Gone to Texas
During the first half of the nineteenth century, “Gone to Texas” was a popular phrase used by Americans immigrating to Texas for economic opportunity and hope to make a fortune. As the Americans came west, en masse, they brought money…
Sovereign Economic Espionage and Why Dr. Strangelove was Prescient
In addressing secrets, Dr. Strangelove exclaimed that “the whole point of a Doomsday Machine is lost if you keep it a “secret!” Why don’t you tell the world, eh?” to which Ambassador de Sadesky replied “it was to be announced…
Simplifying Non-Compete Agreements (Three Simple Rules for Drafting Non-Compete Agreements)
This blog post started as a simple idea: distill drafting a valid non-competition agreement down to three simple rules. “Simplifying” Texas non-compete law however is akin to domesticating a rampaging beast. Few areas of Texas law have as turbulent a…
TEXAS’ NEW PARTNERSHIP PARADIGM: “GONNA MAKE YOU AN OFFER YOU CAN’T REFUSE.”
In line with the strict contract construction in The Godfather, the Texas Supreme Court recently issued a ruling in Ritchie v. Rupe, 57 Tex. Sup. J. 771 (Tex. 2014), which eliminates an equitable cause of action against a controlling shareholder…
Getting What You’re Owed Part IV: When Is It Time To Contact an Overtime Pay Attorney?
Getting what you’re owed isn’t greedy or demanding. Getting the pay you deserve is not only fair, it’s required by law. Part of getting what you are owed is receiving any compensation you deserve for putting in overtime. The Fair…
Getting What You’re Owed Part III: Are Illegal Deductions Being Made From Your Paycheck?
When getting your first paycheck it may seem like your employer deducted a sizeable portion. Unfortunately this is somewhat true with the various taxes and deductions they are legally required to take out. Your take home pay will be much…
WITH THE STROKE OF A PEN – THE TEXAS SUPREME COURTS UPENDS FOUR DECADES OF NON COMPETE POLICY
The script could not have been written better, whether as political theater or a jaunty summer read. On the Friday before the labor-day weekend, the Texas Supreme Court laid the groundwork to dispense with anti restraint of trade labor law…
Texas Supreme Court holds Forfeiture Provision is not a Covenant Not to Compete; Enforces Governing Law Provision
On August 29, 2014, the Texas Supreme Court handed down its decision on Exxon Mobil Corp. v. William Drennen, III Case No. 12-0621. The essential facts are these: a long time (31 years) employee of Exxon Mobil was told in…
Getting What You’re Owed: Know The Minimum Wage in Texas
Getting What You're Owed: Know The Minimum Wage In Texas Every worker in the United States is entitled to a minimum wage. Minimum wage increases periodically and is dictated by the federal government. The federal minimum wage is $7.25 per…
Getting What You’re Owed Part II: What Counts as Overtime?
Getting What You're Owed Part II: What Counts as Overtime? Employees in Texas who work for an hourly wage have a right to be paid every penny that they have coming to them. Unfortunately, some employers don't always calculate and…