Occidental announced the $9.7 billion sale of its chemical unit OxyChem to Berkshire Hathaway, potentially Warren Buffett’s final major deal. The move follows Occidental’s $12 billion CrownRock acquisition and is aimed at cutting debt. Cravath advised Occidental, while Berkshire Hathaway was advised by Kirkland & Ellis.
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My Five Favorite Books: Barry Pound (Director of Public Relations, Androvett Legal Media & Marketing)
It’s really disappointing to realize the number of people who read for pleasure is continuing to decline – one recent study found by as much as 40% in the past 20 years – and despite research showing the positive effects of discretionary reading on our mental health, social capabilities and overall well-being. Those results may vary, but I still read 100 or more books annually and have for most of my adult life. In developing this list, which was much harder than I anticipated, I was struck by the fact that all are novels that were published more than 40 years ago — while I generally read current mysteries, thrillers and non-fiction. Perhaps that only means that in my case a “favorite” made an impression as a young adult or even a child, and has stood that test of time.
2025-2026 Partner Promotions
The Texas Lawbook tracks promotions to partner by law firms in Texas. Promotions for the 2025/2026 class have started and are available to subscribers in a searchable database that will update as new Texas-based partners are announced.
U.S. Trustee Again Voices Disapproval for Jackson Walker Bankruptcy Settlement
A filing this week marked the second time the U.S. Trustee’s Office, referred to as the watchdog of the bankruptcy system, has urged the presiding judge to reject proposed settlements the Dallas-based law firm has reached with its former bankruptcy clients.
Federal Judiciary Has 2 Weeks Until Pressure From Shutdown Increases
The federal government has shut down for lack of funding for the first time in seven years. With lawmakers in a deadlock, it is uncertain when the shutdown will end. Federal workers will continue to be paid for two weeks.
Fermi America’s $683M IPO Debuts in U.S. and London (Almost) Simultaneously
The Texas-based company is building one of the largest AI data centers on the planet. Meet the Haynes Boone lawyers who advised on the offering, which values the company at more than $13 billion.
Judge Says He Has Lost Sleep in Dr. Phil Bankruptcy Case, Takes Motion to Dismiss Under Advisement
The two-week-long hearing in the Dr. Phil McGraw bankruptcy case concluded Monday afternoon. Counsel presented their closing arguments to the Northern District bankruptcy court on whether the case should be dismissed or converted to a Chapter 7.
Inaugural San Antonio Corporate Counsel Awards Winners Announced
The general counsel at Valero Energy, Howard Energy Partners, OCI Enterprises and Stakeholder Midstream and the legal department at Zachry Group are among the recipients of the first annual San Antonio Corporate Counsel Awards.
Litigation Roundup: Family Feud Over Houston Texans Ownership Extends via $100M Suit Against NFL
In this edition of Litigation Roundup, a Dallas lawyer secures an important ruling in a case involving NCAA eligibility for an Indiana University football player from Mesquite, and the brother of the Houston Texans principal owner hires Tony Buzbee to bring a $100 million tortious interference lawsuit against the National Football League. There is also coverage of non-football-related cases.
Ares Acquires Meade Pipeline for $1.1B
A Texas-heavy Sidley Austin team advised Ares in the purchase, which secures a 40 percent stake in the Central Penn Line, a major connection between Pennsylvania natural gas fields and major East Coast markets.