In Re NEXT Financial Group, Inc.

The issue in this mandamus proceeding is whether a former securities broker must arbitrate a claim that his employer wrongfully discharged him for refusing to commit an illegal act. See Sabine Pilot Serv., Inc. v. Hauck, 687 S.W.2d 733, 734-35 (Tex.1985). We hold that the employee’s Sabine Pilot claim falls within the scope of his arbitration agreement and is not subject to an exception limited to statutory employment discrimination claims. Because the trial court erroneously denied the employer’s motion to compel arbitration, we conditionally grant mandamus relief.

In September 2006, NEXT…