Key Takeaways, Lessons Learned from VLSI v. Intel Trial

Winston & Strawn Partner and WacoWatch contributor Kathi Vidal shared her key takeaways from VLSI v. Intel with Texas Lawbook and Bloomberg Law.

“We learned that to the extent there was doubt about whether juries in Waco could issue a large damages award, that doubt is gone now,” said former partner of the implications of the verdict. “And because it’s gone, it’s likely plaintiffs’ lawyers will look to bring not only small cases there, but larger ones too.”

Regarding Judge Albright’s approach to litigation: “(He) is more hands-on than many other judges. Two practices stand out to me. First, he doesn’t allow witnesses to ‘carry over’ to the next day. I’m a big fan of this practice as the jury is not left considering and weighing partial testimony overnight, but instead has the complete picture. … Second, Judge Albright instructs that witnesses are to answer questions directly on cross and that any explanations or caveats can be brought out in redirect. Though I can envision instances where a yes or no answer could lead the jury to misunderstand the full facts until redirect, one misleads the jury at their own peril.”

Read more of Kathi's insights in The Texas Lawbook and in Bloomberg Law.