest has been recognized in the National Law Journal's (NLJ) second annual "Defense Hot List" for 2006. To compile their list, the NLJ looks for firms with an overall impressive track record that scored at least one significant defense win within the past 12 months. (Complete article attached).
Russell Post Named Partner
January 5, 2006January 2006: Beck, Redden & Secrest, L.L.P. is pleased to announce that Russell S. Post has become a Partner in the Firm. Russell is board-certified in civil appellate law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. He graduated from the University of Texas in 1991 and obtained a Masters degree from Stanford University in 1992. He received his J.D. from the University of Virginia in 1996. Before entering private practice, Russell clerked for the Honorable Jerry E. Smith of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. His practice focuses on civil appeals in both state and federal court.
BRS Attorneys Recognized As Super Lawyers
October 11, 2005October 2005: Six attorneys at Beck, Redden & Secrest (David J. Beck, Joe W. Redden, Jr., W. Curt Webb, Eric J.R. Nichols, Alistair B. Dawson and David M. Gunn) were featured in Texas Super Lawyers and Texas Monthly. Only five percent of Texas lawyers are honored as a Texas Super Lawyer. In addition to being recognized in their respective practice areas, David J. Beck and Joe Redden, Jr. were also named to the Top 100 Houston Region list for receiving the highest point totals in the Super Lawyers balloting. Mr. Beck was also named in the top 10 Super Lawyers in Texas as well as the Top Pointer Getter in all of Texas.
Dawson Elected Vice Chair - Litigation Section State Bar of Texas
July 10, 2005July 2005: Alistair Dawson has been Elected Vice Chair of the Litigation Section of State Bar of Texas. (Full article attached)
Beck Recieves ADL Award
April 25, 2005In April 2005, David J. Beck received the Anti-Defamation League’s Karen H. Susman Jurisprudence Award. This award is presented each year to legal professionals who demonstrate a devotion to the principles enshrined in the U.S. constitution, commitment to the democratic values of the United States, and dedication to fair and equal justice for all. According to the ADL, David Beck received this award in part because he "has worked tirelessly for justice, and legal excellence ever since he became an attorney" and because of his extensive service to our community. Click here to view the Susman Jurisprudence Award video.
Firm Named One of Top Five Litgation Boutiques
January 11, 2005In January 2005, The American Lawyer magazine named Beck, Redden & Secrest, L.L.P. as one of the top five litigation boutiques in the nation. The American Lawyer selected the Firm after considering the Firm's accomplishments in 2003 and 2004, and interviewing both the Firm's clients and opposing counsel. (Complete article attached)