Bruce A. Blefeld and Trey A. Monsour are K&L Gates’ latest additions to the firm’s Houston office. Blefeld, who will practice in the firm’s antitrust section, was previously a partner
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K&L Gates Continues to Grow Houston Office, Adds Two Partners
Bruce A. Blefeld and Trey A. Monsour are K&L Gates’ latest additions to the firm’s Houston office. Blefeld, who will practice in the firm’s antitrust section, was previously a partner
Texas Civil Jury Trials Continue Decline
The number of civil jury trials in Texas district courts hit a four decade low in 2012. Only 1,202 civil disputes were decided by state district juries in 2012 – one-third the number from just 15 years ago. While plaintiff’s lawyers have cried foul for more than a decade, lawyers representing businesses are increasingly sounding the alarm. “I have advised my business clients who have a rock solid case that we should file the lawsuit in another state,” says Adam Schiffer.
Steve Susman: Back on the Bike for Charity
This weekend, Steve Susman finished his fourth consecutive “BP MS 150” bike ride from Houston to Austin. He wore the coveted yellow jersey bearing the number “1,” marking him as the top fundraiser among more than 13,000 riders. The biggest challenge, according to the 72-year-old, is preparing to sit on a bike for nine hours a day. “The main thing you train is your butt,” he says.
West Fertilizer Explosion Lawsuits Coming
The death and destruction caused by the explosion at the West Fertilizer Plant is likely to cost the owners of the plant, its insurance carriers and the makers and operators of the equipment storing the anhydrous ammonia hundreds of millions of dollars in legal compensatory damages, according to lawyers who are following the case closely. The first lawsuits are expected to be filed next week.
Porter Hedges Adds William Scott Matney, Grows Litigation Practice
William Scott Matney has jumped to Porter Hedges to be a partner in the firm’s litigation practice group. He joins the firm from Hunton & Williams’ Houston office. Scott, a
Chief Justice Jack Pope Turns 100
Special to The Texas Lawbook
AUSTIN (April 18) – Retired Texas Chief Justice Jack Pope, who helped establish formal judicial education for Texas judges, fought for a voluntary judicial-ethics code when judges had none and fought again to make that code mandatory and enforceable, celebrated his 100th birthday.
Be a Leader? Why Should I? I’m just the Lawyer
Lawyers are trained to be leaders in their firms and in their communities. But in a time where risks to in-house and law firm counsel are significant – and sometimes even personal – will lawyers step up and take the leadership helm? Even though authentic leadership is so often lacking in today’s day and age, will the fear of very real consequences win out over the courage to lead?
Schiffer Odom Makes First Partner Promotions
Scott Upchurch and John Sheppard are the first lawyers to be promoted to partner at the six-year-old Houston litigation boutique.
V&E Advises Dyno Nobel in $850 Million Capital Expenditure
Lots of Houston lawyers are involved in the deal for the new $850 million plant will produce 800,000 metric tons of ammonia per year.