Weekly Docket

This week on the Weekly Docket, Phil is joined by supervising attorney Chris Heald to unpack the legal risks behind an innocent-looking 5th grade water balloon tradition, reveal how a North Korean laptop farm operated from a quiet American neighborhood, and explain how executor fees really work in Texas probate cases. They also explain how to decode confusing statutes and share contractor nightmare stories every homeowner should he...

This week on the Weekly Docket, Phil is joined by supervising attorney Chris to discuss the legal fallout from the Texas Renaissance Festival owner’s death amid a forced property sale. We dive into the sweeping tax changes in the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” explore what happens legally when an LLC member dies, and call out shady dealership service fees. Don’t miss this mix of probate drama, business law insights, and consumer protect...

This week on the Weekly Docket, Phil and Chris dive into the headline-grabbing court order forcing the sale of the Texas Renaissance Festival. They explain the concept of specific performance in Texas real estate law and why this is not just about tents and turkey legs but a multimillion-dollar business deal gone sideways. In the Legal Questions segment, Chris offers guidance on the best and worst ways to disinherit your children, ...

This week on the Weekly Docket, Phil and Chris dive into Texas’s headline-grabbing $1 billion school voucher law and its potential to reshape public education. They walk through the legal roadmap of eminent domain in Texas, breaking down what really happens when the government comes for your land. In the Rant and Rave section of the show, they unpack the turmoil inside big law firms, where post-pandemic hiring surges have turned in...

This week on the Weekly Docket, Phil and Chris unpack a dramatic court decision impacting Houston's SBISD elections and explore a church lawsuit over control and transparency at Second Baptist. They break down what qualifies as a real estate fixture--hint: not all solar panels are created equal. Additionally, they examine the shocking drop in Texas migration numbers. Plus, they discuss the implications of at-large voting syste...

In Episode 67 of the Weekly Docket, Phil and Chris break down viral TikTok scams about dodging tariffs, share a firm story of shipping laptops overseas, and warn about the risks of cheap online goods. Legal questions this week tackle what to do when your tenant buries someone in the yard and the practicality of managing multiple series in a Series LLC. Finally, the hosts dive into the harsh realities of law firm startups, the chall...

In Episode 66 of the Weekly Docket, we announce Chris Heald as the new co-host and congratulate Austin Black on launching his own firm. We discuss State Senator Mayes Middleton’s run for Texas Attorney General and analyze Ken Paxton’s Senate ambitions. Legal questions this week include why luxury cars often have Montana plates and whether a will can be probated in Texas after four years. Plus, we break down misleading social media ...

Episode 65 of the Weekly Docket features a blast from the past as we discuss recent changes to federal showerhead regulations and how Trump’s rollback impacts your morning routine. Then, we dive into a grab bag of legal questions from our inbox—ranging from estate planning basics and selling a small business to Texas eviction notices and real estate closing headaches. We also talk about when and how to get a power of attorney. Tune...

In this episode of the Weekly Docket, hosts Phil Silberman and Austin Black dive into the Texas Attorney General’s investigation into a Muslim development accused of implementing Sharia law. They also explore the legal questions surrounding hotel liability after a country music star’s jewelry went missing and discuss whether offers of admission are binding contracts. Finally, the hosts debate pedestrian safety—should you walk with ...

Episode 62 covers big Texas legal news as the Senate pushes to ban synthetic THC products, risking thousands of jobs and billions in tax revenue. We break down Trump’s controversial use of the Alien Enemies Act to deport Venezuelan gang members and explore a key Texas homestead protection issue—can lenders dodge the law with tricky paperwork? Plus, we rant about the American Heart Association’s baffling opposition to banning junk f...

In this episode of The Weekly Docket, we dive into the legal implications of a green card holder’s controversial arrest. Plus, we explore a surprising discovery—a deer hunter stumbles upon a mammoth tusk in Texas, but can he legally keep it? In our real estate segment, we debunk a common misconception about county appraisal district records and explain some strategies for keeping ownership records anonymous. Finally, we discuss whe...

This week on The Weekly Docket, we dive into Texas’ latest legal shakeups, including a proposed law making it a felony to misrepresent gender identity and a potential statewide ban on hemp-derived THC products. We also answer key legal questions about the difference between notary acknowledgments and jurats, as well as when to use a small estate affidavit in Texas. Plus, we break down the dramatic 80% drop in border apprehensions a...

In this episode of The Weekly Docket, hosts Phil Silberman and Austin Black discuss a new rule in Texas allowing licensed paralegal professionals to provide limited legal services—will this improve access to justice or lead to legal disasters? We also break down Elon Musk’s $3,000-per-hour attorney, Alex Spiro, and explore the risks of registering domain names that include big brand trademarks. Plus, can you sue your home inspector...

In this episode of The Weekly Docket, hosts Phil Silberman and Austin Black dive into the legal controversy surrounding the Texas Lottery, where a class-action lawsuit alleges fraud in a multimillion-dollar jackpot. They also discuss the Texas Supreme Court’s deliberations on whether power companies can be held liable for the devastating 2021 winter storm blackouts. In the legal Q&A segment, the hosts explain spousal homestead ...

In this week’s Weekly Docket, we dive into Kanye West’s shocking Super Bowl ad and explore the law surrounding Swastika displays. Plus, President Trump orders an end to penny production—will Congress go along? We also break down a lawsuit where a student claims his school district let him graduate without learning to read. In other headlines, Sean “Diddy” Combs sues NBC for defamation, the DOJ drops corruption charges against NYC M...

In this episode of The Weekly Docket, we break down Texas Senate Bill 2 and its potential impact on school choice, examine whether a president can legally shut down USAID, and answer pressing legal questions, including gating off neighborhoods in Houston and protecting assets after a judgment. Plus, we discuss a violent post-game incident between Memorial and Stratford High School students that could carry serious criminal charges....

In this episode of The Weekly Docket, we discuss Texas' proposed Bitcoin reserve and the potential risks and benefits of the state holding cryptocurrency as an asset. We also break down Trump's plan to terminate more federal employees and just why firing government employees is so difficult. We'll examine the legal framework surrounding drone use in Texas, including privacy laws and FAA regulations. Plus, we dive int...

In Episode 54 of The Weekly Docket, Phil Silberman and Austin Black unpack the legal implications of President Trump’s executive order targeting birthright citizenship and the Supreme Court’s potential role. Learn why one-page business agreements might put your deal at risk, and discover the strict interest rate limits on loans in Texas. Finally, a deep dive into preemptive presidential pardons, including the Biden family and Dr. F...