Leadership

This site describes the efforts of citizens of Texas to restore balance and fairness to the Texas civil justice system. Leo E. Linbeck, Jr., Dick Weekley, Richard J. Trabulsi, Jr., Allan Shivers, Jr., Hugh Rice Kelly and Michael S. Stevens lead this organization. Founded on principles of solid research, grassroots advocacy and bi-partisan cooperation, more than a dozen tort reform measures have been enacted since 1995. These measures and the ongoing effort of Texans for Lawsuit Reform are defined on this site. TLR has also helped scrutinize the legal fees associated with the Texas tobacco settlement.

Recent News

The Firm

Wall Street Journal, June 18, 2008

If there's a moral in this week's felony settlement by class-action lawsuit giant Milberg Weiss, it's this: Prosecutors should keep digging into tort-bar practices. The details are even worse than the headlines.

Big Penalty Set for Law Firm, but Not a Trial

NY Times, June 17, 2008

The best-known shareholder law firm in the country agreed on Monday to pay $75 million to dodge a criminal trial, ending a seven-year investigation that tarnished the profession’s image.

Weiss Gets 30-Month Sentence Law Firm's Ability To Be Lead Counsel Allowed for Big Fees

Wall Street Journal, June 3, 2008

The career of one of the nation's most entrepreneurial, controversial, philanthropic and rich lawyers came to a close Monday, as Melvyn Weiss was sentenced to 30 months in prison for his role in a scheme in which he and his partners used kickbacks to gain an advantage in lucrative cases.

The TLR Story

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Michael S. Stevens

Michael Stevens is chairman of Michael Stevens Interests, Inc., a real estate development and management company, which he founded in 1981. Since its inception, the company has developed, acquired and managed over 84 real estate projects valued at over $580 million and representing over 10 million square feet of building area and over 10,000 apartment units. Currently, Michael Stevens Interests, Inc., and its affiliates employ over 150 people and own and manage more than 26 properties with over 4.2 million square feet of rental space and over 5,000 apartment units.

Hugh Rice Kelly

General Counsel of Texans for Lawsuit Reform and Retired Executive Vice President and General Counsel, Reliant Energy Hugh Rice Kelly was Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of Reliant Energy prior to his retirement in May 2003.

Allan Shivers, Jr.

Bud Shivers, born in San Antonio in 1946, grew up in Austin. He attended the Lawrenceville School and The University of Texas at Austin School of Business. Leaving the university in 1968 and after serving in the United States Coast Guard, he returned to Austin and embarked on a business career that has included founding and serving as chairman or board member of a solid waste business, real estate development company, savings and loan company, as well as a farming organization and a mineral royalty business.