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.
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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.
P.S. — State Bar’s Pro Bono Awards, ASC’s Annual Fundraising Luncheon, TAJF’s 2023 Equal Justice Works Fellows
This edition of P.S. highlights Attorneys Serving the Community’s annual fundraising luncheon benefiting a Dallas-area women’s substance abuse recovery center, several attorneys who will be recognized by the State Bar of Texas next week for their pro bono work and the five Equal Justice Works fellow sponsored by the Texas Access to Justice Foundation.
Which State Leads the Way? A Comparison of Data Privacy Laws in Texas and California
The absence of comprehensive federal privacy regulation in the United States has created an open field for states to take the lead in addressing individual data protection and privacy rights. The first state to take the field was California. More recently, Texas joined the game by passing the Texas Data Privacy and Security Act. While both California’s and Texas’ laws share the common goal of safeguarding personal information and empowering consumers with new data rights, there are some significant differences in scope and coverage.
This article examines the key aspects of both privacy laws, illuminating their similarities, differences and their expected impacts.
Fifth Circuit Rejects Houston IP Law Firm’s Suit Against Bank Over PPP Funds
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit ruled that a federal judge in Houston correctly rejected Ramey LLP’s claims against Amegy Bank’s parent company, Zions Bancorporation, regarding the bank’s decision to freeze and seize $249,300 related to Ramey’s forgivable loan request under the Paycheck Protection Program.
All of Paxton’s Men (And Two Women)
Who is representing Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in all of his various legal battles? The make-up of his defense teams have varied case-to-case, but some attorneys have been retained in almost all of the lawsuits Paxton faces. The Lawbook breaks it down.
Corporate Deal Tracker: 2023 M&A Transactions (Premium Searchable Master List)
Below is a list of qualified M&A and Funding transactions reported to The Texas Lawbook for 2023. This list, available to PREMIUM SUBSCRIBERS ONLY, is organic and searchable. It is designed to grow as
Updated — Baker Botts’ Next MP: ‘Merger May Be in Our Future’ But Priority Is Strategic Growth in Texas and Beyond
For the first time in more than four decades, Baker Botts has elected a litigation partner to lead the 600-attorney, Houston-headquartered corporate law firm. The firm’s partners have chosen corporate securities litigation partner Danny David to replace John Martin, who has been managing partner since 2019 but faces mandatory retirement later this year. In a Friday morning interview, David told The Texas Lawbook that his top priority is to “grow smart to the strengths of our leading practices.”
Latham Advises on $1.1B Gulf Coast Terminal Deal
The South Texas Gateway Terminal, located just outside Corpus Christi, is the second largest crude oil terminal facility in the U.S. The deal will be financed by a variety of debt offerings along with permanent financing backed by a $350 million bought deal offering of subscription receipts.
Earthstone Acquires Novo with a Buy-In by Northern O&G
The deal includes a concurrent sale of working assets to Northern O&G for the equivalent of a third of the consideration, meaning a net payout for Earthstone of $1 billion. The transaction, which involved nearly 40 lawyers from Kirkland and V&E, extends Earthstone’s reach in the Delaware Basin. The Lawbook has the details and, of course, the names of the lawyers involved.