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 se…

In the very first episode of Property Desk, host Phil Silberman and co-host Robert Vernon break down the biggest stories in Texas residential real estate. They unpack the recent Newsweek article reporting a major housing market correction in Texas, discuss surprising new migration trends, and explain how inflation and federal economic policy are sh…

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 unpa…

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…

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 …

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 ca…

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 estat…

This week, Phil and Austin break down Texas’s HB 17 bill aiming to restrict foreign ownership of land, analyze the legal quirks of conditional bequests inspired by Netflix’s Life List, and sit down with Texas Senator Mayes Middleton to discuss school choice and banning junk food from SNAP benefits.By Philip Silberman

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…

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,…

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 exp…

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 af…

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 …

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 winte…

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 …

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 M…

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 i…

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…

In Episode 53 of the Weekly Docket, we dive into the FDA’s move to ban Red Dye No. 3, the Supreme Court's TikTok showdown, and Texas’s new age verification law for adult content. We also explore a listener's question about serving as a sibling's trustee and close with a tiny rant on Google’s Gemini AI.…

In Episode 52 of the Weekly Docket, Phil Silberman and Austin Black tackle the legal implications of X's new forum selection clause, Trump's ongoing sentencing saga, and the law governing the naming of places like the Gulf of Mexico. They also clarify whether small businesses need to file Beneficial Ownership Reports, discuss airline baggage fees, …

In Episode 51 of the Weekly Docket, we unpack the legal battle over the TikTok ban, including its national security and free speech implications, and President-elect Donald Trump's surprising intervention. We also answer 2024's most Googled legal questions, from the legality of barefoot driving to protecting your intellectual property with trademar…

In Episode 50 of the “Weekly Docket,” hosts Phil Silberman and Austin Black share practical legal resolutions to kick off the New Year. From revisiting your contracts and crafting a will to reviewing insurance policies, this special episode is packed with actionable advice for business owners and individuals alike. Tune in to learn how these resolu…

In Episode 49 of The Weekly Docket, hosts Phil Silberman and Austin Black tackle the Supreme Court Taking Up the TikTok ban, exploring national security and free speech implications. Learn the legalities of signing on someone else’s behalf, and how to protect your business from competition from a new neighbor. Finally, a lively discussion on Justic…

In Episode 48 of the Weekly Docket, we explore Texas' new law eliminating state vehicle inspections, dive into a shocking lawsuit against a chatbot company, and unravel the legality of putting Christmas lights on your car. Plus, we discuss how to identify property ownership and provide tips on navigating the real property records. Tune in for this …

In Episode 47 of the Weekly Docket, we unpack a pivotal Texas court decision blocking the enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act, the potential ban of THC products in Texas, and strategies for maintaining LLC ownership anonymity. We also address the business-friendly nuances of Texas's Franchise Tax. In our Rant & Rave segment, we dissect Jo…

In Episode 46 of the Weekly Docket, Phil Silberman and co-host Austin Black tackle a packed agenda. From HOA disputes involving unapproved patios and steep fines to questions about Transfer on Death Deeds and adding parents to property deeds, this episode explores the intricacies of property law. The hosts also discuss legal options for avoiding fo…

In Episode 45, Phil and Austin unravel "Operation Bear Claw," an outrageous insurance fraud involving staged bear attacks and luxury cars. Then, we dive into the Illinois Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Jussie Smollett’s conviction, exploring its legal nuances. Next, we tackle practical advice on buying and transferring mobile homes in Texas. …

In Episode 44 of the Weekly Docket, we dive into the key bills to watch in the upcoming Texas legislative session, including debates on school vouchers, property tax relief, and controversial measures on immigration and higher education. We also answer pressing real estate questions: How do you run a title search, and what’s the process for selling…

In this special episode of "The Weekly Docket," Phil Silberman and Austin Black break down the legal questions surrounding recent political developments. They explore what lies ahead for Donald Trump's criminal convictions, the legal stance on his classified document case, and the unique legal aspects of a president-elect facing sentencing. Tune in…

In this Halloween edition of the Weekly Docket, Phil Silberman and Austin Black discuss a Supreme Court ruling upholding Virginia’s voter purge, Alabama’s unusual ban on clergy costumes, and why Texas homeowners may not need a trust. They also tackle how to respond to a lawsuit in Texas and wrap up with a fun “Rant and Rave” on bizarre product disc…

In this special Q&A episode, Phil Silberman and Austin Black tackle both legal and personal questions that we all face. From decoding the mystery of wealth-building and the realities of buying a home, to navigating probate and understanding arbitration vs. mediation, this episode is full of straight talk and practical advice. Plus, the hosts offer …

In Episode 40 of the Weekly Docket, hosts Phil Silberman and Austin Black cover the latest legal news and answer listener questions. The FTC's new rule makes canceling subscriptions simpler, but why did it pass along party lines? Meanwhile, a Texas judge strikes down a law frequently used by the Texas Attorney General. Phil and Austin also dive int…

In this episode, we dive into Fort Worth's recent ban on game rooms and the ongoing legal debate over eight-liner machines. We also discuss the battle over giant skeleton decorations facing HOA restrictions, answer listener questions about adding a spouse to a deed and the importance of ink color in legal documents, and rant about skyrocketing prop…

In Episode 38 of the Weekly Docket, Phil Silberman and co-host Austin Black discuss Texas' failed lawsuit against the Biden administration's green card rule, a massive bologna seizure at the Texas border, and the new Texas Business Courts. They also explore who’s exempt from completing a seller’s disclosure in Texas real estate transactions. The gu…

In Episode 37 of the Weekly Docket, we cover the $48 million fine against one of the nation's largest landlords for alleged deceptive practices and the shocking indictment of NYC Mayor Eric Adams for bribery. In our legal questions segment, we explore how much you can sue a mover for lost or damaged property and the licensing requirements for hard …

Join Phil Silberman and Austin Black in Episode 36 of the ‘Weekly Docket’ as they break down the federal charges against Sean 'Diddy' Combs for sex trafficking and racketeering, sparking major legal and industry implications. Explore the Texas Education Commissioner’s push to ban cellphones in schools, raising questions about student safety and lea…

Join Phil Silberman and Austin Black for Episode 35 of the ‘Weekly Docket’ as they break down the legal complexities of managing an $800 million Mega Millions jackpot win in Texas, including staying anonymous, tax strategies, and financial planning. Learn about Texas’ new law giving parents more control over their kids' social media accounts, plus …

Join Phil Silberman and Austin Black in Episode 34 of the ‘Weekly Docket’ as they uncover the viral Chase Bank ATM glitch scandal that left users facing check fraud charges. Dive into the DOJ’s lawsuit against RealPage for allegedly fixing rent prices, and get answers to legal questions on when workers can claim workers' compensation in Texas and t…

Join Phil Silberman and Austin Black in Episode 33 of the ‘Weekly Docket’ as they explore Shein’s intense legal battle against Temu over copyright infringement and trade secret theft. They’ll also dive into the arrest of Telegram’s CEO, Pavel Durov, and its implications for free speech and platform accountability. We also answer legal questions abo…

Join Phil Silberman and Austin Black in Episode 32 of the 'Weekly Docket' as they dive into the latest legal news and debates. This week, we discuss a federal judge’s ruling blocking the FTC’s attempt to ban non-compete agreements and Elon Musk’s global free speech controversies igniting legal battles. We also answer key legal questions about how T…

Join Phil Silberman and Austin Black in Episode 31 of the ‘Weekly Docket’ as they discuss the tragic drowning of a CrossFit athlete during an event in Fort Worth, raising serious questions about liability and safety. Explore Meta's record-breaking $1.4 billion settlement with Texas over facial-recognition privacy violations. Get insights into how r…

Join Phil Silberman and Austin Black in Episode 30 of the ‘Weekly Docket’ as they dive into Nike's lawsuit against the renowned sneaker customizer, the Shoe Surgeon, for trademark infringement. Explore the implications of a federal judge's ruling that Google violated antitrust laws by maintaining a monopoly over online search markets. Get answers t…

​​Join Phil Silberman and Austin Black in Episode 29 of the ‘Weekly Docket’ as they dive into the health problems caused by Bitcoin mining in Texas and the legal implications under nuisance law. Explore the lawsuit between Warner’s TNT and the NBA over media rights contracts. Learn how digital assets are handled in estate planning in Texas, ensurin…

Join Phil Silberman and Austin Black in Episode 28 of the ‘Weekly Docket’ as they delve into the recent U.S. appeals court ruling that could redefine college athletes as employees, entitling them to labor protections. Explore the DOJ's scrutiny of real estate commission structures and the fairness of sports betting companies limiting successful gam…

Join Phil Silberman and Austin Black in Episode 27 of the ‘Weekly Docket’ as they discuss the installation of ammunition vending machines in Texas and other states, and examine the history of assassination attempts on U.S. Presidents, including the recent attempt on Donald Trump. Learn about the legal consequences of recording a fraudulent deed in …

Join Phil Silberman and Austin Black in Episode 26 of the ‘Weekly Docket’ as they discuss the recent fireworks mishap at a Utah stadium and the latest developments in the Alec Baldwin trial. Get insights on when a dog owner is liable for bites in Texas and the different types of mail services and their legal applications. Plus, a rant on the varyin…

Join Phil Silberman and Austin Black in Episode 25 of the ‘Weekly Docket’ as they explore the Supreme Court's recent decisions, including sending Texas' social media law back to the lower court and the implications of Trump's immunity ruling. Get answers to legal questions about the Texas Open Beaches Act and the legal landscape of fireworks in Tex…

Join Phil Silberman and Austin Black in Episode 24 of the ‘Weekly Docket’ as they delve into the latest legal news, including a lawsuit over NASA space debris crashing into a Florida home and a scandal involving a wealthy Maine couple poisoning trees for an ocean view. Get insights on how to legally evict a roommate in Texas and discover how to cla…

Join Phil Silberman and Austin Black in Episode 23 of the 'Weekly Docket' as they unpack the latest legal news. This week, they discuss Justin Timberlake's recent DWI arrest in the Hamptons and the terrifying malfunction of a theme park ride in Oregon that left 28 people hanging upside down for 30 minutes. Dive into legal questions about what to do…

Join Phil Silberman and Austin Black in Episode 22 of the 'Weekly Docket' as they dive into the latest legal news and controversies. This week, they discuss the defamation lawsuit against Netflix over the miniseries "Baby Reindeer" and Hunter Biden's high-profile gun case. They also answer pressing legal questions about Texas' right to secede and w…