Forty-four law firms in Texas led mergers, acquisitions and joint ventures between 2018 and Sept. 30, 2025, according to Corporate Deal Tracker data released last week. But seven law firms have worked on the biggest of the megadeals.
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Haynes Boone Adds Six Lawyers in Dallas
The firm announced Monday the additions of veteran labor and employment partners Ann Marie Painter and April Goff from Perkins Coie and a private wealth team led by Bill Mureiko and Sarah Marks from Holland & Knight.
Covenants Not to Compete on ‘Y’all Street’ — Insights on Texas Law for Newly Relocated Texas Professionals
In the midst of a relocation, it’s tempting for companies and professionals alike to narrow their focus on the obvious to-dos, like finding new homes or offices or hiring new staff. But what’s equally important is ensuring all parties understand what their move means in terms of employee job mobility, specifically when it comes to covenants not to compete.
SPACs Gobble Targets Ahead of Thanksgiving
The week that ended Nov. 22 saw 20 deals reported with a total reported value of $5.5 billion, heavy on deal volume and private equity transactions, including a PE firm buying a majority stake in Topgolf. The seven days prior saw 16 deals at $16.4 billion, marking ten straight deal-weeks of $11 billion or more. Tailing that streak, a week in the single-digit billions seems like a literal downer.
But this time last year saw fewer deals (15) at a lower reported value ($4.55 billion), and a heavy volume of private transactions tends to depress reported values.
It also proved a special week for SPACs — that and more in this edition of CDT Roundup.
Lawyers Discuss Impact of Judge Smith’s Scathing Dissent in Redistricting Case
Pushing aside what’s already been reported — like the number of times Judge Jerry Smith wrote that he dissents (16), the number of times he calls out Judge Jeffrey Brown by name (279) and the number of times he references the Soros family (17) — The Lawbook asked more than a dozen appellate lawyers to weigh in on the aftermath: whether the tone of the dissent and the majority’s decision on the timing of the opinion’s release would have an impact on the judiciary, and the public’s opinion of the judiciary, moving forward.
Former TV News Anchor Gets 10 Years in Pandemic Loan Scam
Stephanie Hockridge, a former local news anchor in Phoenix, was sentenced Friday by U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor of Fort Worth for her role in what prosecutors called a vast fraud based on phony applications for loans under the Covid-era Payroll Protection Program. Her husband, Nathan Reis, pleaded guilty in August for his role in the scam.
Lynn Pinker Wins Trade Secrets Case in Eastern District of Texas
A jury found Signature Systems Group had committed breach of contract and misappropriated the trade secrets of Spartan Composites, a company that manufactures industrial mats used at construction sites. Following a few hours of deliberation, the jury awarded the requested damages along with punitive damages.
P.S. — White & Case Partner: Pro Bono Veterans Wills, Estate Services Have ‘Very Tangible Personal Impact’
This edition of P.S. is packed with inspirational words from Texas lawyers who are pushing pro bono and public service work forward. Take Galderma’s Devon Sharp, for example. In her acceptance remarks at the Texas General Counsel Forum Magna Stella Awards dinner, she urged fellow attorneys to meet the moment and serve their respective communities. “We are living in a world and country and state where, increasingly, those who live on the margins are being further marginalized,” she said. “The gap between privilege and need is widening and too many are being left behind.” White & Case Houston partner Taylor Pullins also offered a meaningful reminder of the personal nature of wills and estate planning for veterans in contrast to the transaction-heavy matters that dominate much of his big-law practice. And in Houston, Gibson Dunn is revolutionizing its pro bono culture with an annual tradition that pairs new associates with pro bono cases. We hope this Column leaves you inspired.
Houston Appellate Court Won’t DQ AZA as Transocean Defense Counsel
In a five-sentence per curiam opinion issued Thursday morning, the First Court of Appeals in Houston declined to disturb rulings from a trial judge that allowed the law firm Ahmad Zavitsanos & Mensing to continue its defense of Transocean in multidistrict litigation stemming from offshore workers’ injuries. Lawyers from Arnold & Itkin, representing the plaintiffs, had argued the move was required and told The Texas Lawbook Thursday they are considering all options as it relates to a possible appeal.
Texas Emerges as a Leading Force in State Privacy Law Enforcement
Over the past two years, Texas has emerged as a leader in the U.S. state privacy regulatory landscape. The state’s attorney general has launched a broad privacy enforcement initiative, secured notable settlements and filed lawsuits against major players across industries ranging from social media to insurance. With new privacy laws that have come into effect in 2024 and 2025 and a steady stream of enforcement activity, Texas has established itself as a state that businesses must pay close attention to when evaluating compliance obligations.