Bracewell partner W. Stephen Benesh was sworn in as president-elect of the State Bar of Texas June 22 during the annual meeting in Austin. He answered questions from The Lawbook about why he wanted to take a leadership role and what his goals are.
Talen Energy GC Moves Up, New GC Moves In, V&E Gets New GC
Three weeks after exiting bankruptcy, Talen Energy announced that GC Andrew Wright will be the company’s next chief administrative officer and V&E partner John Wander will be the energy firm’s next GC effective June 19. Wander also served as V&E’s internal GC. With his departure, the firm announced that partner Vanessa Griffith will be the Houston-based law firm’s new GC.
UPDATED: Dealmakers Leave Jones Day, Kirkland for Clifford Chance
The London-headquartered firm’s Houston office launch team of “at least 10 partners” is taking shape. Partners from Kirkland & Ellis and Jones Day are joining a roster that also includes dealmakers from Vinson & Elkins and Latham & Watkins.
Clifford Chance Officially Hangs Shingle in Houston
The Texas Lawbook exclusively reported on Friday that Jonathan Castelan joined the Magic Circle firm from Latham & Watkins’ Houston office. Trevor Lavelle, a partner at Latham, will also be accompanying him.
Clifford Chance Lands Castelan
The energy M&A/infrastructure attorney worked on several deals for Latham, including counseling ExxonMobil and Chevron on projects.
Dick Sayles’ Fourth and Final Act: Master of the Courtroom
Dick Sayles announced Friday that he has departed Bradley Arant to start The Sayles Law Firm with a unique business strategy: He is not seeking any new clients. He is hiring no additional lawyers. And his business plan calls for no future growth or expansion. Instead, Sayles, who has taken more than 150 complex commercial litigation disputes to trial, plans to use his independent status to work with lawyers at other firms, including Bradley Arant, who are involved in high-stakes courtroom battles. The Texas Lawbook has an exclusive interview.
A Word With New HVL Executive Director Jessica Howton Stool
Jessica Howton Stool is nearly six weeks into her new job as executive director of Houston Volunteer Lawyers — the pro bono arm of the Houston Bar Association. Between tasks of her onboarding process, which have included acquainting herself with HVL’s staff, budget, and grant system, Howton Stool talked with The Lawbook’s Natalie Posgate about her passion for pro bono law, what attracted her to HVL, which area of law HVL needs the most lawyer volunteers for currently and what law firms can do to improve their pro bono capabilities.
Chris Bennett leaving STB for Weil
The recruiting of Bennett is part of Weil’s buildout of its energy practice in Texas after some recent departures. Bennett is the second prominent addition to Weil’s energy group in Houston in the past month, following the arrival of partner Omar Samji in April.