David Nemecek, one of the nation’s pre-eminent pre-eminent strategic advisers to distressed companies, is leaving Kirkland & Ellis for Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, according to a news release from his new firm late Wednesday. Simpson Thacher also said it plans to open a Dallas office.
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Dallas Business Court Jury Trial Ends with Directed Verdict
Judge Andrea Bouressa granted the defense’s motion for directed verdict Wednesday afternoon and dismissed the jury on the second day of trial. This is the first jury trial for the newly established court to reach a conclusion.
Energy Litigation Partner Moves to Porter Hedges
Hiring Elizabeth Tiblets strengthens Porter Hedges’ oil and gas litigation bench.
My Five Favorite Books: James A. Deeken (Fund Formation Partner at Akin)
A potentially life-changing book for any professional, an inspiring story of triumph, and a narrative of moral courage are among my favorite books.
Ovintiv Exits Anadarko with $3B Sale of Assets
Latham and Kirkland advised on the deal, which helps pay down Ovintiv’s debt from two recent purchases in Canada’s Montney Shale, as well as their considerable holdings in the Permian Basin.
Portland General Electric Acquires 3 Electric Plants in Washington for $1.9B
The acquisitions include one natural gas powered plant and two wind-driven generation facilities. The company said it signed contracts with data centers in late 2025 and early 2026 for 430MW of generated power. Latham & Watkins and Simpson Thacher advised the parties.
Texas Business Court Begins First Jury Trial in Dallas
The first jury trial for the Texas Business Court in Dallas began Tuesday in a case involving an oral agreement between two businessmen. This is the second jury trial for the Lone Star State’s newest court.
Fifteenth Court Holds, with Caveats, that Pleading Amendments May Defeat Business Court Jurisdiction
The Texas Court of Appeals for the Fifteenth District has issued an opinion deciding an issue of first impression on the Texas Business Court’s jurisdiction that will prove important for commercial litigation in Texas over: Can a plaintiff amend its petition so as to defeat the Business Court’s jurisdiction after removal? The rule announced in the opinion will bear prominently on pleading and removal practice for the Business Court, and it raises further questions for consideration.
Katz Teams Up with Vartabedian
Marc Katz is leaving one of the largest law firms in the world to join the practice-focused boutique Vartabedian Hester & Haynes as a name partner. The firm has added more than 20 lawyers over the past year.
Litigation Roundup: Exxon’s Defamation Suit Against California AG Will Proceed
In this edition of Litigation Roundup, a team from King & Spalding notches an early win for Vistra in a dispute with the city of Sulphur Springs over the use of land that formerly housed a lignite mine, a healthcare executive faces prison after pleading guilty to fraud, and a $51 million win secured by Dean Omar Branham Shirley against Avon in a mesothelioma case is upheld on appeal in California.