EDTX local rule changes
The court just issued a set of local rule changes, effective December 1. The changes affect only L.R. AT-2(b) dealing with reciprocal attorney discipline.
Court News
2021 EDTX Bench Bar Begins – Dedication to Clyde M. Siebman
The 2021 bench/bar kicked off this afternoon with both a posthumous dedication to Clyde Siebman, who is remembered as the founder of both the EDTX bar association and the annual conference.
Chief Judge Gilstrap welcomed attendees and announced that registrations are up over 100 from the conference’s prior high, with over 500 attendees at this year’s conference.
We just started the first panel on remote hearings, and for my sins I have been ordered to comoderate the last panel of the day, a panel on lawyers talking to the media. It’s been said the last session before lunch is a terrible slot – actually the worst slot is the slot that is between a roomful of lawyers and the open bar at tonight’s reception.
Seriously, it’s going to be a lot of fun (the panel, not the bar) – Eric Findlay and I will be talking to Wes Hill, Tom Melsheimer and Morgan Chu about how to interact with the media about cases.
Marshall Patent Scheduling Conferences – September 29, 2021
The latest round of scheduling conferences provides some insight on the current docket.
EDTX Bench/Bar Planning Meeting
I’d headed out this afternoon for Fort Worth for the planning committee meeting for this fall’s bench/bar tomorrow morning at Hotel Drover. We’re expecting 120 people for this meeting. In person. Registration is open for the bench/bar here.
One less thing for the trial bag …
The prior standing order establishing various precautions, including requiring masks, in the Sherman Division courthouses has been vacated. Masking is now optional. (You should still bring your O’Connor’s, though).
Waco Magistrate Judge Position Posted
The U.S. Judicial Conference has authorized a second full-time magistrate judge in Waco, Texas. Applications have opened for the position – see here.
Mask Mandates Remain in Effect in SDTX Courthouses
SDTX Special Order H-2021-8 makes clear that the mask mandates previously issued for the Houston and Galveston courthouses remain in effect.
New Courtroom A/V in Waco
The VCR/DCD player is no more. Judge Albright’s courtroom in Waco has new toys.
EDTX General Order on Filing of “Highly Sensitive Documents”
The EDTX order on HSD filings came out this morning.
November Marshall Patent Scheduling Conferences
In case anyone wants to know what the current time to Markman and trial is.