“Your honor, no artificial intelligence was used to generate content in this document. However, we would also like to disclose that there is someone in the courtroom who exhibits highly narcissistic traits and, therefore, is...more
After the COVID-19 pandemic shook the world in early 2020, many industries pivoted to conducting business in ways that reduced or eliminated face-to-face interactions.
Fortunately, with internet capability generally...more
By Jennifer L. GibbsTo read this article in PDF format, please click here. Influential preacher Charles Spurgeon said, "Discernment is not simply a matter of telling the difference between what is right and wrong; rather it...more
In January 2020, I authored a Law360 guest article titled "Setting Boundaries: An Essential Skill for Lawyers," which highlighted the need for firm boundaries as it relates to attorney-client relationships, and recognizing...more
As the number of COVID-19 cases increased in the course of the pandemic, so too did the use of virtual mediation as a means of dispute resolution. The utilization of mediation to resolve disputes has quickly become even more...more
Narcissists in courtroom settings are often incredibly charismatic, charming and convincing. This is because narcissists survive on narcissistic supply.
Narcissistic supply is a form of psychological addiction and...more
Mediation is quickly becoming an even more important form of adjudication as courts have been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
With the second surge in reported cases, courts across the nation have been...more
1/26/2021
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Settlement Agreements ,
Settlement Negotiations
Lawyers' mental health, substance abuse and personal well-being continue to be prevalent topics of discussion moving into the new year. One theory as to why lawyer well-being seems to be at an all-time low is that behavior...more
A seminal rule of contract construction is the contra proferentem doctrine — summarized as “the contract is construed against the drafter.” This rule is a long-standing principle of common law contract interpretation,...more
The age-old tale of Narcissus is as follows:
Narcissus is a character in Greek mythology that could not love anyone else because in seeing his own reflection in a pool of water ends up falling in love with himself. Unable...more
Those practicing law for even a short period of time are likely familiar with the term “lawyer burnout” — a growing condition threatening thriving legal careers, with the added grave risks of heart disease, suicide,...more
Just as the Atlantic hurricane season reaches its climatological peak, the National Hurricane Center upgraded Hurricane Florence to a Category 4 hurricane with 130 mph winds and is expected to strengthen to 150 mph just...more
A recent Texas state appellate court decision confirms the importance of clarity in the appraisal process as to the issues being considered by an appraisal panel. In Texas Windstorm Insurance Association v. Dickinson...more
A comparison of today’s business landscape to that of 15 years ago, reveals even to the most casual observer that many of the past’s most formidable industries no longer exist today. Video rental stores, photo developing...more
You may have heard of the Enneagram in passing or at dinner parties, and growing interest may be considered by some to be a fad, or a parlor-game, similar to interpreting astrological signs, or business-focused personality...more
2017 was a busy year for insurance practitioners, legislators and jurists. The year brought a number of long-awaited Texas Supreme Court opinions, ranging from a case of simple contract construction to a lengthy opinion...more
As bands of heavy rain from Hurricane Harvey move toward southwest Louisiana, damage from wind, rain and flooding is likely to affect the already storm-weary Pelican State. Anticipated damage is expected to fall into three...more
We have issued several posts and comments regarding misinformation that has been distributed concerning HB1774 and the new Texas Insurance Code provisions that go into effect on September 1st. Unfortunately, more...more
Over the past 20 years, the number of jury trials has been on a dramatic decline. In fact, the percentage of federal civil cases currently disposed of by a judgment at trial is less than 1 percent, with similar statistics for...more
On Feb. 1, 2017, the Texas Department of Insurance published the results of its presentation to the Texas Legislature titled: “Interim Charges: The Cost of Weather-Related Property Claims and Related Litigation.” Notably, the...more
Time Magazine recently listed the legal profession as one of the five worst high-paying jobs in the country. "Lawyers turn to drugs and alcohol because their jobs suck. ... With those fat paychecks come long hours,...more
Kericho, Kenya is said to be the most hail-prone place in the world and has up to fifty days of hail each year. Kericho is close to the equator and at an elevation of 7,200 feet, which contributes to it being a hot spot for...more
Approximately 20 percent of the general population experiences an anxiety disorder at least once in their lifetime. Law students and lawyers, however, report to struggle with anxiety at twice that rate. “The official number...more
Storms that produce large hailstones (greater than 2cm in diameter) occur often in Australia, most commonly in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.
Losses from severe convective storms (tornadoes, hail,...more
The role of a lawyer in a democratic society is significant in that lawyers ensure that the democracy is functional and its citizens enjoy fundamental human rights. Acting as advocates and advisers, lawyers also play an...more