Attorneys representing royalty owners in the explosion of litigation against energy companies are encouraged by a recent Texas Supreme Court ruling that interpreted a drilling lease as clearly excluding post-production costs from royalties. In a closely watched lease dispute, a sharply divided court agreed with the family that Chesapeake entities had improperly deducted post-production costs from royalties paid on gas wells located on 948 mineral acres in the Barnett Shale.
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H.B. 1455: New Texas Law Governing Condominium Association Construction Defect and Design Claims
Last week, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed House Bill 1455 which significantly affects construction defect or design claims by requiring condominium associations to fulfill certain preconditions prior to initiating a lawsuit. This article discusses this new law’s technical provisions of the pre-suit procedures, including the requirement for a third-party inspection and written report, opportunity for construction professionals to address potential defect or design claims and the requirements of notice to and approval of the unit owners prior to commencing litigation.
Gibson Dunn Leads Lone Star’s $7.6 Billion Acquisition
The Dallas private equity firm agreed Monday to purchase 41,917 apartment units in 121 different communities from East Coast-based Home Properties for $7.6 billion. Lone Star, which has an estimated $60 billion in assets under management, turned to Jeffrey Chapman, a corporate M&A partner in the Dallas office of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, to lead the transaction.
Dena Stroh Settles in as NTTA GC
Exactly three months ago, the North Texas Tollway Authority named Dena DeNooyer Stroh its new general counsel. Stroh, the former GC at Murchison Oil & Gas and a former partner at two prominent Dallas law firms – Gruber Hurst and Carrington Coleman – said her first 90 days on the job have shown her the position is perfect for her.
Bill Brewer Moves Forward without Bickel
For three decades, Bickel & Brewer were the bad boys of the legal profession. Then, John Bickel retired last year. On Monday, the firm unveils its new name: Brewer, Attorneys & Counselors. “New branding and new name, still great lawyers and same great results for clients,” Brewer said. At 63, Brewer has no plans to retire anytime soon. The has six lawyers joining before the end July and is seriously looking to open offices in London and California.
SCOTX Provides Clearer Guidance for Workplace Injury Cases
The Supreme Court of Texas issued a potentially precedent-setting decision that may have significant future implications for both workers at Texas businesses and the employers.
Blank Rome Combines with Wong Cabello, Beefs Up IP Practice in Houston
The Philadelphia-based firm doubled its presence in Houston by adding 24 lawyers from the IP law firm.
Kelly Hart Names Andrew Weber New Partner in Charge of Austin Office
The Fort Worth-based law firm is also moving to new office space in Austin.
Weil Associate Natalie Smeltzer Wins 2015 DAYL Pro Bono Service Award
Smeltzer will be presented the award at the DAYL Wine Tasting event at the Kettle Art Gallery on June 25.
ACG DFW Selects Polsinelli’s Gemma Descoteaux as Chair of Women in ACG DFW
Descoteaux, a shareholder in the Dallas office of Polsinelli, focuses her practice on corporate mergers and acquisitions.