The University of Texas at Austin has denied all the allegations in a suit by an ex-coach who claimed the university discriminated against her by firing her for having a relationship with a student-athlete.

Lawyers for 44th District Judge Judge Carlos Cortez decided to delay a Jan. 7 hearing on a motion he filed to vacate a protective order issued against him. In that motion, Cortez alleges he tried to save the life of his girlfriend, who he was arrested for allegedly assaulting.

In litigation over the constitutionality of the new Texas law requiring doctors who perform abortions to have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals, the stakes in the litigation have risen and the pace is accelerating.

On Dec. 30, 2013, Lance Armstrong, his cycling team’s company and his business agent filed a motion to stay proposed arbitration proceedings. At stake in those proceedings: previously awarded prize money for the disgraced athlete, who has admitted using performance-enhancing drugs.

Prior to his resignation at year-end, Don Looper said, he had not been planning to leave and form a new firm, so he will not be ready until later this month to announce details of his new venture.