Service has always been a part of Jonny Havens’ life, whether it was serving two deployments in Iraq or helping veterans adjust to civilian life. The Houston-based personal injury lawyer, who just launched a new law firm, spoke with Natalie Posgate about his service as a Ranger qualified infantry officer, why he became a lawyer and why he continues to serve veterans through nonprofits and pro bono work.
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Robert Uhl: Helping Veterans One Benefits Application at a Time
Since he began his legal career in 2018, Sidley associate Robert Uhl has spent hundreds of pro bono hours helping veterans obtain combat-related benefits. Sometimes, the road is tough, but it’s not stopping him. The Texas Lawbook spoke with Uhl to learn why this work is important to him and why he continues to do it.
Just Energy’s $335M Bankruptcy Dispute at Fifth Circuit
In yet another example of the massive complex litigation stemming from 2021’s Winter Storm Uri, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit is being asked to balance the usually broad authority of federal bankruptcy judges in restructuring cases against the potential sovereignty of Texas energy regulators to set rates. Canadian energy retailer Just Energy and the ERCOT squared off Tuesday before a three-judge panel in a dispute over whether a Houston bankruptcy judge can order ERCOT to repay Just Energy up to $335 million from payments made following the February 2021 storm.
Paul Yetter’s Excellent 25-Year Adventure
Paul Yetter was a thriving young partner at Baker Botts in 1997 when he faced a decision: Drop a big client or leave one of the most prestigious corporate firms in Texas. He chose the later and this year Yetter Coleman, now a highly-respected 50-lawyer boutique in Houston, is celebrating its 25th anniversary. The Texas Lawbook recently interviewed Yetter about the firm’s successes and challenges during the past quarter century, why he thinks Yetter Coleman survived and thrived and what still lies ahead.
Eversheds Sutherland Energy M&A Attorneys Headed to Holland & Knight
Three Houston attorneys who advised on a $1.8 billion forestry ESG deal last week are on the move to Holland & Knight.
District Judge Seats Stay Mostly Blue in Texas’ Biggest Counties
There were few surprises in the races for district judge seats in the state’s biggest counties, where Democrats have steadily made inroads in recent years. Three judges who were recently appointed to their seats by Gov. Greg Abbott were soundly rejected by voters.
Arbitration Ruling Has FanDuel, Fox Claiming Victory
Both sides touted the ruling as a win in press releases and statements to reporters. The Nov. 4 ruling means it will cost Fox at least $4.1 billion to exercise its option to purchase an 18.6 percent stake in the online sports betting company.
Republicans and Democrats Score Texas Appellate Court Victories
The three Republican incumbent justices on the Texas Supreme Court easily won re-election Tuesday, but the district courts of appeals seem to have provided mixed results for the two political parties. Republican candidates for the Houston courts of appeals appear to be cruising to victory, as do Democratic appellate candidates in Dallas and Austin. The voters in San Antonio split their votes. And incumbent Texas Supreme Court Justice Rebeca Huddle received more votes than any other candidate statewide.
Winston Counsels Chart Industries on $4.4B Acquisition of Howden
The two major producers of industrial equipment say the merger will allow both the scale and profitability to support their strategic orientation toward decarbonization and other clean alternative energy processes. Claire Poole reports.
Q&A with Newly-Appointed Pro Bono, Public Service and Diversity Reporter Natalie Posgate
Natalie shares why she wanted to take on the new beat, how the public service bucket is different from pro bono and issues of particular importance to her.