Garcia to Speak at SBOT Advanced Medical Torts CLE in Santa Fe
We are proud to announce that attorney Stacy T. Garcia will be a featured speaker at the State Bar of Texas Advanced Medical Torts CLE Seminar, held March 26–27 in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Now in its 32nd year, this program is widely regarded as the go‑to education event for medical malpractice attorneys practicing in Texas.
Presented by The State Bar of Texas, Advanced Medical Torts consistently draws top trial lawyers, appellate specialists, and judges from across the state—and beyond—for two days of high-level instruction, practical strategy, and in‑depth discussion on the latest developments in medical malpractice law.
The Gold Standard for Texas Medical Malpractice CLE
For decades, Advanced Medical Torts has set the benchmark for continuing legal education in this highly specialized practice area. The program is known for:
Cutting‑edge legal analysis on emerging issues in med‑mal litigation
Faculty composed of leading practitioners and judges
Content directly tied to Texas law and practice realities
A collaborative environment where experienced lawyers learn not just the “what,” but the “how” and the “why”
The 2026 agenda reflects that reputation, with sessions on expert discovery, corporate practice of medicine, federal court FTCA practice, nursing home liability, AI in clinical care, and evolving patient‑safety standards—making it essential education for anyone handling complex medical negligence cases in Texas.
Stacy Garcia’s Presentation: Navigating New Rules That Are Reshaping Litigation
Stacy Garcia will co‑present “Impact of New Rules on Bench and Bar: Tips to Help Your Practice,” a timely and practical session focused on procedural changes that are already reshaping how Texas civil cases—and medical malpractice cases in particular—are litigated.
Drawing from her written materials prepared for the course, Stacy’s presentation addresses two major developments affecting litigators:
1. The Comprehensive Rewrite of Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 166a (Summary Judgment)
Effective March 1, 2026, Rule 166a underwent a significant overhaul that changes how summary judgment practice works in Texas courts. Key takeaways from Stacy’s analysis include:
Deadlines are now anchored to the filing date, not the hearing date, fundamentally changing briefing strategy
Courts are subject to new mandatory timelines to set and rule on summary judgment motions
Formalized procedures governing replies, withdrawals, evidentiary references, and late‑filed evidence
New title requirements that can impact whether oral argument is heard at all
For medical malpractice practitioners—where summary judgment practice often hinges on expert testimony and discovery timing—these changes require immediate adjustments in case management and motion practice.
2. Judicial Performance Metrics and Their Real‑World Impact on Med‑Mal Cases
Stacy also explores how new judicial performance‑reporting requirements are influencing docket management across Texas trial courts. Judges are now evaluated on clearance rates, case age, and time to disposition—pressures that can clash with the statutory realities of medical malpractice litigation, including:
The 120‑day Chapter 74 expert‑report stay
Difficulty scheduling medical experts for depositions and trial
Increased resistance to continuances, even when justified
Her presentation offers practical, practice‑ready strategies for navigating these pressures—such as how lawyers frame scheduling requests, continuance alternatives, and agreed motions—to protect clients’ interests while remaining responsive to the court’s constraints.
A Well‑Deserved Spot on a Prestigious Faculty
In addition to speaking, Stacy Garcia also serves on the planning committee for the Advanced Medical Torts program—another recognition of her experience and standing in the medical malpractice bar. Her inclusion alongside respected judges and seasoned practitioners reflects both her subject‑matter expertise and her commitment to advancing the profession through education.
Why This Matters
Being selected to speak at Advanced Medical Torts is not just an honor—it’s a mark of trust from the legal community that the speaker understands where the law is heading and how practitioners can adapt. Stacy’s session squarely addresses issues Texas med‑mal lawyers are confronting right now, making her contribution especially valuable.
We are proud to see Stacy represent our firm at this flagship event and to share her insight with attorneys from across Texas at what remains the premier medical malpractice CLE in the state.
