In September 2024, Texas inaugurated its Business Court, a specialized forum designed to handle complex commercial disputes. Over the past year, the court has processed 185 cases across its five operational divisions, with the majority filed in Houston and Dallas. Specifically, the Eleventh Division in Houston received 79 cases, while the First Division in Dallas saw 52. The remaining cases were distributed among the divisions in Fort Worth, Austin, and San Antonio. ([nortonrosefulbright.com](https://www.nortonrosefulbright.com/en-us/knowledge/publications/e586f4d2/where-the-texas-business-court-stands-after-year-one?utm_source=openai))
The court’s establishment aimed to streamline high-stakes business litigation and alleviate the burden on traditional district courts. Judges have emphasized the court’s ability to provide individual attention to cases, offering more predictable trial schedules compared to typical district court dockets. This focus has been particularly beneficial given the complex nature of the disputes handled. ([citizenportal.ai](https://citizenportal.ai/articles/6451158/Texas/Texas-Business-Court-judges-report-first-year-caseload-and-operations?utm_source=openai))
A notable procedural development occurred when the Fifteenth Court of Appeals ruled that cases initiated before the Business Court’s inception on September 1, 2024, could not be transferred to it. This decision clarified the court’s jurisdictional boundaries and reinforced its role in handling newly filed complex business disputes. ([news.bloomberglaw.com](https://news.bloomberglaw.com/litigation/texas-business-court-unable-to-accept-cases-older-than-court?utm_source=openai))
Law firms have been actively engaging with the new court. Jackson Walker, for instance, represented parties in approximately 7.5% of the cases during the inaugural year, highlighting the firm’s commitment to navigating this specialized legal landscape. ([jw.com](https://www.jw.com/news/jackson-walker-texas-business-courts/?utm_source=openai))
As the Texas Business Court enters its second year, it continues to refine its procedures and expand its docket, solidifying its role as a pivotal institution for resolving complex commercial disputes in the state.