The Texas Court of Appeals has upheld a $5 million jury verdict awarded to attorney Michelle Teresa Acosta in her civil case against fellow attorney Allan Roy Manka. The ruling, issued on May 13, 2026, stems from an incident where Manka allegedly assaulted Acosta during a family law hearing in 2019. This decision is significant as it reinforces the legal consequences of inappropriate conduct in professional settings, particularly within the legal community.

In the case, Acosta accused Manka of assault and intentional infliction of emotional distress following an encounter in a courthouse lobby. The court's ruling affirms the jury's findings that Manka's actions were both offensive and intentional, resulting in substantial damages for Acosta. This case highlights the serious implications of misconduct among legal professionals and sets a precedent for similar cases in the future.

Background

Allan Roy Manka and Michelle Teresa Acosta are both attorneys who found themselves on opposite sides of a family law dispute in Wilson County, Texas. The incident that sparked the legal battle occurred on June 13, 2019, during a hearing where Acosta represented her brother, Keith, and Manka represented Keith's ex-wife, Cindy. Acosta and Manka had never met prior to this hearing, and it was Acosta's first time presenting arguments in court.

During a break in the proceedings, while the clients were discussing their case privately, Manka allegedly made inappropriate comments about his interactions with female clients. Security footage captured Manka moving close to Acosta, touching her lower back and waist, and later allegedly grabbing her buttocks. Acosta reported the incident to law enforcement the following day, leading to a misdemeanor charge of assault against Manka, to which he pleaded no contest.

In June 2021, Acosta filed a civil lawsuit against Manka for assault and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Manka countered with claims of defamation, business disparagement, and tortious interference, but Acosta successfully dismissed these claims under Texas law. The case went to trial in September 2024, resulting in a jury awarding Acosta $5 million in damages for mental anguish.

The Ruling

The Texas Court of Appeals, in a unanimous decision, affirmed the jury's verdict. The court found that there was sufficient evidence to support the jury's conclusion that Manka's actions constituted assault. The court stated, "The evidence described above would permit reasonable people to conclude that Manka grabbed and squeezed Acosta's buttocks without her consent; that he knew his actions were 'not professional' and 'not appropriate at all.'"

Judge Lori I. Valenzuela, along with Justices Irene Rios and H. Todd McCray, presided over the case. The court also addressed Manka's challenges to the sufficiency of the evidence regarding both the assault and emotional distress claims, ultimately ruling that the jury's findings were supported by credible evidence presented during the trial.

Impact

This ruling is likely to have a significant impact on the legal profession, particularly concerning how misconduct is addressed within the courtroom. By upholding the jury's substantial award, the court sends a clear message that inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated and that victims of such actions can seek justice and compensation. The case emphasizes the importance of maintaining professionalism and respect within legal proceedings.

Furthermore, the ruling may encourage other victims of similar misconduct to come forward, knowing that the legal system can provide recourse. It also serves as a reminder to attorneys about the standards of conduct expected in their professional interactions, reinforcing the need for a safe and respectful environment in legal settings.

What's Next

While Manka has the option to appeal the court's decision to the Texas Supreme Court, it remains unclear whether he will pursue this route. There are no related cases pending that directly connect to this ruling, but the outcome could influence future cases involving attorney misconduct and personal injury claims.