Texas-based corporate law firms are billing more hours, growing revenues faster and collecting money from clients better and faster in 2023 than most of their counterparts throughout the U.S., according to new data from Citi Private Bank’s Law Firm Group. Demand by business clients for legal work in Texas is also up and leaders at Texas law firms are “slightly more optimistic” about growth for the rest of 2023 and 2024 than corporate lawyers in other regions of the country. But there are negative signs that some corporate clients are taking longer to pay invoices. The Texas Lawbook has the exclusive report.
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P.S. — Good Apples, ADL Jurisprudence Award, 75 Years of Legal Clinics
This week’s edition of P.S. features a Texas law school’s 75th anniversary celebration of its student legal clinics serving low-income members of the community, three Susman Godfrey lawyers who have received three separate awards, the Dallas Bar Association’s jurist of the year, and recognition of other firms for their commitment to pro bono and public service, including Winston & Strawn, Akin, DLA Piper and Hogan Lovells.
New Citi Data: Texas Firms Slowly Getting More Diverse, with a Long Way to Go
According to a Citi survey of 140 predominantly Am Law 100 and 200 firms, including six Texas-headquartered firms, the rate of promotions for women and minorities on both a global level and state level steadily declines as lawyers work their way up the ranks — from associates to of counsel to partner to equity partner.
Texas Securities Board Calls Investment Firm Claiming Ties to Russian Oil Producers a Ponzi Scheme
In a cease-and-desist order, state regulators bar BigWhale.io and two individuals based in the United Arab Emirates from offering unregistered, deceptive securities to Texans.
Metropolis Technologies Buys SP Plus for $1.5B
Skadden’s Eric Otness co-led the team advising the Chicago-based target, which manages 2 million parking spaces, and Sidley’s Bill Howell counseled the buyer’s investor Eldridge.
The Evolving Role of ESG in M&A: Balancing Risks and Opportunities
Environmental, social and governance considerations play an increasingly important role in M&A transactions. In any given deal, however, it can be challenging to qualitatively and quantitatively assess relevant ESG factors, perform appropriate levels of ESG due diligence and plan for appropriate remedial steps or capture ESG opportunities post-closing. M&A acquirers should seek experienced guidance on these considerations to enhance value, mitigate risks and better incorporate financial and non-financial measures into their deal evaluations.
WTF Does ESG Really Mean for M&A?
Panelists from five firms at the UT Law M&A Institute on Thursday concluded that ESG issues, both financial and legal, are moving toward greater focus in M&A transactions; perhaps at different paces depending on industry or geography, but evolving nonetheless in ways that need the attention of lawyers.
Former Federal Prosecutor Charles Fowler Returns to McKool Smith
Fowler’s experience raising unprecedented constitutional issues in federal courts will enhance McKool Smith’s growing appellate practice, the firm says.
Yetter Coleman Wins $25.7M Winter Storm Uri Contract Dispute for DC Transco
U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman last week ordered Rainbow Energy Marketing Corporation to pay $25.7 million to DC Transco as part of dispute over a series of derivative financial transactions related to Winter Storm Uri in February 2021.
Civitas to Acquire $2.1B in Permian Assets from Vitol’s Vencer Energy; Kirkland and Latham Advised
Vowing to pursue a net-zero emissions strategy when it was formed just two-and-a-half years ago with the merger of two Denver-based producers, Civitas has been aggressive in its acquisition of assets in the Permian and Denver-Julesburg Basins. And Vitol, a global energy giant, has been an active player in virtually every energy platform available in the U.S. Lower 48.