(May 31) – The Texas Supreme Court tried to simplify its earlier rulings on oil and gas titles with a remarkably simple principle: a new lease supplants an old lease unless the new lease says it doesn’t. The ruling is bad news for TRO-X L.P., who sought to collect from Anadarko on a “back-in” option in a lease long-since transferred. The Texas Lawbook has the details.
More Stories
Denver Law Firm Adds Dallas Litigation Partner
Kevin Schutte, who was previously at Bracewell, focuses his litigation practice on representing banks and other financial institutions.
Court of Appeals Upholds $11M Judgment In 2013 Casino Bus Crash
The 25-page opinion, written by Justice Jason Boatright, rejected all 15 issues raised on appeal by the Choctaw, including their argument that federal law should preempt state common-law claims involving a federally-licensed motor carrier.
Corporate Deal Tracker Weekly Roundup: 10 Firms, 63 Texas Lawyers, 11 Deals, $4.89B
Deal activity leading up to the Memorial Day weekend was 76 percent off the previous week’s 2018 high. Active industries included oilfield services, solar power and banking, along with oil and gas exploration, energy infrastructure, fertilizer and steel. The Texas Lawbook has the specific names and numbers.
Bain-backed BMC Software Sold to KKR for Reported $8.3B
After reports earlier this year that it was looking at launching an initial public offering, Bain Capital-backed BMC Software said May 29 that it has agreed to be sold to KKR. Deal terms weren’t disclosed, but media reports put the price tag at $10 billion.
Chinese Counterfeit Producers: Say ‘Ni Hao’ to Patterson + Sheridan Duo
He knows trademark infringement. She speaks fluent Mandarin. Together they make the rounds at trade shows looking for illegal knock-offs of their clients’ products with the aim of friendly persuasion. Say “Ni Hao” to Bruce Patterson and Nan Carr, two lawyers with an unusual approach to their IP practice and a track record of sometimes surprising success. Natalie Posgate has the story.
Kirkland Lures Tax Expert from KPMG
The firm announced this week that David Wheat, a former principal in KPMG’s Washington National Tax Group, has joined as a partner.
SMU Dedman Law to Launch Center for Business Leadership and Law
At the request of an anonymous donor who led with a $3 million contribution, The Robert B. Rowling Center for Business Law and Leadership is named in honor of the owner and chairman of TRT Holdings Inc., the holding company for the Omni Hotels and Resorts chain and Gold’s Gym International. Rowling is a 1979 graduate of the law school.
Bell Nunnally Boosts Litigation and White Collar Practices
The three new additions are headlined by partner David Walton, an appellate guru who was previously at Parsons McEntire McCleary & Clark, and senior counsel Craig Warner, who was an assistant attorney general of Texas.
Seyfarth Shaw Adds Houston Labor and Employment Partner
Scott Nelson was previously at Baker McKenzie.