Sullivan Speaks with Bloomberg Law on Texas’ New Business Courts

Texas is poised to launch its own specialty business courts, a move that could redefine how corporate disputes are handled in the Lone Star State. As featured in Bloomberg Law, RJLF’s Ryan Sullivan offers unique insights into what these courts could mean for Texas and beyond.

"Everything is bigger in Texas," says Sullivan. “There’s a very real sense of Texas pride. Without being too tongue in cheek, I do think that will be a meaningful factor here.”

Texas has long been known for its business-friendly environment, and the introduction of these new courts further cements its reputation as a burgeoning hub for corporate litigation. With high-profile figures shifting operations to Texas, the courts are set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of business law in the state.

A distinctive feature of the Texas business courts is their use of juries in certain cases, a departure from the judge-centric approach seen in Delaware's established Court of Chancery. This could democratize decision-making, allowing ordinary Texans to influence verdicts in complex corporate cases.

However, Sullivan points out:

"Almost no case gets fully litigated in two years. If you are before one judge the entire time and halfway through the case you switch judges, that can have a profound impact on litigation strategy and how the parties view potential outcomes."

His insights reflect the nuanced challenges and opportunities these courts present.

Read the full Bloomberg Law article here (subscriber access only).

Ryan Sullivan