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Valero GC Rich Walsh Fought the EPA and Won at the U.S. Supreme Court - Valero Energy GC Rich Walsh watched in astonishment in 2022 and 2023 as major petroleum-related companies were silent as the EPA allowed California to set more stringent fuel admission standards than required by federal law, creating an existential threat to their businesses. The California rules would force consumers to purchase vehicles that run on electricity instead of liquid fuels. Walsh led the charge to file lawsuits challenging these regulations. On June 20, Walsh’s efforts paid off when the U.S. Supreme Court handed Valero a sweeping victory.
“Sometimes it is very evident when we are very right, and I knew from the start that this was one of those times,” said Walsh, who is the recipient of the 2025 San Antonio Corporate Counsel Award for General Counsel of the Year for a Large Legal Department. October 30, 2025
Top Stories
Top Stories
AZA to Open Dallas Office in January - The firm, which launched in Houston in 1993, was patient about opening a second office. John Zavitsanos said the amount of intellectual property work the firm is handling made Dallas a clear location for expansion. (Photo by Sharon Ferranti/The Texas Lawbook) October 29, 2025Dallas Stars Hire Winstead, File Counterclaim Against Jackson Walker-Represented Mavericks - In the sports showdown consuming Dallas, it will be Winstead PC representing the Dallas Stars in the litigation against the Jackson Walker-represented Dallas Mavericks. October 29, 2025
‘There is No Hope for Rehabilitation’: Judge Converts Dr. Phil’s Media Startup Bankruptcy to Chapter 7 - After a three-hour hearing, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Scott Everett ruled to convert Dr. Phil McGraw’s Chapter 11 startup media bankruptcy case to a Chapter 7 and will have a trustee appointed. The ruling comes after a weekslong hearing in September on the motion to dismiss or to convert. October 28, 2025
Mavs Hire Jackson Walker in Stars Lawsuit - To lead the high-profile breach of contract lawsuit the Dallas Mavericks ownership filed against the Dallas Stars ownership Tuesday, the basketball club’s General Counsel and Chief Ethics Officer Sekou Lewis has tapped the law firm Jackson Walker. Partners Charles “Chip” Babcock, Chris Bankler and associate Sarah Starr are representing the Dallas Sports Group and Radical Arena in the litigation against DSE Hockey Club. October 28, 2025
Going Global: Judges Go Abroad to Sell Texas Business Court - A year into operation, the judges who preside over the Texas Business Court are getting comfortable at home and promoting the court abroad. Business Court Judge Sofia Adrogué has traveled to Argentina and Fifteenth Court of Appeals Justice Scott Field has traveled to Mexico. October 28, 2025
Texas Hires Keller Postman for Tylenol Suit - Plaintiffs law firm Keller Postman, which has its sole Texas outpost in Austin, has been hired by the state to pursue a deceptive trade practices lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson and Kenvue over their marketing of Tylenol. Three lawyers from the firm’s office in Washington, D.C., and Ashley Keller from its Chicago office all signed on to the lawsuit filed Tuesday in Panola County. October 28, 2025
Litigation Roundup: Zero Times Zero is Not $26.9M - In this edition of Litigation Roundup, three former federal judges in Texas join more than two dozen of their colleagues in urging the U.S. Supreme Court to reject President Donald Trump’s tariff regime, the parties involved in an East Texas water fight reach an agreement and a math lesson from the Dallas Court of Appeals wipes out a $26.9 million prejudgment interest award. October 27, 2025
Centerpiece
‘What-a-Lawyer’ — Meet the Fast-Food Chain’s CLO Elena Kraus - “I have witnessed Elena transform not just our legal department but also how the company operates in many positive ways, with an emphasis on legal and business ethics at all times,” said Whataburger VP of legal affairs Jeff Hagelman. "From Day One, Elena emphasized the ethical and respectful treatment of others, not just within the company but also with those outside the company, including adverse counsel and business competitors. From a legal community perspective, Elena has pushed each of us in the Whataburger legal department to take active roles in the communities we serve, including our home city of San Antonio. Elena is more than just a lawyer — she is helping run and lead the company."
The Association of Corporate Counsel’s San Antonio Chapter and The Texas Lawbook are honoring Whataburger Chief Legal Officer Elena Kraus with the 2025 C. Lee Cusenbary Ethical Life and Leadership Award. October 28, 2025
Updated — BioBridge GC Richey Wyatt Used Problem-Solving Skills to Bring Students Back to Class - BioBridge Global GC Richey Wyatt was walking into his gym in June 2020 when he received a text message from San Antonio entrepreneur Graham Weston, who was seeking solutions to help get the city's children back to in-person learning. Minutes later, the two men were on the phone. The result was the creation of Community Labs and Bridge converting its blood testing laboratories to accommodate rapid Covid-19 testing of thousands of San Antonio school children, teachers and staff.
“We went from zero to 180 miles per hour really frickin’ fast,” Wyatt told The Texas Lawbook. “It was a wild ride that we knew would have a big impact on our community."
Citing his extraordinary legal and community achievements, the Association of Corporate Counsel’s San Antonio Chapter and The Lawbook are honoring Wyatt with the 2025 San Antonio Corporate Counsel Award for Lifetime Achievement. Wyatt and 11 other San Antonio corporate general counsel will be recognized on Nov. 6 at the inaugural San Antonio Corporate Counsel Awards ceremony. October 27, 2025
Expert Voices
Lawyers Need Not Fear Being Replaced — If They Learn to Use It the Right Way - Like many firms, Baker Botts is exploring how best to leverage AI — both for the benefit of our clients and for training our lawyers. This summer, the firm hosted an AI Learning Lab that immersed 70 summer associates in a simulated typical workflow for a trade secret dispute. What we learned was encouraging. October 28, 2025
Thought Leadership: Why Texas Businesses Are Embracing Mediation - Texas businesses are increasingly turning to mediation for dispute resolution. While cost-effectiveness is a significant factor, it's not the only benefit driving this trend. Mediation offers important advantages beyond financial ones, making it a valuable tool for businesses. October 28, 2025
Stories You Might’ve Missed
Toyota’s Derek Lipscombe Named Texas Lawbook Foundation Co-Chair - The Texas Lawbook Foundation has named Derek Lipscombe, managing counsel at Toyota North America, as the new co-chair of the nonprofit’s board of directors. Lipscombe, a former newspaper reporter who is past president of the Association of Corporate Counsel’s DFW Chapter, has served on The Lawbook Foundation board since it was founded in 2023. The Lawbook Foundation’s sole mission is to provide support for The Texas Lawbook’s news coverage of pro bono, public service and diversity in the Texas legal community. October 8, 2025
