The bill would prohibit an insurer from using a score based on environmental, social or governance characteristics — commonly referred to as ESG — to charge a rate different than the rate charged to another business in the same class for essentially the same hazard. But its success depends on whether there’s a problem to begin with. And some Texas insurance practitioners think that really isn’t the case.
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History of the Heavyweights
The Lawbook has pulled together some highlights of past battles won, lost and settled between the four Houston lawyers leading the prosecution and defense in Ken Paxton’s Senate impeachment trial. Dick DeGuerin, Rusty Hardin, Dan Cogdell and Tony Buzbee have all handled blockbuster trials in their legal careers, but here we explore instances where they were involved in the same case.
History of Impeachment in Texas: Senate Vote Vanquished a Governor and an Heir to a South Texas Dynasty
In the years since Reconstruction, the Texas House of Representatives has impeached five officials. Two were convicted by the Texas Senate. The most recent was a state district judge 48 years ago. Two were acquitted, in 1893 and 1931, respectively. And now Attorney General Ken Paxton awaits his Senate trial. If convicted, he would be just the third Texas elected official removed from office by impeachment. Texas Lawbook writer Bruce Tomaso looks back to those past impeachments and what insights they might provide.
CDT Roundup: 17 Deals, 15 Firms, 151 Lawyers, $5.9B
Three oil & gas deals moved last week totaling more than $4 billion. They involved Earthstone, Gibson Energy and Patterson-UTI. The apparent strategy behind each deal — not to mention their structure — suggests something different about O&G these days, as well as the current market. The Roundup this week takes a look at each of the deals, as well as the 151 lawyers behind who reported their role in transactions last week.
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.
Blackstone Picks Up Interest in Indiana Electric Utility from NiSource for $2.15B
If FERC clears the transaction, NIPSCO will remain a part of NiSource, which will keep an 80.1 percent stake and continue operating the company. The terms of the deal implies a NIPSCO equity value of $10.8 billion. Latham advised Blackstone and McGuireWoods advised NiSource on the deal. Claire Poole has the details.
Civitas Enters Permian by Acquiring Assets from NGP-backed Hibernia, Tap Rock for $4.7B
Kirkland advised the publicly traded buyer, whose management has spoken about wanting to diversify its assets, and Baker Botts and V&E assisted the sellers, which were said to have wanted to shed their assets.
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.
Litigation Roundup: Suit Over ‘Rushed’ $788M Sale May Get Axed, SCOTX to Hear Fen-Phen Settlement Case
In this edition of Litigation Roundup, a Texas federal judge threatens to toss a minority investor suit against Blackstone Inc., a Houston boutique notches a PTAB win against Apple, and the Texas Supreme Court agrees to hear a suit stemming from the handling of a fen-phen settlement.
Texas Access to Justice Gets Funding Boost After Legislative Session
The 88th Texas legislative session included $3.7 million in extra funding for civil legal services earmarked for youth dealing with pandemic-related mental health issues. However, lawmakers declined to provide funding for a proposal to use remote technology to deliver legal services through kiosk-based centers.
The Legislature also passed a bill that will provide an additional source of funding for pro bono civil legal services and another bill that will benefit low-income individuals who face language barriers in the courtroom. Natalie Posgate goes into detail on each, as well as the storied history of how pro bono work became a mainstay in the state’s budget.