Court Opinion

ID: 4059469
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2016-09-29 19:32:36.310173+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T14:31:53.579628
License: Public Domain

ACCEPTED
                                                                                                                                         12-15-00219-CV
                                                                                                                            TWELFTH COURT OF APPEALS
Appellate Docket Number: 12-15-00219-CV                                                                                                   TYLER, TEXAS
                                                                                                                                    9/11/2015 3:12:52 PM
                                                                                                                                               Pam Estes
Appellate Case Style:         MJS and Associates, L.L.C.                                                                                          CLERK

                        Vs.
                              Judy Master, RN and Matthew Master

Companion Case No.:
                                                                                                                   FILED IN
                                                                                                            12th COURT OF APPEALS
                                                                                                                 TYLER, TEXAS
                                                                                                            9/11/2015 3:12:52 PM
Amended/corrected statement:                        DOCKETING STATEMENT (Civil)                                    PAM ESTES
                                                                                                                     Clerk
                                             Appellate Court:12th Court of Appeals
                                        (to be filed in the court of appeals upon perfection of appeal under TRAP 32)

I. Appellant                                                               II. Appellant Attorney(s)
   Person       Organization (choose one)                                          Lead Attorney
Organization Name: MJS and Associates, L.L.C.                              First Name:        Michelle
First Name:                                                                Middle Name: R.
Middle Name:                                                               Last Name:         Meriam
Last Name:                                                                 Suffix:
Suffix:                                                                    Law Firm Name: Ware Jackson Lee O'Neill Smith & Barrow, LLP

Pro Se:                                                                    Address 1:         2929 Allen Parkway, 39th Floor
                                                                           Address 2:
                                                                           City:              Houston
                                                                           State:     Texas                        Zip+4:   77019-7100
                                                                           Telephone:         (713) 659-6400            ext.
                                                                           Fax:       (713) 659-6262
                                                                           Email:     michellemeriam@warejackson.com
                                                                           SBN:       24063871

I. Appellant                                                               II. Appellant Attorney(s)
   Person       Organization (choose one)                                          Lead Attorney
Organization Name: MJS and Associates, L.L.C.                              First Name:        Timothy
First Name:                                                                Middle Name: F.
Middle Name:                                                               Last Name:         Lee
Last Name:                                                                 Suffix:
Suffix:                                                                    Law Firm Name: Ware Jackson Lee O'Neill Smith & Barrow, LLP

Pro Se:                                                                    Address 1:         2929 Allen Parkway, 39th Floor
                                                                           Address 2:

                                                                Page 1 of 11
                                                         City:              Houston
                                                         State:     Texas                     Zip+4:   77019-7100
                                                         Telephone:         (713) 659-6400          ext.
                                                         Fax:       (713) 659-6262
                                                         Email:     timlee@warejackson.com
                                                         SBN:       12139500

I. Appellant                                             II. Appellant Attorney(s)
   Person      Organization (choose one)                         Lead Attorney
Organization Name: MJS and Associates, L.L.C.            First Name:        Russell
First Name:                                              Middle Name: R.
Middle Name:                                             Last Name:         Smith
Last Name:                                               Suffix:
Suffix:                                                  Law Firm Name: Fairchild, Price, Haley & Smith, LLP

Pro Se:                                                  Address 1:         P.O. Drawer 631668
                                                         Address 2:
                                                         City:              Nacogdoches
                                                         State:     Texas                     Zip+4:   75963
                                                         Telephone:         (936) 569-2327          ext.
                                                         Fax:       (936) 569-7932
                                                         Email:     rsmith@fairchildlawfirm.com
                                                         SBN:       18682310

I. Appellant                                             II. Appellant Attorney(s)
   Person      Organization (choose one)                         Lead Attorney
Organization Name:                                       First Name:        Mark
First Name:    MJS and Associates, L.L.C.                Middle Name:
Middle Name:                                             Last Name:         Kennedy
Last Name:                                               Suffix:
Suffix:                                                  Law Firm Name: Kennedy Attorneys & Counselors at Law

Pro Se:                                                  Address 1:         12222 Merit Drive, Suite 1750
                                                         Address 2:
                                                         City:              Dallas
                                                         State:     Texas                     Zip+4:   75251
                                                         Telephone:         (214) 445-0740          ext.
                                                         Fax:       (972) 661-9320
                                                         Email:     mark@markkennedylaw.com
                                                         SBN:       24000122

                                                Page 2 of 11
I. Appellant                                             II. Appellant Attorney(s)
   Person       Organization (choose one)                        Lead Attorney
Organization Name: MJS and Associates, L.L.C.            First Name:        Joanna
First Name:                                              Middle Name:
Middle Name:                                             Last Name:         Martin
Last Name:                                               Suffix:
Suffix:                                                  Law Firm Name: Kennedy Attorneys & Counselors at Law

Pro Se:                                                  Address 1:         12222 Merit Drive, Suite 1750
                                                         Address 2:
                                                         City:              Dallas
                                                         State:     Texas                      Zip+4:   75251
                                                         Telephone:         (214) 445-0740          ext.
                                                         Fax:       (972) 661-9320
                                                         Email:     joanna@markkennedylaw.com
                                                         SBN:       24072153

III. Appellee                                            IV. Appellee Attorney(s)
    Person      Organization (choose one)                        Lead Attorney
                                                         First Name:        Travis
First Name:     Judy                                     Middle Name: P.
Middle Name:                                             Last Name:         Clardy
Last Name:      Master                                   Suffix:    II.
Suffix:                                                  Law Firm Name: Kelly, Hart & Hallman
Pro Se:                                                  Address 1:         209 E. Main St.
                                                         Address 2:         P.O.. Box 635426
                                                         City:              Nacogdoches
                                                         State:     Texas                      Zip+4:   75961
                                                         Telephone:         (936) 564-2500          ext.
                                                         Fax:       (936) 564-2500
                                                         Email:     travis.clardy@kellyhart.com
                                                         SBN:       04268020

III. Appellee                                            IV. Appellee Attorney(s)
    Person      Organization (choose one)                        Lead Attorney
                                                         First Name:        Jerry
First Name:     Judy                                     Middle Name:
Middle Name:                                             Last Name:         Baker
Last Name:      Master                                   Suffix:

                                                Page 3 of 11
Suffix:                                              Law Firm Name: Kelly, Hart & Hallman
Pro Se:                                              Address 1:         209 E. Main St.
                                                     Address 2:         P.O. Box 635426
                                                     City:              Nacogdoches
                                                     State:     Texas                       Zip+4:   75961
                                                     Telephone:         (936) 564-2500           ext.
                                                     Fax:       (936) 564-2507
                                                     Email:     jerry.baker@kellyhart.com
                                                     SBN:       24026776

III. Appellee                                        IV. Appellee Attorney(s)
    Person      Organization (choose one)                    Lead Attorney
                                                     First Name:        Travis
First Name:     Matthew                              Middle Name: P.
Middle Name:                                         Last Name:         Clardy
Last Name:      Master                               Suffix:
Suffix:                                              Law Firm Name: Kelly, Hart & Hallman
Pro Se:                                              Address 1:         209 E. Main St.
                                                     Address 2:         P. O. Box 635426
                                                     City:              Nacogdoches
                                                     State:     Texas                       Zip+4:   75961
                                                     Telephone:         (936) 564-2500           ext.
                                                     Fax:       (936) 564-2507
                                                     Email:     travis.clardy@kellyhart.com
                                                     SBN:       04268020

III. Appellee                                        IV. Appellee Attorney(s)
    Person      Organization (choose one)                    Lead Attorney
                                                     First Name:        Jerry
First Name:     Matthew                              Middle Name:
Middle Name:                                         Last Name:         Baker
Last Name:      Master                               Suffix:
Suffix:                                              Law Firm Name: Kelly, Hart & Hallman
Pro Se:                                              Address 1:         209 E. Main St.
                                                     Address 2:         P. O. Box 635426
                                                     City:              Nacogdoches
                                                     State:     Texas                       Zip+4:   75961
                                                     Telephone:         (936) 564-2500           ext.
                                                     Fax:       (936) 564-2507
                                                     Email:     jerry.baker@kellyhart.com
                                                     SBN:       24026776

                                            Page 4 of 11
V. Perfection Of Appeal And Jurisdiction

Nature of Case (Subject matter or type of case): Contract

Date order or judgment signed: June 8, 2015                              Type of judgment: Summary Judgment
Date notice of appeal filed in trial court: September 2, 2015
If mailed to the trial court clerk, also give the date mailed:
Interlocutory appeal of appealable order:        Yes      No
If yes, please specify statutory or other basis on which interlocutory order is appealable (See TRAP 28):

Accelerated appeal (See TRAP 28):                Yes     No
If yes, please specify statutory or other basis on which appeal is accelerated:

Parental Termination or Child Protection? (See TRAP 28.4):              Yes        No

Permissive? (See TRAP 28.3):                      Yes       No
If yes, please specify statutory or other basis for such status:

Agreed? (See TRAP 28.2):                           Yes      No
If yes, please specify statutory or other basis for such status:

Appeal should receive precedence, preference, or priority under statute or rule:              Yes       No
If yes, please specify statutory or other basis for such status:

Does this case involve an amount under $100,000?             Yes        No
Judgment or order disposes of all parties and issues:        Yes        No
Appeal from final judgment:                                  Yes         No
Does the appeal involve the constitutionality or the validity of a statute, rule, or ordinance?          Yes   No

VI. Actions Extending Time To Perfect Appeal

Motion for New Trial:                   Yes        No               If yes, date filed:
Motion to Modify Judgment:              Yes        No               If yes, date filed: June 24, 2015
Request for Findings of Fact            Yes       No                If yes, date filed:
and Conclusions of Law:
                                       Yes        No                If yes, date filed:
Motion to Reinstate:
                                        Yes       No                If yes, date filed:
Motion under TRCP 306a:
Other:                                  Yes       No
If other, please specify:

VII. Indigency Of Party: (Attach file-stamped copy of affidavit, and extension motion if filed.)

Affidavit filed in trial court:        Yes        No               If yes, date filed:

Contest filed in trial court:          Yes        No               If yes, date filed:

Date ruling on contest due:

Ruling on contest:       Sustained            Overruled            Date of ruling:

                                                                    Page 5 of 10
VIII. Bankruptcy

Has any party to the court's judgment filed for protection in bankruptcy which might affect this appeal?         Yes         No
If yes, please attach a copy of the petition.

Date bankruptcy filed:                                           Bankruptcy Case Number:

IX. Trial Court And Record

Court:     145th District Court                                       Clerk's Record:
County: Nacogdoches                                                   Trial Court Clerk:        District   County
Trial Court Docket Number (Cause No.): C1127910                       Was clerk's record requested?        Yes          No
                                                                      If yes, date requested: September 2, 2015
Trial Judge (who tried or disposed of case):                          If no, date it will be requested:
First Name:       Campbell                                            Were payment arrangements made with clerk?
Middle Name:                                                                                                      Yes      No     Indigent
Last Name:        Cox
                                                                      (Note: No request required under TRAP 34.5(a),(b))
Suffix:   II.
Address 1:         101 W. Main, Suite 220
Address 2 :
City:              Nacogdoches
State:    Texas                       Zip + 4: 75961
Telephone:      (936) 560-7799          ext.
Fax:      (936) 560-7826
Email:

Reporter's or Recorder's Record:

Is there a reporter's record?             Yes     No
Was reporter's record requested?          Yes    No

Was there a reporter's record electronically recorded?    Yes       No
If yes, date requested: September 2, 2015

If no, date it will be requested:
Were payment arrangements made with the court reporter/court recorder?          Yes      No     Indigent

                                                                Page 6 of 10
   Court Reporter                               Court Recorder
   Official                                     Substitute

First Name:       Candace
Middle Name:
Last Name:        Parke
Suffix:
Address 1:        101 W. Main, Suite 223
Address 2:
City:             Nacogdoches
State:    Texas                        Zip + 4: 75961
Telephone:     (936) 560-7799            ext.
Fax:      (936) 560-7826
Email: c.parke@co.nacogdoches.tx.us

X. Supersedeas Bond
Supersedeas bond filed:        Yes       No       If yes, date filed:

Will file:    Yes         No

XI. Extraordinary Relief

Will you request extraordinary relief (e.g. temporary or ancillary relief) from this Court?              Yes       No
If yes, briefly state the basis for your request:

XII. Alternative Dispute Resolution/Mediation (Complete section if filing in the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th,
or 14th Court of Appeal)
Should this appeal be referred to mediation?
                                                             Yes        No

If no, please specify:The parties have already scheduled mediation, at the trial court's suggestion, for October 20, 2015.
Has the case been through an ADR procedure?               Yes           No
If yes, who was the mediator?
What type of ADR procedure?
At what stage did the case go through ADR?              Pre-Trial            Post-Trial   Other

If other, please specify:

Type of case? breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, misappropriation of confidential information
Give a brief description of the issue to be raised on appeal, the relief sought, and the applicable standard for review, if known (without
prejudice to the right to raise additional issues or request additional relief):
Whether a party may use a client's confidential information in a qui tam action for personal gain; de novo standard of review; reversal of summary
judgment and remand for jury trial

How was the case disposed of?        Summary Judgment
Summary of relief granted, including amount of money judgment, and if any, damages awarded. plaintiff's claims dismissed
If money judgment, what was the amount? Actual damages:
Punitive (or similar) damages:

                                                                        Page 8 of 11
Attorney's fees (trial):
Attorney's fees (appellate):
Other:
If other, please specify:

Will you challenge this Court's jurisdiction?        Yes      No
Does judgment have language that one or more parties "take nothing"?          Yes       No
Does judgment have a Mother Hubbard clause?         Yes       No
Other basis for finality?
Rate the complexity of the case (use 1 for least and 5 for most complex):       1      2      3         4   5
Please make my answer to the preceding questions known to other parties in this case.             Yes       No
Can the parties agree on an appellate mediator?      Yes      No
If yes, please give name, address, telephone, fax and email address:
Name                            Address                     Telephone                      Fax                       Email

Languages other than English in which the mediator should be proficient:
Name of person filing out mediation section of docketing statement:     Michelle R. Meriam

XIII. Related Matters
List any pending or past related appeals before this or any other Texas appellate court by court, docket number, and style.

Docket Number:                                                                 Trial Court:

  Style:

     Vs.

                                                              Page 8 of 10
XIV. Pro Bono Program: (Complete section if filing in the 1st, 3rd, 5th, or 14th Courts of Appeals)
The Courts of Appeals listed above, in conjunction with the State Bar of Texas Appellate Section Pro Bono Committee and local Bar
Associations, are conducting a program to place a limited number of civil appeals with appellate counsel who will represent the appellant in
the appeal before this Court.

The Pro Bono Committee is solely responsible for screening and selecting the civil cases for inclusion in the Program based upon a number of
discretionary criteria, including the financial means of the appellant or appellee. If a case is selected by the Committee, and can be matched
with appellate counsel, that counsel will take over representation of the appellant or appellee without charging legal fees. More information
regarding this program can be found in the Pro Bono Program Pamphlet available in paper form at the Clerk's Office or on the Internet at
www.tex-app.org. If your case is selected and matched with a volunteer lawyer, you will receive a letter from the Pro Bono Committee within
thirty (30) to forty-five (45) days after submitting this Docketing Statement.
Note: there is no guarantee that if you submit your case for possible inclusion in the Pro Bono Program, the Pro Bono Committee will select
your case and that pro bono counsel can be found to represent you. Accordingly, you should not forego seeking other counsel to represent you
in this proceeding. By signing your name below, you are authorizing the Pro Bono committee to transmit publicly available facts and
information about your case, including parties and background, through selected Internet sites and Listserv to its pool of volunteer appellate
attorneys.
Do you want this case to be considered for inclusion in the Pro Bono Program?                   Yes      No

Do you authorize the Pro Bono Committee to contact your trial counsel of record in this matter to answer questions the committee may have
regarding the appeal?      Yes   No

Please note that any such conversations would be maintained as confidential by the Pro Bono Committee and the information used solely for
the purposes of considering the case for inclusion in the Pro Bono Program.

If you have not previously filed an affidavit of Indigency and attached a file-stamped copy of that affidavit, does your income exceed 200% of
the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Poverty Guidelines?                Yes       No

These guidelines can be found in the Pro Bono Program Pamphlet as well as on the internet at http://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty/06poverty.shtml.

Are you willing to disclose your financial circumstances to the Pro Bono Committee?        Yes       No
If yes, please attach an Affidavit of Indigency completed and executed by the appellant or appellee. Sample forms may be found in the Clerk's
Office or on the internet at http://www.tex-app.org. Your participation in the Pro Bono Program may be conditioned upon your execution of
an affidavit under oath as to your financial circumstances.

Give a brief description of the issues to be raised on appeal, the relief sought, and the applicable standard of review, if known (without
prejudice to the right to raise additional issues or request additional relief; use a separate attachment, if necessary).

XV. Signature

Signature of counsel (or pro se party)                                                    Date:            September 10, 2015

Printed Name: Michelle R. Meriam                                                          State Bar No.:   24063871

Electronic Signature: /s/ Michelle R. Meriam
    (Optional)

                                                               Page 9 of 11
XVI. Certificate of Service

The undersigned counsel certifies that this docketing statement has been served on the following lead counsel for all parties to the trial
court's order or judgment as follows on September 10, 2015 .

Signature of counsel (or pro se party)                                   Electronic Signature: /s/ Michelle R. Meriam
                                                                                (Optional)

                                                                         State Bar No.:      24063871
Person Served
Certificate of Service Requirements (TRAP 9.5(e)): A certificate of service must be signed by the person who made the service and must
state:
                           (1) the date and manner of service;
                           (2) the name and address of each person served, and
                           (3) if the person served is a party's attorney, the name of the party represented by that attorney

Please enter the following for each person served:

Date Served:      September 10, 2015
Manner Served: Email

First Name:       Travis

Middle Name: P.
Last Name:        Clardy
Suffix:
Law Firm Name: Kelly, Hart & Hallman
Address 1:        209 E. Main St.
Address 2:        P.O. Box 635426

City:             Nacogdoches
State     Texas                      Zip+4:    75961
 Telephone:       (936) 564-2500     ext.
Fax:      (936) 564-2507

Email:    travis.clardy@kellyhart.com

If Attorney, Representing Party's Name: Judy Master, RN and Matthew Master
Please enter the following for each person served:

                                                               Page 10 of 11
Date Served:      September 10, 2015
Manner Served: Email

First Name:       Jerry

Middle Name:
Last Name:        Baker
Suffix:
Law Firm Name: Kelly, Hart & Hallman
Address 1:        209 E. Main St.
Address 2:        P.O. Box 635426

City:             Nacogdoches
State     Texas                       Zip+4:   75961
Telephone:        (936) 564-2500    ext.
Fax:      (936) 564-2507

Email:    jerry.baker@kellyhart.com

If Attorney, Representing Party's Name: Judy Master, RN and Matthew Master

                                                         Page 11 of 11