Inside Texas' new Business Court

August 21, 2026 - 00:38

The Texas Business Court has reached a significant milestone, logging its 500th case since opening its doors. The new court, designed to handle complex commercial disputes with speed and expertise, is now finding its footing under the guidance of judges like Bill Whitehill, who are helping define how business litigation will work in the state.

Whitehill, a former appellate justice, is one of several judges tasked with building the court from the ground up. Unlike traditional Texas courts, where judges are elected and often handle a mix of criminal, family, and civil cases, the Business Court focuses exclusively on high-stakes corporate matters. These include disputes over contracts, mergers, intellectual property, and large-scale financial transactions. The idea is to offer a specialized forum where judges with business backgrounds can rule more predictably and efficiently.

The 500th filing marks a steady start, though the court is still in its early days. Cases have come from across the state, with many involving companies worth millions or billions. Lawyers say the court's procedures, which include stricter deadlines and more direct judicial involvement, are already changing how they prepare for trial. Some have praised the court for cutting through delays common in crowded dockets, while others are watching closely to see how appeals and precedent develop.

For Whitehill and his colleagues, the work is about more than just moving cases. They are setting rules for everything from discovery disputes to expert testimony, creating a playbook that will guide Texas business law for years. The court's success, however, depends on whether it can attract the kind of cases that would otherwise go to Delaware or federal courts. Early signs are promising, but the real test will come as the docket grows and the legal community gains confidence in the new system.