House of Representatives Pushes Back: TPP’s Future in Doubt

6/13/2015 In a stunning display of rebellion in the House of Representatives, Democrats strongly rejected President Obama’s last minute blitz to convince them to support giving him Fast Track Authority (FTA) in order to negotiate the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP). As a concession to avoid a Senate filibuster last month, approval of the FTA was


Will Recent ET-Plus Guardrail Settlement be Death of Trinity Industries?

6/13/2015 Tuesday’s, $663 million settlement against guardrail manufacturer Trinity industries includes the largest-ever award given to a whistle-blower under the False-Claims Act, a whopping $199 million given to former competitor, Virginian Joshua Harman. Harman sued on behalf of the government claiming that Trinity defrauded taxpayers by failing to notify the Federal Highway Administration of a


Texas Executor’s Guide to Sales of Estate Property

Generally any debts of the deceased arepayable primarily out of the probate assets. What is not available is the homestead, exempt personal property are set aside and family allowances. Underneath Texas law TEC 355.109 The probate representative must follow a will, if one exists. Otherwise the deceased’s property is liable for debts and expenses of


Successor Liability Under the WPLA

A big concern of a company purchasing another company is liabilities. Generally, the transfer of assets does not mean the transfer of liabilities. The sale of corporate assets is a transfer of an interest separable from the corporate entity and does not result in a transfer of unbargained-for liabilities from the seller to the purchaser.


National Cannabis Bar Association: Mainstream Marijuana

6/12/2015 Perhaps it was inevitable, or perhaps it is a stroke of genius, but a coalition of attorneys has launched the National Cannabis Bar Association (NCBA) in order to help people navigate what has been called the “green rush.” Medical marijuana is legal in some form in 23 states, and recreational marijuana is legal in


Will Amendments, Leaked TPP Pharmaceutical Revelations Sway House Voters?

6/11/2015 The House of Representatives began a two-day debate on Thursday over giving President Obama “fast-track” authorization (FTA) to negotiate the 12-country Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement on behalf of the U.S., leading to a congressional vote without amendments or filibusters. Friday’s expected House vote is the final hurdle the president needs after the Senate


House Judiciary Committee Forms Panel on Criminal Justice Reform

6/11/2015 This month may spark the beginning of the end for the “tough on crime” congressional strategy among the perpetually campaigning members of the House of Representatives. The House Judiciary committee announced on Wednesday that it will form a panel to address reforms in the criminal justice system. The panel will be led by committee


Bharara vs. Barra: GM Criminal Probe Intensifies

6/11/2015 It looks like the U.S. Department of Justice’s criminal investigation into General Motors’ pre-recall knowledge is tightening its grip around the company, as the agency is now considering wire fraud charges against the company. Star Manhattan U.S. Attorney, Preet Bharara, and his office are leading the investigation in conjunction with the Department of Justice.


Shame on you, Donald Rumsfeld!

6/10/2015 In what seems to be an era of poor attempts at revisionist history, Donald Rumsfeld has just taken the cake, eaten half of it, and then denied it with frosting smeared across his lips while his pantaloons are engulfed in flames. In an interview with the Times of London over the weekend, the former Secretary