Along with the explosion of investment in AI comes a parallel eruption of potential threats. As a result, consultants at McKinsey suggest that the current, addressable market for cybersecurity is $2 trillion — about 10 times what is actually being spent. This week’s CDT Roundup looks at a noticeable uptick in cybersecurity deals as well as the usual roll call of the Texas lawyers involved in last week’s reported deals.
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Special Edition of P.S. — Remembering Kirkland’s Olivia Clarke and ‘Humor Beats Cancer’
The world of corporate law lost someone special last week. Olivia Clarke was not a lawyer. She was not a judge. She was not a general counsel. Olivia was the communications director at Kirkland & Ellis. She also was a former reporter and editor at the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin. She knew her lawyers and firm and she equally knew our work and business. She was a strong advocate for her colleagues at the world’s largest corporate law firm, but lawyers inside Kirkland say she was equally an advocate pushing them to be open with journalists.
After a decade-long battle with cancer, Olivia died last week. She was only 46. “Olivia was incredibly capable and unfailingly thoughtful,” Texas Lawbook senior editor Allen Pusey said Monday.
The Looming TikTok Ban: How Influencers Can Avoid Losing Money
Now that the U.S. Supreme Court has decided not to block the Tik Tok “ban,” it will take effect on Jan. 19 (or a later date if extended). This means thousands of well-paid influencers stand to lose a significant revenue stream. Recent data reflects that influencers make as much as $250k per post. The good news? Influencers can take steps ahead of loss.
The First 100 Days Under 47
Those who have been around Trump for even a little bit already know his guiding principal is “Promises Made, Promises Kept.” Accordingly, the best place to start this analysis are the promises he made on the campaign trail. Likewise, it is helpful to consider the people he nominates or appoints, as well as his ability to effectively manage other Republican leaders.
Premium Subscriber Q&A: Steffen Horlacher
In this Q&A with The Texas Lawbook, American Airlines Senior Attorney Steffen Horlacher discusses the traits he seeks in outside counsel, what outside counsel need to know when working for him and more.
Steffen Horlacher — American Airlines’ Lawyer for ‘Head-hurting, Complicated Commercial Matters’
Steffen Horlacher has been instrumental at American Airlines during his 26-year career, helping the airline navigate significant challenges like 9/11, the 2011 bankruptcy, the merger with US Airways and the pandemic. He has managed various business initiatives and partnerships that support daily operations.
Recently, Horlacher led negotiations with motorcoach carrier Landline, making American the first airline to offer service in all 50 states. He also advised on a new alliance with Alaska Airlines that created international routes from Seattle and Los Angeles.
In recognition of his contributions, the Association of Corporate Counsel’s DFW Chapter and The Texas Lawbook have named him the 2024 Senior Counsel of the Year for Large Legal Departments. This is his story.
P.S. Honors Betty Torres, David Beck
Former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor once told me during an interview that “there are lawyer heroes among us” who use their training to “make this a better society.” Betty Torres and David Beck are two of those heroes. Their good deeds and commitment to the legal profession are being recognized. In addition, the Texas Young Lawyers Association is building a website that can help those with an interest in becoming lawyers but who have no connections to the law better understand the process of becoming a part of this noble profession.
Energy Transfer and Far West Texas Gas Companies Settle Lawsuit One Week Before Trial
Energy Transfer, represented by Lynn Pinker Hurst & Schwegmann, filed a lawsuit in April 2022 against Culberson Midstream Equity and Moontower Resources Gathering alleging a breach of their 2018 contract because the gas gatherers didn’t deliver committed gas. Culberson and Moontower, represented by Reese Marketos, filed a counterclaim also alleging a breach of contract.
Ray A. Balestri, 1960-2025
Longtime Bell Nunnally corporate and M&A partner Ray Balestri died earlier this month at the age of 64. A Dallas entrepreneur, investor, adjunct professor and lawyer with four decades of experience, Mr. Balestri was known nationwide as a dynamic dealmaker, whether representing companies that needed seed money or advising on multibillion-dollar mergers.
Ousted Oil Executive’s Suit Goes to Trial in Dallas
Bernard Tubeileh, a German national, claims he was wrongly terminated by the Plano-based U.S. subsidiaries of a German oil and gas company he helped start. The companies say he resigned when his years of self-dealing, unlawful transactions and misappropriation of company funds came to light.