In this edition of Litigation Roundup, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit finds that a lawsuit challenging admissions practices at the University of Texas at Austin is not moot, a fake immigration lawyer faces prison time, and the Western District of Texas announces a high-profile indictment.
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‘Whatever It Takes’: San Antonio Lawyer Joins Frontline Flood Recovery in His Hometown
After the devastating flood struck the Texas Hill Country over the 4th of July, Dykema associate Matt Maupin and his wife, Katie, returned to their hometown of Kerrville to aid in recovery efforts. Despite the physical and emotional toll, Maupin described the experience as the most fulfilling work of his life.
Texas-sized Ambition: Huntington Banks on Middle Market with $1.9B Purchase of Prized Veritex
Huntington Bancshares has accelerated its growth as a regional powerhouse with the $1.9 billion all-stock acquisition of Dallas-based Veritex Holdings. This deal significantly boosts Huntington’s footprint in Texas. Legal advisors include Simpson Thacher for Veritex and Wachtell for Huntington.
CDT Roundup: AI Gets Amped in Somewhat Quiet Week for Deals
Last week, notable transactions included a $9.8 billion AI platform deal, $1.3 billion in two deals by Mach Resources and the sale of The Dallas Morning News to Hearst. The week ending July 12 saw 15 deals valued at just over $13 billion dollars. The week prior, there were nine deals for $15.8 billion and this time last year there were 20 deals for $17.2 billion.
Zavitsanos Twins Set Their Sights on Filmmaking, Law
Twenty-six-year-old identical twins Socratis and Diamantis Zavitsanos often finish each other’s thoughts and sentences, although Diamantis talks a little more than his brother. Socs and DZ, as they’re known to friends, are both getting ready for law school in the fall, most likely at the University of Michigan, and they both speak passable Greek. But what they really want to do is make movies.
Genesis Healthcare Files Chapter 11 in NDTX
Pennsylvania-based Genesis Healthcare Inc. and 298 of its affiliates and subsidiaries filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy organization on Wednesday in the Northern District of Texas. Genesis has hired McDermott Will & Emery as its lead legal advisor.
Recent Survey Reveals Work Modes of Attorneys, Offering Stability in Firm Real Estate Needs
Strategically investing in a thoughtfully designed space has many benefits, including increasing employee performance and attracting and retaining talent. Gensler’s recent U.S. Legal Workplace Survey asked 250 full-time lawyers at large firms in the U.S. how they allocate office time across five work modes: working alone, working with others in-person, working with others virtually, learning (professional development and coaching) and socializing. (Photo: Akin Gump breakroom in Houston office)
P.S. — New State Bar President Launches Campaign to Fund Legal Aid for Low-Income Texans
When speaking to fellow lawyers, Santos Vargas often asks them a question to illustrate a point. “How many of you could hire yourselves for a protracted legal dispute?” The point is that many people don’t have the financial means to hire a lawyer when faced with a legal problem, which is why the newly minted State Bar of Texas president is on a campaign to raise money for low-income Texans to access legal services. Vargas aims to raise $300,000, with July donations supporting victims of the recent Texas Hill Country flood.
Beck Redden Bolsters Appellate Group With Hire From Troutman Pepper Locke
Beck Redden announced this week the hiring of Chris Dove, who focuses on commercial litigation in the energy, financial services and maritime sectors. He had spent more than two decades practicing at Troutman Pepper Locke and Locke Lord.
Owner of Houston Chronicle Buys The Dallas Morning News
In an all-cash, take-private deal valued at $74.9 million, The Dallas Morning News announced Thursday that it has agreed to join the Hearst Corporation, whose national chain of 28 daily newspapers will soon include the dailies of Texas’ four most populous cities. Outside legal advisors on the deal include Haynes Boone for DallasNews and Clifford Chance for Hearst. Jeff Chapman of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher advised Robert W. Decherd, DallasNews’ majority shareholder and former chairman.