The Texas Supreme Court decides a closely watched business case by finding that adoption of American Arbitration Association rules in oil and gas leases shows “clear and unmistakable” evidence of intent to arbitrate. A dissenting justice says the ruling will strip courts of power to decide whether a particular dispute falls outside the scope of an agreement to arbitrate.
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Prominent Texas Criminal Defense Attorney Gets the Hollywood Treatment
A new five-part Showtime series about the criminal trial of the Branch Davidians who survived the siege in Waco 30 years ago begins streaming today. Houston defense attorney Dan Cogdell, who won an acquittal for his client Clive Doyle, is played by the actor Giovanni Ribisi. The Texas Lawbook had a chance to chat with Cogdell about both experiences,the real and the cinematic.
NDTX Magistrate Irma Ramirez Nominated to Fifth Circuit
A former federal prosecutor in Dallas, Judge Ramirez has served as a federal magistrate in the Northern District of Texas since 2002. In 2016, she was nominated to a NDTX judgeship with the support of both Texas senators, but never received a vote by the Republican-controlled U.S. Senate.
P.S. — Pro Bono Asylum, Women’s Advocacy and an Impromptu Nonprofit Spotlight
This week’s edition of P.S. features a follow-up on a screening event that seeks to raise awareness and funds for refugees and earthquake relief in Turkey and Syria, a spotlight of a nonprofit that advocates for the constitutional rights of Muslim Americans and two upcoming awards events that predominantly honor women lawyers who have made a mark in the legal profession and advocate for other women. Firms featured include Akin, Carrington Coleman, Sidley, Jones Day and more.
Judge Barbara Lynn to Take Senior Status
U.S. District Judge Barbara Lynn, who served as chief judge of the Northern District of Texas from 2016 to 2022, has informed President Joe Biden that she is taking senior status effective May 15.
Judge Lynn, who was nominated to the federal bench in 1999 by President Clinton and confirmed by the U.S. Senate on a voice vote, told The Texas Lawbook that she has no plans to reduce her caseload but is “simply making room for another appointment for our court.”
Multimillion-Dollar Trial Underway in Fatal 2019 Dallas Crane Collapse
In opening statements, defense lawyers for two huge construction-related companies blamed one another for the accident, which killed a 29-year-old woman in her apartment and injured others.
Houston City Attorney Arturo Michel: ‘Do More with Less’
The son of Mexican immigrants, Arturo Michel grew up in Chicago, earned a degree from University of Michigan Law School, worked in San Antonio for the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund and then moved to Houston to work at Bracewell in its public law group for 18 years. Michel is now in his second tour as Houston City Attorney. The Texas Lawbook interviewed Michel about his biggest challenges, the current legislative session and what he seeks in outside counsel.
Katten’s Mark Solomon Reflects on Dallas Office’s Successes/Challenges at Five-Year Mark
In an in-depth Q&A with The Lawbook, Mark Solomon shares a few of the office’s major successes, identifies significant challenges facing the firm, surveys the lay of the land for deal activity and shares his favorite features of the new digs at PwC Tower. Plus, a windup about those damn Yankees as baseball returns.
Brookfield Buys Freight Provider Triton for $13B
The infrastructure giant, advised in part by Skadden’s Houston office, bets big on the continued strength of shipping at a time of supply shortages.
2023 Houston Corp. Counsel Award for Lifetime Achievement Goes to Sempra Infrastructure GC Carolyn Benton Aiman
Citing three decades of service to the Houston legal community, the Association of Corporate Counsel’s Houston Chapter and The Texas Lawbook announced Wednesday that Aiman will be the recipient of the 2023 Houston Corporate Counsel Award for Lifetime Achievement.
“I wanted to be a lawyer for as long as I can recall,” Aiman said in an interview. “From very early on I respected the importance of the rule of law and how it can make lives better. I understood that lawyers have influence and can bring change and can make things happen. I was, and I’m still, fascinated by how the law touches so much of our lives.”