The Texas Supreme Court on Friday dealt a blow to the maker of a nicotine pouch product, finding that the company’s VELO pouches are subject to the same duty levied on cigars, chewing tobacco and snuff. But the court did leave one door open for RJR Vapor.
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P.S. — Hilgers’ Cynthia Schmidt Trades Partner Role for Nonprofit Calling
In this edition of P.S., the Pro Bono & Grants Committee of the State Bar of Texas Corporate Counsel Section announced its annual grant recipients. The success of the Champions of Pro Bono sponsorship program pushed this year’s giving to $79,000 — above the initial goal, according to committee chair Michael Marin.
The University of Houston Law Center more than doubled last year’s fundraising haul at its 49th annual Law Gala and Auction, generating more than $1.6 million, while honoring distinguished alumni.
In Dallas, 33 Dykema lawyers and staff packed welcome baskets filled with household necessities for individuals and families who are exiting homelessness with the help of The Stewpot, a nonprofit that provides housing programs that pair subsidized housing assistance with case management and support services.
And former Hilgers partner Cynthia Schmidt discusses her recent decision to leave the firm to lead the nonprofit Catholic Pro-Life Community.
After Finding a ‘Port in a Storm’ in Lawyers, Lyondell Basell’s Dave Louie Now Serves as One for Others Through Pro Bono Work
When Dave Louie was 17, he caused a car wreck. His father feared the family could lose everything in a resulting lawsuit, a possibility that weighed heavily on Louie. But his nerves eased after he met with the legal team hired by the family’s insurance company.
“They were like a port in a storm,” Louie said.
Now a lead counsel at LyondellBasell, Louie strives to provide that same sense of reassurance to the families he serves through his pro bono work. The Association of Corporate Counsel’s Houston Chapter and The Texas Lawbook are honoring Louie, along with Shell USA Senior Litigation Counsel Sara Keith, with the Harry Reasoner Pro Bono Advocacy Award at the 2026 Houston Corporate Counsel Awards on May 28.
Premium Subscriber Q&A: Dave Louie
In this Q&A with The Texas Lawbook, LyondellBasell’s Dave Louie discusses the traits he seeks in outside counsel, how AI is impacting his work and more.
3M Cleared in Houston Explosion Trial
In the third trial in multidistrict litigation stemming from the fatal 2020 explosion in West Houston, the jury unanimously cleared 3M of negligence. The first two trials ended in verdicts against 3M, totaling about $156 million for 12 plaintiffs.
Greenpeace Enjoined from Suing Energy Transfer in the Netherlands
The Supreme Court of North Dakota has directed the trial court to enter a narrow antisuit injunction against Greenpeace International Thursday morning, barring it from proceeding with its action against Dallas-based Energy Transfer in the Netherlands. A North Dakota jury awarded Energy Transfer more than $660 million in damages against Greenpeace in March 2025.
Deep Blue’s Ali Denson Navigates Complex Deals and Regulatory Waters
The daughter of a commercial real estate lawyer, Ali Denson played a leading role last year in Deep Blue’s $750 million acquisition of Environmental Disposal System from Diamondback Energy and spearheaded the $950 million term loan needed to finance the sustainable water management company’s acquisition. Citing those transformative transactions, the Association of Corporate Counsel’s Houston Chapter and The Texas Lawbook are awarding Denson the 2026 Houston Corporate Counsel Award for Senior Counsel of the Year for a Small Legal Department.
Premium Subscriber Q&A: Ali Denson
In this Q&A with The Texas Lawbook Ali Denson discusses the traits she seeks in outside counsel, what outside counsel need to know when working with her and more.
Wendy Wright Has Transformed the Legal Function at The Lactation Network
Wendy Wright was in the third grade when she first decided to become a lawyer. Nearly three decades later, Wright has achieved numerous successes, including making partner at a global law firm and now as the general counsel of The Lactation Network, a healthcare company trying to make a difference to families with newborns.
Citing those achievements, the Association of Corporate Counsel’s Houston Chapter and The Texas Lawbook have named Wright as the recipient of the 2026 Houston Corporate Counsel Award for General Counsel of the Year for a Solo Legal Department.
Carlyle-Diversified Energy Partnership Fuels $1.175B Deal for Anadarko Basin Assets
Diversified Energy Company and its finance partner Carlyle Global Credit announced a $1.175 billion purchase agreement for oil and gas assets in Oklahoma’s Anadarko Basin owned by Camino Natural Resources.
Diversified is advised by Citi and Truist on finance and Kirkland & Ellis as outside legal counsel. Carlyle was advised on legal matters by Paul Hastings and Latham & Watkins. Jefferies is lead financial advisor to Camino with RBC Richardson Barr as co-advisor. Camino outside legal counsel is Vinson & Elkins.