When in doubt, count to 20

These facts led to a problem with the timeliness of the notice of appeal in Jordan Kahn Music Co. v. Threlkeld:

• January 19, 2021. Trial court signs interlocutory order granting a TCPA motion to dismiss, and orally invites the movant to submit a fee affidavit;
• February 28, 2021. Trial court signs a final judgment, including a fee award.
• Nonmovant timely moved for a new trial.
• May 24, 2021. Notice of appeal filed.

The Fifth Court held that the February 28 judgment was a “trial court order on a motion  to dismiss … under section 27.003” under the relevant statute, and thus triggered the 20-day deadline for perfecting an accelerated appeal–for which, the filing of a motion for new trial does not extend the perfection deadline is it otherwise would. No. 05-21-00381-CV (Sept. 29, 2021) (mem. op.).