Texas Business Courts
Jackson Walker has a team of attorneys with extensive experience in handling complex business litigation, which aligns with the specialized nature of the Texas Business Courts. Our attorneys are well-versed in the types of cases that fall under the jurisdiction of these courts, including contract disputes, fiduciary duty claims, and corporate governance issues.
The Texas Business Courts represent a significant development in the stateâs judicial system, specifically designed to handle complex business disputes. These specialized courts are designed to handle complex commercial disputes, including contract disputes, fiduciary duty claims, and other corporate governance issues. The legislation was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on June 9, 2023, and the courts became operational for lawsuits commenced after September 1, 2024.
Services Offered
Litigation and Dispute Resolution: Jackson Walker has the resources and experience to represent clients in initiating or defending actions within the Texas Business Courts. This includes filing initial complaints, preparing legal briefs to transfer cases filed in Texas district court to the Texas Business Courts, and managing all aspects of litigation from discovery to trial.
Advisory Services: The firm can provide strategic advice on whether a particular dispute is suitable for the Texas Business Courts, considering the jurisdictional requirements and the nature of the claims involved. This includes advising on the potential benefits of having a case heard in these specialized courts.
Forum Selection Clauses: Jackson Walker assists clients in drafting and incorporating forum selection clauses in their contracts and governing documents to ensure that any future disputes are resolved in the Texas Business Courts. This proactive measure provides clients with a predictable and efficient forum for resolving business disputes.
Appeals: The firm is also prepared to handle appeals from the Texas Business Courts to the Fifteenth Court of Appeals, leveraging our appellate expertise to advocate for clientsâ interests effectively.
November 18, 2025
Insights
Texas Supreme Court Reinforces Limits on Individual Shareholder Claims
By Chris Bankler
The Texas Supreme Court issued a significant clarification on when shareholders may sue individually rather than derivatively for breach of fiduciary duty. In its opinion issued on November 14, 2025, in In re UMTH General Services, L.P., the Texas Supreme Court resoundingly rejected efforts by shareholders to transform fiduciary duties owed to the company into individual shareholder claims for breach of fiduciary duty.
November 11, 2025
Insights
Texas Business Court Rejects Delaware-Style Veil Piercing, Enforces Texasâ Statutory Standard
By Chris Bankler
The Texas Business Court continues to show it will enforce statutory limits on entity liability and scrutinize early pleadings under Rule 91a. Judge Brian Stagnerâs opinion in Lensabl hits three issues that frequently arise: (1) veil piercing, (2) attempts to impose personal contract liability on an owner, and (3) fraud based on pre-closing representations.
October 29, 2025
Insights
Texas: One Year In | Law360
For Law360âs Expert Analysis series, Chris Bankler focuses on what makes the Texas Business Court unique after its first 12 months.
When the Texas Legislature enacted H.B. 19 in 2023, it did more than create a new court â it attempted to reimagine how business disputes are resolved in Americaâs fastest-growing economy. The Texas Business Court was born from a recognition that commercial litigation in the state had become both fragmented and often unpredictable. This court was designed to fix that problem, offering speed, consistency and expertise for complex business cases while staying true to Texasâ core legal values: contractual freedom and the right to a jury trial.
October 21, 2025
Insights
Texas Business Court Tightens the Discovery Rule: Inquiry Notice Starts the Clock in Fraud Cases
By Chris Bankler
The Texas Business Court is quickly establishing itself as a venue where commercial sophistication is both expected and enforced. In Riverside Strategic Capital Fund I v. CLG Investments, Judge Bill Whitehill granted summary judgment for the defendants and held that Riversideâs fraud claims were time-barred.
September 10, 2025
Spotlight
Jackson Walker Sets the Pace in Texas Business Courtsâ First Year
Since the Texas Business Courts launched last September, Jackson Walker has quickly established itself as one of the leading firms for high-stakes commercial litigation in this new forum. In just one year, the firm has become a top choice for parties navigating complex business disputes across the courtâs five active divisions.
May 23, 2025
Mentions
Byron Egan Featured in Texas Law Magazine for Pioneering Role in Texas Business Court
Jackson Walker partner Byron F. Egan is featured in the Spring 2025 issue of Texas Law Magazine in the article. The feature highlights Eganâs instrumental role in the creation of the Texas Business Court, a significant development that is poised to elevate Texasâ standing as a premier destination for business and finance.
April 4, 2025
Insights
Texas Business Court Upholds Fiduciary Duty Waivers and Clarifies Limits on Partnership Agreement Provisions
By Chris Bankler
Only six months into a complicated partnership dispute, the Business Court of Texas, 1st Division, issued a thorough summary judgment opinion and order in the case of Primexx Energy Opportunity Fund, LP v. Primexx Energy Corporation, et al.
January 9, 2025
Insights
The Business Court of Texas Issues Key Opinions on Jurisdiction
By Chris Bankler
The Business Court of Texas, established on September 1, 2024, has issued its first round of major opinions. These rulings, authored by judges across its divisions, largely address jurisdictional questions stemming from the Business Courtâs enabling legislation.
October 11, 2024
Speaking Engagements
Byron Egan to Discuss the Texas Business Courts at Director-Executive Summit
Jackson Walker Dallas partner Byron F. Egan will be a featured panelist at the inaugural Director-Executive Summit hosted by The University of Texas School of Law and McCombs School of Business on November 14-15, 2024.
July 29, 2024
Mentions
Byron Egan Quoted in âFinancial Timesâ About Texas Business Courts
Jackson Walker partner Byron F. Egan was featured in a Financial Times article discussing Texas Business Courts, highlighting Texas’s success in attracting businesses through lower taxes and regulations.
Q: What are the Texas Business Courts?
A: The Texas Business Courts are a new system of specialty trial courts established to handle complex business disputes. The Texas Legislature created the courts through House Bill 19 (HB 19) and Senate Bill 1045 (SB 1045) and became operational for actions commenced on or after September 1, 2024.
Q: Where are the Texas Business Courts located?
A: Initially, the Texas Business Courts are established in major metropolitan areas, including Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, Fort Worth, and Houston. There are plans to expand to other regions in the future.
Q: What types of cases do the Texas Business Courts handle?
A: The Texas Business Courts handle a wide range of business disputes, including contract disputes, fiduciary duty claims, corporate governance issues, derivative proceedings, and securities claims. The courts have jurisdiction over cases where the amount in controversy exceeds $5 million or $10 million, depending on the nature of the case.
Q: Are there any cases that the Texas Business Courts do not handle?
A: Yes, the Texas Business Courts do not have jurisdiction over health care liability claims, claims for bodily injury or death, legal malpractice claims, and certain other specified claims such as those involving consumer transactions or insurance policies.
Q: Can cases be transferred to the Texas Business Courts from other courts?
A: Yes, cases that meet the jurisdictional criteria can be transferred to the Texas Business Courts from other Texas trial courts. There are specific procedures for filing cases directly in the Business Courts or moving cases from other courts.
Q: Are jury trials available in the Texas Business Courts?
A: Yes, parties in actions pending in the Business Courts have the right to a trial by jury when required by the constitution.
Q: Who appoints the judges for the Texas Business Courts?
A: Judges for the Texas Business Courts are appointed by the Governor of Texas with the advice and consent of the Senate. Judges are appointed for an initial term of two years and may be reappointed.
Q: How are appeals from the Texas Business Courts handled?
A: Appeals from the Texas Business Courts are heard by the newly created Fifteenth Court of Appeals, which has exclusive intermediate jurisdiction over such matters. This court is in Austin, Texas, and initially comprises a chief justice and four other justices.
Q: Will the Texas Business Courts issue written opinions?
A: Yes, judges in the Texas Business Courts are expected to issue written opinions explaining their decisions. This practice aims to enhance the predictability of legal issues and provide concrete guidance on corporate governance, fiduciary duties, and business transactions.
Q: Are there any special procedures for the Texas Business Courts?
A: Yes, the Texas Business Courts are creating streamlined procedures and enhanced case management techniques tailored to the unique needs of commercial litigation.
