Jackson Walker News

Karen Hughes Accepted to Shakespeare Dallas Board of Directors

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Jackson Walker associate Karen Hughes has been accepted to join the Board of Directors for Shakespeare Dallas.

Inspired by the democratic spirit of the New York Shakespeare Festival, Shakespeare Dallas was founded in 1971. Today, it is a treasured North Texas cultural landmark and the only company in the area that provides accessible programs for audiences of all ages. To learn more about Shakespeare Dallas, CLICK HERE.

Ms. Hughes focuses primarily on income tax planning for business transactions, including stock and asset acquisitions and dispositions, spin-offs, and recapitalizations. She represents partnerships, LLCs, S corporations, C corporations (public and private), and their individual owners in all aspects of formation and operation. Additionally, she has experience correcting and maintaining S corporation elections. Ms. Hughes received her B.A. degree from Haverford College and her J.D. degree, with honors, from the University of Texas School of Law, where she was Managing Editor of the Texas International Law Journal, Volume 38. She received her LL.M. degree in Taxation from New York University School of Law.

Amy Osberg Roberts Accepted to NTBCA Leadership Arts Institute

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Jackson Walker Associate Amy Osberg Roberts has been accepted into the Leadership Arts Institute of the North Texas Business for Culture and the Arts (NTBCA). Ms. Roberts will be a part of the 2008-2009 class.

The NTBCA's Leadership Arts Institute provides board training for businesspeople and arts administrators. Now in its 21st year, the program consists of lectures, interactive participation, and exposure to arts and cultural events. It focuses on the challenges facing arts organizations as they deal with today's economic, political, and artistic realities. Only 45 business leaders and five arts administrators are accepted into the Institute each year. Class members are selected based on the applicants' interest in the arts, desire to serve on a board after graduation, and commitment to attend. Each student chosen to participate is offered placement on a board of a local arts/cultural organization at the end of the course.

Founded in 1988 under the name Dallas Business Committee for the Arts, the NTBCA seeks to encourage support for and involvement in the arts by businesses. Click here for more information on the Leadership Arts Institute.

Ms. Roberts has served as trial counsel in numerous jurisdictions involving a broad range of subject matter. Her intellectual property experience includes serving as part of a trial team on a patent infringement case before a jury in the Eastern District of Texas' highly discussed "Rocket Docket." Ms. Roberts' patent infringement experience involves every aspect of a case of that type from beginning to end. She also has experience in copyright, trademarks, trade secrets, and general unfair competition. Additionally, she has handled large product liability disputes dealing with multiple plaintiffs. She also has substantial experience obtaining and resisting temporary restraining orders, preliminary, and permanent injunctions. Ms. Roberts received her B.A. degree, with honors, from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She received her J.D. degree, with distinction, from the University of Nebraska College of Law, where she was an Executive Editor of the Nebraska Law Review and selected as a member of the Order of the Coif.

Jackson Walker Congratulates Its Super Lawyers in Litigation

Monday, August 18, 2008

Three Jackson Walker attorneys were featured in the August issue of Super Lawyers: Corporate Counsel Edition. JW attorneys were named to the "Best in Civil Litigation Defense" and "Best in Intellectual Property Litigation" lists.

The Corporate Counsel Edition is a new venture by "Super Lawyers." The magazine is sent to C-level executives and corporate counsel three times a year. Each edition focuses on specific practice areas focus and lists the "Super Lawyers" in that respective area. The August issue focuses on civil litigation defense, intellectual property, and intellectual property litigation.

Congratulations to the following Jackson Walker "Best in Civil Litigation Defense" attorneys:

Chip Babcock
Bob Ruckman

Congratulations to the following Jackson Walker "Best in IP Litigation" attorney:

Bob Latham

Jackson Walker L.L.P. has over 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.

New JW Senior Counsel: Elise Green

Monday, August 18, 2008

Jackson Walker is proud to welcome new senior counsel Elise Green to the firm. Ms. Green has joined the Austin office.

Ms. Green's main concentration is in the area of securities offerings. She has significant experience representing private equity funds and other investors in the conduct of investment activities, primarily in the energy sector, including master limited partnerships. Ms. Green also represents issuers, underwriters, and investors in a variety of equity and debt offerings, including public offerings, direct placements of securities, and private placements.

Prior to joining Jackson Walker, Ms. Green served as a law clerk to the Honorable Fortunato P. Benavides of the Unites States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.

Ms. Green received her B.B.A. degree in Accounting from the University of Iowa (1993). She received her J.D. degree, summa cum laude, from the University of Illinois College of Law (2000), where she was Valedictorian, Order of the Coif, and Administrative Editor of the University of Illinois Law Review.

Prappas and Kaufman Speak on Immigration, International Tax, and Estate Planning

Friday, August 15, 2008

Jackson Walker partners James Prappas and Michael Kaufman will speak at the Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants' Advanced Estate Planning Conference. The Conference will be August 22 at the Grand Hyatt in San Antonio, Texas.

Mr. Prappas and Mr. Kaufman will co-present " U.S. Immigration, International Tax and Estate Planning: Key Issues, Opportunities and Pitfalls ." This presentation will have an overview on nonimmigrant visas, including types, requirements, and permitted activities. Mr. Prappas and Mr. Kaufman will delve into immigrant visas (green cards) and their process, timing, retention, and abandonment. There will also be an overview of U.S. citizenship and a discussion on international tax and estate planning topics such as resident non-citizens, non-resident/non-citizens, and planning strategies for non-citizens. To learn more about the Conference, CLICK HERE.

Mr. Prappas has over 22 years of experience representing Fortune 500, middle market and emerging companies in U.S. immigration matters and transactions. He has a broad practice in a diverse range of immigration matters and has advised clients on strategic immigration planning and related transactional matters. Mr. Prappas received his A.B. degree, with honors, from Davidson College and his J.D. degree from the University of Houston Law Center. He also attended the MSc economics degree course at the London School of Economics and Political Science.

Mr. Kaufman is a fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel. He practices in the areas of estate planning and administration, and charitable organizations. Mr. Kaufman's practice has encompassed all areas of individual and family asset planning including design, drafting and implementation of family limited partnerships and related entities, public and private charitable entities, charitable remainder trusts, wills, insurance trusts, revocable (or "living" trusts) and other taxable and nontaxable gift transactions. His experience ranges from planning for the disposition of small simple estates through planning for management and disposition of complex estates with assets in excess of one billion dollars. Mr. Kaufman received both his B.A. degree in Psychology, with honors, and his J.D. degree from the University of Texas. As an undergraduate, Mr. Kaufman was elected to Phi Beta Kappa.

Karen Monsen Speaks on Harassment in the Workplace and Protecting At-Will Employment

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Jackson Walker partner Karen Monsen will speak at the Employment Law Update in Texas seminar on August 20 at The Westin Riverwalk in San Antonio, Texas.

Ms. Monsen will present "Sexual, Racial, and Other Harassment in the Workplace." The presentation will cover recent court cases and their implications; what constitutes severe and pervasive conduct; ethnic, religious, and political violence in the workplace; definition of a supervisor; what constitutes acceptable policies and training; vulnerability to charges from harassed and harassers; and strategies for avoiding litigation. Ms. Monsen will also present "Protecting At-Will Employment." This presentation will cover employment at-will, in theory, and in practice; "covenant of good faith and fair dealing" doctrine; eliminating any implied contractual relationships; compliance with anti-discrimination laws; creating and maintaining proper documents in employee files; and avoiding wrongful discharge claims. To learn more about this seminar, 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. Ms. Monsen was selected as one of Texas Monthly magazine's "Rising Stars" for 2006 and 2008. "Rising Stars" are up-and-coming attorneys who have either practices for ten years or fewer or are under the age of 40. "Rising Stars" are voted on by Super Lawyers who have seen them in action. Only the attorneys who receive the top 2.5% of the vote are named "Rising Stars." 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. She served as Senior Editor for the Texas Review of Law & Politics and was a member of the national moot court team for intellectual property, which won first place in its region. She also served for two years as a research assistant to Professor David Rabban, researching First Amendment issues.

Nancy Norman Speaks on Drafting Ancillary Documents

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Jackson Walker partner Nancy Norman will speak at Sterling Education Services' Buying and Selling a Business: Mastering the Basics. The seminar will be August 13 at The Westin Riverwalk in San Antonio, Texas.

Ms. Norman will present "Drafting Ancillary Documents." Her presentation will cover promissory notes, pledge and security agreements, escrow agreements, non-compete agreements, employment and consulting agreements, and other ancillary documents. To learn more about this seminar, CLICK HERE.

Ms. Norman concentrates her practice in the areas of business, corporate, finance and real estate, and she has a background in Federal income taxation. She has served as a general business counsel to all sizes of companies, from one of San Antonio's largest companies to small businesses owned by independent entrepreneurs. She has worked on the purchase and sale of large and small businesses, including large dealerships and manufacturing plants, mergers and acquisitions of varied types, loans to purchase businesses, complex financing transactions and borrowings to finance ongoing businesses and land purchases. Ms. Norman has also worked on the structuring of investments from Federal income tax and State of Texas franchise tax standpoints. She has participated in structuring the inter-relationship of estate planning with corporations and partnerships. In the sports law field, she worked on the purchase of the controlling interest in the San Antonio Spurs NBA professional basketball team. Ms. Norman received her B.A. degree from the University of Texas, her J.D. degree from the University of Texas Law School, and her Masters of Laws in Taxation from New York University.

Russ Meyer Appointed as Vice-Chairman of Court Rules Committee

Monday, August 11, 2008

Jackson Walker partner Russ Meyer has been appointed to serve as the Vice-Chairman of the State Bar of Texas Court Rules Committee during its 2008-2009 term. He was appointed by the President-Elect of the State Bar of Texas. Mr. Meyer has served on the Rules Committee for five years and has served as the Chairman of its Pre-Trail Rules Subcommittee for the past two years.

Mr. Meyer's primary practice is in the areas of intellectual property and business litigation. He received his B.A. degree from Washington & Lee University. He received his J.D. degree from the University of Texas, where he was a member of the Texas International Law Journal.

Pat Cowlishaw Speaks on Wind Power Issues

Friday, August 08, 2008

Jackson Walker partner Pat Cowlishaw will speak at the State Bar of Texas' 2008 Public Utility Law Section Annual Meeting and Seminar. The Seminar will be August 15 at the Omni Hotel in Austin, Texas.

Mr. Cowlishaw will present "Wind Power and the CREZ Case: What's Decided, What's Not, and What's Next?" He will describe the Texas PUC's recent and potentially historic decision to move forward with a $ 5 billion transmission construction plan to bring 18,456 megawatts of power from wind-rich areas in West Texas and the Panhandle to Texas' major metropolitan areas. He will discuss the steps that are expected to follow as the "Competitive Renewable Energy Zone" process moves from these high-level decisions to implementation, and will identify open issues and potential impacts on present and future wind generation projects, fossil generation, transmission providers, and customers. Click here to view the presentation.

Mr. Cowlishaw represents clients in complex business litigation and regulatory disputes. He has acted as lead counsel for businesses and individuals in high-stakes proceedings involving the energy and telecommunications industries, including industry restructuring, antitrust, environmental, and other commercial and financial matters. Listed in The Best Lawyers in America, Mr. Cowlishaw received his A.B. degree, with distinction, from Stanford University. He received his J.D. degree from Stanford Law School, where he was inducted as a member of the Order of the Coif. Mr. Cowlishaw served as law clerk, 1976-1977, to the Hon. Irving L. Goldberg of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.

The Public Utility Law Section (PULS) of the State Bar of Texas focuses on the practice of public utility law and its impacts on our energy and telecommunications industries and water resources. To learn more about PULS, CLICK HERE.

Mike Nasi Moderates on Energy Planning

Wednesday, August 06, 2008

Mike Nasi, a partner in Jackson Walker's Austin Office and leader of the firm's Climate Change and Carbon Management Practice, will moderate a session on "Energy Planning" at the 2008 Texas Environmental Superconference. The session will be held on August 7 from 2:25 to 3:15. Panelists joining Mr. Nasi will be Chairman Michael Williams, Railroad Commission of Texas, and Carl Bauer, Director of the Department of Energy's National Energy Technology Laboratory.

More information about the Environmental Superconference can be found by CLICKING HERE.

Mr. Nasi's practice primarily focuses on air quality, waste and injection well permitting, soil and groundwater remediation, industrial waste water, and surface mining. He advises various industry associations and their members on permitting and compliance matters. He routinely secures and maintains regulatory authorizations for entities in the mining, electric power, steel, waste management, construction, and biofuels industries, as well as for several major municipalities and local governments. Mr. Nasi attended the University of New Mexico and earned his B.A. degree from the University of Texas at Austin in 1991 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 in 1994, where his studies specialized in environmental law.

Joe Will Ross Selected to Participate in Agricultural Leadership Program

Monday, August 04, 2008

JW associate Joe Will Ross has been selected to participate in the Texas AgriLife Extension's Texas Agricultural Lifetime Leadership (TALL) program. Mr. Ross is a member of the TALL XI class.

Mr. Ross's class has 24 members from across the state. Each member brings diverse agricultural backgrounds and professions to this two-year program. The class will travel to six different sites in Texas, Mexico, Washington, D.C., Maryland, and New York City. The XI members will finish with a two-week trip to Poland and Russia. JW partner Ed Small regularly speaks to each class about lobbying at the Capitol.

TALL is dedicated in building future Texas leaders so that our food and fiber system is preserved and enhanced. Given the critical issues facing agriculture today, there is a need to provide intensive leadership development experiences for a promising new generation of leaders. To learn more about TALL, CLICK HERE.

Mr. Ross's practice consists primarily in eminent domain and commercial and insurance defense litigation. His agricultural background and experience provide him valuable insight to the various legal needs of the agricultural industry and West Texas. Mr. Ross received his B.S. degree in Industrial Engineering and his MBA from Texas A&M University. He received his J.D. degree, cum laude, from St. Mary's University School of Law, where he was a member of the John M. Harlan Honor Society.

Jackson Walker Congratulates Its Eight San Antonio "Best Lawyers"

Friday, August 01, 2008

Eight Jackson Walker attorneys were selected as some of San Antonio's "Best Lawyers" in the August 2008 issue of Scene in SA Monthly. Attorneys included in the rankings were nominated by their peers in a citywide survey of lawyers who have practiced in San Antonio for at least five years.

Congratulations to the following JW "Best Lawyers":

Peter Hosey
Steve Jacobs
Marcus Lopez
Mark Miller
Richard Moore
Jed Morrison
Scott Rose
Patrick Tobin

Jackson Walker L.L.P. has over 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.

Alex Frutos Selected to Participate in Leadership Dallas

Friday, August 01, 2008

JW partner Alex Frutoshas been accepted to participate in Leadership Dallas for the 2008-2009 class.

Leadership Dallas is a 10-month community leadership development program founded by the Greater Dallas Chamber that trains participants in civic responsibilities by providing education on issues in the Dallas community such as arts and culture, criminal justice, diversity, economic development, education, government and politics, health care, and human services. The program enables participants to develop their leadership capacities, build strong relationships, and prepare themselves for the challenges of the years to come. The class is made up of 55 acknowledged and aspiring leaders with diverse backgrounds. To learn more about Leadership Dallas, please visit www.leadershipdallas.com.

Mr. Frutos focuses his practice on corporate finance and securities, mergers and acquisitions, and general corporate matters. He is an experienced transactional lawyer with a strong accounting and business background that focuses on quality and dedication in his client service. He has assisted clients with the formation of organizations, corporate governance issues, capital formation, private placements of securities, initial and follow-on public securities offerings and secondary offerings, as well as Securities Act and Exchange Act compliance matters. He has also assisted clients in mergers and acquisitions transactions financed by equity and senior and subordinated debt. Mr. Frutos received his B.S.B.A. degree in International Business Management and Accounting from Georgetown University. He received his J.D. degree, cum laude, from Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law.

Jackson Walker's Houston Office Adds Two Partners, Three Senior Counsel

Friday, August 01, 2008

HOUSTON -- Jackson Walker L.L.P. announces the addition of new partners Glen Boudreaux and Tim Leonard and senior counsel David Curcio, Nick Nicholas and David Tatem to the firm's Houston office.

"We're extremely pleased to be adding a group with such comprehensive and distinguished litigation experience. We think their experience will be a great benefit to our clients, especially those in the financial services industry, and we look forward to having them on the team," said Doug Paisley, Houston Hiring Partner.

Glen Boudreaux focuses his practice solely on complex civil litigation. He serves as an Adjunct Professor of Civil Trial and Appellate Procedure at the University of Houston Law Center and is also a frequent lecturer on trial strategy and various areas of substantive law.

Mr. Boudreaux has served on the Boards of United Cerebral Palsy and the Strake Jesuit College Preparatory School of Houston. He currently serves on the Boards of Directors of Recipes For Success and the Houston Farmers Market. He is a graduate of the University of Houston and the University of Houston Bates College of Law.

Tim Leonard has an active and diverse trial and appellate practice representing both defendants and plaintiffs. He is licensed in the state courts of Texas, all federal districts of Texas, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals and the United States Supreme Court. In addition, he has appeared and practiced pro hac vice in numerous jurisdictions across the nation.

Mr. Leonard is a member of the Houston Bar Association, the antitrust and litigation sections of the American Bar Association and the Insurance Information Council. He received his B.A. and J.D. from Texas Tech University, where he graduated with honors from the Texas Tech School of Business and served as a member and later an associate editor of the Texas Tech Law Review.

David Curcio practices all forms of civil litigation. His practice primarily focuses on commercial litigation and appellate work. Mr. Curcio received his B.A. from Rice University, where he served as Secretary of Lovett College, and his J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law.

Nick Nicholas focuses on large commercial cases, as well as cases brought under the Civil RICO Act and bankruptcy matters. Mr. Nicholas was a member of the United States Navy for eight years. While serving at Naval Air Station (N.A.S.) Corpus Christi, he received his B.B.A. in Finance, graduating cum laude. He received his J.D. from South Texas College of Law.

David Tatem's practice primarily involves civil RICO and class action litigation as well as numerous commercial and consumer credit cases, and insurance defense. He graduated cum laude with a B.S. degree in business administration from Wake Forest University. Mr. Tatem received his J.D., summa cum laude, from South Texas College of Law.

Jackson Walker L.L.P. has over 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.

Mark Miller Speaks on Copyright Infringement

Thursday, July 31, 2008

Jackson Walker partner Mark Miller will speak at a University of Houston Law Foundation CLE course titled Intellectual Property for the General Attorney on August 7. He will also speak on August 14 in Dallas, Texas. The presentation will be at the Hilton University of Houston Hotel in Houston, Texas.

Mr. Miller will present "Copyrights, Part II: Infringement — What It Is; What to Do If You're Accused of It." To view Mr. Miller's presentation, CLICK HERE. In addition to this section, the Intellectual Property for the General Attorney course will include presentations on trademark creation, protection, infringement, and related rights; valuation of intellectual property assets for purchase and sale transactions; damages in patent and non-patent litigation; database protection and data privacy; copyright creation, ownership, infringement, and related rights; patent litigation; trademark and copyright enforcement; trade secrets including employee contracts, covenants, and misappropriation; ethics; patent issues including validity, scope, and infringement; and intellectual property licenses, transfers, and other contracts. To learn more about the Intellectual Property for the General Attorney course, CLICK HERE.

Mr. Miller is chair of the Intellectual Property section of Jackson Walker. His practice focuses on franchising, licensing antitrust, patents, copyrights, and trademarks. Prior to joining Jackson Walker, he was a name partner in the San Antonio intellectual property firm of Miller, Sisson, Chapman & Nash, P.C. Mr. Miller received his B.A. degree in Chemistry from Austin College and his J.D. degree from St. Mary's University of San Antonio, where he was elected a member of Phi Delta Phi and was associate editor of the St. Mary's Law Journal.

Carl Butzer Featured in Dallas Business Journal Article on Cybersquatters

Friday, July 25, 2008

Jackson Walker partner Carl Butzer was recently featured in an article in the Dallas Business Journal titled "Businesses on Cyberwatch: Protecting a company's name on the Internet is an ongoing battle." The article focuses on "cybersquatters" who snap up the rights to Web domain names using company names, then sell the rights back to the companies for exorbitant fees.

As a leader in intellectual property law, Mr. Butzer is quoted as saying that "A surprising number of businesses are not really paying attention" to the issue of cybersquatters, and that many companies "don't have a preventive way to address it, but are instead handling it reactively." The article goes on to explain the risks of this reactive approach and to list some steps companies can take avoid problems, using information supplied by Mr. Butzer and other experts on the subject.

To read the full article, CLICK HERE.

Mr. Butzer is Chair of Jackson Walker's Dallas Office Intellectual Property Group and Co-Chair of the firm's E-Discovery Group. His practice involves trademark, trade dress, copyright, licensing, trade secrets, and unfair competition matters. He has prosecuted hundreds of trademark applications in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and frequently assists clients in obtaining trademark protection and enforcing trademark rights in foreign countries. Mr. Butzer received his B.A. degree in Political Science and Economics, with special honors, from the University of Chicago in 1984. He received his J.D. degree from the University of Michigan in 1988 and his LL.M. degree from the University of Cambridge in England in 1989.

Pat Sharkey Speaks on Estoppels and SNDAs

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Jackson Walker partner Pat Sharkey will speak at the American Bar Association's Section of Real Property, Trust and Estate Law teleconference Are Your Leases Killing Your Sales/Loans?: Practical Tips on Estoppels and SNDAs. The teleconference is July 30.

Many landlords/owners fail to recognize how important properly drafted leases can be when the time comes to sell or refinance their commercial rental properties. Well-drafted leases can serve not only to facilitate a smooth sale process, but also to increase (or at least preserve) the property's sale price. The teleconference will explore these issues, with a focus on estoppels and SNDAs — two documents that are crucial to a sale or loan, but that are often overlooked in lease negotiations. Mr. Sharkey will participate in a panel that will also discuss other lease provisions that can be critical in a sale/loan context, including landlord liability limitation, termination rights, and mortgagee protection clauses. To learn more about the teleconference, CLICK HERE.

Mr. Sharkey has over 30 years of experience as a commercial real estate attorney representing sophisticated clients in a diverse and dynamic blend of real estate transactions. Client engagements range from mixed use developments, condominium conversions and development of health care campuses to intricate land transactions, urban redevelopment projects and ground leases. Mr. Sharkey received his B.A. degree in Political Science from Columbia University in 1973 and his J.D. degree from Case Western Reserve University in 1976.

Byron Egan Only Texan in M&A Who's Who Legal Guide

Monday, July 21, 2008

Jackson Walker partner Byron Egan was included in the 2008 The International Who's Who of Business Lawyers in the Mergers & Acquisitions section. He was also listed as the only Texan in the 2008 The International Who's Who of Merger and Acquisition Lawyers.

The International Who's Who of Business Lawyers is a compilation of all Who's Who Legal's international books. It contains a listing of over 8,500 recommended lawyers as well as more than 121 jurisdictions worldwide and 29 specific practice areas. Previous editions of The International Who's Who of Merger and Acquisition Lawyers have tended to endorse pre-eminent private practitioners involved in big-ticket business combinations between large, publicly traded companies. To learn more about both publications, CLICK HERE.

Mr. Egan is principally engaged in a corporate, partnership, securities, mergers and acquisitions ("M&A") and financing practice. He has over 35 years experience in business entity formation and governance matters, M&A, and financing transactions. The entities included corporations, limited liability companies and partnerships, and many had publicly traded securities. 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 during 1968 and 1969.

Mr. Egan won the Burton Award for Legal Achievement in 2005, 2006, and 2008. For over ten years, he has been listed in The Best Lawyers in America under Corporate, M&A, or Securities Law. Mr. Egan has been recognized as one of the top corporate and M&A lawyers in Texas by a number of publications, including Corporate Counsel Magazine, Texas Lawyer, Texas Monthly, The M&A Journal (which profiled him in 2005), and Who's Who Legal.

Jay Rutherford Speaks on the Latest Employment Law Developments

Monday, July 14, 2008

Jackson Walker is a proud sponsor of the Texas Association of Business's (TAB) 2008 Employment Relations Symposium: Workplace Strategies for Your Business. The seminar will be July 17 at the Westin La Cantera in San Antonio, Texas.

JW partner Jay Rutherford will speak at the seminar. He will present "'Headline News:' The Latest Employment Law Developments." This session will summarize the most important legislative, court, and regulatory developments affecting Texas employers. To learn more about the Symposium, CLICK HERE.

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. His practice also consists of counseling 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. He also advises clients on all aspects of personnel and employment policies and practices. 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.

Suzan Kedron Named "One To Watch" in Commercial Real Estate

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Jackson Walker partner Suzan Kedron has been included in a list of up-and-coming thirtysomethings in the commercial real estate industry by the magazine D CEO. The "Ones To Watch" list, which was created by D CEO editors in consultation with The Real Estate Council and its Associate Leadership Council program, is billed as "a list of commercial real estate movers and shakers in their 30s who have distinguished themselves from the pack." The complete list will be published in the August issue of the magazine. To view the "Ones to Watch" list, CLICK HERE.

Ms. Kedron represents real estate developers, land owners and public entities in a variety of land use and real estate development issues. Her practice focuses on the following issues: zoning, planning, due diligence, economic development incentives, tax increment financing and litigation. Prior to moving to Dallas, her law practice included corporate and white collar crime, bank fraud, evidentiary procedures, and general business litigation. Her architectural practice concentrated on upper-end residential design and construction. Ms. Kedron received her B.A. degree, in Architecture, from Columbia College, Columbia University in New York and her J.D. degree from South Texas College of Law.

Ms. Kedron was named as one of Texas's "Rising Stars" for 2006, 2007, and 2008 by Texas Monthly magazine. She was also named one of the "Best Lawyers Under 40" by D Magazine. In 2005, Ms. Kedron was selected as one of the "Best Lawyers in Dallas" by D Magazine.

Don Griffis Featured as a Community Leader in San Angelo Standard-Times

Tuesday, July 08, 2008

Jackson Walker partner Don W. Griffis was featured in a front-page story in the San Angelo Standard-Times on July 8, 2008. The article, titled "Guiding For a Strong Future: Griffis Champions Youth Causes," centered on Mr. Griffis' involvement with organizations such as the Boy Scouts of America and the YMCA. It also noted that Mr. Griffis was recently named Civic Leader of the Year by the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce.

"I am a strong believer that if children have positive memories of youth, they will have a strong foundation for the future," Mr. Griffis is quoted as saying in the article. His support of local organizations that benefit children and families is based on this belief and his belief that "The more you give of yourself, the more you get back."

To read the full article online, CLICK HERE.

Mr. Griffis has practiced law for over 26 years in West Texas and, prior to that, served as a law clerk to Honorable Joe E. Estes, United States District Judge, in Dallas. Before going to work for Judge Estes, Mr. Griffis served for three years on active duty as an Officer in the United States Marine Corps. He served in Vietnam as both a Staff Legal Officer and as an Infantry Officer and then was assigned to teach military law at the Marine Corps Basic School, Quantico, Virginia.

Mr. Griffis has extensive personal injury and commercial litigation experience and has appeared in a variety of state and federal courts. His primary areas of interest include personal injury defense, products and premises liability defense, employment litigation, medical and legal malpractice litigation, and general business litigation.

Mike Pearson Elected Chair of Oil, Gas and Energy Resources Law Section

Thursday, July 03, 2008

Jackson Walker partner Mike Pearson has been elected Chair of the Oil, Gas and Energy Resources Law (OGERL) Section of the State Bar of Texas. His election took place at the State Bar Convention last week in Houston, Texas.

Mr. Pearson has been on the Council of the OGERL Section for seven years, during which he also served as Vice Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer. He also served as Chair (on six previous occasions) of the Gas and Power Institute, which the OGERL Section co-sponsors with The University of Texas School of Law. JW partner David Dunlap is a previous Chair of the OGERL Section, which is the oldest section in the State Bar. To learn more about the OGERL Section, CLICK HERE.

Mr. Pearson has practiced in the area of energy law since 1978, representing numerous Texas-based, national, and international energy companies and financial institutions. His experience in the energy industry includes exploration and production and other upstream oil and gas matters; sales and acquisitions of public and private energy companies and assets; gas transportation, processing, and other midstream matters; gas marketing matters; energy futures and derivative transactions; energy-related structured financing transactions; and more.

Mr. Pearson received his B.A. degree, with high honors, from The University of Texas in 1975, where he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Phi Kappa Phi. He also received his J.D. degree from The University of Texas School of Law in 1978, where he was an Associate Editor of the Texas Law Review.

James Prappas Speaks on Immigration Best Practices

Wednesday, July 02, 2008

Jackson Walker partner James Prappas will speak at the American Payroll Association — Galveston Bay Area Chapter's monthly chapter meeting on July 9. The meeting will be at the Clear Lake Hilton in Houston, Texas.

Mr. Prappas will present "Immigration Best Practices for I-9 Compliance and No Match Letter Update." To learn more about the American Payroll Association — Galveston Bay Area Chapter, CLICK HERE.

Mr. Prappas has over 22 years of experience representing Fortune 500, middle market and emerging companies in U.S. immigration matters and transactions. He has a broad practice in a diverse range of immigration matters and has advised clients on strategic immigration planning and related transactional matters. Mr. Prappas received his A.B. degree, with honors, from Davidson College and his J.D. degree from the University of Houston Law Center. He also attended the MSc economics degree course at the London School of Economics and Political Science.

Chris Rourk Elected as President of Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth

Tuesday, July 01, 2008

Jackson Walker partner Chris Rourk has been elected as President of the Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth for the 2008-2009 term.

The mission of the Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth is to strengthen U.S.-Japan relations in the Metroplex by (1) educating the community about Japan and the U.S.-Japan relationship and (2) providing opportunities for friendship and meaningful interaction between Japanese and Americans. In so doing, the Society seeks to encourage international understanding in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. To learn more about the Society, CLICK HERE.

Mr. Rourk previously served as General Counsel for the Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth. In his practice, he has extensive experience helping clients protect their intellectual property in the semiconductor, software and telecom fields. He has prepared and filed more than 300 patent applications, has prosecuted in excess of 100 patents to issuance, and manages client domestic and international patent portfolios. He has also assisted with numerous intellectual property transactional matters, including licensing, mergers and acquisitions, funding transactions, and joint ventures.

Mr. Rourk received his B.S.E.E. degree, cum laude, from the University of Florida in 1985. He received his M. Eng. degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1987 and his J.D. degree, cum laude, from Georgetown University Law Center in 1995. Mr. Rourk was a member of Sigma Xi, the scientific research society, and Tau Beta Pi, an engineering honor society.

Suzan Kedron Appointed to Texas State Board of Pharmacy

Monday, June 30, 2008

Jackson Walker partner Suzan Kedron has been appointed to the Texas State Board of Pharmacy.

Governor Rick Perry appointed three members to the Texas State Board of Pharmacy for terms to expire August 31, 2013. The board oversees the licensing and regulation of Texas pharmacists and pharmacies. Ms. Kedron is replacing Juluette F. Bartlett-Pack of Houston. To learn more about Governor Perry's appointment, CLICK HERE.

Ms. Kedron represents real estate developers, land owners and public entities in a variety of land use and real estate development issues. Her practice focuses on the following issues: zoning, planning, due diligence, economic development incentives, tax increment financing and litigation. Prior to moving to Dallas, her law practice included corporate and white collar crime, bank fraud, evidentiary procedures, and general business litigation. Her architectural practice concentrated on upper-end residential design and construction.

Ms. Kedron is past chair of the Executive Council of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Examiners. She is also a member of the Dallas Real Estate Council, Greater Dallas Chamber of Commerce, and State Bar of Texas. Ms. Kedron received her B.A. degree in Architecture from Columbia College, Columbia University in New York and her J.D. degree from South Texas College of Law.