Two women GCs are starting off the week on total #girlboss status, leading Irving-based Vistra Energy’s first mega-deal: a $4 billion purchase of Houston-based Dynegy. They both hired outside lawyers based in New York.
Fire and Water: How the Legal Community Aided Houston Legal Aid During Hurricane Harvey
An electrical explosion and fire during the flooding caused by Hurricane Harvey left the downtown Houston office of Lone Star Legal Aid in chaos at a time when emergency legal aid would be needed most. Then came the law firm “first responders.” Janet Elliott tells how the legal community pitched in to help.
How to Secure Financing for Commercial Litigation
Third-party financing can be an attractive option for commercial plaintiffs who want to press their claims while hedging risk and preserving capital. But many companies and their lawyers are not familiar with the process of securing litigation funding. In this piece, Eric Chenoweth and Priya Pai of Bentham IMF explain how to find and partner with a funder.
Artificial Intelligence
Companies in Texas and beyond are increasingly adopting AI to drive innovation and production. The value of the AI market could top a staggering $46 billion by 2020, according to one estimate. This article from lawyers at Jones Day explains what corporate legal and compliance teams should know about the risks and opportunities associated with AI.
Houston Chronicle: Lake Conroe Dam’s Release Leads to Flood of Litigation
Lake Conroe dam officials released 106 billion gallons of water into the West Fork of the San Jacinto River in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, resulting in the flooding of thousands of homes in Montgomery and northern Harris County. Hundreds of those property owners have filed lawsuits demanding the San Jacinto River Authority be held accountable. (Subscription required).
Fishing in the Right Pond: Careful Forum Selection May Keep Trade Secret Defendants on the Hook
Texas’ Third District Court of Appeals recently held that the state’s anti-SLAPP statute covers private commercial speech and association in addition to constitutionally protected rights. This adds to the challenges businesses face in litigating trade secret misappropriation cases against former employees. But recent Fifth Circuit case law suggests filing in federal court could be a better option.
A Guide to Texas Law for Short-Term Residential Rentals
While the rapid growth of the sharing economy has expanded a multitude of business opportunities, it has also raised legal questions about the use of real property in the short-term rental market. This overview of Texas law on the subject shows how courts, cities, and neighborhoods have attempted to restrict or allow short-term rentals and gives tips for regulating them through restrictive covenants.
SCOTUS Hears Oral Argument on Future of Class Action Waivers
On Monday, the Supreme Court of the United States heard oral argument in three consolidated cases that will decide the future of class action waivers in the employment context. The cases kicked off the Court’s new term and will likely be the most important employment cases to be decided in the coming year.
Kent Sullivan Named New TX Insurance Commissioner
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott appointed former judge and Jackson Walker partner Kent Sullivan to be the state’s Insurance Commissioner. Sullivan served as a justice on the Texas Court of Appeals from 2008 to 2010 and was First Assistant Attorney General under then-Attorney General Abbott.
Blockchain and Smart Contracts
Businesses and entrepreneurs thrive on North Texas’ culture of innovation, and it’s important for businesses and their lawyers to understand the opportunities and risks that come with change. Blockchain and smart contracts are emerging technologies that have the potential to disrupt industries.