After winning a significant pro bono prisoner’s rights case last year, Shook, Hardy & Bacon decided to use the award to foster more pro bono work by forming a new practice group that will handle prisoner’s civil rights and abuse-of-force litigation. The Kansas City-based firm chose Michael Harrison, a Houston lawyer and former prosecutor, to lead it. In a Q&A with The Lawbook, Harrison reflects on his time in the Harris County district attorney’s office, shares details about Shook’s new practice group and conveys his passion for civil rights and racial justice work.
Clifford Chance Continues Houston Expansion with Akin Hire
Akin corporate oil and gas deal lawyer David Sweeney is the seventh lateral partner addition in Houston by the London-based firm this month.
Dallas Litigator Stephanie Clouston Laterals to Winston & Strawn
Clouston, who led the Texas litigation practice at Alston & Bird, said she has seen an increase in large disputes being filed in the state.
Q&A With the State Bar of Texas President-Elect
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.
Clifford Chance Adds Ninth Partner to New Houston Operation
Baker Botts transactional partner Jonathan Bobinger became the ninth lawyer on Tuesday announced by Clifford Chance to be joining the London-based corporate law firm’s new Houston office.
Houston Public Finance Group Jumps to Jackson Walker
A team of four public finance partners from Orrick have moved to Jackson Walker. The Texas-based firm also said it has added a tax partner from California.
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 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.