| Volume 77 Number 3 |
Subscribe to the Newsletter
Forward this news alert to your family and friends
Helpful Links
Texas Consumer Complaint Center
Credit Reports and Identity Theft
Your Guide to Small Claims Court
Contact Us
1-713-743-2168
The People’s Lawyer’s Tip of the Day
In today’s economy, more and more people are having trouble keeping up with their bills. This video provides help managing your finances, and explains how knowing the law gives you the flexibility you need to deal with creditors and debt collectors. Click here for more.
2012 Storm Season - Hurricane Guide
Hurricane season is here! Every storm season, it is important for you to make sure you're prepared for emergency. Whether the emergency comes in the form of power outages, downed trees, or damage to your home, there are steps you can take to protect yourself. Check out this hurricane preparedness guide! Click here for more.
AARP Warns of Gift Card Scam Email
AARP has issued a warning to group members about phony emails that appear to come from the organization, but are actually designed to collect sensitive personal information. According to the alert, the emails say that the individual has won a $1000 gift card. In order to "claim" the gift card, the individual must download an application, making the victim's computer vulnerable to hackers. If you receive an email like this, delete it and notify AARP. Click here for more.
Man Booted From Airline for Saggy Pants
Back in the day, flying was generally treated as an "event." In fact, many passengers would travel in formal attire. Today, the airline dress codes are much more relaxed. However, for one airline, a line still exists. Last week, Spirit Airlines removed a man and his travel companion from the airline for wearing "saggy pants." According to an airline representative, his pants were "excessively low" and thus inappropriate given the number of children on the plane. Did the airline make the right call? Click here for more.
Your Money
How long will my money last with systematic withdrawals? Click here for more.
For the Lawyers
Texas Supreme Court discusses calculation under Loadstar Method. Under Texas law, a claim for attorney’s fees under the Texas Commission on Human Rights Act is subject to the Lodestar method employed by federal courts. In a recent decision, the Texas Supreme Court reversed the standard of proof to recover such fees, noting, “While Texas courts have not routinely required billing records or other documentary evidence to substantiate a claim for attorney’s fees, the requirement has merit in contested cases under the lodestar approach.” The court continued, “When applying for a fee under the lodestar method, the applicant must provide sufficient details of the work performed before the court can make a meaningful review of the fee request. For the purposes of lodestar calculations, this evidence includes, at a minimum, documentation of the services performed, who performed them and at what hourly rate, when they were performed, and how much time the work required. Click here for more.