Oliver achieved many successes during her nearly three decades at PepsiCo and was promoted six times. She successfully defended the multinational food and beverage company against major class-action lawsuits, led strategic corporate acquisitions, and developed innovative employment policies and management training programs. Ex-PepsiCo General Counsel Larry Thompson told The Texas Lawbook in a 2021 profile of Oliver that, “No one really knows PepsiCo as well as Leanne. She has brought enormous value to the company and to the entire legal profession.”
Haynes Boone’s New Partner from EPA Bolsters Environmental Practice
Clarissa Howley Mills, a former deputy regional counsel for the Environmental Protection Agency, played a key role in one of the largest settlements nationwide relating to the Clean Air Act. She said her experience growing up on a crop farm in Northern Kansas gives her an appreciation for the environment and business related to it.
Catching Up with New D&B CLO Rudy Rodriguez
Rudy Rodriguez recently found a new home with another strong brand with a fiercely loyal customer base serving kids and families. He spoke with The Lawbook about his move.
Winstead Lands Insurance Recovery Leader
The full-service firm is expanding its services with the addition of Houston insurance pro Vince Morgan.
Akin Recruits Houston Energy Transactions Partner
Charlie Ofner has moved his energy and infrastructure transactions practice to Akin from White & Case. Ofner helped lead a $231 million deal in January.
Willkie Enhances Transactional Capabilities in Dallas, Adds Real Estate Group
A six-lawyer real estate team from Akin led by John Bain and Wes Smith has joined Willkie’s Dallas office.
SBSB Eastham Expands Admiralty and Maritime Practice with New Galveston Office
In the last six months, Schouest, Bamdas, Soshea, BenMaier & Eastham has opened offices in two Texas port cities, Corpus Christi and now Galveston.
Katten Lands PwC Expert to Grow Private Wealth Practice
John Collins III assists prominent families in multiphase estate planning, executing advanced trust and gift strategies, and working through complex tax, wealth transfer and business planning needs across a range of asset mixes, industries and stages of development.
Akin Strengthens Special Situations Practice with Familiar Hire
Chad Nichols is returning to Akin after two years at Gibson Dunn. In 2024, Nichols provided financing advice on the divestiture of Arcosa’s steel unit as part of the Dallas company’s $1.2 billion acquisition of Stavola and on the formation of a joint venture in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico.
Greenberg Traurig Gets Dallas, Austin Deal Lawyers
Gemma Descoteaux and Kurt Lyn have joined Greenberg Traurig from Sheppard Mullin and Kirkland & Ellis, respectively.