Chris Mugica
Selected as First Jackson Walker LCLD Fellow - Austin
partner Christopher Mugica has been selected as the first
Jackson Walker LCLD Fellow. The Legal Council on Legal
Diversity Fellows program is a year-long commitment that
includes in-person conferences and virtual training on the
fine points of legal practice, peer-group projects to foster
collaboration and build relationships, and extensive contact
with LCLD's top leadership along with managing partners and
general counsel who volunteer to share their professional
experiences and advice. The goal of the program is to produce
a diverse generation of up-and-coming attorneys with strong
leadership and relationship skills who are committed to
fostering diversity within their individual institutions, and
the profession at large. Emerging leaders who have
distinguished themselves within their corporation or law firm
are nominated by their employer to participate as a Fellow in
the program. Each group of Fellows will also serve as mentors
to future participants.
Chris is a partner in JW's Austin office. His practice
primarily focuses on commercial conflict resolution in a
variety of forums, including mediation, arbitration, and
litigation. Chris is also the hiring partner for the Austin
office. Chris is well-respected by colleagues, clients, courts
and opposing counsel and has received numerous peer
recognition awards. Chris received his B.A. from the
University of Texas at Austin and his J.D. from the University
of Notre Dame Law School.
The most influential person in Chris' life is his
grandfather, who instilled in Chris a strong work ethic and
drive to persevere no matter how great the obstacle. Although
his parents and siblings were unable to graduate from high
school, Chris was fortunate enough to enjoy success through
college and law school.
Chris was influenced to pursue a legal career after working
for an Austin non-profit organization dealing with at-risk
kids. Although he originally intended to continue that career
path after graduate education, he quickly realized that he
could serve a greater role as an advocate for these children
with a law degree. During his summer clerkship with Jackson
Walker, Chris was particularly struck by the sense of duty and
obligation that most JW attorneys exhibited. Inspired by the
opportunity to work for a firm that would allow him to
practice law at the highest level while still contributing to
those less fortunate, he accepted a full-time position with JW
in 1999.
Continuing to answer the call of aiding those who are less
fortunate, Chris has been a regular volunteer of pro
bono services to the poor, and has represented numerous
clients in court actions without charge through Volunteer
Legal Services of Central Texas. He was previously elected as
a member of the Pro Bono College of the State Bar of Texas.
Chris was also a 2009 recipient of the Suzanne Covington Award
in recognition for his outstanding contributions in providing
pro bono service to low income clients.
Austin Managing Partner Matt Dow recently commented on
Chris' dedication, stating "Chris understands that part of our
success as a law firm depends on how well our diversity
reflects the diversity of our communities and clients. Chris
has been instrumental in helping JW make real strides in
diversity."
One of Chris' clients, Kevin McAlpin, Legal Counsel at Just
Energy said, "I had the pleasure of having Chris represent my
company, Standard Renewable Energy, in multiple litigation
matters. Chris' thorough preparation for trial work is
unsurpassed. Moreover, his personable demeanor won over the
jury in a contentious trial in which we were completely
victorious. I've not worked with a better trial lawyer in
commercial litigation!"
His work on behalf of the firm and its clients is
gratifying, and he thoroughly enjoys helping clients explore
creative solutions to their litigation problems. After twelve
years with Jackson Walker, Chris still holds true to his
belief that he has chosen the ideal platform to balance civic
duty with private practice. He continues to be a successful
lawyer while devoting significant time to community
involvement.
Chris is a member of American Bar Association, Austin Young
Lawyer's Association, Austin Bar Association, and the Notre
Dame Law Association. He is currently co-chair the Travis
County Chapter of the National Campaign to Stop Violence. He
also serves as co-chair of the Texas Minority Counsel
Program's Steering Committee. He will join the Executive Board
of the Capitol Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America in
2013.
Chris was also honored as one of the recipients of the
"Austin Under 40" Award, given to recognize outstanding Austin
citizens under the age of 40. Additionally, he has been
selected four times (2008-2010, 2012) as a "Rising Star" by
Thomson Reuters - a distinction given to fewer than 2.5
percent of all practicing attorneys in Texas. In 2011, he
became a Texas Bar Foundation Fellow, an invitation extended
to less than 1 percent of all attorneys in Texas.
Jackson Walker Hosts Reception for African American Men
Attending the University of Texas. The reception was held
in Jackson Walker's Austin office on November 28, 2012. Austin
partner Leonard Woods coordinated the event, which was
sponsored by the African American Male Research Initiative
(AAMRI), a division of Diversity and Community Engagement at
The University of Texas at Austin.
The AAMRI's mission is
to address the severe academic achievement gap that exists
between African American males and other demographic groups
within education. The program is a mentoring effort for the
students and exposes them to local professionals in the
community. Leonard was also asked to address the group. In
addition to the 27 UT students attending the reception, 16
invited community leaders were also on hand.
CONTINUING TO CULTIVATE COMMUNITY RELATIONSHIPS
Jackson Walker is Top Sponsor for Dallas Women Lawyers
Association Annual Judicial Reception. The Dallas Women
Lawyers Association (DWLA) held its Annual Judicial Reception
on October 11, 2012. Senior counsel Christy Jump in Dallas
serves as the President for 2012, and partner Stephanie Osteen
serves on the Board as a Director at Large.
DWLA also presented scholarships to two students as part of
its new "Study Stipend" program, awarding a scholarship to one
student each from SMU law school and TWU law school to assist
with expenses incurred while studying for the bar exam.
Jackson Walker is Platinum Sponsor for Association of
Women Attorneys Annual Judicial Reception. The Association
of Women Attorneys ("AWA") held its Annual Judicial Reception
on October 25, 2012 at the Hotel Alden in downtown Houston.
The theme of this year's event was "Judges Rock." The
reception also honored all members of the Federal judiciary in
Houston. JW attendees at the event were Houston partners Jan
Chafin, Lisa Powell and Kathy Silver, senior counsel Maryellen
Shea, and Houston associates Suhani Akhare, Lindsey Moorhead
and Jamila Brinson.
Jackson Walker Sponsors Main Texas Minority Counsel
Program (TMCP). This annual TMCP event was held in Houston
on October 3 - 4. The conference was designed to provide
valuable CLE credit and to give attendees an opportunity to
participate in informational interviews to discuss outside
counsel opportunities.
Dallas partner Tracey Wallace spoke at this year's program
on the topic of "The ABCs of LGBT."
The mission of the TMCP is to expand and increase the
opportunities for minority and women attorneys to provide
legal services for corporate and government clients, and to
encourage corporations and government agencies seeking outside
counsel to hire and retain minority and women lawyers.
JW attendees at the conference included diversity chair
Bruce Ruzinsky, Austin partner and TMCP Steering Committee
member Chris Mugica, Dallas partner Tracey Wallace, Austin
associate Brian Prewitt, Houston Associate Alia Derrick,
Houston Associate Chevazz Brown and Dallas Associate, Shakeeb
Mir.
J. L. Turner Legal Foundation has strong support from
Jackson Walker - This year marked the 60th Anniversary of
the J.L. Turner Scholarship and Awards Gala. The annual gala,
which is the largest J.L. Turner fundraiser for scholarships
awarded to law school bound college and high school students,
was attended by scholarship recipients as well as a host of
federal and state judges, state officials, in-house counsel
from national and state based corporations, and counsel from
various law firms. This year's event included a reflection on
the significance of Texas born cases, including Fisher v.
Univ. of Texas at Austin, led by guest speaker and Harvard
University Professor Lani Guinier. Jackson Walker was
recognized and honored with a crystal award for its
sponsorship of the gala, and JW associate James McFall
accepted the award on the firm's behalf.
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Pictured above from left to right
are: Alia Derrick (JW associate), Chief Justice Carolyn
Wright (5th Court of Appeals), Suzan Kedron (JW partner)
and guest, Eddie Kola, James McFall (JW associate),
& Cynthia Isoh (Bank of America In-House Counsel
& guest of Alia Derrick)
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Jackson Walker Supports Hispanic Bar Association of
Austin - Hispanic Heritage Luncheon. The 2012 Hispanic
Heritage Luncheon was held on October 26, 2012, at the W Hotel
in downtown Austin. Judge Jimmie V. Reyna, a Circuit Judge on
the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, was the
keynote speaker for the luncheon. Justice David Medina and
Justice Eva Guzman were also special guest speakers.
The luncheon is the primary fundraising event for the HBAA
Foundation, which awards scholarships that enable economically
disadvantaged Hispanic college students to become lawyers and
ensure diversity in the legal profession
Attending the event on behalf of the firm were Austin
managing partner Matt Dow, Austin partners Chris Mugica, Josh
Romero, Marilyn Montano and Monte James, Austin associates
Jack Skaggs and Jorge Padilla, and Governmental Affairs
Consultant Deidra Garcia.
Jackson Walker Long Time Patron of Dallas Asian American
Bar Association (DAABA) - JW has been a sponsor of the
DAABA for several years, with Dallas partner Paul Watler
coordinating the firm's sponsorship over the years. This year,
Dallas associate Shakeeb Mir was a committee chair of the
event. The event was held on October 17, 2012, at the Nasher
Sculpture Center in Dallas. It featured three keynote
speakers: Janet L. Dhillon, Executive Vice President, General
Counsel and Secretary of J.C. Penney, Inc.; Thomas E. Evans,
Vice President and General Counsel of Wal-Mart (Merchandising,
Marketing and Supply Chain); and Thomas Mielke, Senior Vice
President of Law, Government Affairs, and Chief Compliance
Officer for Kimberly-Clark Corporation. A private reception
was held for sponsors of the event, where guests had an
opportunity to network with supporters of DAABA. The awards
program honored individuals who have made significant
contributions to Dallas' Asian American and legal communities.
Jackson Walker Supports Dallas Hispanic Bar Association
(DHBA) - The Dallas Hispanic Bar Association (DHBA) held
its Annual Event on Wednesday, October 10, 2012 at the Belo
Mansion in Dallas.
The Annual Event - "Lighting the Path to the Legal
Profession" has become a signature event for the DHBA. It
joins attorneys, judges, and students in an annual celebration
that highlights collective efforts to support educational and
diversity initiatives within the legal community. Through this
event, DHBA gives all members of the community an opportunity
to demonstrate their commitment to supporting students and
increasing diversity within the Dallas legal community.
This year the DHBA presented its highest honor - the La Luz
Award - to Sarah Saldaña, United States Attorney for the
Northern District of Texas. Ms. Saldaña is the first Hispanic
chief federal prosecutor in Dallas, and the first Hispanic
woman to hold the position in Texas. Her integrity, talent,
accomplishments and commitment to public service made her an
ideal candidate for the position. JW joins DHBA in proudly
recognizing Ms. Saldaña for her significant accomplishments
and contributions.
The DHBA also honored the memory of Frank P. Hernandez,
Dallas County's first Hispanic judge. Mr. Hernandez was truly
a trailblazer for Hispanics in Dallas. As a young attorney
starting out in 1964, he was one of the only Hispanics
handling civil rights litigation in Dallas, and he played a
significant role in integrating both the grand jury in Dallas
County and the Dallas Independent School District Board. Mr.
Hernandez passed away in February at the age of 73, but his
impact on Dallas' courts and schools continues on.
Dallas senior counsel Christy Jump and Dallas associate
Matt Acosta, attended the event on behalf of Jackson Walker.
MEET OUR NEWEST DIVERSE ATTORNEY
Nina S. Kang is an associate in the San Antonio office, and
a member of the firm's energy section. Nina received her B.A.
from Stanford University and her J.D. from the University of
Southern California Gould School of Law.
Prior to joining Jackson Walker, Nina was a legal
consultant for SK Innovation Co., Ltd., working at its
headquarters in Seoul, South Korea. In Seoul she provided
legal support and advised the growing upstream division, which
had a portfolio of 29 E&P blocks and four LNG projects
across 16 countries. Nina also worked on M&A transactions
related to realignment of the E&P portfolio.
Jackson Walker
Sponsors the 8th Annual National Black Pre-Law Conference.
The conference was held on November 2 and 3, 2012, at the
Westin Galleria in Houston, Texas. The conference and job fair
is designed specifically for aspiring African American
lawyers. In addition to providing empowering information, the
conference gives students access to resources and contacts
that will assist them in becoming more strategic and
competitive law school applicants and law students. The
sponsorship also included this year's Legacy Builders Awards
Banquet and Aspiring Lawyers Pinning Ceremony held at the same
venue. Jackson Walker donated tickets to future law students
who were unable to purchase them.
University of Houston Black Law Students Association's
Annual Scholarship Banquet was held on October 19, 2012,
at the Crowne Plaza River Oaks Hotel. The theme of the evening
was "Standing on the Shoulders of the Ones Who Came Before
Us." The keynote speaker for the event was Mr. Jim Lemond,
University of Houston Law Center Class of 1970. Attending the
event on Jackson Walker's behalf were Diversity Chair Bruce
Ruzinsky, Houston partner David Curcio and daughter Hannah
Curcio, Houston associates Marisela Pena and Jamila Brinson,
and diversity coordinator Alesia Foster.
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Pictured from left to right are Abby
Kotun - Fundraising Chair for UH-BLSA and Houston
associate and past BLSA President, Jamila Brinson
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Jackson Walker Gives to Dallas Bar Foundation's Sarah
Hughes Scholarship. The scholarship was named in honor of
the late judge of the U.S. District Court for the Northern
District of Texas, who was appointed by President John F.
Kennedy to the federal bench in 1961. The scholarship fund has
provided numerous full, three-year scholarships at Southern
Methodist University Dedman School of Law.
Carlos Treviño Named to Austin's Working Group on
Sustainable Development - Austin senior counsel Carlos
Treviño was recently named to the newly formed Austin Working
Group on Sustainable Development by Austin mayor Lee
Leffingwell. Mayor Leffingwell, along with State
Representative Eddie Rodriguez, will co-chair the group.
The goal of the Working Group is to make Austin the first
region in the United States where EB-5 foreign investment
dollars will be primarily focused on clean energy, affordable
housing and green jobs. The group will study options for
creating a City of Austin sponsored EB-5 Regional Center or
work with an existing EB-5 Regional Center to find appropriate
local investment opportunities for qualified foreign
nationals.
Leonard Woods Speaks on Construction Defect Cases -
Austin partner Leonard Woods spoke at The University of Texas
School of Law's 2012 Construction Law CLE course on September
14, 2012, in Dallas, Texas. Leonard's presentation was titled
"Anatomy of a Construction Defect Case."
Alia Derrick Presents Employment Law Update to Houston
TSCPA Foundation - Houston associate Alia Derrick spoke to
the Houston Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants
Foundation on September 21, 2012, in Houston, Texas. Alia's
presentation was titled "Employment Law Update: Healthcare,
401(k) Plan Fee Disclosures and Fiduciary Responsibilities,
and Other Recent Changes." Her talk also covered important
information on the Fair Labor Standards Act and addressed data
privacy issues.
For more information: www.jw.com/diversity
Diversity Committee Members:
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• Suhani Akhare
• Melissa Bates
• Larrah
Bolten
• Chevazz Brown
• Ling Chwang
•
Alicia Duleba
• Joseph Fonlon
• Alesia Foster
• Joel Heydenburk
• Margaret Hopson
• Suzan
Kedron
• Scott McElhaney
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• Lauren Mutti
• Jorge Padilla
• James
Prappas
• Joshua Romero
• Bruce Ruzinsky,
Chair
• Joan Sostek
• Robert Soza
•
Marcello Tamez
• April Vasquez
• Soraya Walden
• Jerry Webberman
• Leonard Woods
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About JW
Diversity
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