Patrick O’Connell is an Austin-based solo whose practice is almost exclusively qui tam cases. He chases fraud on behalf of clients in cases in which the State of Texas is on his side. But in a case now officially before the U.S. Supreme Court, O’Connell finds himself facing off against the Lone Star State in a challenge to its COVID-19 abortion restrictions. The Lawbook’s Tony Mauro explains.
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Take These Steps Today to Help Your Company Survive the Current Crisis
The combination of economic crises Texas is now facing will likely fuel corporate restructuring at all levels for years to come. Even before the pandemic, bankruptcy lawyers were preparing for a surge in oil and gas bankruptcies and reorganizations. Jeff Prostok says these challenges are not insurmountable and shares recommendations for at-risk companies in this article.
CEC Entertainment Hires Weil Gotshal and PJT Partners as Advisors in Possible Restructuring
The parent company of Chuck E. Cheese and Peter Piper Pizza has created a committee to explore restructuring and financing opportunities and hired two highly-respected firms as its primary outside advisors, according to documents filed by CEC Entertainment with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Complex Case, Speedy Trial: WDTX Judge Hands $40M Win to Repeat Precision
U.S. District Judge Alan Albright in the Western District of Texas has issued his first patent trial judgment. But it is the tart wording of his earlier 150-page finding of fact that deserves the true spotlight. That, and the team of Locke Lord and Susman Godfrey lawyers who secured the $40 million win.
Kirkland Houston Partner Departs for Akin Gump
UPDATED The attorney specializes in private equity financings and debt restructurings in the energy industry, including special and distressed situations.
COVID-19, Cybersecurity and Workplace Investigations
These aren’t normal times. But something that has continued as normal is the work of responding to cybersecurity incidents and conducting workplace investigations. Cyberattackers are absolutely seeking to take advantage of the uncertainty and fear associated with COVID-19. In this article, John Ansbach discusses ways to avoid the pitfalls and challenges that lie ahead.
Texas M&A Falls Dramatically in Q1
For 51 consecutive quarters, energy was the dominant sector for M&A in Texas. That streak ended during the first three months of 2020, as M&A activity plunged in deal value to levels not witnessed since the Great Recession. Not one of the seven biggest-dollar Texas deals had anything to do with oil and gas, according to Mergermarket. The Texas Lawbook has the details.
Law Firm Marketing Expert: Business Development during COVID-19 is a Delicate Balance
Some law firms have intensified their outreach efforts by trumpeting the myriad of legal issues on which they can help clients during this crisis. Are they seizing opportunities or distastefully capitalizing on a global pandemic? Prominent corporate law firm marketing expert Susan Peters says the best law firm business development efforts in bad times resemble those in good times: anticipate clients’ concerns and show how the firm can help.
Economic Loss in a Time of Coronavirus: Fifth Circuit Case May Drive Future COVID-19 Business Tort Litigation
The Fifth Circuit recently confronted a classic “economic loss rule” problem under Texas law. While the case involved a dispute about the operation of a power turbine, the legal framework described by Golden Spread could easily set the ground rules for future business tort litigation arising from the COVID-19 crisis.
DBJ: U.K. Agency Blocks Sabre Acquisition
The U.K. Competition and Markets Authority said it’s blocking Sabre’s planned acquisition of Farelogix, arguing travel agents and passengers there would be “worse off.” The decision comes the same week the travel technology company won its antitrust case against the U.S. Department of Justice, which has since appealed that decision.