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SAExploration GC David Rassin is a ‘Real Fixer Upper’

SAExploration offered David Rassin the GC job in March 2020. There were a few things they thought he should know: the last GC and CEO had been fired and faced federal criminal charges; the SEC was investigating the company for securities fraud; the company was restating five years of financials and faced being delisted by Nasdaq; and bankruptcy was a possibility. Rassin accepted the challenge and SAE is glad he did.

“It was the most intense year of my life,” said Rassin, who is a finalist for the 2021 Houston Corporate Counsel Awards GC of the Year for a Small Legal Department.

CDT Roundup: 26 Deals, 15 Firms, 193 Lawyers, $7.3B

As the year nears its end and oil prices begin to settle against the demand-threat posed by Omicron, it’s a good time to point up the most obvious change in energy deals: a surge in equity investment in renewables and energy transition technologies. The change is real and, according to a new report from Vinson & Elkins, even O&G giants are acknowledging it. That report, and last week’s transactions are all in this week’s slightly tardy CDT Roundup.

Fifth Circuit Backs DOJ in Walmart Appeal of East Texas Case

A three-judge panel Wednesday unanimously affirmed an EDTX decision dismissing a case brought by Walmart challenging a federal investigation into widespread irregularities in the distribution of opioids through Walmart pharmacies in Texas and other states. Litigation writer Natalie Posgate has details.

Hilton Settles $44M Houston Sex Assault Case

Just weeks after a Harris County jury held Hilton 90% liable in the sexual assault of a Cleveland woman, the hotel chain settled with the victim for an undisclosed sum. By settling, experts say, Hilton is hoping the horrific details presented in court will “quietly go away.”

Charlie San Miguel Does Billion-dollar Deals for Enterprise Products, GC of Texas Monthly

Only a year out of college, Charlie San Miguel was hit with a frivolous lawsuit by his former employer because he went to work at a competitor. He made $9 an hour but still had to hire a lawyer. The experience was painful but it also gave him the idea to go to law school. Today, San Miguel is now the VP of legal at Enterprise Products, where he recently completed a $2 billion M&A deal. He’s also the GC of Texas Monthly and a musician who plays for two rock bands. He’s also the recipient of the 2021 Houston Corporate Counsel Award for Senior Counsel of the Year for a Midsized Legal Department.

Q&A: Charlie San Miguel

Premium-Only Content: Charlie San Miguel is recipient of the 2021 Houston Corporate Counsel Award for Senior Counsel of the Year for a Midsized Legal Department. The Lawbook’s Mark Curriden had a chance to ask him about the current issues facing in-house counsel and what he looks for in any relationship with an outside firm.

Fifth Circuit to RealPage: Go Phish

A federal appeals court Wednesday held that the Richardson-based property management-software company, a recent victim of a phishing expedition, cannot recover $6 million in stolen funds from its insurer, which affirmed a lower-court ruling that reached the same conclusion. 

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