in Re SmithTex, LLP, Smith Properties, LLP, Steven F. Smith, Stuart N. R. Smith, and Norman L. Smith ( 2009 )

IN THE
TENTH COURT OF APPEALS
No. 10-09-00175-CV
IN RE SEVEN-O CORPORATION
_____________
No. 10-09-00183-CV
IN RE SMITHTEX, LLP, SMITH PROPERTIES, LLP,
STEVEN F. SMITH, STUART N. R. SMITH,
AND NORMAN L. SMITH
Original Proceedings
OPINION
In these two original proceedings for a writ of mandamus, the Relators allege
that the trial court abused its discretion in refusing to disqualify an attorney who is
representing both the plaintiffs and the third-party defendants in the underlying multi-
party lawsuit, which involves wrongful death, survival, and personal injury claims
arising out of a motor vehicle accident that occurred in August 2006 in Cass County.
Teenagers Elizabeth Pickens, David Pickens, Jonathan Demott, and Kate Massey
were returning to College Station from visiting family in Tennessee. They were
traveling southbound on US Highway 59 and stopped at the SmithTex Travelplex in
Atlanta, Texas. After the stop, the Dodge Stratus being driven by Elizabeth was exiting
the Travelplex parking area to re-enter Highway 59, which is adjacent to the Travelplex.
As Elizabeth was preparing to cross the northbound lanes of the highway to turn and
go south, a FedEx Ground truck being driven by Ivory Brown was in the northbound
outer lane and had either slowed or stopped to turn right into the Travelplex. As
Elizabeth pulled out of the parking lot to cross the two northbound lanes, a Tri-State
Delivery truck driven by Randall Selig was going northbound in the inner lane and
collided with the Dodge Stratus as it was crossing the northbound lanes. Elizabeth and
David Pickens and Jonathan Demott were killed, and Kate Massey was severely injured.
Elizabeth’s estate settled the claims of the other three victims and their families.
The suit was originally filed by attorney Paul W. Murphy on behalf of the
parents of Elizabeth and David Pickens and Jonathan Demott against Tri-State and
Selig. In Selig’s deposition, he testified that the FedEx truck came to a “dead stop” on
the highway just before the entrance to and parking lot of the Travelplex.1 In their first
amended petition, the plaintiffs added FedEx and its driver Brown as defendants,
alleging that Brown, by coming to a complete stop on the highway, negligently
obstructed the views of Selig and Elizabeth Pickens. The attorney of record for FedEx
was Burgain G. Hayes (who did not formally appear for Brown because the plaintiffs
1 Selig’s subsequent affidavit modifies his deposition testimony, stating: “To me, at the time, it appeared
that the Fed Ex truck had slowed to a stop as it was attempting to turn into the parking lot of the
SmithTex store. … I cannot state with reasonable certainty that the said Fed Ex truck came to a complete
stop at any time prior to the occurrence in question.”
In re Seven-O Corp. Page 2
did not serve Brown), who participated in several depositions in which he elicited
testimony implicating Elizabeth Pickens’s negligence as a cause of the crash. Hayes also
espoused a theory that the cause of the accident was the negligent design and
unreasonably dangerous condition of the SmithTex premises relating to traffic ingress
and egress.
The plaintiffs nonsuited FedEx and Brown with prejudice (apparently without
settlement) on August 6, 2008 and, in their second amended petition filed on August 8,
added Kate Massey (the lone survivor in the Dodge Stratus) as a plaintiff and Smithtex,
LLP and Seven-O Corporation as defendants.2 SmithTex, Smith Properties and the
Smith individuals own or operate the Travelplex, and Seven-O constructed the
Travelplex. The plaintiffs allege that Seven-O negligently designed and constructed the
Travelplex with respect to the traffic flow into and out of the Travelplex and its signage
relative to Highway 59; they sued SmithTex for premises liability relating to the
Travelplex’s traffic flow and signage posing an unreasonable risk of harm. In this time
frame, the plaintiffs settled with Tri-State and Selig, leaving Seven-O and SmithTex as
the remaining defendants.
On September 15, 2008, the plaintiffs filed a notice of appearance designating
Hayes, who had represented FedEx and Brown before the plaintiffs’ dismissal of them,
as their new lead counsel and attorney-in-charge. On October 15, Seven-O filed a third-
party petition against FedEx and Brown, asserting the same liability theories originally
2Smith Properties, LLP, Stuart N.R. Smith, Steven F. Smith, and Norman L. Smith were later added as
defendants. We hereafter refer to them and SmithTex collectively as SmithTex.
In re Seven-O Corp. Page 3
alleged by the plaintiffs against FedEx and Brown and asserting that FedEx and Brown
are or may be liable to the plaintiffs for the claims asserted by the plaintiffs against
Seven-O. Hayes, plaintiffs’ lead counsel, then appeared as Fed-Ex’s counsel and filed
an answer; he later appeared and answered for Brown. SmithTex filed a cross-action
against FedEx and Brown for contribution.
Seven-O and SmithTex filed motions to disqualify Hayes because he was
representing the plaintiffs and also FedEx and Brown, the third-party and cross-
defendants. In response, evidence that the plaintiffs, FedEx, and Brown (hereafter we
refer to FedEx and Brown collectively as FedEx) have consented to Hayes’s
representation of all of them was presented to the trial court.3 The sitting judge of the
361st District Court of Brazos County denied the motions to disqualify Hayes.
Seven-O and SmithTex, as Relators, complain that the Respondent trial judge
abused his discretion in refusing to disqualify Hayes and seek a writ of mandamus
directing Respondent to vacate his order denying the motions to disqualify and to enter
an appropriate order disqualifying Hayes because he cannot represent opposing parties
in the same litigation. We agree with Seven-O and SmithTex and will conditionally
grant the writs.
Standard of Review
“Disqualification is a severe remedy.” Spears v. Fourth Court of Appeals,
797 S.W.2d 654, 656 (Tex. 1990). It can result in immediate and palpable
harm, disrupt trial court proceedings, and deprive a party of the right to
3 Hayes’s affidavit states in pertinent part: “I believe that serving as counsel to both FedEx and the
Plaintiffs in the above-numbered cause of action will not materially affect my representation of either
client. … Finally, Plaintiffs, FedEx and Ivory Brown consented to my joint representation of them after
being provided the full disclosure of the advantages and disadvantages thereof.”
In re Seven-O Corp. Page 4
have counsel of choice. See Hoggard v. Snodgrass, 770 S.W.2d 577, 581 (Tex.
App.—Dallas 1989, orig. proceeding). In considering a motion to
disqualify, the trial court must strictly adhere to an exacting standard to
discourage a party from using the motion as a dilatory trial tactic. Spears,
797 S.W.2d at 656. This Court often looks to the disciplinary rules to
decide disqualification issues. [In re Meador, 968 S.W.2d 346, 350 (Tex.
1998)]. However, the disciplinary rules are merely guidelines—not
controlling standards—for disqualification motions. Meador, 968 S.W.2d
at 350.
In re Nitla S.A. de C.V., 92 S.W.3d 419, 422 (Tex. 2002) (orig. proceeding).
Issues involving attorney disqualification are appropriately reviewed for
mandamus relief. See, e.g., In re Basco, 221 S.W.3d 637, 639 (Tex. 2007) (orig.
proceeding); In re Roseland Oil & Gas, Inc., 68 S.W.3d 784, 786 (Tex. App.—Eastland
2001, orig. proceeding). We will grant mandamus relief if there has been an abuse of
discretion and the relator has no adequate remedy by appeal. In re Prudential Ins. Co.,
148 S.W.3d 124, 135-38 (Tex. 2004) (orig. proceeding). A trial court abuses its discretion
when it misapplies the law to the established facts of the case. Beaumont Bank, N.A. v.
Buller, 806 S.W.2d 223, 226 (Tex. 1991). “A trial court has no discretion to determine
what the law is or in applying the law to the facts and, consequently, the trial court’s
failure to analyze or apply the law correctly is an abuse of discretion.” In re American
Homestar of Lancaster, Inc., 50 S.W.3d 480, 483 (Tex. 2001). Even under the abuse-of-
discretion standard, we do not defer to the trial court on questions of law. See Perry
Homes v. Cull, 258 S.W.3d 580, 598 (Tex. 2008), cert. denied, 129 S. Ct. 952 (2009). Thus, on
questions of law or legal determinations made by the trial court, our review is de novo.
See Byram v. Scott, No. 03-07-00741-CV, 2009 WL 1896076, at *3 (Tex. App.—Austin July
1, 2009, no pet. h.); Moeller v. Blanc, 276 S.W.3d 656, 660-61 (Tex. App.—Dallas Dec. 30,
In re Seven-O Corp. Page 5
2008, pet. filed).
“When a trial court improperly denies a motion to disqualify opposing counsel,
there is no adequate relief by appeal.” Basco, 221 S.W.3d at 639 (citing Nat’l Med. Enters.,
Inc. v. Godbey, 924 S.W.2d 123, 133 (Tex. 1996)).
Standing
We first address the Real Parties’ (the plaintiffs and FedEx’s) contention that
Seven-O and SmithTex lack standing to challenge Hayes’s dual representation. It is
“primarily the responsibility of the lawyer undertaking the representation” to address
conflicts of interest, but “[i]n litigation, a court may raise the question when there is
reason to infer that the lawyer has neglected the responsibility.” TEX. DISCIPLINARY R.
PROF’L CONDUCT 1.06 cmt. 17, reprinted in TEX. GOV’T CODE ANN., tit. 2, subtit. G app. A
(Vernon 2005) (TEX. STATE BAR R. art. X, § 9). However, “[w]here the conflict is such as
clearly to call in question the fair or efficient administration of justice, opposing counsel
may properly raise the question.” Id. Here, Relators’ counsel have standing to properly
raise the question of Hayes’s role because it clearly calls into question the fair
administration of justice.
Opposing Parties
Our focus is first on Rule 1.06 of the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional
Conduct. That rule provides in part:
Rule 1.06. Conflict of Interest: General Rule
(a) A lawyer shall not represent opposing parties to the same litigation.
(b) In other situations and except to the extent permitted by paragraph (c),
In re Seven-O Corp. Page 6
a lawyer shall not represent a person if the representation of that person:
(1) involves a substantially related matter in which that person’s
interests are materially and directly adverse to the interests of
another client of the lawyer or the lawyer’s firm; or
(2) reasonably appears to be or become adversely limited by the
lawyer’s or law firm’s responsibilities to another client or to a third
person or by the lawyer’s or law firm’s own interests.
(c) A lawyer may represent a client in the circumstances described in (b) if:
(1) the lawyer reasonably believes the representation of each client
will not be materially affected; and
(2) each affected or potentially affected client consents to such
representation after full disclosure of the existence, nature,
implications, and possible adverse consequences of the common
representation and the advantages involved, if any. …
TEX. DISCIPLINARY R. PROF’L CONDUCT 1.06 (a-c).
The Relators’ principal contention is that Rule 1.06(a) mandates Hayes’s
disqualification because he is representing opposing parties in the same litigation. The
Real Parties contend that they are not opposing parties, that Rule 1.06(b) applies
instead, and that the parties’ consents control. In reviewing this rule, we apply
statutory construction principles, and statutory construction is a legal question that we
review de novo. See In re Caballero, 272 S.W.3d 595, 599 (Tex. 2008) (citing O'Quinn v.
State Bar of Tex., 763 S.W.2d 397, 399 (Tex. 1988) (instructing that “our disciplinary rules
should be treated like statutes”)).
The Real Parties—the plaintiffs and third-party defendant FedEx—contend that
they are not opposing parties because they have the same litigation strategy and
liability theory being espoused by Hayes, their common attorney. But having the same
litigation strategy and the same theory of liability is not the test for determining
In re Seven-O Corp. Page 7
whether parties are opposing.4 Cf. Roseland, 68 S.W.3d at 787 (stating the meaning of
adversity is “broader than being ‘on the same side of the suit’”).
The comments to Rule 1.06(a) set out the test for whether parties are opposing:
“The term ‘opposing parties’ as used in this Rule contemplates a situation where a
judgment favorable to one of the parties will directly impact unfavorably upon the
other party.” TEX. DISCIPLINARY R. PROF’L CONDUCT 1.06 cmt. 2. Rule 1.06(a) applies to
parties that are “actually directly adverse,” and representing one client is directly
adverse to another client when “’the lawyer’s … ability or willingness to consider,
recommend, or carry out a course of action will be or is reasonably likely to be
adversely affected by representing both clients.” In re Halter, No. 05-98-01164-CV, 1999
WL 667288, at *2 (Tex. App.—Dallas Aug. 27, 1999, orig. proceeding) (not designated for
publication) (citing and quoting TEX. DISCIPLINARY R. PROF’L CONDUCT 1.06 cmts. 3, 6).
“Adversity is a product of the likelihood of the risk and the seriousness of its
consequences.” Godbey, 924 S.W.2d at 132. “Where there is a small, yet serious risk, it is
enough for the parties to be considered ‘adverse.’” Roseland, 68 S.W.3d at 787. Under
traditional third-party practice, a third-party defendant is generally an opposing party
to the plaintiff, directly or indirectly, because a third-party defendant is or may be
4 Nor is the test subjective; it necessarily must be objective. Nothing in the disciplinary rules or in
relevant case law evinces a test based on the subjective view of the attorney at issue. See TEX.
DISCIPLINARY R. PROF’L CONDUCT 1.06 cmt. 6 (“The dual representation also is directly adverse if the
lawyer reasonably appears to be called upon to espouse adverse positions in the same matter or a related
matter.”) (emphasis added); id. cmt. 7 (“when a disinterested lawyer would conclude that the client should
not agree to the representation under the circumstances, the lawyer involved should not ask for such
agreement or provide representation on the basis of the client's consent”) (emphasis added); see also Tex.
Comm. on Prof’l Ethics, Op. 500, 58 TEX. B.J. 380 (1995) (applying disinterested-lawyer standard for
determining whether lawyer would conclude that client should not agree to dual representation);
Roseland, 68 S.W.3d at 787-88 (viewing claims and evidence objectively in finding that attorney should be
disqualified).
In re Seven-O Corp. Page 8
ultimately liable to the plaintiff for all or part of the plaintiff’s claim. See TEX. R. CIV. P.
38(a). “A third-party action under rule 38, including a claim for contribution, is not an
independent action, but is derivative of the plaintiff’s claim against the third-party
defendant.” Omega Contracting, Inc. v. Torres, 191 S.W.3d 828, 837 (Tex. App.—Fort
Worth 2006, no pet.).
We agree with the Relators that the plaintiffs and third-party defendant FedEx
are opposing parties and are “actually directly adverse.” See Halter, 1999 WL 667288, at
*2. In the event that Seven-O or SmithTex is found liable to the plaintiffs and the
plaintiffs are entitled to recover damages under section 33.012 of the Civil Practice and
Remedies Code, then the jury will apportion the percentage of responsibility for those
damages between Seven-O and FedEx and SmithTex and FedEx in a jury question
submitted under section 33.016. See TEX. CIV. PRAC. & REM. CODE ANN. §§ 33.012, 33.016
(Vernon 2008). Irrespective of the fact that both the plaintiffs and FedEx are collectively
pointing the liability finger at Seven-O and SmithTex, if the jury finds no liability
against Seven-O and SmithTex—an unfavorable result for the plaintiffs—then FedEx
obtains a favorable result. But if Seven-O or SmithTex is found liable—a favorable
result for the plaintiffs—but Seven-O or SmithTex is successful against FedEx as a
contribution defendant under section 33.016, then FedEx will be liable for a portion of
the plaintiffs’ damages, which is unfavorable to FedEx. Moreover, a greater damage
award favors the plaintiffs, but at the same time FedEx’s exposure is unfavorably
increased. And finally, if the jury finds that the accident was solely caused by the
negligence of Elizabeth Pickens, the driver, then the plaintiffs will have no recovery
In re Seven-O Corp. Page 9
because they settled with her estate; that result is unfavorable to the plaintiffs but
favorable to FedEx because it would have no exposure.
The plaintiffs and FedEx are “actually directly adverse” because Hayes’s ability
or willingness to consider, recommend, or carry out a course of action will be or is
reasonably likely to be adversely affected by representing both clients. See Halter, 1999
WL 667288, at *2. He cannot, for example, plead and zealously advocate Elizabeth
Pickens’s comparative negligence as an affirmative defense for FedEx, nor can he plead
and argue for FedEx the inferential rebuttal defensive theory of unavoidable accident
with respect to the drivers’ obstruction of view. 5 See Dillard v. Tex. Elec. Coop., 157
S.W.3d 429, 433 (Tex. 2006) (stating that unavoidable accident instruction informs jury it
may consider causes of occurrence other than negligence of parties, including causes
such as obstruction of view); see, e.g., Harris v. Vazquez, No. 03-07-00245-CV, 2008 WL
2309179 (Tex. App.—Austin June 5, 2008, no pet.) (jury found no liability on either
driver where trial court submitted unavoidable accident instruction because one driver
testified his view was obstructed); see also Bed, Bath & Beyond, Inc. v. Urista, 211 S.W.3d
753, 756 (Tex. 2006) (“The truth is, sometimes accidents are no one’s fault, and an
unavoidable accident instruction … simply explains to the jury that they are not
required to find someone at fault.”).
The trial court erred in its legal determination that the plaintiffs and FedEx are
5 Additionally problematic, according to the Relators, is that if FedEx is designated as a responsible third
party, Kate Massey, who was not a plaintiff when FedEx was dismissed with prejudice, may assert a
claim against it. See TEX. CIV. PRAC. & REM. CODE ANN. § 33.004(e) (Vernon 2008). In that situation, which
is not before us and thus not a basis for our decision, Hayes would be in the untenable position of
advising one client on whether to sue another client in the same suit.
In re Seven-O Corp. Page 10
not opposing parties. They are opposing parties under Rule 1.06(a), and they are
“actually directly adverse.” See TEX. DISCIPLINARY R. PROF’L CONDUCT 1.06(a) & cmt. 2;
Halter, 1999 WL 667288, at *2.
Common-Law Considerations
Relators also emphasize common-law considerations that apply to Hayes’s dual
representation of the plaintiffs and third-party defendants in the context of a jury trial
of a multi-party lawsuit. Those considerations include:
The appearance of impropriety (In re Hoar Constr., L.L.C., 256 S.W.3d 790, 798
(Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2008, orig. proceeding)).
The integrity of legal proceedings and fairness in the administration of justice (In
re Epic Holdings, Inc., 985 S.W.2d 41, 52 (Tex. 1998) (orig. proceeding); United Pac.
Ins. Co. v. Zardenetta, 661 S.W.2d 244, 248 (Tex. App.—San Antonio 1983, orig.
proceeding)).6
The pernicious effects of now-unlawful Mary Carter agreements, such as
skewing the trial process,7 misleading the jury, promoting collusion among
nominal adversaries, and creating the likelihood that a less culpable defendant
will be hit with the full judgment (Elbaor v. Smith, 845 S.W.2d 240, 249-50 (Tex.
6 While not a disqualification case and factually dissimilar, a 1966 opinion highlights the fundamental
problem with dual representation of opposing parties:
To require or even to permit an attorney or a firm of attorneys in open court, before a
jury, to undertake the representation of defendants having a conflicting interest is error,
regardless of how or who is responsible for this situation.
To have an attorney standing in open court before a jury and the public, who have a
right to be present, attempting to represent conflicting interests creates a situation which
should never occur under our adversary system of trying cases. Such a situation
discredits the legal profession, and lowers the dignity of the court. It should never be
permitted, even if agreeable to the adverse parties. Such a trial would be fundamentally
wrong and against the policy of the law.
J.W. Hill & Sons, Inc. v. Wilson, 399 S.W.2d 152, 154 (Tex. Civ. App.—San Antonio 1966, writ ref’d n.r.e.)
(citations omitted).
7 Hayes’s dual representation of the plaintiffs and the third-party defendants evokes Justice Spears’s
earlier concern about the distortion caused by Mary Carter agreements: “Jurors, unfamiliar with court
proceedings, come to court expecting to see a contest between the plaintiff and the defendants, but
instead see one of the defendants cooperating with the plaintiff or standing mute.” Scurlock Oil Co. v.
Smithwick, 724 S.W.2d 1, 9 (Tex. 1986) (Spears, J., concurring).
In re Seven-O Corp. Page 11
1992)).
These considerations are “compelling reasons” that further warrant Hayes’s
disqualification in the underlying case. See Keller Indus., Inc. v. Blanton, 804 S.W.2d 182,
185 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 1991, orig. proceeding).
Conclusion
We conditionally grant the petitions for writ of mandamus. The writs will issue
only if Respondent fails to advise this Court in writing within fourteen days after the
date of this opinion that he has vacated his May 27, 2009 order denying the motions to
disqualify Hayes and has entered an order granting the motions to disqualify Hayes.
Our stay of the underlying proceedings is lifted upon the trial court’s entry of the order
disqualifying Hayes.
REX D. DAVIS
Justice
Before Chief Justice Gray,
Justice Reyna, and
Justice Davis
Petitions conditionally granted
Opinion delivered and filed August 12, 2009
[OT06]
In re Seven-O Corp. Page 12