Buzbee Law Firm Sues Reynolds and Reynolds Over CEO's Termination Dispute

On May 20, 2025, The Buzbee Law Firm initiated a $300 million lawsuit against Reynolds and Reynolds, accusing the company of wrongful termination, breach of contract, and tortious interference on behalf of former CEO Tommy Barras. The case, filed in Harris County state court, alleges that Reynolds and Reynolds sought to evade their contractual obligations to Barras by fabricating allegations of inappropriate conduct and orchestrating internal disputes.

The lawsuit outlines a troubling account of Barras's dismissal. After an unexpected meeting with outside individuals, he was escorted out of the office without a formal explanation. According to the suit, the timing of these events is particularly suspect as they followed closely on a pattern of behavior that had not been flagged for nearly four years. At the heart of the matter is Barras's ten-year employment contract, which entitled him to a substantial compensation package based on Reynolds and Reynolds' financial performance, including earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA).

With a remarkable tenure spanning almost fifty years, Barras began his career in 1975 at Universal Computer Systems when he was just 17. The company, which later merged with Reynolds and Reynolds, benefited significantly from Barras’s leadership. Under his guidance, the company achieved record revenues and positioned itself as a powerhouse in the industry. Notably, Barras previously received acclaim from outgoing chairman and CEO Bob Brockman, who praised him as a detail-oriented programmer and respected leader.

The lawsuit emphasizes Barras's unwavering commitment and loyalty to the company throughout his tenure. Even as he led the firm to unprecedented success, the abrupt nature of his termination, coupled with the allegations laid against him, has raised questions about the intentions of the current board. Lead counsel Tony Buzbee remarked, “I am proud to bring this case on behalf of Tommy Barras. He has always been a loyal and hard-working executive, universally respected and admired in his field.” Buzbee asserts that the purported reasons for Barras's termination are entirely fabricated, claiming that this action was taken to withhold compensation that was duly owed to him.

In response to the lawsuit, the Buzbee Law Firm has expressed its commitment to uncovering the truth behind these allegations. They are determined to demonstrate that the termination was not only baseless but also driven by motives rooted in animosity within the company. Buzbee stated,