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Baker Botts Adds Dario Mendoza to Executive Compensation, Employee Benefits Team in Dallas

Dario Mendoza has joined Baker Botts in Dallas as a partner in the firm’s executive compensation and employee benefits practice after more than 15 years at Vinson & Elkins across town.

Baker Botts said Mendoza advises companies, private equity firms, boards, compensation committees and executive teams on compensation and benefits. His work spans tax, securities law, corporate governance and disclosure considerations associated with these arrangements.

Jason Philyaw

Talen Energy’s GC Change is ‘Getting the Band Back Together’

When Talen Energy General Counsel John Wander told his fellow executives and corporate board earlier this year that he planned to retire, the hunt for a replacement did not take long. Next week, former Vistra Corp. Deputy GC Dan Kelly officially replaces Wander as the booming Houston energy company’s top lawyer.

Mark Curriden

P.S. — Hilgers’ Cynthia Schmidt Trades Partner Role for Nonprofit Calling

In this edition of P.S., the Pro Bono & Grants Committee of the State Bar of Texas Corporate Counsel Section announced its annual grant recipients. The success of the Champions of Pro Bono sponsorship program pushed this year’s giving to $79,000 — above the initial goal, according to committee chair Michael Marin. 

The University of Houston Law Center more than doubled last year’s fundraising haul at its 49th annual Law Gala and Auction, generating more than $1.6 million, while honoring distinguished alumni.

In Dallas, 33 Dykema lawyers and staff packed welcome baskets filled with household necessities for individuals and families who are exiting homelessness with the help of The Stewpot, a nonprofit that provides housing programs that pair subsidized housing assistance with case management and support services. 

And former Hilgers partner Cynthia Schmidt discusses her recent decision to leave the firm to lead the nonprofit Catholic Pro-Life Community.

Krista Torralva

Willkie Adds Dallas Executive Compensation Partner

Jason Loden, an executive compensation and employee benefits partner, has joined Willkie Farr & Gallagher in Dallas from Baker Botts. He will focus his practice on advising companies, private equity funds and nonprofit entities on executive compensation, employee benefits and tax matters.

Elle Grinnell

Dallas Assistant GC Moves from JPMorgan to Squire Patton Boggs

Richard Potomac, a financial services of counsel, has joined Squire Patton Boggs in Dallas from JPMorgan Chase. He will focus his practice on advising financial institutions and fintech companies on regulatory, transactional and compliance matters, including payments law and technology transactions.

Elle Grinnell

Austin Government Contracts Partner Catches Up About Move to Kirkland

Brad Jorgensen, a government contracts partner, has joined Kirkland & Ellis in Austin from DLA Piper. He will focus his practice on government contractor focused mergers and acquisitions, compliance counseling and high-stakes disputes.

The Texas Lawbook caught up with Jorgensen about trends he’s seeing in his practice area and more.

Elle Grinnell

A&O Shearman Adds Another Partner in Houston

W. Andrew Lanius is joining A&O Shearman in its energy, natural resources and infrastructure practice in Houston and will serve as the head of U.S. energy and infrastructure finance. He comes to A&O from Simpson Thacher & Barlett where he was a partner in that firm's banking and credit practice.

Jason Philyaw

Aimee Fagan’s IP Practice Is a ‘Natural Fit’ at Winston & Strawn  

Brett Johnson, co-managing partner of Winston & Strawn’s Dallas office, was approached in February by a corporate client and the opposing counsel in a litigation matter with the same message.

“You have got to talk to Aimee Fagan,” the client told Johnson. “She’s your kind of lawyer — excellent courtroom skills and an even better person.” 

That same weekend, three friends — none of them related to each other — contacted Fagan, a prominent Dallas intellectual property lawyer at Sidley Austin, to encourage her to talk to leaders at Winston because they thought the Chicago-founded firm “was a natural fit for my practice.”

On April 24, Fagan joined the Dallas office of Winston.

Mark Curriden

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