Bracewell Managing Partner Mark Evans says that the firm made “a wonderful decision” a decade ago to hire former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani as a partner and add his name to the front door. Firm leadership decided to drop Giuliani’s name from its letterhead last year as part of a re-branding effort, Evans said Wednesday in an interview with The Texas Lawbook. He also said Giuliani’s departure was completely the former presidential candidate’s decision.
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Orrick Announces Opening of Houston Office, but Names No Lawyers
California-based Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe announced Tuesday that it is opening an outpost in Houston with about 20 partners and additional associates and staffing. Orrick has leased 48,000 square feet on the 41st and 42nd floors in the Fulbright Tower on McKinney Ave. in downtown Houston. The firm declined to identify any of the lawyers who will work in the new operation, but says those announcements will come later.
Updated – Giuliani Says Split with Bracewell “Amicable”
Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani and Houston-based Bracewell & Giuliani announced Tuesday they are ending their decade-long partnership. Bracewell says that split is “by amicable agreement” and is effective today. The firm’s statement says that its new name is simply “Bracewell.” Giuliani is joining Greenberg Traurig, where he will lead the firm’s cybersecurity and crisis management practice.
Jeff Tillotson Departs Lynn Pinker Cox
Prominent Dallas litigation boutique Lynn Tillotson Pinker Cox is trimming its name. The firm announced Monday that trial lawyer Jeff Tillotson is leaving to temporarily start his own firm, but it is expected that he will join Reese Gordon Marketos as a partner later this year. The Texas Lawbook has exclusive comments from Tillotson, Mike Lynn and Joel Reese.
David Gerger and Joel Androphy Discuss the Presidential Pardons of their Iranian Clients
Two Houston trial lawyers – David Gerger and Joel Androphy – spent 23 hours over the weekend at the federal prison in downtown Houston waiting for word from the White House on whether their clients, who are Iranian businessmen accused of violating the ban on doing with Iran, would get presidential pardons. Gerger and Androphy gave exclusive interviews to The Texas Lawbook.
Federal Litigation in the Fifth Circuit in the New Year
The vibrant Texas economy drives business disputes into federal court and ultimately, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. This article identifies ten recent cases from the Fifth Circuit that will likely influence commercial litigation in the year ahead. The specific areas of law include forum selection, federal jurisdiction over class actions, arbitration, civil procedure, and the substantive fields of antitrust and trademark.
Personal Reflections on Pro Bono Service and the Importance of Access to Justice
There are many things I recall about beginning my legal career in Dallas. But one thing I remember clearly, from the very first day on the job, was the pervasive sentiment that an indispensable part of being a lawyer – a real lawyer committed to the craft and the profession – is helping those who need access to our courts. It reminds us of why we became lawyers, and it underscores the importance of serving others as zealously as we support our clients.
Dean Foods GC Marc Kesselman Jumps to Yum! Brands
Kesselman takes over as the chief legal officer at Yum! on Feb. 1, where he will oversee a legal department of about 100 lawyers.
IRS: Sam Wyly Considered Renouncing U.S. Citizenship
A lawyer for the Internal Revenue Service on Monday confronted Dallas entrepreneur Sam Wyly with emails and legal memos from 2004 apparently showing that he was interested in knowing the legal and financial ramifications if he renounced his U.S. citizenship. The Texas Lawbook has full coverage of the billion-dollar bankruptcy trial of Sam and Dee Wyly., which is now in its second week.
Handguns in the Texas Workplace – A Shorty for the Employer
The Texas Open Carry law went into effect Jan 1. The law allows a concealed handgun license holder to openly carry a holstered handgun in a shoulder or belt strap in most public or private places without violating Texas’ general prohibition against carrying handguns. Employers need to know their rights in light of this game-changing law. The article is divided into sections concerning (1) notice and regulated notice to employees, (2) regulated notice to visitors, (3) prohibited places/activities for carrying handguns and (4) the role of alcohol for the CHL holder.