Jackson Walker News http://www.jw.com/site/jsp/news.jsp Jackson Walker :: What's New Bill Cobb Returns to Jackson Walker http://www.jw.com/site/jsp/newsinfo.jsp?id=1198 Jackson Walker is pleased to welcome back partner <b><a href="http://www.jw.com/bcobb">Bill Cobb</a></b>. Mr. Cobb practices in the Litigation and Insurance groups in the Austin office. <br><br> Mr. Cobb has more than 15 years of trial and appellate experience representing clients before state and federal courts and state regulatory agencies. Mr. Cobb has extensive practical knowledge of class action defense and complex insurance litigation. His practice also focuses on governmental litigation and litigation avoidance. <br><br> Mr. Cobb was a Litigation partner at Jackson Walker from 2004 through 2008 and returned to the firm after serving the State of Texas for three years at the Texas Attorney General's Office. <br><br> As the Deputy Attorney General for Civil Litigation, Mr. Cobb directly managed over 150 attorneys responsible for enforcing Texas law in the areas of antitrust, consumer protection, insurance practices, public health, environmental protection, public information, charitable trusts, utility rates, and civil Medicaid fraud. <br><br>As Special Assistant and Senior Counsel to the Attorney General, Mr. Cobb was lead counsel for the State of Texas in the 26-state constitutional challenge to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. He also headed Texas' multi-front litigation opposing the EPA's greenhouse gas regulations, and defending Texas' air permitting program.<br><br> Mr. Cobb received his B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania and his J.D. from Northwestern University School of Law, where he was articles editor of the <i>Northwestern University Law Review.</i> en-us Thursday, February 02, 2012 JW RSS Generator 1.1 info@jw.com webmaster@jw.com David Curcio Speaks on Social Media's Legal Implications http://www.jw.com/site/jsp/newsinfo.jsp?id=1199 Jackson Walker partner <b><a href="http://www.jw.com/dcurcio">David Curcio</a></b> spoke at a "Lunch 'n' Learn" CLE course on January 31, 2012, in Houston, Texas. <br><br> Mr. Curcio spoke on the legal implications of using social media, which included updated developments regarding social media as it relates to discovery case law. To learn more about this event, <b><a target="new" href="http://images.jw.com/email/images/LegalImplicationsOfUsingSocialMedia.pdf">CLICK HERE</a></b>. <br><br> Mr. Curcio's practice focuses on defending financial institutions in consumer litigation, including state and federal statutory and common law claims. He has successfully defended banks against consumer class action attorneys and state attorneys general. He has over 20 years' experience in commercial litigation. In addition to defending lender liability matters, he has litigated insurance coverage matters and large commercial contract cases. He also has substantial class action, arbitration, and appellate experience. Mr. Curcio received his B.A. degree from Rice University. He attended law school at the University of Oregon and then the University of Texas, from which he received his J.D. degree. en-us Thursday, February 02, 2012 JW RSS Generator 1.1 info@jw.com webmaster@jw.com Pete Hosey Chairs Oil, Gas and Mineral Law Institute http://www.jw.com/site/jsp/newsinfo.jsp?id=1197 Jackson Walker partner <b><a href="http://www.jw.com/phosey">Pete Hosey</a></b> will chair the <i>38th Annual Ernest E. Smith Oil, Gas and Mineral Law Institute</i> on March 30, 2012, in Houston, Texas. <br><br> The institute's session topics include trends in seismic agreements, duties of executive right holders, and selected federal environmental issues affecting the Texas oil and gas industry, to name a few. To learn more about this JW-cosponsored event or to register, <b><a target="new" href="http://www.utcle.org/conference_overview.php?conferenceid=1014#FullProgram ">CLICK HERE</a></b>. <br><br> Mr. Hosey practices in the areas of oil, gas and mineral law, title and transactional matters, real estate law, business law, and international business law. Since 1998, he has served on the Joint Editorial Board for the development of the Texas Title Examinations Standards established by the Real Property, Probate and Trust Law and Oil, Gas and Energy Resources Law Sections of the State Bar of Texas, which are published in the Texas Property Code and is also a member of the Council of the State Bar Oil, Gas & Energy Resources Section. He is a frequent lecturer and writer on oil, gas and land title issues. Mr. Hosey has been named a Texas "Super Lawyer" by Thomson Reuters (2009-2011), was awarded the "Outstanding Lawyer" Award in Energy for 2011 by the San Antonio Business Journal and was named a San Antonio "Best Lawyer" for Real Estate Law by <i>Scene in SA Monthly</i> (2007-2009). He received his B.A. degree from The University of Texas at El Paso in 1976, and is a 1979 graduate of St. Mary's University School of Law, where he is an Adjunct Professor of Law, teaching Texas Land Titles. en-us Thursday, January 26, 2012 JW RSS Generator 1.1 info@jw.com webmaster@jw.com Gary Fowler Speaks on Covenants Not to Compete http://www.jw.com/site/jsp/newsinfo.jsp?id=1196 Jackson Walker partner <b><a href="http://www.jw.com/gfowler">Gary Fowler</a></b> will speak at the State Bar of Texas' <i>Advanced Employment Law Course 2012</i> on January 27, 2012, in Dallas, Texas.<br><br> Mr. Fowler will speak on "Covenants Not to Compete." To view his presentation paper, <b><a target="new" href="http://images.jw.com/com/publications/1704.pdf">CLICK HERE</a></b>. Other topics at this seminar include 21st century trends in discrimination, topical issues in class and collective actions, and information on the Family & Medical Leave Act and leave issues, to name a few. To learn more about this event or to register, <b><a target="new" href="http://texasbarcle.com/materials/Programs/2467/Brochure.pdf">CLICK HERE</a></b>. <br><br> Mr. Fowler's practice includes both counseling and defending clients in employment related matters. He advises clients in specific difficult workplace situations, provides preventative services in employee handbooks, documentation, and in-house seminars, and prepares and analyzes employment contracts and related documents to protect his client's interests. He was named a "Super Lawyer" (2003-2011) by Thomson Reuters. He is also listed in the 2006-2012 editions of <i>The Best Lawyers in America</i> under Labor and Employment Law and was named one of the "Best Lawyers in Dallas" in the 2007, 2009 and 2011 issues of <i>D Magazine</i>. Mr. Fowler received his B.A., <i>summa cum laude</i>, from Texas Christian University and his J.D. from Yale University Law School. en-us Tuesday, January 24, 2012 JW RSS Generator 1.1 info@jw.com webmaster@jw.com Larry Waks Speaks on Copyright and Trademark Litigation http://www.jw.com/site/jsp/newsinfo.jsp?id=1194 Jackson Walker partner <b><a href="http://www.jw.com/lwaks">Larry Waks </a></b>will moderate a webinar panel discussion on January 26, 2012. <br><br> The panel discussion is titled "Copyright and Trademark Litigation Update for Entertainment and IP Lawyers." Industry experts will discuss important recent entertainment cases with a focus on copyright infringement and trademark disputes. To learn more about this webinar, <b><a target="new" href="http://apps.americanbar.org/cle/programs/t12erc1.html">CLICK HERE</a></b>. <br><br> Mr. Waks represents a broad range of domestic and international clients in the entertainment, media, publishing, advertising, communication, high tech, biotech, and energy industries. He is listed in <i>The Best Lawyers in America</i> in both the Entertainment and Media law categories and has been named a "Super Lawyer" from 2003-2010 by Thomson Reuters. Mr. Waks is chair of the Litigation Division and a member of the governing committee of the ABA Forum on Entertainment and Sports Industries. He is a fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation and also serves on the Advisory Council of the Paramount and State Theatres in Austin. en-us Friday, January 20, 2012 JW RSS Generator 1.1 info@jw.com webmaster@jw.com Willie Hornberger Named Chairman-Elect of Texas Society of CPAs http://www.jw.com/site/jsp/newsinfo.jsp?id=1195 Jackson Walker partner <b><a href="http://www.jw.com/whornberger">Willie Hornberger</a></b> was recently named chairman-elect of the 29,000-member Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants (TSCPA). Mr. Hornberger will serve as chairman from 2013 to 2014. <br><br> The TSCPA is a nonprofit, voluntary, professional organization representing Texas CPAs. The mission of the organization is to support its members in their professional endeavors and to promote the value and high standards of Texas CPAs. To learn more about TSCPA, <b><a target="new" href="http://www.tscpa.org/content/home.aspx">CLICK HERE</a></b>. <br><br> Mr. Hornberger is currently on the executive board of the TSCPA. He is also a past chair and board member of the Dallas Chapter of the TSCPA and is a former chair of the Tax Sections of the State Bar of Texas and Dallas Bar Association. Mr. Hornberger practices in the Tax and International sections of Jackson Walker. His tax practice emphasizes transactional and international tax matters and tax controversy issues. He is also a Certified Public Accountant. Mr. Hornberger received both his B.B.A. degree, <i>with high honors</i>, and his J.D. degree, <i>with honors</i>, from the University of Texas, and he received his LL.M. in Taxation from New York University. He is fluent in the Spanish language. en-us Friday, January 20, 2012 JW RSS Generator 1.1 info@jw.com webmaster@jw.com Jim Griffin Speaks on Maximizing the Tax Benefits of Retirement Plan Contributions http://www.jw.com/site/jsp/newsinfo.jsp?id=1193 Jackson Walker partner <b><a href="http://www.jw.com/jgriffin">Jim Griffin</a></b> spoke at the Fort Worth Chapter of the Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants' <i>Employer Responsibilities Seminar</i> on January 18, 2012, in Fort Worth, Texas. <br><br> Mr. Griffin spoke on how to maximize tax benefits of retirement plan contributions. To view his PowerPoint slides, <b><a target="new" href="http://info.fortworthcpa.org/attach/01182012_retirement_plan.pdf ">CLICK HERE</a></b>. Other topics at the seminar included information on the Voluntary Fiduciary Correction Program, complying with the Affordable Care Act, and stackable IRS penalties. To learn more about this event, <b><a target="new" href="https://www.fortworthcpa.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=Calendar.eventDetail&eventID=760">CLICK HERE</a></b>. <br><br> Mr. Griffin concentrates his practice in the area of employee benefits and executive compensation. He works with clients in various industries including technology, manufacturing, retailing, energy, and financial services. He advises clients on design, administration and compliance issues arising under the Internal Revenue Code, ERISA, and other laws. Mr. Griffin received his B.B.A. degree, <i>summa cum laude</i>, in 1983 from Texas Tech University and his J.D. degree, <i>cum laude</i>, from SMU in 1986, where he was an editor of the <i>SMU Law Review</i> and a member of Order of the Coif. en-us Thursday, January 19, 2012 JW RSS Generator 1.1 info@jw.com webmaster@jw.com Jackson Walker Named to BTI Client Service A-Team 2012 List http://www.jw.com/site/jsp/newsinfo.jsp?id=1191 Jackson Walker has once again earned the title of "unparalleled leader in client service" on the <i>BTI Client Service A-Team 2012</i> list. The distinction recognizes Jackson Walker as a top client service leader serving Fortune 1000 companies. <br><br> The BTI Consulting Group's <i>A-Team 2012</i> list is the only law firm ranking based on direct, unprompted interviews with more than 240 corporate counsel. BTI surveys clients from a wide array of industries, where they are asked to evaluate 17 activities that differentiate a great client relationship from average client service. Categories include law firm value and client loyalty, to name a few. <br><br> Jackson Walker is pleased to be recognized for superior client service, which reaffirms its commitment to client satisfaction and legal excellence. <br><br> "We are very honored to be selected to this list again, as client relationships are our top priority," said Jackson Walker's managing partner, <b><a href="http://www.jw.com/wcooper">Wade Cooper</a></b>. <br><br> <b><a target="new" href="http://www.bticlientserviceateam.com/methodology/">CLICK HERE</a></b> to learn more about the BTI Client Service A-Team list. en-us Tuesday, January 10, 2012 JW RSS Generator 1.1 info@jw.com webmaster@jw.com Bill Dahlstrom Speaks on Value Capture http://www.jw.com/site/jsp/newsinfo.jsp?id=1192 Jackson Walker partner <b><a href="http://www.jw.com/wdahlstrom">Bill Dahlstrom</a></b> will speak at the <i>Focus North Texas Planning Symposium</i> on January 13, 2012, in Richardson, Texas. <br><br> Mr. Dahlstrom will speak on the topic of "Value Capture." Other topics in the seminar also focus on investments and planning ideas that aim to generate economic value. The purpose of the seminar is to provide a high quality, low cost event for professional planners and public servants in the planning field to obtain new skills and cutting edge knowledge. To learn more or to register for this event, <b><a target="new" href="http://nctapa.org/?page_id=25">CLICK HERE</a></b>. <br><br> Mr. Dahlstrom focuses his practice on all areas of land use. He incorporates a planning problem solving process in land use and land development issues, including zoning, subdivision, annexation, economic development, development agreements, signage, ordinance drafting, transportation, comprehensive planning, utilities, special districts, development fees, conservation, master planned developments, and aesthetics. He received his Bachelors of Urban Planning and Design, <i>cum laude</i>, from the University of Cincinnati and his J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law. en-us Tuesday, January 10, 2012 JW RSS Generator 1.1 info@jw.com webmaster@jw.com Bob Latham Elected to International Rugby Board Executive Committee http://www.jw.com/site/jsp/newsinfo.jsp?id=1190 Jackson Walker partner <b><a href="http://www.jw.com/blatham">Bob Latham </a></b>recently became the first American elected to the International Rugby Board Executive Committee in the organization's 125-year history. <br><br> It is a significant achievement for Mr. Latham, who joins an elite group of 10 who direct the activities of the International Rugby Board. Based in Dublin, the IRB is rugby's international governing body. Mr. Latham's election is also a milestone for American rugby, which gains an important voice at the highest levels of the organization. The other members of the Committee hail from England, Ireland, France, Italy, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. To read more about the IRB, <b><a target="new" href="http://www.irb.com/index.html">CLICK HERE</a></b>. <br><br> "This is a tremendous honor, and I am very excited about working with other members of the Executive Committee and the IRB Council, all of whom are people I've admired for many years," Mr. Latham said. "I hope to provide an added perspective to international rugby governance." <br><br> Mr. Latham was elected at the Council's Interim Meeting on Dec. 15 in Los Angeles, California. Just a few months prior to being named to the Executive Committee, Mr. Latham became the first American to serve as a voting member of the International Rugby Board Council, which consists of 26 representatives from 18 unions and regional associations. <br><br> Since retiring as a rugby player, Mr. Latham has demonstrated tireless dedication to advancing the sport. He is the past Chairman and current Vice Chairman of the United States of America Rugby Football Union and is President of the North America Caribbean Rugby Association. In October, in Auckland, New Zealand, Mr. Latham accepted the International Rugby Board's Developmental Award on behalf of USA Rugby for the organization's Rookie Rugby program, which introduces young people to the sport. To read more about the award, <b><a target="new" href="http://usrugbynz.com/2011/10/25/usa-rugby%E2%80%99s-%E2%80%98rookie-rugby%E2%80%99-wins-irb-development-award/">CLICK HERE</a></b>. <br><br> In addition to helping raise the profile of rugby in the United States, Mr. Latham played an important role in the effort to see rugby once again recognized as an Olympic sport. Mr. Latham served as a member of the Board of Directors of the U.S. Olympic Committee from 2000-2004 and remains a member of the USOC General Assembly. In 2009, the International Olympic Committee voted to include rugby in the program for the 2016 and 2020 Olympic Games. The inclusion of rugby sevens, a variation of the game, in the 2016 Summer Olympics will mark the first time the sport has been played in the Olympics since 1924. <br><br> With his election to the IRB Executive Committee, Mr. Latham becomes one of only a handful of Americans to serve on the board of the international governing body of any Olympic sport. "It takes time to get to the decision-making level of an international federation," he said. "I've managed to stay around long enough for this to happen because I care deeply about the success of rugby in the United States and beyond." <br><br> Mr. Latham's practice at Jackson Walker includes intellectual property litigation, commercial litigation, and media law. en-us Monday, January 09, 2012 JW RSS Generator 1.1 info@jw.com webmaster@jw.com Jackson Walker represents GlobalSCAPE in $17 million acquisition of TappIn http://www.jw.com/site/jsp/newsinfo.jsp?id=1188 Jackson Walker represented GlobalSCAPE, Inc. (NYSE Amex: GSB) in its strategic, $17 million acquisition of mobile file-sharing innovator TappIn, Inc., formerly known as HomePipe Networks Inc. <br><br> Based in San Antonio, GlobalSCAPE provides secure information exchange systems for businesses and consumers. The purchase of Seattle-based TappIn strengthens and expands the company's offerings by providing customers with an easy, secure method to access and share documents, photos, videos, and music across multiple devices. <br><br> On December 5, GlobalSCAPE paid $9 million in cash for privately-held TappIn; shareholders are eligible to receive an additional $8 million over the next three years if certain revenue and development targets are met. <br><br> The successful deal demonstrates Jackson Walker's strength in representing industry leaders in the <b><a href="http://www.jw.com/practice/area/19/230">Cybersecurity</a></b> space. Representing GlobalSCAPE in the transaction were Jackson Walker attorneys <b><a href="http://www.jw.com/sjacobs">Steve Jacobs</a></b>, <b><a href="http://www.jw.com/schandler">Stephanie Chandler</a></b>, <b><a href="http://www.jw.com/ngewinner">Nicole Gewinner</a></b>, and <b><a href="http://www.jw.com/osegura">Orlando Segura</a></b>. en-us Wednesday, January 04, 2012 JW RSS Generator 1.1 info@jw.com webmaster@jw.com Jay Strimel Joins Jackson Walker http://www.jw.com/site/jsp/newsinfo.jsp?id=1189 Jackson Walker is pleased to welcome new partner <b><a href="http://www.jw.com/jstrimel">Jay Strimel</a></b> to the firm.<br><br>Mr. Strimel represents a variety of multinational corporate clients on immigration matters, many in the oilfield services industry, as well as technology, shipping, and construction companies. He is well-versed in issues arising from federal government audits of employers' workplace immigration compliance. Mr. Strimel has experience in organizing and performing I-9 and Public Access File audits and has developed training materials for client corporations on how to properly prepare and maintain immigration and employment compliance-related document files. In addition, Mr. Strimel worked for 14 years in the aerospace industry at Kennedy Space Center in planning, scheduling, and project management for the Ground Communication and Launch Processing System areas of the Space Shuttle Program.<br><br>Mr. Strimel received his B.A. from Malone College, his M.S. from the Florida Institute of Technology, and his J.D. from South Texas College of Law, where he was assistant editor of the <i>South Texas Law Review</i>. <br><br> Mr. Strimel joins JW along with partner Matt Thompson. For more about Mr. Thompson, <b><a target="new" href="http://www.jw.com/press_room/press_release/1185">CLICK HERE</a></b>. en-us Wednesday, January 04, 2012 JW RSS Generator 1.1 info@jw.com webmaster@jw.com Matthew Thompson Joins Jackson Walker http://www.jw.com/site/jsp/newsinfo.jsp?id=1185 Jackson Walker is pleased to welcome new partner <b><a href="http://www.jw.com/mthompson">Matthew Thompson</a></b> to the firm.<br><br> Mr. Thompson concentrates his practice on advanced U.S. immigration and nationality law and global business immigration matters, assisting employers with immigration challenges facing international workforces. He has extensive experience in all areas of U.S. immigration law, but primarily focuses his current practice on employment-based immigration for corporate clients, naturalization, and the immigration practices and regulations for foreign employment offshore on the Outer Continental Shelf. <br><br>Mr. Thompson was recognized in <i>The Best Lawyers in America</i> under Immigration Law (2010 - 2012) and was also named a "Rising Star" by Thomson Reuters (2005). He received his B.A., <i>cum laude</i>, from Southern Methodist University and his J.D. from the University of Houston Law Center, where he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Phi Delta Phi. <br><br> Mr. Thompson joins JW along with partner Jay Strimel. For more about Mr. Strimel, <b><a target="new" href="http://www.jw.com/press_room/press_release/1189">CLICK HERE</a></b>. en-us Tuesday, December 27, 2011 JW RSS Generator 1.1 info@jw.com webmaster@jw.com Sam Allen Named Chair of San Angelo Chamber of Commerce's Board of Directors http://www.jw.com/site/jsp/newsinfo.jsp?id=1186 Jackson Walker partner <b><a href="http://www.jw.com/sallen">Sam Allen</a></b> was recently named the 2012 Chair of the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce's board of directors. Mr. Allen's term begins in January. <br><br> Mr. Allen also serves as co-chair of the Chamber's Cornerstone Investors' program, which provides extra funding to enable the Chamber to continue the work of strengthening the Concho Valley economy through economic development, government affairs, and major event tourism. To learn more about the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce, <b><a target="new" href="http://www.sanangelo.org/">CLICK HERE</a></b>. <br><br> Mr. Allen has been practicing law for over 25 years, most of it in Central and West Texas. His practice centers around commercial litigation, bankruptcy and insolvency law, and commercial transactions. He received his B.A. from the University of Texas and his J.D. from Texas Tech University School of Law. en-us Tuesday, December 27, 2011 JW RSS Generator 1.1 info@jw.com webmaster@jw.com Tracey Wallace Speaks on the Americans With Disabilities Act http://www.jw.com/site/jsp/newsinfo.jsp?id=1187 Jackson Walker partner <b><a href="http://www.jw.com/twallace">Tracey Wallace</a></b> will speak at a seminar on "Best Practices in ADA, FMLA, Workers' Compensation and Other Leave Laws in Texas" on January 10, 2012, in Dallas, Texas. <br><br> Ms. Wallace will cover best practices in ADA; she will also speak on the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's Final Regulations and possible discrimination issues related to the ADA. To learn more about this event or to register, <b><a target="new" href="http://www.lorman.com/seminars/388732?cd=18103:0:0:3:0">CLICK HERE</a></b>. <br><br> Ms. Wallace's practice focuses on the defense and trial of complex cases in federal and state courts. She represents a broad range of state, national, and international clients in the full spectrum of employment and discrimination related matters, including restrictive covenant claims, class and collective actions, EEOC, and other agency charges, lawsuits involving race, sex, age, religious, pregnancy and disability discrimination, unemployment compensation, workers' compensation and wrongful termination. Ms. Wallace has also drafted manuals and policies for companies, and trained employees. Ms. Wallace's labor counseling and representation involves the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) and Railway Labor Act (RLA). Ms. Wallace's labor experience also includes arbitration and collective bargaining issues. In addition, Ms. Wallace's general litigation experience includes intellectual property, breach of contract, qui tam, products liability, and other business litigation matters as well as personal injury issues. Ms. Wallace received her B.A. from the University of Texas at Austin and her J.D. from Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law. en-us Monday, December 26, 2011 JW RSS Generator 1.1 info@jw.com webmaster@jw.com Alex Frutos Speaks on Preparing for an IPO http://www.jw.com/site/jsp/newsinfo.jsp?id=1183 Jackson Walker partner <b><a href="http://www.jw.com/afrutos">Alex Frutos </a></b> spoke to the Dallas/Fort Worth Institute of Management Accountants on December 15, 2011, in Dallas, Texas. <br><br> Mr. Frutos gave a speech titled "Preparing for an IPO." His presentation focused on IPO readiness and legal, accounting and underwriting issues relating to going public. To view the PowerPoint presentation, <b><a target="new" href="http://www.jw.com/publications/article/1691">CLICK HERE</a></b>. <br><br> For more information on Jackson Walker's Emerging Businesses practice, <b><a target="new" href="http://www.jw.com/practice/area/25/30">CLICK HERE</a></b>. <br><br> Mr. Frutos' practice focuses on corporate finance and securities, mergers and acquisitions, and general corporate matters. He received his B.S.B.A. degree in International Business Management and Accounting from Georgetown University. He received his J.D. degree, <i>cum laude</i>, from Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law. en-us Tuesday, December 20, 2011 JW RSS Generator 1.1 info@jw.com webmaster@jw.com Tim Taylor Receives Gary S. Farmer Commendation of Excellence Award http://www.jw.com/site/jsp/newsinfo.jsp?id=1182 Jackson Walker partner <b><a href="http://www.jw.com/ttaylor">Tim Taylor</a></b> received the Gary S. Farmer Commendation of Excellence Award from the Real Estate Council of Austin (RECA) at its 2011 Annual Awards luncheon on December 13, 2011, in Austin, Texas. <br><br> Each year RECA presents this award to an individual or organization that has exhibited outstanding dedication and commitment to the region and has contributed his or her time and energy for the betterment of the community. This award is named after Gary S. Farmer, who was one of RECA's founders and the first chairman of Opportunity Austin. <br><br> "The Gary S. Farmer award is very special to RECA. The person to whom it is awarded is held in our highest esteem. Tim Taylor has worked tirelessly on a huge number of issues including affordable housing, transportation funding, fair land-use ordinances, and health care for Austin musicians. Despite being a RECA member for two decades, his energy and passion for this industry and this community have never flagged," said Jeff Howard, 2011 RECA president. <br><br> Mr. Taylor served as president of RECA in 2003, and has served on the RECA Board of Directors since 1995. To learn more about RECA, <b><a target="new" href="http://recaonline.com/">CLICK HERE</a></b>. <br><br> Mr. Taylor focuses his practice primarily on real estate and lending transactions. His practice includes representing individuals and businesses ranging from local investors to public companies in all aspects of real estate, from acquisition and development, to ownership, leasing, and management, and to subdivision and disposition. Mr. Taylor devotes a significant amount of his practice to land acquisition and development, particularly with respect to residential subdivisions and mixed use developments, and Mr. Taylor also works with local governments on land use and development issues for his clients. Mr. Taylor received his B.A. in chemistry, <i>magna cum laude</i>, from Washington and Lee University and his J.D. from The University of Texas School of Law. en-us Monday, December 19, 2011 JW RSS Generator 1.1 info@jw.com webmaster@jw.com Matthew Swantner Accepted to Leadership Lab Class of 2012 http://www.jw.com/site/jsp/newsinfo.jsp?id=1181 Jackson Walker associate <b><a href="http://www.jw.com/mswantner">Matthew Swantner </a></b>was recently accepted to the North Chamber of Commerce of San Antonio's Leadership Lab Class of 2012. His participation in the nine-month program begins January 2012. <br><br> The North Chamber's award-winning Leadership Lab Class was developed to train a select few of San Antonio's up-and-coming business leaders to be effective pillars of the San Antonio community. They are trained in five core elements: professional performance, leadership, management, community service and self-awareness. Those selected are chosen for their willingness to learn and their dedication to the development of San Antonio. <b><a target="new" href="http://sachamber.org/cwt/external/wcpages/getinvolved/leadership.aspx">CLICK HERE</a></b> to learn more about Leadership Lab. <br><br> Mr. Swantner is an associate in the Litigation section of Jackson Walker. Mr. Swantner's practice focuses on commercial litigation including creditor's rights, oil and gas disputes, bankruptcy issues, and others. He received his B.B.A. and J.D., <i>with honors</i>, from the University of Texas. en-us Sunday, December 18, 2011 JW RSS Generator 1.1 info@jw.com webmaster@jw.com Coming Up: Winning SBIR/STTR Awards Workshop http://www.jw.com/site/jsp/newsinfo.jsp?id=1180 <p align="justify">Jackson Walker would like to invite you to attend the <em>Winning Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer Awards</em> Workshop. JW is a proud sponsor of the workshop. To see the full agenda and register for the event, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.icontact-archive.com/-eBE1BTTRFZ-J7zgGbNRKg2VGpKA-_fW?w=4#"><strong>CLICK HERE</strong></a>. </p> <p><img height="114" width="349" src="http://images.jw.com/ealert/technology/images/Winning%20SBIRSTTR.jpg" alt="Winning SBIR/STTR Awards Workshop" title="Winning SBIR/STTR Awards Workshop">&nbsp;</p> <p align="justify"><strong>DATE</strong><br>December 13, 2011</p> <p align="justify"><strong>TIME</strong><br>8:30am &ndash; 4:15pm</p> <p align="justify"><strong>WHERE</strong><br>Omni San Antonio Hotel at the Colonnade <br>9821 Colonnade Boulevard <br>San Antonio, Texas 78230</p> <p align="justify"><strong>REGISTRATION</strong><br>The cost to attend is $50 and includes continental breakfast, lunch, snacks, workshop materials, and evening reception.</p> <p align="justify">If you have any more questions, feel free to contact <a href="http://www.jw.com/site/jsp/attyinfo.jsp?id=38"><strong>Stephanie Chandler</strong></a> at 210.978.7704 or <a href="http://www.jw.com/site/jsp/emaildisclaimer.jsp?id=38"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;"><strong>schandler@jw.com</strong></span></a>. </p> <p align="justify"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.icontact-archive.com/-eBE1BTTRFZ-J7zgGbNRKg2VGpKA-_fW?w=4#"><strong>CLICK HERE</strong></a> for more information. </p> en-us Sunday, December 11, 2011 JW RSS Generator 1.1 info@jw.com webmaster@jw.com Mike Haggerty Participates in YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas' 8th Annual Key Leaders Event http://www.jw.com/site/jsp/newsinfo.jsp?id=1178 Jackson Walker partner <b><a href="http://www.jw.com/mhaggerty">Mike Haggerty </a></b>participated in the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas' <i>8th Annual Key Leaders Event</i> on November 1, 2011, in Dallas, Texas. <br><br> Mr. Haggerty welcomed guests to the event; more than 300 community and YMCA leaders from around the area were in attendance. He was also the host of the event's afternoon activities. The event encouraged key area business leaders to become more involved in the community by highlighting the YMCA's future strategies for strengthening the foundation of our community by nurturing youth development, energizing healthy living and inspiring social responsibility. To learn more, <b><a target="new" href="http://www.ymcadallas.org/Index.cfm?FuseAction=Page&PageID=1004797">CLICK HERE</a></b>. <br><br> Mr. Haggerty is the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas' Board Chair. He has served on the Board of Directors since 2000 and is past Treasurer of the Board. He has also served on the Executive and Finance Committees and the YMCA Foundation. Mr. Haggerty's other community affiliations include the Salesmanship Club and the Real Estate Council. He also serves on the Board of Directors of North Dallas Bank & Trust. Mr. Haggerty currently heads the Jackson Walker Finance practice group where he regularly represents a number of financial institutions and commercial real estate companies in a variety of real estate, commercial, and corporate lending transactions. He received his B.B.A., <i>magna cum laude</i>, from the University of Georgia and his J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law. en-us Thursday, December 08, 2011 JW RSS Generator 1.1 info@jw.com webmaster@jw.com Steve Fogle Named "Volunteer of the Month" by the San Antonio Community Justice Program http://www.jw.com/site/jsp/newsinfo.jsp?id=1179 Jackson Walker partner <b><a href="http://www.jw.com/sfogle">Steve Fogle</a></b> was named the December "Volunteer of the Month" by the San Antonio Community Justice Program. <br><br> The "Volunteer of the Month" program was formed to highlight one volunteer that has gone above and beyond or done an exceptional job with the organization. Mr. Fogle was chosen as the December Volunteer of the Month because of his commitment to the community justice program and for motivating others to provide pro bono work. Mr. Fogle was featured in the December 2011 issue of the San Antonio Bar Association's <i>Subpoena Newsletter</i> along with other recipients of this honor. To view the article, <b><a target="new" href="http://www.sabar.org/associations/8808/Dec2011.pdf">CLICK HERE</a></b>. <br><br> Mr. Fogle is a seasoned trial attorney, mediator, and arbitrator. The primary focus of his practice is civil litigation, which includes cases involving media and First Amendment issues; trademark, copyright, and patent infringement; software contracts; insurance coverage; insurance code violations; products liability; construction; real estate; foundation and mold claims; warranty and lemon law issues; professional malpractice; consumer protection statutes; employment discrimination; prisoner's rights; business disputes; and telecommunications. Mr. Fogle received his B.A. degree from Western Kentucky University, <i>cum laude</i>, and his J.D. degree from Baylor University. From 1976 to 1983, he served as a Captain in the United States Army Field Artillery. en-us Thursday, December 08, 2011 JW RSS Generator 1.1 info@jw.com webmaster@jw.com Elena Villaseñor Accepted to Leadership San Antonio Class of 2012 http://www.jw.com/site/jsp/newsinfo.jsp?id=1177 Jackson Walker associate <b><a href="http://www.jw.com/evillasenor">Elena Villase&#241;or</a></b> was recently accepted to Leadership San Antonio Class of 2012 (Class 37). Ms. Villase&#241;or's participation in the program begins January 2012. <br><br> The class gives participants a chance to develop an understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing the San Antonio community. Applicants are selected for their dedication to the community, as well as their interest and the desire to increase their service to the area in key leadership positions. More than thirty years after its formation, the organization continues to focus on a strong commitment to community service. To learn more about this program, <b><a target="new" href="http://sachamber.org/cwt/external/wcpages/getinvolved/leadership.aspx">CLICK HERE</a></b>. <br><br> Ms. Villase&#241;or is a trial and appellate attorney and international trade attorney. In both practice areas, Ms. Villase&#241;or serves as advisor and counselor to clients seeking to prevent legal quandaries and a zealous advocate to clients who find themselves in the midst of litigation. Ms. Villase&#241;or received her B.A. degree, <i>cum laude</i>, in International Studies from Boston College. She received her J.D. degree from the University of Southern California Law School. en-us Wednesday, December 07, 2011 JW RSS Generator 1.1 info@jw.com webmaster@jw.com Byron Egan Selected for International M&A Who's Who Legal Guide http://www.jw.com/site/jsp/newsinfo.jsp?id=1175 Jackson Walker partner <b><a href="http://www.jw.com/began">Byron Egan</a></b> was named an outstanding mergers and acquisitions (M&A) attorney in <i>The International Who's Who of M&A Lawyers</i>. Mr. Egan will be included in the February 2012 annual edition of the directory. <br><br> Mr. Egan was also included in the 2008 through 2011 editions, and in 2008, he was the only Texas attorney named in the guide. <br><br> <i>The International Who's Who of M&A Lawyers</i> selects attorneys for their expertise on large, high-profile combinations between prominent publicly traded companies, as well as distinguished practitioners who specialize in the representation of private equity groups in transactional matters. Attorneys are chosen from research based on client and peer evaluation conducted by Who's Who Legal to determine the most successful M&A lawyers in the world. To learn more about the publication, <b><a target="new" href="http://www.whoswholegal.com/">CLICK HERE</a></b>.<br><br> Mr. Egan is engaged in a corporate, partnership, securities, M&A and financing practice. He has extensive experience in business entity formation and governance matters, M&A, and financing transactions in a wide variety of industries including energy, financial and technology. In addition to handling transactions, he advises boards of directors and their audit, compensation and special committees with respect to fiduciary duty, Sarbanes-Oxley Act, special investigation and other issues. Mr. Egan received his B.A. and J.D. degrees from the University of Texas. After law school, he served as a law clerk for Judge Irving L. Goldberg on the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Mr. Egan is Senior Vice Chair and chair of the Executive Council of the American Bar Association Mergers and Acquisitions Committee. en-us Tuesday, December 06, 2011 JW RSS Generator 1.1 info@jw.com webmaster@jw.com Peter Hosey named "Outstanding Lawyer" in Energy Law and featured in the November 18, 2011, edition of the SABJ http://www.jw.com/site/jsp/newsinfo.jsp?id=1176 Jackson Walker partner <b><a href="http://www.jw.com/phosey">Pete Hosey</a></b> was recently selected for inclusion in the <i>San Antonio Business Journal</i>'s "Outstanding Lawyers" list. <br><br> To be selected, the <i>Journal</i> first compiled a list through peer nominations. Nominees were then judged on success in the legal profession, excellence in their field, community involvement, adherence to legal ethics and positive impact on the city's legal industry to compile the final list. To learn more, <b><a target="new" href="http://www.bizjournals.com/sanantonio/news/2011/11/18/san-antonio-business-journal-announces.html">CLICK HERE</a></b>. <br><br> <b>Mr. Hosey was awarded in the category of "Energy."</b> Mr. Hosey practices in the areas of oil, gas and mineral law, title and transactional matters, real estate law, business law, and international business law. Since 1998, he has served on the Joint Editorial Board for the development of the Texas Title Examinations Standards established by the Real Property, Probate and Trust Law and Oil, Gas and Energy Resources Law Sections of the State Bar of Texas, which are published in the Texas Property Code and is also a member of the Council of the State Bar Oil, Gas & Energy Resources Section. He is a frequent lecturer and writer on oil, gas and land title issues. Mr. Hosey has been named a Texas "Super Lawyer" by Thomson Reuters (2009-2011) and was named a San Antonio "Best Lawyer" for Real Estate Law by <i>Scene in SA Monthly</i> (2007-2009). He received his B.A. degree from The University of Texas at El Paso in 1976, and is a 1979 graduate of St. Mary's University School of Law, where he is an Adjunct Professor of Law, teaching Texas Land Titles. en-us Tuesday, December 06, 2011 JW RSS Generator 1.1 info@jw.com webmaster@jw.com Jackson Walker Welcomes Ann M. Leafstedt http://www.jw.com/site/jsp/newsinfo.jsp?id=1173 <b><a href="http://www.jw.com/aleafstedt">Ann M. Leafstedt</a></b> joins the corporate & securities section at Jackson Walker as senior counsel. She provides general corporate representation, advising clients on the formation of entities, acquisitions, corporate governance issues, commercial loan transactions, contract negotiation, and other business matters. <br><br>Ms. Leafstedt is a member of the State Bar of Texas and the San Antonio Bar Association. Ms. Leafstedt received her B.A., <i>magna cum laude</i>, from Williams College, where she was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. She received her M.A. from Stanford University and her J.D., <i>with honors</i>, from The University of Texas School of Law, where she was lead articles editor of the <i>Texas Environmental Law Journal</i>. en-us Monday, December 05, 2011 JW RSS Generator 1.1 info@jw.com webmaster@jw.com