The Litigation Section of the State Bar of Texas has chosen Beaumont attorney Bob Black as its newest Texas Legal Legend. Black, a former State Bar president who practices as the managing shareholder in MehaffyWeber, will be inducted at a ceremony during the bar’s 2014 Annual Meeting in Austin.
Black has tried more than 50 cases to verdict, including some before the Texas Supreme Court and Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, according to a press release from the Litigation Section. He has mediated and arbitrated more than 4,000 cases, including one involving 30,000 asbestos claims, which he handled in just one year. Recently Black was an appeals panelist for 200 appeals concerning the Deepwater Horizon case.
“His thoughtful listening and ability to develop new approaches enable him to lead others toward resolution of strong differences without rancor,” the press release stated.
In addition to his impressive trial experience, Black also has been instrumental in educating the public and legal community about the positive work that lawyers do. As State Bar president in 2011-2012, he headed the award-winning project Oyez, Oyez, Oh Yay!, a civics education website for students and teachers that details important court cases.
The Litigation Section aims for its Texas Legal Legends initiative to “memorialize the stories of many legendary lawyers who have practiced in Texas, and to use those stories to enhance the public’s understanding of the historical importance of law students and lawyers to emulate Legends like Black by serving others and making a difference—not just a living.”
Black will be inducted at 10:30 a.m. June 27 at the Austin Convention Center, Room 15.
He joins other litigation giants who have been named Texas Legal Legends including Joe Jamail, Joe Reynolds, Harry Reasoner, Barbara Aldave, Carolyn Dineen King, Gibson Gayle Jr., L.A. Bedford, Jerry Goldstein, Adelfa B. Callejo, Broadus Spivey, Blackie Holmes, Craig Washington, Scott Baldwin, Royal Furgeson, and Forrest Bowers.