Jackson Walker News

Michael Kuhn and Vytas Petrulis Speak on "Green Leases"

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Jackson Walker partners Michael Kuhn and Vytas Petrulis spoke to the Office Division of Colliers International in Houston, Texas, on March 1, 2010.

Mr. Kuhn and Mr. Petrulis gave a presentation on potential pitfalls and solutions in the new "green lease" provisions of an office lease. The presentation focused on the tenants' perspective -- the costs and compliance regulations that could adversely affect them and the corresponding solutions to these concerns. To view the Powerpoint of this presentation, CLICK HERE.

Both Mr. Kuhn and Mr. Petrulis have extensive experience representing clients in leasing their office portfolios. Both were recently appointed to the Green Lease Task Force created by the American Bar Association's Section of Real Property, Trust and Estate Law Section ("RPTE").

Mr. Kuhn focuses on commercial real estate, with a particular emphasis on office and retail leasing. In his 30 years of practice in Houston commercial real estate, he has handled all types of real estate acquisition, disposition, development, and leasing matters. He routinely drafts and negotiates commercial leases and advises clients on complex leasing issues and strategies. Mr. Kuhn is Board Certified in Commercial Real Estate Law and is included in the 2008-2010 editions of The Best Lawyers in America under Real Estate Law, and he was listed in the 2005-2007 editions of Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business. He was recently recognized by the firm's client, Crescent Real Estate Equities, as the Houston Center "Service Provider of the Year" for his efforts in assisting Crescent in the leasing of office space at Houston Center. Mr. Kuhn received his B.A., magna cum laude, from Duke University and his J.D. from University of Virginia School of Law.

Mr. Petrulis has represented institutional landlords and corporate tenants in office, industrial and retail leasing; real estate investment trusts (REITs), pension funds and opportunity funds in real estate acquisitions and dispositions including large, multi-state portfolio transactions; developers in real estate development projects including complex, mixed-use projects; and lenders and borrowers in commercial loan transactions. He is Board Certified in Commercial Real Estate Law. Mr. Petrulis was selected as one of Texas Monthly magazine's Rising Stars for 2006, and he has also been named one of H Texas Magazine's "Houston Professionals on the Fast Track" and "Top Lawyers." Mr. Petrulis earned his B.A. degree from Rice University and his J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law.

Arcie Jordan Speaks on Trade and Export Issues

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Jackson Walker partner Arcie I. Jordan spoke at the Export Education and Growth Program on February 17, 2010, and at the Certified Global Business Professionals (CGBP) Program on March 4, 2010. Both programs were held in Austin, Texas.

Export Education and Growth Program

Before an audience consisting of owners of small and medium-sized businesses, Ms. Jordan addressed the need for proper due diligence and compliance with U.S. export controls and the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). She also shared insights and practice tips relating to sales contracts, foreign sales structuring options, and intellectual property protection in foreign jurisdictions. This was Ms. Jordan's third year to be a member of the faculty for the Export Education and Growth Program.

Certified Global Business Professionals Program

At the CGBP Program, Ms. Jordan addressed a broad spectrum of global trade issues during her two-hour presentation, including inter-related party transaction pricing, the creation of tax residency and permanent establishment under U.S. tax treaties with foreign countries, and foreign country labor & employment obligations arising in the context of foreign agency relationships. A substantial amount of time was also devoted to discussing the application of U.S. export controls, the concept of deemed exports, and the FCPA.

Ms. Jordan's practice encompasses international, transactional, transportation, trade, and immigration matters. Over the past 18 years, she has represented an array of manufacturers, service providers, carriers, and logistics companies regarding foreign investment, company formation and structuring, acquisitions and divestitures, corporate governance, regulatory permitting and compliance, cross-border labor/employment, and immigration issues. Ms. Jordan received her B.A. degree from The University of Texas at Austin and her J.D. degree from The University of Texas School of Law. Ms. Jordan is also a graduate of the advanced studies program on Comparative U.S./Mexico Legal Systems sponsored by the law schools of the University of Monterrey and St. Mary's University.

Tom Groves Speaks on Estate Tax Laws

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Jackson Walker partner Tom Groves spoke at the Northwood Networking & Speakers Breakfast on March 10, 2010. The event was held at the Northwood Club in Dallas, Texas.

The speech, titled "Information on Accounting Trends, Income Tax Laws and Estate Tax Laws Affecting You and Your Business," also featured David Crockett of David S. Crockett & Co., CPAs. The Northwood Breakfast group meetings, held monthly, include a buffet breakfast, guest speakers who present key interest topic discussions, and a chance for members and guests to network with each other.

Mr. Groves practices in the Wealth Planning and Transfer, Tax and International sections of Jackson Walker. He has extensive experience representing a wide variety of clients in all aspects of estate planning and estate and trust administration. Mr. Groves received his B.A. degree from Southern Illinois University and his J.D. degree, cum laude, from Southern Methodist University School of Law, where he was a member of the Order of the Coif and Notes and Comments Editor of the Southwestern Law Journal.

Vytas Petrulis Earns Commercial Real Estate Law Certification from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Jackson Walker partner Vytas Petrulis recently became board certified in Commercial Real Estate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Mr. Petrulis has been serving clients in real estate development and investment, leasing and finance for more than 17 years, and a significant portion of Mr. Petrulis' real estate practice is devoted to the multifamily sector and in office leasing transactions.

Mr. Petrulis has represented institutional landlords and corporate tenants in office, industrial and retail leasing; real estate investment trusts (REITs), pension funds and opportunity funds in real estate acquisitions and dispositions including large, multi-state portfolio transactions; developers in real estate development projects including complex, mixed-use projects; and lenders and borrowers in commercial loan transactions. He also recently was appointed to the "Green Lease Task Force" by the American Bar Association Section of Real Property, Trust and Estate Law. Mr. Petrulis was selected as one of Texas Monthly magazine's Rising Stars for 2006, and he has also been named one of H Texas Magazine's "Houston Professionals on the Fast Track" and "Top Lawyers." Mr. Petrulis earned his B.A. degree from Rice University and his J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law.

Jeffrey Hamilton Elected Board President of Heart House Dallas

Monday, March 08, 2010

DALLAS – Jackson Walker partner Jeffrey Hamilton was recently elected President of the Board of Directors for Heart House Dallas.

Heart House Dallas is an organization that provides free after-school care for underprivileged school-age children in Dallas area neighborhoods known for high crime and unemployment rates. At Heart House, children have access to caring mentors, homework assistance, arts enrichment, computer skills tutoring, health and safety education, and literacy programs.

Mr. Hamilton previously served as Vice-Chairman of the organization's Board of Directors.

His practice is concentrated in the areas of complex business litigation and bankruptcy litigation. He has significant experience with all aspects of bankruptcy proceedings, including commencing and defending bankruptcy claims, negotiating workouts and settlements, handling distressed properties and assets, and counseling distressed companies. His experience includes acting as a court-appointed Special Master and as Counsel to receivers in actions brought by the Securities and Exchange Commission. He represents clients in a variety of industries, with a primary focus on banking, securities, real estate, transportation and insurance. He also has significant experience with complex business litigation, including general business disputes, fraud claims, breach of contract claims, lender liability, misrepresentation claims, accounting malpractice and trade secrets. Prior to joining Jackson Walker, Mr. Hamilton was a briefing attorney for United States District Judge Terry R. Means. He received his B.A. degree from the University of Virginia and his J.D. degree, with distinction, from Emory University, where he was elected to the Order of the Coif. He received the Clement Haynsworth Award for Excellence in Federal Law and was named a Dean's Fellow for the Research, Writing and Advocacy Program for two years.

Sue Snyder Speaks on International Business

Monday, March 08, 2010

Jackson Walker partner Sue Snyder is speaking in a panel discussion regarding international business in honor of International Women's Day in Austin, Texas on March 8, 2010.

Ms. Snyder joins Austin Chamber of Commerce's Vice President of Global Corporate Recruitment, Adrianna Cruz, and Deirdre Mendez, Assistant Director for the Center for International Business Education and Research (CIBER) at McCombs School of Business, in the discussion of "Doing Business Internationally." The event also includes a dinner and is hosted by the Women's Global Network in celebration of International Women's Day. For more information or to register for this event, CLICK HERE.

Ms. Snyder represents companies with regard to transactions in the domestic and international arena. She specializes in companies involved in technology and energy with general corporate matters and also provides advice for companies sending people, products and monies in the international arena. Her experience spans regulatory and permitting issues; international legislation; drafting multilateral country agreements; tariff and trade matters; establishing international public/private partnerships; and handling policy issues regarding business and environmental matters in various countries. Ms. Snyder earned her B.S. degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering, with distinction, from Cornell University, where she was a Cornell Ambassador and a member of Chi Epsilon, Tau Beta Pi, and Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society. She received her J.D. degree, with honors, from the University of Texas School of Law, where she was Order of the Coif, Phi Delta Phi Honor Society, Teaching Quizmaster, and Associate Editor of the Texas Law Review.

Mike Nasi Speaks at Future of Coal Combustion Products Conference and at Carbon and Climate Change Conference

Wednesday, March 03, 2010

Jackson Walker partner Mike Nasi will speak at the Future of Coal Combustion Products Conference on March 29, 2010. Mr. Nasi also spoke at the Carbon and Climate Change Conference on February 17, 2010.

Mr. Nasi's speech at the Future of Coal Combustion Products (CCP) Conference is on "Legal Impacts on and Strategies for Ash Management in Light of New Federal Regulations Regarding CCB Disposal and Mine Placement." The conference, presented by Electric Utility Consultants, Inc. (EUCI), will be held on March 29-30, 2010 at Jackson Walker's Houston office. Jackson Walker clients and colleagues are eligible for a discounted rate on this conference. For more information and to register, CLICK HERE.

At the Carbon and Climate Change Conference, Mr. Nasi was the Presiding Officer for the four-part session called "The Texas Edge." In addition to presiding over the Texas Edge sessions, Mr. Nasi presented an overview of the comprehensive incentives, both financial and regulatory, that would attract pre-mandated or early carbon capture storage projects. To hear a KUT-FM radio news story about the conference, CLICK HERE.

Mr. Nasi is the head of Jackson Walker's Climate Change and Carbon Management practice. His environmental law practice primarily focuses on regulatory permitting in the air, water, injection well, mine reclamation, and waste programs for facilities in the renewable energy, electric power generation, mining, steel manufacturing, and brownfield redevelopment industries. He contributes his environmental permitting and carbon management expertise to the firm's Energy Practice Group, which contains experts from several offices with expertise in corporate, tax, utility, oil and gas, transportation, and real estate law. As part of the Energy Practice Group, he is involved in major energy developments ranging from renewable electric power and renewable fuels to advanced carbon-capture technologies at power generation facilities. Mr. Nasi attended the University of New Mexico and earned his B.A. degree from The University of Texas at Austin, with majors in both Government and History. He attended The University of Texas School of Law and earned his J.D. degree from the University of Houston Law Center, where his studies specialized in environmental law.

Christopher Rourk Appointed to State Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology

Wednesday, March 03, 2010

Jackson Walker partner Christopher Rourk has been appointed by Governor Rick Perry to serve on the State Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology.

The board licenses and regulates speech-language pathologists and audiologists, including assistants and interns in speech-language pathology and audiology. Mr. Rourk was appointed on January 22, 2010, along with the re-appointment of Kimberly Carlisle and Kerry Ormson. To view the appointment notification from the Office of the Governor Rick Perry, CLICK HERE.

Chris Rourk regularly works with members of Jackson Walker's Healthcare Practice Group. This group represents a broad spectrum of healthcare providers and affiliated entities in mergers and acquisition transactions, securities offerings, joint venture transactions, administrative law proceedings, financings, licensure, certification and accreditation matters, litigation, employment issues, FDA approvals and compliance, HIPAA compliance, and general regulatory, reimbursement and compliance matters. Mr. Rourk earned his B.S.E.E. degree from the University of Florida. He earned his M.Eng. from the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and received his J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center.

John Clayton Speaks on Corrosion Controls and Regulators at NACE International

Tuesday, March 02, 2010

Jackson Walker partner John Clayton will speak at the NACE International Corrosion 2010 Conference and Expo. The conference will be held in San Antonio, Texas, on March 14-18, 2010.

Mr. Clayton will be speaking on "Corrosion Controls and Regulators, Including the U.S. Justice Department." This is Mr. Clayton's fifth year to be invited to speak at the conference. His previous topics have also focused on the subject of U.S. Justice Department enforcement (civil and criminal) of regulations governing energy companies, pipelines, and refineries. For more information or to sign up for the NACE International 2010 Corrosion Conference and Expo, CLICK HERE

Mr. Clayton is a litigation defense attorney with 42 years of experience defending commercial and energy sector clients in liability exposure cases, including those with hundreds of millions of dollars at stake. His practice is focused on representing large corporations, including petroleum, gas, and electric utility companies, oil refineries, pipeline companies, electric generation plants, and related energy companies, as well as specialty insurance carriers and self-insured companies. Also, his practice focuses on representation of companies involved in commercial business litigation and construction issues. He handles various litigation defense matters. Prior to relocating to Houston, Texas, in 1992, Mr. Clayton practiced in Little Rock, Arkansas, as a commercial and tort defense attorney in the state's third-largest firm, serving as head of its Litigation Section. In addition, he has served as a Juvenile Judge, a Visiting District Judge and prosecuted criminal cases in Arkansas.

Leonard Dougal to Speak on Motions for Rehearing in Administrative Law

Monday, March 01, 2010

Jackson Walker partner Leonard H. Dougal will speak at the Austin Bar Association on March 5, 2010.

Mr. Dougal's presentation is on the topic of "Effective Representation on Motions for Rehearing in Administrative Law." The presentation will include practice tips and a discussion of the nuances of the interplay between the Texas Administrative Procedure Act and a state agency's own enabling legislation. To view Mr. Dougal's Powerpoint presentation, CLICK HERE. His presentation is a part of an all-day seminar hosted by the Austin Bar Association, called Anatomy of An Administrative Hearing. To register for this event, CLICK HERE.

Mr. Dougal is a partner in the Austin Office of Jackson Walker L.L.P. and focuses his practice on environmental permitting, water rights, and water districts. He also advises clients on water quality permits, the state voluntary clean-up program, compliance with the solid waste disposal act and the permitting of new power generation facilities. Mr. Dougal has represented clients in contested hearings before the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, the Comptroller of Public Accounts and the State Office of Administrative Hearings. He has also represented clients in state district court litigation and in matters before the Texas Water Development Board, the State Board of Professional Engineers and other state agencies. Mr. Dougal earned both his B.S. degree in Chemical Engineering, with honors, and his J.D. degree, with honors, from the University of Texas. He is Board Certified in Administrative Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

Karen Monsen Speaks on E-Discovery at Intellectual Property Law Course

Friday, February 26, 2010

Jackson Walker partner Karen Monsen will speak at the 23rd Annual Advanced Intellectual Property Law Course. The conference will be held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Austin, Texas, on March 4-5, 2010.

The Honorable Xavier Rodriguez, Judge of the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas, will join Ms. Monsen for a discussion on the topic of e-discovery. For more information about the Advanced Intellectual Property Law Course, CLICK HERE.

Ms. Monsen practices commercial and employment litigation, having represented clients across the country in state forums, in federal court, and in international arbitration. She specializes in cases in which employment and intellectual property issues overlap, as well as large national and international commercial litigation. She was selected as one of Texas Monthly magazine's "Rising Stars" in the legal world for 2006 and 2008 and was named a San Antonio "Best Lawyer" by Scene in S.A. (2009). Ms. Monsen received both her B.A., with honors, and J.D. degrees from the University of Texas. During law school, she received the Dean's Award for Copyright Law, awarded to the student with the highest grade in the class.

Michael Kuhn and Vytas Petrulis Appointed to Green Lease Task Force

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Jackson Walker partners Michael Kuhn and Vytas Petrulis have been appointed to the Green Lease Task Force created by the American Bar Association's Section of Real Property, Trust and Estate Law ("RPTE"). The Task Force is comprised of leading leasing attorneys around the country.

The goal of the Task Force is to produce written materials on green leasing issues concerning office, retail and industrial leases for presentation at RPTE's Spring Symposia on May 6-7, 2010, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In addition, the Task Force's written materials will be published in various periodicals published by the American Bar Association.

Both Mr. Kuhn and Mr. Petrulis have extensive experience representing clients in leasing their office portfolios. In view of this expertise, both are contributing to the preparation of articles relating to green leasing issues encountered in the office lease context.

Mr. Kuhn focuses on commercial real estate, with a particular emphasis on office and retail leasing. In his 30 years of practice in Houston commercial real estate, he has handled all types of real estate acquisition, disposition, development, and leasing matters. He routinely drafts and negotiates commercial leases and advises clients on complex leasing issues and strategies. Mr. Kuhn is Board Certified in Commercial Real Estate Law and is included in the 2008-2010 editions of The Best Lawyers in America under Real Estate Law, and he was listed in the 2005-2007 editions of Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business. He was recently recognized by the firm's client, Crescent Real Estate Equities, as the Houston Center "Service Provider of the Year" for his efforts in assisting Crescent in the leasing of office space at Houston Center. Mr. Kuhn received his B.A., magna cum laude, from Duke University and his J.D. from University of Virginia School of Law.

Mr. Petrulis has represented institutional landlords and corporate tenants in office, industrial and retail leasing; real estate investment trusts (REITs), pension funds and opportunity funds in real estate acquisitions and dispositions including large, multi-state portfolio transactions; developers in real estate development projects including complex, mixed-use projects; and lenders and borrowers in commercial loan transactions. He is Board Certified in Commercial Real Estate Law. Mr. Petrulis was selected as one of Texas Monthly magazine's Rising Stars for 2006, and he has also been named one of H Texas Magazine's "Houston Professionals on the Fast Track" and "Top Lawyers." Mr. Petrulis earned his B.A. degree from Rice University and his J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law.

Gary Ingram Speaks on OSHA Investigations and Citations

Monday, February 22, 2010

Jackson Walker partner Gary Ingram spoke at the Annual Winter Conference of the Association of Energy Service Companies (AESC). The conference was held in Carefree, Arizona, on Feb. 10-12, 2010.

Mr. Ingram gave a presentation on "OSHA Investigations and Citations." Mr. Ingram has more than 25 years experience in assisting a wide range of employers, including energy service companies, with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) investigations and citations and the development of worksite safety programs. To view Mr. Ingram's Powerpoint presentation, CLICK HERE.

AESC provides information and guidance to members and others in the energy service industry regarding "best practices" and industry standards, including safety practices and standards, and has established cooperative alliances with the OSHA to help protect employees from identifiable well-site safety hazards. For more information on AESC, CLICK HERE.

Mr. Ingram is the statewide head of Jackson Walker's Labor and Employment Practice Group and maintains offices in Fort Worth and Dallas. He is board certified in Labor and Employment Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, and he has represented private and public employers throughout the State of Texas. He frequently is asked to share his insights and years of experience with trade groups, professional organizations, and with other lawyers at continuing legal education programs. He has received peer recognition in his specialty, including multiple listings in Best Lawyers in America and Texas Monthly magazine's Super Lawyers listings.

Byron Egan Selected for International M&A Who's Who Legal Guide

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Jackson Walker partner Byron Egan was named an outstanding mergers and acquisitions (M&A) attorney in The International Who's Who of M&A Lawyers. Mr. Egan will be included in the March 2010 annual edition of the directory.

Mr. Egan was also included in the 2009 edition, and in 2008, he was the only Texas attorney named in the guide.

The International Who's Who of M&A Lawyers selects attorneys for their expertise on large, high-profile combinations between prominent publicly traded companies. 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, CLICK HERE.

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.

Jackson Walker Elects Five New Partners

Monday, February 15, 2010

DALLAS – Jackson Walker L.L.P. announces the election of 5 attorneys to the firm's partnership. From the Austin office Tara M. Allen, Chris B. Pepper and Elise F. Green were named partners. From the Fort Worth office Ginger M. Webber was promoted to partner as well as James E. McCutcheon from the San Antonio office.

Tara M. Allen, Austin, is a partner in the Corporate & Securities practice group. Her practice includes mergers and acquisitions, investment funds (formation and limited partners representation), bank financings, corporate governance matters and general corporate law. She has significant experience in the representation of private equity funds in formation, capital-raising, preferred equity investments, asset purchases, leveraged buyouts and out of court restructurings of portfolios. Ms. Allen received her B.A. in International Relations from Pomona College and her J.D. from Duke University School of Law.

Elise F. Green, Austin, is a partner in the Corporate & Securities practice group. Her practice focuses on corporate and securities matters. She has extensive experience in public and private offerings of debt and equity securities, mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance matters and SEC and securities exchange reporting and compliance. Ms. Green represents issuers, underwriters and investors in a variety of equity and debt offerings, including public offerings, direct placements of securities and private placements and she represents buyers and sellers of businesses. Prior to joining private practice, Ms. Green served as a law clerk to the Honorable Fortunato P. Benavides of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Ms. Green received her B.B.A. degree in Accounting from the University of Iowa and her J.D. degree, summa cum laude, from the University of Illinois College of Law, where she was Valedictorian, Order of the Coif and Administrative Editor of the University of Illinois Law Review.

James E. McCutcheon, San Antonio, is a partner in the Tax practice group. He represents clients in virtually all aspects of federal taxation, with emphasis on partnership, corporate, and generational wealth planning. Mr. McCutcheon returned home to San Antonio after practicing with Jackson Walker's corporate tax group in Dallas. Prior to that, Mr. McCutcheon was a tax and estate planning partner with a Seattle-area firm. Mr. McCutcheon graduated from Dartmouth College, magna cum laude, where he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and received an Academic Citation in Economics. He received his J.D., with high honors, from the University of Texas School of Law, where he was the Clerk of the Chancellors, a member of Order of the Coif, and the recipient of a Dean's Achievement Award for federal income taxation.

Chris B. Pepper, Austin, is a partner in the Legislative and Environmental Practice Group. He has special expertise in TCEQ air quality and environmental permitting matters. He represents many industrial facilities in Texas, including cement kilns, rock quarries, chemical plants, and steel mills. He also assists agribusinesses clients, including feed mills, fertilizer warehouses, and CAFOs, with Clean Water Act and Clean Air Act compliance matters. Mr. Pepper is also a registered patent attorney and received a B.A. degree in Biology from Texas A&M, a M.S. in Environmental Toxicology from Texas Tech University, and a J.D. degree from the Texas Tech University School of Law.

Ginger M. Webber, Fort Worth, is a partner in the Real Estate practice group. She focuses her practice on commercial real estate leasing, financing transactions, and purchase and sale transactions. She handles the purchase and sale of commercial office buildings, raw land, retail centers, and restaurant sites as well as represents both landlords and tenants in the negotiation of leases across the nation. Ms. Webber earned both her B.A. and J.D. degrees, magna cum laude, from Texas Tech University. While in law school, she was an Associate Editor for the Texas Tech Law Review.

Jackson Walker L.L.P. has more than 120 years of experience in providing legal counsel to clients throughout Texas, the United States and internationally. The firm provides a strong regional base of more than 330 attorneys in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, San Angelo and San Antonio.

Larry Waks Speaks at Entertainment and Sports Law Symposium

Friday, February 12, 2010

Jackson Walker partner Larry Waks was a guest speaker at The University of Miami School of Law's 13th Annual Entertainment and Sports Law Symposium held in Miami on February 5, 2010.

Larry participated on a panel discussing "The Art of Negotiation and Arbitration," along with panelists Tony Agnone (counsel to professional football players), Roger Kaplan (Arbitrator for NBA, MLB, NFL), and Kenneth Shropshire (author of several award-winning books such as The Business of Sports).

Other notable speakers for the event included Brian Alvarez (Universal Music Latin Division), Debbie Spander (VP of Business and Legal Affairs of MTV Entertainment) and Keven Davis, a Seattle entertainment industry attorney who negotiated a historic $40 million endorsement contract for one of his clients, Venus Williams.

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 The Best Lawyers in America in both the Entertainment and Media law categories and was named a "Texas Super Lawyer" in the 2003-2009 issues of Texas Monthly magazine.

Karina Cantu Appointed to San Antonio Housing Authority Board of Commissioners

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Jackson Walker associate Karina C. Cantu was recently appointed by San Antonio Mayor Julián Castro to the San Antonio Housing Authority's Board of Commissioners. The San Antonio Housing Authority (SAHA) is an agency that provides housing assistance for the citizens of the San Antonio community.

SAHA's mission is to create safe neighborhoods by partnering with individuals and organizations to provide housing, education, and employment opportunities for families of modest means to become self-sufficient and improve their quality of life. Members of SAHA's Board of Commissioners serve two-year terms and are charged with determining and interpreting the policies that govern SAHA. To learn more about SAHA, CLICK HERE.

Ms. Cantu focuses her legal practice on estate planning, probate, estate and trust administration, as well as trust, estate, and fiduciary litigation. She was named a San Antonio "Rising Star" by Scene in S.A. Monthly in 2009 and is a Certified Mediator. She received her B.A. degree in Government from The University of Texas at Austin and her J.D. degree from St. Mary's University School of Law. She received a full academic scholarship to St. Mary's, was member of Phi Delta Phi Honors Fraternity and the Dean's List, and scored the second highest on the Texas Bar Exam for her class.

Byron Egan Speaks on Fiduciary Duty Cases

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Jackson Walker partner Byron Egan will speak at the UTCLE 32nd Annual Conference on Securities Regulation and Business Law. The Conference is February 11 and 12 at the Belo Mansion in Dallas, Texas.

Mr. Egan will be a part of panel discussing "How Recent Fiduciary Duty Cases Affect Advice to Directors and Officers of Delaware and Texas Corporations." He will join other leading members of the business law bench and bar for an insider's view on developments in corporate law. For more about the Securities Regulation and Business Law conference, CLICK HERE.

Mr. Egan is engaged in a corporate, partnership, securities, mergers and acquisitions (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.

Lionel Schooler Presents HBA Arbitration Update 2010

Tuesday, February 09, 2010

Jackson Walker partner Lionel M. Schooler presented his annual update on changes in arbitration law at the Houston Bar Association (HBA) Alternative Dispute Resolution Section's meeting. The presentation was February 9th at the South Texas College of Law in Houston.

The Alternative Dispute Resolution Section of the HBA is committed to educating and informing members of the Section and the HBA on the benefits and all aspects of mediation, arbitration and other forms of alternatives to litigation. Mediation is relatively new to the profession and the Courts of Texas, as it did not begin to receive its widespread acceptance until the 1990s. For more information on the Alternative Dispute Resolution Section of the HBA, CLICK HERE.

Mr. Schooler has extensive experience in arbitration as an arbitrator and as an advocate. He has served as an arbitrator in business, healthcare, construction, and employment disputes and has tried over 50 jury and non-jury cases as well as argued numerous appeals in the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit and in the Texas Courts of Appeals. He has developed significant expertise in labor and employment law as well as business litigation (with an emphasis in federal practice). He has practiced law for more than thirty years and primarily focuses on management-side labor and employment law, federal arbitrations and litigation, bankruptcy and complex commercial litigation, construction litigation and arbitration, False Claims Act litigation, banking litigation, and real estate and title insurance litigation. Mr. Schooler's practice has also included tax litigation, antitrust litigation, securities litigation, general litigation, and appellate law. He earned his B.A. degree in History, with departmental honors, from the University of Pennsylvania and his J.D. degree from the University of Texas, where he was a member of the Texas Law Review and the National Order of Barristers, winner of the Intramural Mock Trial Competition, and a finalist for the Hildebrand Moot Court Competition (selected as Best Advocate).

Jackson Walker Announces New Managing Partners

Monday, February 08, 2010

Wade Cooper

DALLAS – Jackson Walker is pleased to announce that Wade Cooper has been named Managing Partner of the firm. The firm is also pleased to announce that Matt Dow, David Moran and Susan Halsey have been named the new City Managing Partners in Austin, Dallas and Fort Worth, respectively.

Mr. Cooper succeeds Mike Wilson, who has served as Managing Partner since 1992. The change is the culmination of three years of succession planning and preparation.

"Wade is a respected leader with great strategic vision, management experience, judgment and personality, and he's the perfect choice as the firm's new Managing Partner," said Mr. Wilson.

While Mr. Wilson was Managing Partner, Jackson Walker added three Texas offices and grew to over 340 lawyers with revenues of more than $174 million. He will continue to remain involved in firm management.

"During the 18 years Mike was at the helm, the practice of law changed dramatically," said Mr. Cooper. "Mike did an outstanding job helping Jackson Walker navigate those changes to ascend to its current position in the modern legal marketplace while never compromising the values that have been its bedrock for over a century."

Mr. Cooper served as the Managing Partner of its Austin office since 2006. He will continue to office in Austin and will maintain a legal practice in addition to his management duties. Mr. Cooper will lead the firm's eight-member Management Committee. Mr. Dow, Mr. Moran and Ms. Halsey will also serve as members of that committee as well as overseeing and managing the operations of their respective offices.

Mr. Cooper began his career in 1981 in Jackson Walker's Dallas office. His legal practice involves commercial litigation, arbitration, and bankruptcy matters in Texas and a number of other states. His clients include telecommunications carriers, national banks and other financial institutions, equipment manufacturers and technology companies.

Mr. Dow will serve as Managing Partner of the Austin office. He is a civil trial lawyer with a wide range of experience throughout Texas. He has extensive trial experience in federal and state courts representing companies in trade secret, covenant not to compete, discrimination, business tort, and class action cases. He has also argued before several Texas appellate courts and the Texas Supreme Court.

Ms. Halsey will serve as Managing Partner of the Fort Worth office. She also currently serves as the statewide chair for the firm's Real Estate practice group, which includes 40 lawyers in six offices. Her practice consists primarily of representing companies, partnerships, individuals, and financial institutions in various real estate transactions and financial matters.

Mr. Moran will serve as Managing Partner of the Dallas office. Mr. Moran has more than 25 years of litigation experience in a wide variety of cases and disputes. For much of his career, Mr. Moran's litigation practice has been national in scope. He has represented clients in business, tort, aviation, class action, defamation, insurance, intellectual property, and other litigation matters. Additionally, Mr. Moran regularly handles appeals in federal and state courts and is chair of the firm's Appellate Practice Group.

Jackson Walker L.L.P. has more than 120 years of experience in providing legal counsel to clients throughout Texas, the United States and internationally. The firm provides a strong regional base of more than 330 attorneys in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, San Angelo and San Antonio.

Summary Judgment of Patent Invalidity from Eastern District of Texas Upheld by Federal Circuit

Monday, February 08, 2010

In a patent infringement case in which Jackson Walker partner Bob Latham argued for Defendant/Appellee Medical Research Institute, the Federal Circuit upheld a summary judgment by the Eastern District of Texas, finding that the patent in suit was invalid. Iovate Health Science, Inc. v. BSN, Inc. and Medical Research Institute, 92 U.S.P.Q. 2d 1672 (Fed. Cir. 2009).

Judge Ron Clark of the Eastern District of Texas had previously held that claims in the patent at issue, directed to the administration of dietary supplements, were anticipated by a prior printed publication — namely advertisements in fitness magazines for supplements enhancing muscle recovery. Judge Clark also found that the on-sale bar of 35 U.S.C. � 102(b) provided a basis for summary judgment for the defendants as well, and that the product had been in public use more than one year prior to the critical date of the patent in suit.

The Federal Circuit affirmed the summary judgment in its opinion of November 19, 2009, finding that the advertisements in a fitness magazine constituted an anticipatory prior printed publication that invalidated the pertinent claims of the patent in suit. In a concurring opinion, Judge Mayer opined that the products were on sale more than one year before the critical date and therefore the on-sale bar of 35 U.S.C. � 102(b) would compel judgment for the defendant/appellees as well.

With Mr. Latham on the brief were Jackson Walker partner David Moran, chair of the firm's Appellate practice group, and Jackson Walker associate Sara Borrelli.

Michael Kuhn Speaks on Credit Enhancements in Leases

Wednesday, February 03, 2010

Jackson Walker partner Michael Kuhn gave a presentation at the 10th Annual CLE International conference. The conference was held on January 25 and 26 at the Hilton Americas Hotel in Houston, Texas.

The conference was titled "Negotiating Leases: Renegotiating in the Current Economic Climate," and Mr. Kuhn's presentation was on the topic of "Credit Enhancements in Leases." To view Mr. Kuhn's Powerpoint presentation, CLICK HERE. For a summary of the presentation, CLICK HERE.

Mr. Kuhn focuses his practice on commercial real estate, with a particular emphasis on office and retail leasing. With 30 years of practice in Houston commercial real estate, he brings a wealth of experience and practical knowledge of the local market to the advantage of his real estate clients. Over his career Mr. Kuhn has handled all types of real estate acquisition, disposition, development, and leasing matters. His work encompasses traditional purchases and sales, leases and financings involving office buildings, shopping centers, commercial and residential condominiums, and mixed-use projects, including large portfolio and multi-state transactions. Mr. Kuhn received his B.A., magna cum laude, from Duke University and his J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law.

Jackson Walker Welcomes Two New Partners to the Houston Office

Tuesday, February 02, 2010

HOUSTON — Jackson Walker welcomes new partners Amy Baird & Tré Fischer to the firm's Houston office.

Amy L. Baird represents clients in the energy industry. She does complex commercial and mass toxic tort litigation for those clients, along with regulatory, transactional and project acquisition work for clients in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas and Mississippi. In addition to energy litigation matters, Ms. Baird also handles general contract and complex commercial litigation and mass toxic tort litigation. Her experience includes the legal representation of interstate and intrastate natural gas pipelines, natural gas storage facilities, liquids and crude oil pipelines, natural gas gatherers, natural gas processors, gas marketers, oil and gas producers, electric utilities, merchant power plants, power marketers, local distribution companies, municipally-owned gas and power distributors, industrial gas and power users, alumina and chemical manufacturers, cogeneration facilities, and utility regulators. Prior to joining private practice, Ms. Baird served as in-house counsel for Southern Natural Gas Company in Birmingham, Alabama. She received her B.A. degree, with honors, and her J.D. degree from the University of Alabama, where she received the American Jurisprudence Award.

Joseph "Tré" August Fischer, III has broad experience with environmental liabilities and contaminated properties and the management, litigation, and resolution of environmental issues and natural resource damages claims involving regulatory agencies and private parties. He has extensive experience in transaction structuring, negotiation and documentation and in environmental risk management and remediation. He also has handled investigation and litigation resulting from catastrophic explosions, releases and other industrial incidents and has experience in a wide-range of significant environmental, personal injury, toxic tort and commercial litigation for corporate, individual and insurance clients. Mr. Fischer has served as Vice President & Deputy General Counsel for TRC Companies, Inc. and Assistant General Counsel for Kaiser Aluminum. He also served as an adjunct professor at the University of Houston Law Center and worked as a Tax Associate at Price Waterhouse while attending law school. Mr. Fischer received his B.A. degree in Mathematical Economic Analysis, Economics, and Policy Studies from Rice University. He performed graduate work in economics at Vanderbilt University, and earned his J.D., magna cum laude, from the University of Houston Law Center.

Jackson Walker L.L.P. has more than 100 years of experience in providing legal counsel to clients throughout Texas, the United States and internationally. The firm provides a strong regional base of more than 300 attorneys in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, San Angelo and San Antonio.

Jackson Walker Congratulates Its 2010 BTI Client Service All Stars

Monday, February 01, 2010

DALLAS - Jackson Walker partners Carl Butzer and Jay Rutherford were recently chosen for the BTI Client Service All Stars 2010.

BTI Client Service All Stars is an elite group of 165 attorneys recognized as delivering the absolute best in client service. Attorneys named to the list are nominated solely and exclusively by clients in BTI's independent study. BTI conducts more than 250 individual interviews annually with corporate counsel at the largest, most influential companies in the world. The survey assesses market opportunities, changing client needs and client experiences with their law firms and attorneys. To learn more about the BTI Client Service All Stars, CLICK HERE.

Over the past 20 years, Carl C. Butzer has developed nationally recognized expertise in the fields of intellectual property litigation and counseling, electronic discovery, and electronic information management. He is Chair of the Dallas Office Intellectual Property Group, Chair of the Litigation Support Committee, and Co-Chair of the firm's E-Discovery Group. Mr. Butzer is a member of the American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA); International Trademark Association (INTA); the Intellectual Property Owners' Association (IPO); and Intellectual Property Section of the American Bar Association. He received his B.A. degree in Political Science and Economics, with special honors, from the University of Chicago and his J.D. degree from the University of Michigan, where he was Contributing Editor for the Journal of Law Reform. He also received his LL.M. degree from the University of Cambridge in England.

Mr. Rutherford is Board Certified in Labor and Employment Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. His practice consists primarily of representing management in labor, employment discrimination, wrongful termination, sexual harassment and civil rights litigation. He also counsels clients in all matters affecting the employer-employee relationship and compliance with all state and federal employment laws and regulations including all discrimination and wrongful termination laws, the Fair Labor Standards Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 and 1991, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans With Disabilities Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, and all other state and federal labor and employment statutes. Mr. Rutherford earned his B.S. degree, magna cum laude, in Agricultural Economics from Texas Tech University and his J.D. degree from the University of Texas.

Jackson Walker L.L.P. has more than 100 years of experience in providing legal counsel to clients throughout Texas, the United States, and internationally. The firm provides a strong regional base of over 300 attorneys in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, San Angelo, and San Antonio. For more information, visit www.jw.com.

Scott McElhaney Elected Chair of Dallas Bar Association's Board of Directors

Monday, February 01, 2010

Jackson Walker partner Scott McElhaney was recently elected Chair of the Dallas Bar Association's (DBA) Board of Directors for the 2010-2011 term. He had previously served as Vice Chair of the organization's Board.

The DBA is dedicated to the continuing education of its members as well as public service programs and improvement of the administration of justice. Approximately 10,500 lawyers are members in this voluntary association. To learn more about the DBA, CLICK HERE.

As trial and appellate counsel for a variety of companies and individuals, Mr. McElhaney works with clients to resolve a range of complex commercial disputes and employment matters. He regularly appears before federal and state courts and arbitrators for hearings and trials, and he has successfully handled multiple class actions at the trial and appellate level. He has experience in contract and business tort suits, trade secret litigation, and non-competition agreement injunction proceedings. He represents managed care organizations in a variety of commercial disputes, and he regularly handles a wide variety of employment discrimination, ERISA, FMLA, and FLSA claims, as well intentional tort cases. Mr. McElhaney received his A.B. degree in history, summa cum laude, from Dartmouth College, where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. He obtained his J.D. degree, cum laude, from Harvard Law School, where he was Managing Editor of the Harvard Civil Rights-Civil Liberties Law Review.