Andrew Gratz’s first big assignment at LyondellBasell a decade ago was to work on the multinational petrochemical company’s complex bankruptcy. Now, he’s leading the $35 billion corporation’s strategic growth efforts, including last year’s $2.25 billion acquisition of A. Schulman Inc. The Association of Corporate Counsel’s Houston Chapter and The Texas Lawbook have named Gratz a finalist for the 2019 Houston Corporate Counsel Senior Counsel of the Year Award for a Large Legal Department. The Lawbook has a complete profile.
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[UPDATED] Forest Park Verdict: 7 Guilty, 1 Acquittal, 1 Mistrial
A jury in the Forest Park Medical Center bribery and kickbacks trial returned its verdict late Tuesday, convicting seven of nine defendants on charges ranging from conspiracy to money laundering. One defendant, Dr. Nick Nicholson was acquitted of all charges. The jury was unable to reach a verdict regarding the one charge against Carli Hemple, the director of bariatric services at the hospital. The Texas Lawbook has the latest.
TLB Exclusive: Dozens of Texas Law Firms Experience Cyber Incidents/Data Breaches
At least 42 corporate law firms operating in Texas have experienced a “cyber incident” or an actual data breach during the past two years, according to an exclusive new Texas Lawbook survey. But 90% of law firms report that one of the vendors they use has been the victim of a cyber attack. GCs, including those at Match Group and Halliburton, say they are concerned about the safety of client information and law firms, according to the survey, are finally paying attention to cyber threats.
Ex-Dallas Court of Appeals Justice Joins Dorsey
Doug Lang served for more than 16 years on the Dallas Court of Appeals.
More Corporate Law Firms, Fewer Texas Lawyers in 2018
The number of out-of-state law firms that opened new offices in Texas grew significantly in 2018, but the actual number of lawyers working at big corporate firms operating in the state declined last year. The result is that nearly half of all corporate lawyers in Texas are employed at out-of-state law firms. The Texas Lawbook has exclusive numbers and analysis.
Ed Tomko’s Exit Interview: A White Collar Law Expert On Both Sides of the Charge
With the Forest Park Medical Center case now in the hands of the jury, white collar veteran Ed Tomko may have seen his final trial. As a veteran prosecutor and well-regarded defense attorney, Tomko has witnessed much from both sides. He shares his insights in a sit-down with Lawbook litigation writer Natalie Posgate.
Dallas Trial Lawyer Mark Werbner Joins Winston & Strawn
Mark Werbner, the trial lawyer who engineered a historic billion-dollar jury victory against a Middle Eastern bank accused of aiding terrorists, has joined the Dallas office of Winston & Strawn. The Texas Lawbook has an exclusive interview.
Robust Economic Growth and Tax Law Changes Mean Choice of Entity Decisions More Important than Ever
Business is booming in Texas, and recent changes to U.S. tax laws have brought billions of dollars from foreign investors to the state. These developments have elevated the importance of choosing the right entity when structuring a new business venture. Business lawyers seeking to stay up-to-date on this topic should attend the 17th Annual “Choice, Governance & Acquisition of Entities” course in Dallas on May 24.
Former BP Associate GC Moves to Vorys in Houston
At BP, Jeff Heller managed the British multinational oil and gas company’s global legal teams responsible for employment and labor law, immigration, data privacy and benefits.
Now, Tuesday Morning…
Jurors in the Forest Park Medical Center bribery trial headed home late Monday. They will resume Tuesday after 19 hours of deliberation. Like last week, the jurors had questions. But unlike last week, those questions were answered via telephone from Toledo. Bruce Tomaso explains.