http://www.judged.com/jdfirmrssfeed_tx.php Judged Law Firm en-us (C) 2006 Judged. All rights reserved. contact@judged.com(Judged) contact@judged.com Wed, 08 Oct 2008 00:34:03 -0500 Law Firms http://www.judged.com/jdfirmrssfeed_tx.php 60 http://www.judged.com/images/xml_rss_feed.gif http://www.judged.com/jdfirmrssfeed_tx.php Address : 15000 Surveyor BoulevardSuite 100, Phone : 972-386-5040, City : Addison http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=126 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=126&page=1 Address : 15303 Dallas ParkwaySuite 700, LB 17, Phone : 972-701-7000, City : Addison http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1074 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1074&page=2 Address : 1801 South MopacSuite 300, Phone : 512-482-0614, City : Austin http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=580 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=580&page=30 Address : 500 South TaylorSuite 1200, P.O. Box 9158, Phone : 806-376-5613, City : Amarillo http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=2361 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=2361&page=4 Address : 500 South TaylorSuite 800, Lobby Box #213, Phone : 806-372-5050, City : Amarillo http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1729 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1729&page=5 Address : 701 South TaylorSuite 500, P.O. Box 15008, Phone : 806-468-3300, City : Amarillo http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=2243 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=2243&page=6 Address : 111 CongressSuite 1700, Phone : 512-320-9200, City : Austin Andrews Kurth lawyers James Stilwell, Emmie West and Bert Estes were among the 11 attorneys who joined their colleagues at The Woodlands Bar Association Saturday, September 8, to assist 42 Woodlands firefighters in completing their wills and living wills. The four-hour clinic, "Wills for Heroes," hosted by the bar association at The Woodlands Fire Department's Central Station, was an effort to help protect the firefighters' families in recognition of the fact that the firefighters themselves risk their lives daily to help others. "Everyone should have a will," said Stilwell. "A will makes it easier on your family in the event you pass away by helping minimize the time and energy needed to transfer your assets to your loved ones. Without a will, probate court can get complicated." Saturday's clinic focused on meeting with the participants, finalizing and notarizing the wills and living wills, and completing each firefighter's medical and financial powers of attorney. The three lawyers are litigators in Andrews Kurth's office in The Woodlands. Staff members Wendy Leonard and Linda Wilson helped at the event with document revisions and notary services. The Woodlands Bar Association has more than 160 members and was established in 2005. Andrews Kurth lawyers James Stilwell, Emmie West and Bert Estes were among the 11 attorneys who joined their colleagues at The Woodlands Bar Association Saturday, September 8, to assist 42 Woodlands firefighters in completing their wills and living wills. The four-hour clinic, "Wills for Heroes," hosted by the bar association at The Woodlands Fire Department's Central Station, was an effort to help protect the firefighters' families in recognition of the fact that the firefighters themselves risk their lives daily to help others. "Everyone should have a will," said Stilwell. "A will makes it easier on your family in the event you pass away by helping minimize the time and energy needed to transfer your assets to your loved ones. Without a will, probate court can get complicated." Saturday's clinic focused on meeting with the participants, finalizing and notarizing the wills and living wills, and completing each firefighter's medical and financial powers of attorney. The three lawyers are litigators in Andrews Kurth's office in The Woodlands. Staff members Wendy Leonard and Linda Wilson helped at the event with document revisions and notary services. The Woodlands Bar Association has more than 160 members and was established in 2005. Andrews Kurth today announced that the Firm is joining the Project for Attorney Retention (PAR) as a Founding Member, along with 22 other leading national law firms. PAR's mission is to help decrease attrition among lawyers by promoting work/life balance and the advancement of women in the legal profession. PAR has previously issued reports about part-time work in law firms and corporate law departments, and will launch a new study of part-time law firm partners in October 2007. "We view attorney retention and work/life integration as keys to our overall diversity and inclusion strategy," said Elizabeth Campbell, Andrews Kurth's Chief Diversity Officer. "We look forward to the resources PAR will afford us as we in the legal community move forward in addressing these critical areas." In addition to the Firm's Diversity Committee, Andrews Kurth has a Women's Initiative Team (WIT) that develops, designs and oversees initiatives to recruit, retain and advance women lawyers at the Firm. The Firm also supports attorney retention through its Professional Development Department. Along with supporting PAR's ongoing work, members will receive benefits such as a review of their part-time policies and a teleconference for their attorneys who work reduced hours about how to advance professionally. Andrews Kurth today announced that the Firm is joining the Project for Attorney Retention (PAR) as a Founding Member, along with 22 other leading national law firms. PAR's mission is to help decrease attrition among lawyers by promoting work/life balance and the advancement of women in the legal profession. PAR has previously issued reports about part-time work in law firms and corporate law departments, and will launch a new study of part-time law firm partners in October 2007. "We view attorney retention and work/life integration as keys to our overall diversity and inclusion strategy," said Elizabeth Campbell, Andrews Kurth's Chief Diversity Officer. "We look forward to the resources PAR will afford us as we in the legal community move forward in addressing these critical areas." In addition to the Firm's Diversity Committee, Andrews Kurth has a Women's Initiative Team (WIT) that develops, designs and oversees initiatives to recruit, retain and advance women lawyers at the Firm. The Firm also supports attorney retention through its Professional Development Department. Along with supporting PAR's ongoing work, members will receive benefits such as a review of their part-time policies and a teleconference for their attorneys who work reduced hours about how to advance professionally. Andrews Kurth today announced that Alex Gomez and Mike Shaw will assume leadership of the Firm's Recruiting Committee for the Houston office. Gomez will serve as chair of the committee and Houston Hiring Partner, stepping in place of Marty Smith who is the new co-chair of the Professional Development Committee. Shaw will serve as Co-Hiring Partner. "We have just finished a successful summer associate program. The Houston office alone had 31 summer associates from various law schools around the nation," said Tom Perich, Houston office Deputy Managing Partner. "I know Alex and Mike will do a great job as we continue to build a high performance team of diverse individuals for the benefit of our clients and our firm." Gomez is a partner in the Firm's Litigation practice. Shaw is a partner in Business Transactions. The firm actively recruits top students from leading law schools in Texas and throughout the United States. Andrews Kurth also actively recruits top lateral candidates and provides a personal and professional development program for the Firm's lawyers. "It is an exciting time to be involved in the recruiting efforts of the Firm," said Gomez. "The market for the best talent among the top firms is very competitive. I look forward to helping implement strategies that help Andrews Kurth maintain and grow its appeal both among new lawyers as well as seasoned lawyers with established careers." Andrews Kurth today announced that Alex Gomez and Mike Shaw will assume leadership of the Firm's Recruiting Committee for the Houston office. Gomez will serve as chair of the committee and Houston Hiring Partner, stepping in place of Marty Smith who is the new co-chair of the Professional Development Committee. Shaw will serve as Co-Hiring Partner. "We have just finished a successful summer associate program. The Houston office alone had 31 summer associates from various law schools around the nation," said Tom Perich, Houston office Deputy Managing Partner. "I know Alex and Mike will do a great job as we continue to build a high performance team of diverse individuals for the benefit of our clients and our firm." Gomez is a partner in the Firm's Litigation practice. Shaw is a partner in Business Transactions. The firm actively recruits top students from leading law schools in Texas and throughout the United States. Andrews Kurth also actively recruits top lateral candidates and provides a personal and professional development program for the Firm's lawyers. "It is an exciting time to be involved in the recruiting efforts of the Firm," said Gomez. "The market for the best talent among the top firms is very competitive. I look forward to helping implement strategies that help Andrews Kurth maintain and grow its appeal both among new lawyers as well as seasoned lawyers with established careers." http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=48 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=48&page=7 Address : 301 Congress AvenueSuite 2000, Phone : 512-495-6400, City : Austin http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1255 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1255&page=8 Address : 300 West 6th StreetSuite 2100, Phone : 512-499-6200, City : Austin A new law firm in the making Nine attorneys from Akin Gump have left the firm to form a new one called Drenner & Golden Stuart Wolff in collaboration with Drenner Stuart.. Renowned lawyer and public servant Ambassador Robert S. Strauss and the firm he founded - Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP - have contributed $7.5 million to the University of Texas at Austin to establish a new research center on global affairs, the university announced today. Ambassador Strauss contributed $5 million and Akin Gump contributed $2.5 million to the Robert S. Strauss Center for International Security and Law. These are the first gifts in a $25 million capital campaign to fund the Center. The Center was founded to provide the imagination, leadership and intellectual innovation required to help meet the challenges of the 21st century. It is designed to be a new kind of institution, one that works to engage the best minds in academia, government and the private sector in developing practical solutions to the pressing problems of an increasingly globalized world. The Center seeks the widest possible audience, enriching the public debate and giving guidance to decision-makers on how to respond to dangers and opportunities in global affairs. The gifts creating the Center were announced on September 24 at a press conference hosted by University of Texas at Austin President William Powers Jr. and Larry Temple, president of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Foundation. Ambassador Strauss and Akin Gump partner James C. Langdon Jr. also participated in the press conference. "The University of Texas is one of the finest institutions in the world," Ambassador Strauss said. "By engaging top scholars and collaborating closely with practitioners in government, business and the nonprofit world, the university can make a substantial contribution to the debate on world issues." President Powers said that education and research on global affairs are priorities for the university. "Today, everything we do is affected by what is going on in the world around us," he said. "To be a great university, the University of Texas at Austin must have a global impact. This Center builds upon many of the top academic programs at the university that are central to understanding the complex world we live in. This generous gift from Bob Strauss and Akin Gump will benefit generations of faculty and students by developing a premier institution that lives up to our university's motto, 'What Starts Here Changes the World.'" The funds will be used to attract top scholars, fund innovative research initiatives, develop outreach programs and provide leadership opportunities for students. "The Strauss Center is a remarkable initiative by a man who had an unparalleled career in public and private arenas with an enduring legacy of success in both," Mr. Temple said. "The marks of accomplishment-practical solutions to real problems-he has left in a career that continues even today are indelible. Since Bob's career spans government, the business and professional worlds, and academia, his is the most appropriate name to adorn this new Center. His career symbolizes the aspirations and potential of the Center." Ambassador Strauss was born in Lockhart, Texas, in 1918. Raised in the small West Texas town of Stamford, he attended the University of Texas and its law school; after earning his law degree, he served as a special agent of the FBI. In 1945 he entered private law practice and founded the firm that became Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP. He served as chairman of the Democratic National Committee between 1973 and 1976 and was subsequently appointed by President Jimmy Carter as the U.S. trade representative and special envoy to the Middle East. Ambassador Strauss was selected by President George H.W. Bush to be U.S. ambassador to the Soviet Union in 1991; following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, he became the U.S. ambassador to the Russian Federation, serving until 1992, when he returned to Akin Gump. He occupied the Lloyd Bentsen Chair at the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin. In 1981 Ambassador Strauss was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian award. The commitment to engaging government, business and nonprofits in discussions and research on globalization is what sets the Strauss Center apart. "Globalization has made it imperative for members of the business community and policy field to understand one another's perspective," Mr. Langdon said. "This Center will be a place where challenges are looked at in-depth and by new voices. Policymakers, business leaders and civic leaders can learn from universities, and in turn, universities can learn from practitioners who are on the front lines of these issues every day." The Center covers the full range of global issues while emphasizing four key areas that leverage the university's specific strengths: America's role in the world, technology, energy and the environment, and global governance. Renowned lawyer and public servant Ambassador Robert S. Strauss and the firm he founded - Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP - have contributed $7.5 million to the University of Texas at Austin to establish a new research center on global affairs, the university announced today. Ambassador Strauss contributed $5 million and Akin Gump contributed $2.5 million to the Robert S. Strauss Center for International Security and Law. These are the first gifts in a $25 million capital campaign to fund the Center. The Center was founded to provide the imagination, leadership and intellectual innovation required to help meet the challenges of the 21st century. It is designed to be a new kind of institution, one that works to engage the best minds in academia, government and the private sector in developing practical solutions to the pressing problems of an increasingly globalized world. The Center seeks the widest possible audience, enriching the public debate and giving guidance to decision-makers on how to respond to dangers and opportunities in global affairs. The gifts creating the Center were announced on September 24 at a press conference hosted by University of Texas at Austin President William Powers Jr. and Larry Temple, president of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Foundation. Ambassador Strauss and Akin Gump partner James C. Langdon Jr. also participated in the press conference. "The University of Texas is one of the finest institutions in the world," Ambassador Strauss said. "By engaging top scholars and collaborating closely with practitioners in government, business and the nonprofit world, the university can make a substantial contribution to the debate on world issues." President Powers said that education and research on global affairs are priorities for the university. "Today, everything we do is affected by what is going on in the world around us," he said. "To be a great university, the University of Texas at Austin must have a global impact. This Center builds upon many of the top academic programs at the university that are central to understanding the complex world we live in. This generous gift from Bob Strauss and Akin Gump will benefit generations of faculty and students by developing a premier institution that lives up to our university's motto, 'What Starts Here Changes the World.'" The funds will be used to attract top scholars, fund innovative research initiatives, develop outreach programs and provide leadership opportunities for students. "The Strauss Center is a remarkable initiative by a man who had an unparalleled career in public and private arenas with an enduring legacy of success in both," Mr. Temple said. "The marks of accomplishment-practical solutions to real problems-he has left in a career that continues even today are indelible. Since Bob's career spans government, the business and professional worlds, and academia, his is the most appropriate name to adorn this new Center. His career symbolizes the aspirations and potential of the Center." Ambassador Strauss was born in Lockhart, Texas, in 1918. Raised in the small West Texas town of Stamford, he attended the University of Texas and its law school; after earning his law degree, he served as a special agent of the FBI. In 1945 he entered private law practice and founded the firm that became Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP. He served as chairman of the Democratic National Committee between 1973 and 1976 and was subsequently appointed by President Jimmy Carter as the U.S. trade representative and special envoy to the Middle East. Ambassador Strauss was selected by President George H.W. Bush to be U.S. ambassador to the Soviet Union in 1991; following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, he became the U.S. ambassador to the Russian Federation, serving until 1992, when he returned to Akin Gump. He occupied the Lloyd Bentsen Chair at the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin. In 1981 Ambassador Strauss was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian award. The commitment to engaging government, business and nonprofits in discussions and research on globalization is what sets the Strauss Center apart. "Globalization has made it imperative for members of the business community and policy field to understand one another's perspective," Mr. Langdon said. "This Center will be a place where challenges are looked at in-depth and by new voices. Policymakers, business leaders and civic leaders can learn from universities, and in turn, universities can learn from practitioners who are on the front lines of these issues every day." The Center covers the full range of global issues while emphasizing four key areas that leverage the university's specific strengths: America's role in the world, technology, energy and the environment, and global governance. Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP has received a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) 2008 Corporate Equality Index. The firm is one of only 30 law firms and 195 companies nationwide to receive a 100 percent rating. "We are proud to be recognized for our success in fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce," said R. Bruce McLean, Akin Gump's chairman. "We are very pleased that the legal community as a whole is increasing its efforts to improve workplace equality." The Corporate Equality Index rates employers on a scale from 0 to 100 percent on their treatment of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) employees, consumers and investors. Each year, HRC invites the largest and most successful public and private companies in the United States to participate in the rating process. The Index, which this year rated 519 businesses, measures the extent to which employers protect their GLBT employees. Ratings are based on factors such as non-discrimination policies, diversity training, and benefits for domestic partners and transgender employees. Akin Gump's score was based on a variety of factors, including the firm's inclusive health care and family leave benefits to employees with same-sex partners, diversity training and GLBT employee groups. "I am proud to practice at a law firm that has been an industry leader in GLBT equality issues," said David Carlin, co-chair of the Washington office's diversity committee and a member of the firmwide diversity committee. Akin Gump attorneys have long been active in GAYLAW, the D.C. bar association for GLBT attorneys. An Akin Gump partner served on GAYLAW's board of directors, and the firm has been a long-standing sponsor of GAYLAW's programming, particularly its annual awards reception and its programs for GLBT summer associates. The firm has supported the efforts of and provided pro bono assistance to the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network. Akin Gump has also supported Lambda Legal. The firm is a regular participant in Lavender Law, a nationwide annual convention of GLBT law students and attorneys, and has sponsored GLBT-focused recruiting events at various law schools. Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP has received a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) 2008 Corporate Equality Index. The firm is one of only 30 law firms and 195 companies nationwide to receive a 100 percent rating. "We are proud to be recognized for our success in fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce," said R. Bruce McLean, Akin Gump's chairman. "We are very pleased that the legal community as a whole is increasing its efforts to improve workplace equality." The Corporate Equality Index rates employers on a scale from 0 to 100 percent on their treatment of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) employees, consumers and investors. Each year, HRC invites the largest and most successful public and private companies in the United States to participate in the rating process. The Index, which this year rated 519 businesses, measures the extent to which employers protect their GLBT employees. Ratings are based on factors such as non-discrimination policies, diversity training, and benefits for domestic partners and transgender employees. Akin Gump's score was based on a variety of factors, including the firm's inclusive health care and family leave benefits to employees with same-sex partners, diversity training and GLBT employee groups. "I am proud to practice at a law firm that has been an industry leader in GLBT equality issues," said David Carlin, co-chair of the Washington office's diversity committee and a member of the firmwide diversity committee. Akin Gump attorneys have long been active in GAYLAW, the D.C. bar association for GLBT attorneys. An Akin Gump partner served on GAYLAW's board of directors, and the firm has been a long-standing sponsor of GAYLAW's programming, particularly its annual awards reception and its programs for GLBT summer associates. The firm has supported the efforts of and provided pro bono assistance to the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network. Akin Gump has also supported Lambda Legal. The firm is a regular participant in Lavender Law, a nationwide annual convention of GLBT law students and attorneys, and has sponsored GLBT-focused recruiting events at various law schools. Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP announced today that Jordan J. Metzger has joined the firm as a partner in the real estate and finance practice group in New York. Mr. Metzger brings extensive experience in real estate transactions, with an emphasis on acquisitions, development, joint ventures and financing. "Jordan's combined experience - in private practice and as general counsel of a real estate investment fund - will be of tremendous benefit to our clients," said Peter Miller, head of Akin Gump's real estate and finance practice group in New York. "His experience in representing owners and developers of investment properties complements our existing practice." Mr. Metzger's addition comes on the heels of other recent New York hires, including Geoffrey Secol to lead an interdisciplinary corporate services group for the tax, investment funds and real estate practices, former Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Asaro in the litigation practice and J.P. Bruynes and William L. Sturman in the investment funds practice. "Akin Gump provides the perfect platform for me to serve my clients," said Mr. Metzger. "I am looking forward to working with my new partners - in New York and nationally." Mr. Metzger received his B.A. from the State University of New York at Albany in 1980 and his J.D. in 1983 from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, where he was associate editor of the Cardozo Law Review. He joins Akin Gump from New York law firm Herrick, Feinstein LLP. Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP announced today that Jordan J. Metzger has joined the firm as a partner in the real estate and finance practice group in New York. Mr. Metzger brings extensive experience in real estate transactions, with an emphasis on acquisitions, development, joint ventures and financing. "Jordan's combined experience - in private practice and as general counsel of a real estate investment fund - will be of tremendous benefit to our clients," said Peter Miller, head of Akin Gump's real estate and finance practice group in New York. "His experience in representing owners and developers of investment properties complements our existing practice." Mr. Metzger's addition comes on the heels of other recent New York hires, including Geoffrey Secol to lead an interdisciplinary corporate services group for the tax, investment funds and real estate practices, former Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Asaro in the litigation practice and J.P. Bruynes and William L. Sturman in the investment funds practice. "Akin Gump provides the perfect platform for me to serve my clients," said Mr. Metzger. "I am looking forward to working with my new partners - in New York and nationally." Mr. Metzger received his B.A. from the State University of New York at Albany in 1980 and his J.D. in 1983 from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, where he was associate editor of the Cardozo Law Review. He joins Akin Gump from New York law firm Herrick, Feinstein LLP. http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=18 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=18&page=9 Address : The Terrace 72801 Via Fortuna, Suite 100, Phone : 512-542-8400, City : Austin dc office raises salaries <img>http://tinypic.com/rbii6f.gif</img> When the United States Supreme Court issued its ruling in KSR v. Teleflex this past spring, the legal community, patent holders, and accused patent infringers debated how trial courts would apply the revised standard for non-obviousness of a patent. Would judges-especially those in jurisdictions considered "patentee-friendly"- still be reluctant to invalidate patents under this new standard? The Honorable Leonard Davis of the Eastern District of Texas gave an answer in mid-August when he issued a "take nothing" judgment for the defendants in AdvanceMe v. Rapidpay et al. In a significant victory for Vinson & Elkins' clients Reach Financial, LLC and Merchant Money Tree, Inc., U.S. District Judge Davis found that all claims of AdvanceMe's patent were invalid as anticipated and obvious. Judge Davis' ruling also absolved V&E clients' AmeriMerchant, LLC and First Funds, LLC from liability in AdvanceMe v. AmeriMerchant et al., alleging infringement of the same patent and originally set for trial in January of 2008 in Judge Davis' court. Since the court's ruling in the Rapidpay case, AdvanceMe v. AmeriMerchant et al. has been dismissed. "This victory is especially noteworthy because it is a textbook example of attorneys, clients, and industry witnesses seamlessly working together in a unique way to develop evidence of prior art," says V&E Partner Brian Buss of Austin who was one of the lead lawyers representing the defendants. "It also provides a glimpse into how the Eastern District of Texas will apply the KSR decision going forward." V&E Partner Bill Schuurman, also one of the lead lawyers representing the defendants, explains that the Supreme Court's decision in KSR rejected what it referred to as the Federal Circuit's "rigid and mandatory" Teaching-Suggestion-Motivation (TSM) test and found that "Application of the bar [on granting patent protection to obvious inventions] must not be confined within a test or formulation too constrained to serve its purpose." Mr. Schuurman points to Justice Anthony Kennedy's comments in the Court's unanimous decision in KSR: "When there is a design need or market pressure to solve a problem and there are a finite number of identified, predictable solutions, a person of ordinary skill in the art has good reason to pursue the known options within his or her technical grasp. If this leads to the anticipated success, it is likely the product not of innovation but of ordinary skill and common sense." "The patent at issue in the Rapidpay case is precisely the type of patent at which the KSR decision is directed," says Mr. Schuurman. "Even in the absence of the anticipatory prior art that Judge Davis found independently invalidates all relevant claims of the AdvanceMe patent, the KSR decision dictates that alleged inventions resulting from ordinary skill and common sense-such as that at issue in the Rapidpay case-are invalid as obvious." The Eastern District of Texas, especially over the past year, has been criticized by many who believe that defendants are at an extreme disadvantage in patent infringement cases filed there, according to Austin V&E Associate Joseph Gray, who specializes in Intellectual Property litigation. He points out that Justice Scalia, during oral argument at the Supreme Court in eBay v. MercExchange on March 29, 2006, even referred to Marshall, Texas, (also in the Eastern District of Texas) as a "renegade jurisdiction" when counsel for eBay noted that "no patent has ever been declared invalid in that jurisdiction.." "Judge Davis' invalidity ruling in the Rapidpay case calls into question the opinions of those critics-at least with respect to the KSR decision," says Mr. Gray. "Judge Davis heard all the evidence presented by both sides, reviewed the applicable law, and wrote a very thorough opinion finding that all relevant claims of AdvanceMe's patent were invalid as both anticipated and obvious." Mr. Buss explains that Judge Davis first found that the methods implemented by Litle & Company, a payment processing company, in the early 1990s were precisely the methods that AdvanceMe claimed were novel in 1997, thus anticipating all relevant claims of the AdvanceMe patent. "Judge Davis did not stop there-even though that finding alone is sufficient to invalidate all claims of AdvanceMe's patent," says Mr. Buss. "In the Eastern District of Texas' first application of KSR, Judge Davis also found that AdvanceMe's patent merely reflected a predictable variation of existing prior art methods." Judge Davis wrote that "the [AdvanceMe] patent combines familiar elements with known methods to yield predictable results," citing KSR. He went on to write that "Granting a patent monopoly to this technological advance that would have occurred in the ordinary course without real innovation retards progress and deprives prior inventions of their value"-adopting Justice Kennedy's reasoning in KSR, says Mr. Buss. "In the end, Judge Davis understood that AdvanceMe's alleged invention was not novel. It had been used commercially, by many different companies, throughout the payment processing industry for years before AdvanceMe's patent application was filed in 1997," says Mr. Schuurman. When the United States Supreme Court issued its ruling in KSR v. Teleflex this past spring, the legal community, patent holders, and accused patent infringers debated how trial courts would apply the revised standard for non-obviousness of a patent. Would judges-especially those in jurisdictions considered "patentee-friendly"- still be reluctant to invalidate patents under this new standard? The Honorable Leonard Davis of the Eastern District of Texas gave an answer in mid-August when he issued a "take nothing" judgment for the defendants in AdvanceMe v. Rapidpay et al. In a significant victory for Vinson & Elkins' clients Reach Financial, LLC and Merchant Money Tree, Inc., U.S. District Judge Davis found that all claims of AdvanceMe's patent were invalid as anticipated and obvious. Judge Davis' ruling also absolved V&E clients' AmeriMerchant, LLC and First Funds, LLC from liability in AdvanceMe v. AmeriMerchant et al., alleging infringement of the same patent and originally set for trial in January of 2008 in Judge Davis' court. Since the court's ruling in the Rapidpay case, AdvanceMe v. AmeriMerchant et al. has been dismissed. "This victory is especially noteworthy because it is a textbook example of attorneys, clients, and industry witnesses seamlessly working together in a unique way to develop evidence of prior art," says V&E Partner Brian Buss of Austin who was one of the lead lawyers representing the defendants. "It also provides a glimpse into how the Eastern District of Texas will apply the KSR decision going forward." V&E Partner Bill Schuurman, also one of the lead lawyers representing the defendants, explains that the Supreme Court's decision in KSR rejected what it referred to as the Federal Circuit's "rigid and mandatory" Teaching-Suggestion-Motivation (TSM) test and found that "Application of the bar [on granting patent protection to obvious inventions] must not be confined within a test or formulation too constrained to serve its purpose." Mr. Schuurman points to Justice Anthony Kennedy's comments in the Court's unanimous decision in KSR: "When there is a design need or market pressure to solve a problem and there are a finite number of identified, predictable solutions, a person of ordinary skill in the art has good reason to pursue the known options within his or her technical grasp. If this leads to the anticipated success, it is likely the product not of innovation but of ordinary skill and common sense." "The patent at issue in the Rapidpay case is precisely the type of patent at which the KSR decision is directed," says Mr. Schuurman. "Even in the absence of the anticipatory prior art that Judge Davis found independently invalidates all relevant claims of the AdvanceMe patent, the KSR decision dictates that alleged inventions resulting from ordinary skill and common sense-such as that at issue in the Rapidpay case-are invalid as obvious." The Eastern District of Texas, especially over the past year, has been criticized by many who believe that defendants are at an extreme disadvantage in patent infringement cases filed there, according to Austin V&E Associate Joseph Gray, who specializes in Intellectual Property litigation. He points out that Justice Scalia, during oral argument at the Supreme Court in eBay v. MercExchange on March 29, 2006, even referred to Marshall, Texas, (also in the Eastern District of Texas) as a "renegade jurisdiction" when counsel for eBay noted that "no patent has ever been declared invalid in that jurisdiction.." "Judge Davis' invalidity ruling in the Rapidpay case calls into question the opinions of those critics-at least with respect to the KSR decision," says Mr. Gray. "Judge Davis heard all the evidence presented by both sides, reviewed the applicable law, and wrote a very thorough opinion finding that all relevant claims of AdvanceMe's patent were invalid as both anticipated and obvious." Mr. Buss explains that Judge Davis first found that the methods implemented by Litle & Company, a payment processing company, in the early 1990s were precisely the methods that AdvanceMe claimed were novel in 1997, thus anticipating all relevant claims of the AdvanceMe patent. "Judge Davis did not stop there-even though that finding alone is sufficient to invalidate all claims of AdvanceMe's patent," says Mr. Buss. "In the Eastern District of Texas' first application of KSR, Judge Davis also found that AdvanceMe's patent merely reflected a predictable variation of existing prior art methods." Judge Davis wrote that "the [AdvanceMe] patent combines familiar elements with known methods to yield predictable results," citing KSR. He went on to write that "Granting a patent monopoly to this technological advance that would have occurred in the ordinary course without real innovation retards progress and deprives prior inventions of their value"-adopting Justice Kennedy's reasoning in KSR, says Mr. Buss. "In the end, Judge Davis understood that AdvanceMe's alleged invention was not novel. It had been used commercially, by many different companies, throughout the payment processing industry for years before AdvanceMe's patent application was filed in 1997," says Mr. Schuurman. International law firm Vinson & Elkins LLP is significantly expanding its Insolvency and Reorganization (IR) law practice in New York and Houston as six of the nation's most prominent bankruptcy lawyers with more than 180 years collective experience are joining the firm. V&E is proud to announce that Denis Cronin, Jane Vris, and Dov Kleiner of Cronin & Vris are joining V&E's New York office as partners effective August 20. J. Ronald Trost and Larry Cherkis, also of Cronin & Vris, are joining V&E as Counsel in New York. Mr. Cronin, Ms. Vris, Mr. Kleiner and Mr. Cherkis were formerly with Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz. Mr. Trost is a past chair of the National Bankruptcy Conference and one of the primary architects of the current U.S. Bankruptcy Code. In addition, Vinson & Elkins is pleased to announce that Harry Perrin, co-head of the energy-focused investment bank Petrie Parkman's Restructuring Business and a former bankruptcy partner at the law firm Weil Gotshal & Manges, is joining the firm's Houston office as a partner. The six lawyers have handled some of the largest, most complex bankruptcies and reorganizations in history. Their clients include creditors, debtors, potential purchasers of assets from distressed companies, and equity investors in companies emerging from Chapter 11. "We are delighted that Denis, Jane, Dov, Ron and Larry have decided to join us in New York," says Vinson & Elkins Managing Partner Joe Dilg. "They share our vision for growth and expansion for V&E in New York. V&E lawyers have worked with them for many years and know them to be not only lawyers of the highest stature, but also individuals with great integrity. They are precisely the type of lawyers we want to attract as we recommence building our practice in New York. "Harry Perrin is widely viewed in Texas and New York as one of the leading legal advisors on bankruptcy, insolvency, and creditors' rights," adds Mr. Dilg. "His investment banking and legal expertise will be a tremendous addition to our IR practice." Dan Stewart, head of V&E's national Insolvency and Restructuring practice, says the 30 lawyers in the firm's IR group make it one of the largest and most experienced in the nation. "As we continue to build our New York office, we are thrilled to add the outstanding lawyers at C&V," says Mr. Stewart, who offices in Dallas and New York. "Denis, Jane and Ron are renowned as three of the best restructuring attorneys in the country, and all of the C&V lawyers possess client and managerial skills and experience that will assist greatly in V&E's effort to build our flagship New York office. "Harry Perrin is one of the most recognized restructuring professionals in the nation," says Mr. Stewart. "Harry's client skills and boardroom experience in energy and other industries will enable V&E to deliver high quality legal services to our clients." The new lawyers joining V&E include: Denis Cronin, 59, a graduate of Fordham University School of Law, will be co-chair of V&E's Insolvency and Reorganization Practice Group. He also will be active in the firm's management and leadership decision-making, especially as it applies to expanding the firm's New York office. Mr. Cronin has been named by Best Lawyers in America for more than 20 consecutive years. He was a partner at Wachtell, Lipton from 1978 to 1993, and managing partner of the New York law firm for six of those years. Jane Vris, 51, is a 1983 graduate of New York University Law School, where she was Managing Editor of the Law Review. She was a founding partner of Cronin & Vris, a bankruptcy boutique law firm she and Mr. Cronin started in 1997. Prior to that, Ms. Vris was at Wachtell, Lipton where she was a partner in the creditors rights group. She is a member of the National Bankruptcy Conference and has been a long-time contributing editor to Colliers on Bankruptcy, the leading treatise on bankruptcy in the United States. Harry Perrin, 54, a 1980 graduate of the University of Houston School of Law, co-headed Petrie Parkman's Restructuring Business from 2001 to 2006, when it was purchased by Merrill Lynch. Prior to that, he was a partner for 10 years in the business finance and restructuring group at Weil Gotshal. Dov Kleiner, 40, received his MBA and law degree from Columbia University in 1994. He was a lawyer at Wachtell, Lipton from 1994 until 2001, when he joined Cronin & Vris, where he was a partner. Most recently, Mr. Kleiner, Ms. Vris and Mr. Trost represented Entergy Corp. in connection with the Chapter 11 case of its subsidiary, Entergy New Orleans, in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. J. Ronald Trost, 74, who received his law degree at the University of Texas, is considered one of the fathers of the modern U.S. Bankruptcy Code, having been one of its chief architects and proponents in 1978. He has served as chairman of the National Bankruptcy Conference from 1996 until 2004. He was a partner at Sidley Austin, where he served as managing partner of the firm's Los Angeles office and chair of its Corporate Reorganization and Bankruptcy Group. Laurence Cherkis, 64, who graduated from New York University School of Law, chaired the Real Estate Law Practice at Wachtell, Lipton for many years and recently has been Of Counsel at Cronin & Vris. "Cronin & Vris has been approached by numerous first-tier law firms over the years, but we never came close to having serious discussions with any firm until Vinson & Elkins approached us," says Mr. Cronin. "We have worked with their partners on matters for more than 25 years and know the firm very well. Most important, it is the character of the firm and lawyers that made them stand above the others. "Vinson & Elkins is committed to making its New York office a flagship office second to none in the country," says Mr. Cronin. "As new partners in the New York office, we will focus on achieving that objective as soon as possible." Adds Ms. Vris, "V&E also has great depth in the areas we felt we needed to complement our restructuring work. Restructuring has increasingly involved leverage through litigation and a strong, well-rounded litigation capability has become critical in our area. Corporate and tax are also always essential to restructuring. V&E has all of these and more." International law firm Vinson & Elkins LLP is significantly expanding its Insolvency and Reorganization (IR) law practice in New York and Houston as six of the nation's most prominent bankruptcy lawyers with more than 180 years collective experience are joining the firm. V&E is proud to announce that Denis Cronin, Jane Vris, and Dov Kleiner of Cronin & Vris are joining V&E's New York office as partners effective August 20. J. Ronald Trost and Larry Cherkis, also of Cronin & Vris, are joining V&E as Counsel in New York. Mr. Cronin, Ms. Vris, Mr. Kleiner and Mr. Cherkis were formerly with Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz. Mr. Trost is a past chair of the National Bankruptcy Conference and one of the primary architects of the current U.S. Bankruptcy Code. In addition, Vinson & Elkins is pleased to announce that Harry Perrin, co-head of the energy-focused investment bank Petrie Parkman's Restructuring Business and a former bankruptcy partner at the law firm Weil Gotshal & Manges, is joining the firm's Houston office as a partner. The six lawyers have handled some of the largest, most complex bankruptcies and reorganizations in history. Their clients include creditors, debtors, potential purchasers of assets from distressed companies, and equity investors in companies emerging from Chapter 11. "We are delighted that Denis, Jane, Dov, Ron and Larry have decided to join us in New York," says Vinson & Elkins Managing Partner Joe Dilg. "They share our vision for growth and expansion for V&E in New York. V&E lawyers have worked with them for many years and know them to be not only lawyers of the highest stature, but also individuals with great integrity. They are precisely the type of lawyers we want to attract as we recommence building our practice in New York. "Harry Perrin is widely viewed in Texas and New York as one of the leading legal advisors on bankruptcy, insolvency, and creditors' rights," adds Mr. Dilg. "His investment banking and legal expertise will be a tremendous addition to our IR practice." Dan Stewart, head of V&E's national Insolvency and Restructuring practice, says the 30 lawyers in the firm's IR group make it one of the largest and most experienced in the nation. "As we continue to build our New York office, we are thrilled to add the outstanding lawyers at C&V," says Mr. Stewart, who offices in Dallas and New York. "Denis, Jane and Ron are renowned as three of the best restructuring attorneys in the country, and all of the C&V lawyers possess client and managerial skills and experience that will assist greatly in V&E's effort to build our flagship New York office. "Harry Perrin is one of the most recognized restructuring professionals in the nation," says Mr. Stewart. "Harry's client skills and boardroom experience in energy and other industries will enable V&E to deliver high quality legal services to our clients." The new lawyers joining V&E include: Denis Cronin, 59, a graduate of Fordham University School of Law, will be co-chair of V&E's Insolvency and Reorganization Practice Group. He also will be active in the firm's management and leadership decision-making, especially as it applies to expanding the firm's New York office. Mr. Cronin has been named by Best Lawyers in America for more than 20 consecutive years. He was a partner at Wachtell, Lipton from 1978 to 1993, and managing partner of the New York law firm for six of those years. Jane Vris, 51, is a 1983 graduate of New York University Law School, where she was Managing Editor of the Law Review. She was a founding partner of Cronin & Vris, a bankruptcy boutique law firm she and Mr. Cronin started in 1997. Prior to that, Ms. Vris was at Wachtell, Lipton where she was a partner in the creditors rights group. She is a member of the National Bankruptcy Conference and has been a long-time contributing editor to Colliers on Bankruptcy, the leading treatise on bankruptcy in the United States. Harry Perrin, 54, a 1980 graduate of the University of Houston School of Law, co-headed Petrie Parkman's Restructuring Business from 2001 to 2006, when it was purchased by Merrill Lynch. Prior to that, he was a partner for 10 years in the business finance and restructuring group at Weil Gotshal. Dov Kleiner, 40, received his MBA and law degree from Columbia University in 1994. He was a lawyer at Wachtell, Lipton from 1994 until 2001, when he joined Cronin & Vris, where he was a partner. Most recently, Mr. Kleiner, Ms. Vris and Mr. Trost represented Entergy Corp. in connection with the Chapter 11 case of its subsidiary, Entergy New Orleans, in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. J. Ronald Trost, 74, who received his law degree at the University of Texas, is considered one of the fathers of the modern U.S. Bankruptcy Code, having been one of its chief architects and proponents in 1978. He has served as chairman of the National Bankruptcy Conference from 1996 until 2004. He was a partner at Sidley Austin, where he served as managing partner of the firm's Los Angeles office and chair of its Corporate Reorganization and Bankruptcy Group. Laurence Cherkis, 64, who graduated from New York University School of Law, chaired the Real Estate Law Practice at Wachtell, Lipton for many years and recently has been Of Counsel at Cronin & Vris. "Cronin & Vris has been approached by numerous first-tier law firms over the years, but we never came close to having serious discussions with any firm until Vinson & Elkins approached us," says Mr. Cronin. "We have worked with their partners on matters for more than 25 years and know the firm very well. Most important, it is the character of the firm and lawyers that made them stand above the others. "Vinson & Elkins is committed to making its New York office a flagship office second to none in the country," says Mr. Cronin. "As new partners in the New York office, we will focus on achieving that objective as soon as possible." Adds Ms. Vris, "V&E also has great depth in the areas we felt we needed to complement our restructuring work. Restructuring has increasingly involved leverage through litigation and a strong, well-rounded litigation capability has become critical in our area. Corporate and tax are also always essential to restructuring. V&E has all of these and more." Bill Jones, a partner in Vinson & Elkins' Austin office and a member of the firm's public policy group, has been elected by his peers on the Texas A&M System Board of Regents to serve a two-year term as chairman of the board. Governor Rick Perry appointed Mr. Jones to the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents in 2003 for a tenure of six years. In 2005, he was elected vice-chair of the board, and will serve on the board as chairman until 2009. Mr. Jones is the first African-American to serve as chairman of Texas A&M University System's Board. Regarding his election, Mr. Jones said: "I am excited about what lies ahead for the Texas A&M University System and also for the confidence that has been placed in me by my fellow board members." Mr. Jones joined V&E in early 2006, and has played an integral role in the formation of V&E's public policy group. A prominent government relations lawyer, his expertise in public law comes from more than 15 years of experience as a trial and appellate lawyer practicing in state and federal courts, as well as working as General Counsel to Gov. Rick Perry for three years. "We congratulate Bill Jones on his election as chairman of the Board of Regents of the Texas A&M University System," said Joe Dilg, Managing Partner of Vinson & Elkins. "Bill has long distinguished himself with his service to our state, Texas A&M, and the legal profession. With that broad public policy experience, I know he will do a great job for the school." Mr. Jones received his B.B.A. in 1981 from Texas A&M University and his J.D. from Baylor Law School in 1985. In October 2006, Mr. Jones was profiled by Texas Super Lawyers, in which he was praised by a colleague as being "a quality individual with tremendous integrity and professionalism," as well as described as "the total package" by a peer. He has served as a board member of the Texas Public Policy Foundation since 2003, the Texas State History Museum Foundation, and the Memorial Hermann Healthcare Foundation. Bill Jones, a partner in Vinson & Elkins' Austin office and a member of the firm's public policy group, has been elected by his peers on the Texas A&M System Board of Regents to serve a two-year term as chairman of the board. Governor Rick Perry appointed Mr. Jones to the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents in 2003 for a tenure of six years. In 2005, he was elected vice-chair of the board, and will serve on the board as chairman until 2009. Mr. Jones is the first African-American to serve as chairman of Texas A&M University System's Board. Regarding his election, Mr. Jones said: "I am excited about what lies ahead for the Texas A&M University System and also for the confidence that has been placed in me by my fellow board members." Mr. Jones joined V&E in early 2006, and has played an integral role in the formation of V&E's public policy group. A prominent government relations lawyer, his expertise in public law comes from more than 15 years of experience as a trial and appellate lawyer practicing in state and federal courts, as well as working as General Counsel to Gov. Rick Perry for three years. "We congratulate Bill Jones on his election as chairman of the Board of Regents of the Texas A&M University System," said Joe Dilg, Managing Partner of Vinson & Elkins. "Bill has long distinguished himself with his service to our state, Texas A&M, and the legal profession. With that broad public policy experience, I know he will do a great job for the school." Mr. Jones received his B.B.A. in 1981 from Texas A&M University and his J.D. from Baylor Law School in 1985. In October 2006, Mr. Jones was profiled by Texas Super Lawyers, in which he was praised by a colleague as being "a quality individual with tremendous integrity and professionalism," as well as described as "the total package" by a peer. He has served as a board member of the Texas Public Policy Foundation since 2003, the Texas State History Museum Foundation, and the Memorial Hermann Healthcare Foundation. http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=2437 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=2437&page=10 Address : 111 Congress AvenueSuite 1400, Phone : 512-472-5456, City : Austin Brown McCarroll, L.L.P. is pleased to announce the addition of Mark C. Walker to its El Paso office as a Partner. Mr. Walker has extensive experience in representing retailers, businesses and contractors in premises liability, products manufacturers and sellers, governmental entities and businesses in administrative matters before state and local agencies, general insurance defense, surety and consumer litigation and appeals. He is also board certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. "We welcome Mark to our El Paso office and are proud to grow the services we offer our regional and national clients needing representation in West Texas. We look forward to continuing to be a part of the El Paso community." said Bob Werner, Managing Partner of the Brown McCarroll. Mr. Walker is a member of the Defense Research Institute, the Association of Defense Trial Attorneys, Texas Association of Defense Counsel, and an Advocate on the American Board of Advocates. He was formerly Chair of the Grievance Committee of the State Bar of Texas. He is active in the El Paso community, serving on the El Paso Museum of Art Advisory Committee. He received his J.D. from the University of Texas Law School in 1985 and a B.A., magna cum laude, from the University of Texas in 1981. About Brown McCarroll, LLP Brown McCarroll, L.L.P., was founded in 1938 and is a multi-disciplinary law firm with offices located in Austin, Dallas, Houston, Longview, and El Paso. Brown McCarroll delivers results for a variety of clients who have needs for regional representation throughout the state of Texas and the Southwest. More information can be found at www.brownmccarroll.com. Brown McCarroll, L.L.P. is pleased to announce the addition of Mark C. Walker to its El Paso office as a Partner. Mr. Walker has extensive experience in representing retailers, businesses and contractors in premises liability, products manufacturers and sellers, governmental entities and businesses in administrative matters before state and local agencies, general insurance defense, surety and consumer litigation and appeals. He is also board certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. "We welcome Mark to our El Paso office and are proud to grow the services we offer our regional and national clients needing representation in West Texas. We look forward to continuing to be a part of the El Paso community." said Bob Werner, Managing Partner of the Brown McCarroll. Mr. Walker is a member of the Defense Research Institute, the Association of Defense Trial Attorneys, Texas Association of Defense Counsel, and an Advocate on the American Board of Advocates. He was formerly Chair of the Grievance Committee of the State Bar of Texas. He is active in the El Paso community, serving on the El Paso Museum of Art Advisory Committee. He received his J.D. from the University of Texas Law School in 1985 and a B.A., magna cum laude, from the University of Texas in 1981. About Brown McCarroll, LLP Brown McCarroll, L.L.P., was founded in 1938 and is a multi-disciplinary law firm with offices located in Austin, Dallas, Houston, Longview, and El Paso. Brown McCarroll delivers results for a variety of clients who have needs for regional representation throughout the state of Texas and the Southwest. More information can be found at www.brownmccarroll.com. Austin, TX - Brown McCarroll, L.L.P. is pleased to announce the addition of J. Christopher Hughes to the Austin office as Partner in the Environmental, Utilities and Telecom Section. Mr. Hughes has over 20 years of experience in regulatory and legislative law, corporate communications, and public risk strategy for a variety of companies and organizations. At Brown McCarroll, Mr. Hughes' practice will focus on managing regulatory and legislative risk for the firm's clients, especially in the energy industry. Mr. Hughes will take a lead role in assisting clients in the development and management of energy assets in Texas and in the continued growth of the firm's leading electric and environmental regulatory practices. Mr. Hughes was previously the Regional Vice President for Exelon Generation Co. in the South and West and held external affairs positions with Entergy and Continental Airlines prior to that. Mr. Hughes has also served in key staff roles in the Texas Governor's office, the United States Senate and the Texas State Senate. He holds a B.A. in Government from the University of Texas and a J.D. from the University of Houston. About Brown McCarroll, L.L.P. Brown McCarroll, L.L.P., was founded in 1938 and is a multi-disciplinary law firm with offices located in Austin, Dallas, Houston, Longview, and El Paso. Brown McCarroll delivers results for a variety of clients who have needs for regional representation throughout the state of Texas and the Southwest. More information can be found at www.brownmccarroll.com. Austin, TX - Brown McCarroll, L.L.P. is pleased to announce the addition of J. Christopher Hughes to the Austin office as Partner in the Environmental, Utilities and Telecom Section. Mr. Hughes has over 20 years of experience in regulatory and legislative law, corporate communications, and public risk strategy for a variety of companies and organizations. At Brown McCarroll, Mr. Hughes' practice will focus on managing regulatory and legislative risk for the firm's clients, especially in the energy industry. Mr. Hughes will take a lead role in assisting clients in the development and management of energy assets in Texas and in the continued growth of the firm's leading electric and environmental regulatory practices. Mr. Hughes was previously the Regional Vice President for Exelon Generation Co. in the South and West and held external affairs positions with Entergy and Continental Airlines prior to that. Mr. Hughes has also served in key staff roles in the Texas Governor's office, the United States Senate and the Texas State Senate. He holds a B.A. in Government from the University of Texas and a J.D. from the University of Houston. About Brown McCarroll, L.L.P. Brown McCarroll, L.L.P., was founded in 1938 and is a multi-disciplinary law firm with offices located in Austin, Dallas, Houston, Longview, and El Paso. Brown McCarroll delivers results for a variety of clients who have needs for regional representation throughout the state of Texas and the Southwest. More information can be found at www.brownmccarroll.com. Austin White Lime awarded Brown McCarroll with it's External Vendor of the Year Award for 2005. Brown McCarroll was recognized for its contributions to the company as an outstanding external service provider for over 40 years. The Firm also received this award in 2001. "Austin White Lime is one of the firm's oldest clients," said H. David Hughes, who accepted the award on behalf of the Firm. "We are thankful to have an excellent relationship with this client and are honored to receive this award." The relationship with Austin White Lime dates back as early as the 1940's, when Jay H. Brown, name partner and founder of Brown McCarroll, worked with the Robinson family in providing general legal counsel for the company. The Firm's continued work in a variety of areas complements Austin White Lime's range of business interests, and allows the company to work with a single firm in handling a broad scope of legal needs. Austin White Lime Company operates a limestone quarry and chemical lime production facility on the border of north Austin, just south of Round Rock. The Company's lime products are sold all over the state of Texas and are used in wide variety of applications such as soil stabilization, water treatment, steel and aluminum manufacturing, and sugar refining. The Company employs an average of 160 employees and operates its facility 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. One of the oldest Austin businesses still operating, Austin White Lime Company was established in 1888. Austin White Lime awarded Brown McCarroll with it's External Vendor of the Year Award for 2005. Brown McCarroll was recognized for its contributions to the company as an outstanding external service provider for over 40 years. The Firm also received this award in 2001. "Austin White Lime is one of the firm's oldest clients," said H. David Hughes, who accepted the award on behalf of the Firm. "We are thankful to have an excellent relationship with this client and are honored to receive this award." The relationship with Austin White Lime dates back as early as the 1940's, when Jay H. Brown, name partner and founder of Brown McCarroll, worked with the Robinson family in providing general legal counsel for the company. The Firm's continued work in a variety of areas complements Austin White Lime's range of business interests, and allows the company to work with a single firm in handling a broad scope of legal needs. Austin White Lime Company operates a limestone quarry and chemical lime production facility on the border of north Austin, just south of Round Rock. The Company's lime products are sold all over the state of Texas and are used in wide variety of applications such as soil stabilization, water treatment, steel and aluminum manufacturing, and sugar refining. The Company employs an average of 160 employees and operates its facility 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. One of the oldest Austin businesses still operating, Austin White Lime Company was established in 1888. http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=286 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=286&page=11 Address : 1500 San Jacinto Center98 San Jacinto Boulevard, Phone : 512-322-2500, City : Austin HOUSTON, April 5, 2006 -- The partners of Baker Botts L.L.P. have re-elected Walter J. Smith to a four-year term as Managing Partner of the law firm. Smith was first elected Managing Partner in March 2002. "I appreciate the opportunity to continue to represent the firm and our clients," Smith said. "Our commitment to client service is paramount to strengthening our position as one of the world's leading law firms. This dedication to service has been exhibited during the past year in the opening of new offices in Hong Kong and Dubai, locations where many of our clients told us they needed legal support for their international operations." Smith joined the law firm in 1975. He has practiced corporate and securities law throughout his Baker Botts career. Prior to being elected Managing Partner, he also served as Partner-in-Charge of the firm's Houston office. Smith earned an LL.M. from Harvard University and a J.D., summa cum laude, from Creighton University, where he was editor-in-chief of the Creighton Law Review. After law school, he served as a judicial clerk to the Honorable E.A. Tamm of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. HOUSTON, April 5, 2006 -- The partners of Baker Botts L.L.P. have re-elected Walter J. Smith to a four-year term as Managing Partner of the law firm. Smith was first elected Managing Partner in March 2002. "I appreciate the opportunity to continue to represent the firm and our clients," Smith said. "Our commitment to client service is paramount to strengthening our position as one of the world's leading law firms. This dedication to service has been exhibited during the past year in the opening of new offices in Hong Kong and Dubai, locations where many of our clients told us they needed legal support for their international operations." Smith joined the law firm in 1975. He has practiced corporate and securities law throughout his Baker Botts career. Prior to being elected Managing Partner, he also served as Partner-in-Charge of the firm's Houston office. Smith earned an LL.M. from Harvard University and a J.D., summa cum laude, from Creighton University, where he was editor-in-chief of the Creighton Law Review. After law school, he served as a judicial clerk to the Honorable E.A. Tamm of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. For the second year in a row, Baker Botts has been named \"\"Global Oil & Gas Law Firm of the Year\"\" in Who\'s Who Legal: The International Who\'s Who of Business Lawyers annual survey. The 2006 awards identify the pre-eminent lawyer and firm in each of 27 practice areas covered by the publication. \"\"Once again, we are delighted to recognize Baker Botts with the Who\'s Who Legal: The International Who\'s Who of Business Lawyers Oil & Gas Law Firm of the Year Award,\"\" said Callum Campbell, managing editor of the publication. \"\"This is the second year running that the firm has achieved this distinction, and the firm can boast outstanding individual talent across multiple jurisdictions. It can truly be said to be the world\'s leading firm for oil and gas legal expertise.\"\" Eight partners from the firm in four countries will be included in the publications\' oil and gas chapter. In addition to the firm\'s top ranking, David Asmus and Jay Kolb are featured among the most highly regarded individuals in the overall research. Baker Botts lawyers included in the oil and gas chapter are: David Asmus, Houston Thomas J. Eastment, Washington D.C. Christine Ferguson, Russia George F. Goolsby, Moscow/Houston Antony Higginson, England Bruce F. Kiely, Washington D.C. Jay Kolb, Houston David Renton, Hong Kong Using nominations received from clients and private practice professionals in the course of an ongoing research, Who\'s Who Legal chose one law firm worldwide to receive the award for each of the 27 practice areas covered in their publication, The International Who\'s Who of Business Lawyers 2006, published in March. For the second year in a row, Baker Botts has been named \"\"Global Oil & Gas Law Firm of the Year\"\" in Who\'s Who Legal: The International Who\'s Who of Business Lawyers annual survey. The 2006 awards identify the pre-eminent lawyer and firm in each of 27 practice areas covered by the publication. \"\"Once again, we are delighted to recognize Baker Botts with the Who\'s Who Legal: The International Who\'s Who of Business Lawyers Oil & Gas Law Firm of the Year Award,\"\" said Callum Campbell, managing editor of the publication. \"\"This is the second year running that the firm has achieved this distinction, and the firm can boast outstanding individual talent across multiple jurisdictions. It can truly be said to be the world\'s leading firm for oil and gas legal expertise.\"\" Eight partners from the firm in four countries will be included in the publications\' oil and gas chapter. In addition to the firm\'s top ranking, David Asmus and Jay Kolb are featured among the most highly regarded individuals in the overall research. Baker Botts lawyers included in the oil and gas chapter are: David Asmus, Houston Thomas J. Eastment, Washington D.C. Christine Ferguson, Russia George F. Goolsby, Moscow/Houston Antony Higginson, England Bruce F. Kiely, Washington D.C. Jay Kolb, Houston David Renton, Hong Kong Using nominations received from clients and private practice professionals in the course of an ongoing research, Who\'s Who Legal chose one law firm worldwide to receive the award for each of the 27 practice areas covered in their publication, The International Who\'s Who of Business Lawyers 2006, published in March. This week\'s issue of the Austin Business Journal provides a look at former Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Tom Phillips and his \"\"second incarnation\"\" as a lawyer with Baker Botts. In addition to a profile of Phillips, the ABJ package includes a short question-and-answer session in which Phillips said he had more employment offers after he stepped down as chief justice than he did coming out of law school. And, he told the ABJ, he chose Baker Botts because \"\"it\'s a firm with Texas roots\"\" that \"\"enjoys an established reputation for excellence in appellate work. This week\'s issue of the Austin Business Journal provides a look at former Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Tom Phillips and his \"\"second incarnation\"\" as a lawyer with Baker Botts. In addition to a profile of Phillips, the ABJ package includes a short question-and-answer session in which Phillips said he had more employment offers after he stepped down as chief justice than he did coming out of law school. And, he told the ABJ, he chose Baker Botts because \"\"it\'s a firm with Texas roots\"\" that \"\"enjoys an established reputation for excellence in appellate work. http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=98 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=98&page=12 Address : 221 West 6th StreetSuite 1800, P.O. Box 2166, Phone : 512-476-4600, City : Austin http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=2605 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=2605&page=13 Address : 1949 South I.H. 35, Phone : 512-447-6675, City : Austin http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1442 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1442&page=14 Address : 600 Congress AvenueSuite 2200, Phone : 512-499-3800, City : Austin Jenkens & Gilchrist has increased the capabilities of its nationally recognized Financial Institutions practice group with the addition of Elizabeth H. Corey. "Liz has extensive experience in banking regulations, including such hot button issues as BSA/AML, privacy and consumer compliance. Her vast experience will complement Jenkens & Gilchrist's current practice strengths," said Peter Weinstock, leader of the firm's Financial Institutions Practice Group. "Her welcome addition will add significant depth for our clients." Ms. Corey's experience includes over ten years as legal counsel to national bank examiners, supervisors and bank counsel on legal issues affecting national banks. As legal counsel with the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, she coordinated and consulted with state and federal bank regulatory agencies as well as federal and state law enforcement officials. Ms. Corey received her B.B.A. from Hofstra University in 1977, and her J.D. from University of Houston Law Center in 1980. Jenkens & Gilchrist has increased the capabilities of its nationally recognized Financial Institutions practice group with the addition of Elizabeth H. Corey. "Liz has extensive experience in banking regulations, including such hot button issues as BSA/AML, privacy and consumer compliance. Her vast experience will complement Jenkens & Gilchrist's current practice strengths," said Peter Weinstock, leader of the firm's Financial Institutions Practice Group. "Her welcome addition will add significant depth for our clients." Ms. Corey's experience includes over ten years as legal counsel to national bank examiners, supervisors and bank counsel on legal issues affecting national banks. As legal counsel with the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, she coordinated and consulted with state and federal bank regulatory agencies as well as federal and state law enforcement officials. Ms. Corey received her B.B.A. from Hofstra University in 1977, and her J.D. from University of Houston Law Center in 1980. Jenkens & Gilchrist is pleased to announce that Janet Garetto, Intellectual Property Law attorney, has been named one of "40 Illinois Attorneys to Watch Under 40," by the Law Bulletin Publishing Company. The recognition honors young Illinois attorneys who are true leaders in their profession. They are chosen in a nomination process that takes into account the candidates' career achievements, how far they have risen in their fields, and their community work. Ms. Garetto's practice focuses on intellectual property counseling and litigation. She is recognized by her clients and peers for her intense focus on understanding her clients' intellectual properties and business goals. Her clear understanding of the intersection between science and business is central to the confidence a growing number of clients place in her counsel. A graduate of Loyola University Chicago School of Law, Ms. Garetto earned her Juris Doctor degree in 1997. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry at Northwestern University. Ms. Garetto is actively involved with the professional community. She recently completed service as the Chair of the U.S. Patents Committee of the Intellectual Property Law Association of Chicago where she has also served as Vice Chair and Chair of the Membership Committee and was elected to the Board of Trustees and appointed Treasurer of the Association. She is a member of the American Intellectual Property Law Association, International Trademark Association, Chicago Bar Association and Justinian Society of Lawyers. Ms. Garetto also serves her local community as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Blue Island Public Library. Jenkens & Gilchrist is a full-service law firm providing legal services to businesses and individuals with U.S. and international operations from offices in Austin, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, San Antonio, and Washington, D.C. Jenkens & Gilchrist serves clients worldwide in all areas of commercial activity. Jenkens & Gilchrist is pleased to announce that Janet Garetto, Intellectual Property Law attorney, has been named one of "40 Illinois Attorneys to Watch Under 40," by the Law Bulletin Publishing Company. The recognition honors young Illinois attorneys who are true leaders in their profession. They are chosen in a nomination process that takes into account the candidates' career achievements, how far they have risen in their fields, and their community work. Ms. Garetto's practice focuses on intellectual property counseling and litigation. She is recognized by her clients and peers for her intense focus on understanding her clients' intellectual properties and business goals. Her clear understanding of the intersection between science and business is central to the confidence a growing number of clients place in her counsel. A graduate of Loyola University Chicago School of Law, Ms. Garetto earned her Juris Doctor degree in 1997. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry at Northwestern University. Ms. Garetto is actively involved with the professional community. She recently completed service as the Chair of the U.S. Patents Committee of the Intellectual Property Law Association of Chicago where she has also served as Vice Chair and Chair of the Membership Committee and was elected to the Board of Trustees and appointed Treasurer of the Association. She is a member of the American Intellectual Property Law Association, International Trademark Association, Chicago Bar Association and Justinian Society of Lawyers. Ms. Garetto also serves her local community as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Blue Island Public Library. Jenkens & Gilchrist is a full-service law firm providing legal services to businesses and individuals with U.S. and international operations from offices in Austin, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, San Antonio, and Washington, D.C. Jenkens & Gilchrist serves clients worldwide in all areas of commercial activity. Recent class action lawsuits under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) statute are exposing employers to liability for immigration violations of third-party vendors. The employers in each case were accused of conspiring with recruiters, temp agencies and sub-contractors to recruit and hire undocumented workers. A party must participate in the operation or management of the conspiracy to be found liable under RICO, but what these cases imply is that an employer may be liable for simply knowing illegal workers were being aided or encouraged by recruiters to obtain false identification papers or otherwise violate immigration laws. RICO claims against employers carry the threat of treble damages, which is perhaps why many of these cases are being settled out of court. Mendoza v. Zirkle Fruit Company, a high-profile case against an agricultural employer in the Pacific Northwest, was recently settled for $1.3 million. Commercial Cleaning Services v. Colin Services Systems also ended in a settlement. A civil case is pending against Tyson Foods, which rejected a $100 million settlement offer before being convicted in the criminal case. The U.S. Supreme Court will weigh in on the issue later this term when it decides Mohawk v. Williams. Former employees of Mohawk Industries accused the company of directing immigration violations by un-named recruiters who recruited and transported aliens from the South Texas border to the company's manufacturing facility in Georgia. The alleged violations included 1) knowingly hiring at least 10 individuals within one year with actual knowledge they were aliens not authorized to work; 2) concealing, harboring, or shielding aliens who had entered the U.S. illegally; and 3) encouraging aliens to enter or reside in the U.S. illegally. The employer's motion to dismiss failed at both the District Court and the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals. WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU Immigration-based RICO lawsuits highlight the importance of strict compliance with employment eligibility verification procedures (I-9s), not just internally, but for third-party recruiters and subcontractors as well. Rumors or complaints that a supervisor harbored an undocumented worker or invited him to reapply upon return could expose the employer to a RICO claim. Likewise, failure to require contractors to conduct periodic I-9 audits or to include immigration law compliance and indemnity provisions in contracts could also lead to liability under RICO. Employers interested in reviewing or revising their current compliance policies in light of the RICO litigation should contact their Jenkens & Gilchrist immigration attorney. Recent class action lawsuits under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) statute are exposing employers to liability for immigration violations of third-party vendors. The employers in each case were accused of conspiring with recruiters, temp agencies and sub-contractors to recruit and hire undocumented workers. A party must participate in the operation or management of the conspiracy to be found liable under RICO, but what these cases imply is that an employer may be liable for simply knowing illegal workers were being aided or encouraged by recruiters to obtain false identification papers or otherwise violate immigration laws. RICO claims against employers carry the threat of treble damages, which is perhaps why many of these cases are being settled out of court. Mendoza v. Zirkle Fruit Company, a high-profile case against an agricultural employer in the Pacific Northwest, was recently settled for $1.3 million. Commercial Cleaning Services v. Colin Services Systems also ended in a settlement. A civil case is pending against Tyson Foods, which rejected a $100 million settlement offer before being convicted in the criminal case. The U.S. Supreme Court will weigh in on the issue later this term when it decides Mohawk v. Williams. Former employees of Mohawk Industries accused the company of directing immigration violations by un-named recruiters who recruited and transported aliens from the South Texas border to the company's manufacturing facility in Georgia. The alleged violations included 1) knowingly hiring at least 10 individuals within one year with actual knowledge they were aliens not authorized to work; 2) concealing, harboring, or shielding aliens who had entered the U.S. illegally; and 3) encouraging aliens to enter or reside in the U.S. illegally. The employer's motion to dismiss failed at both the District Court and the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals. WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU Immigration-based RICO lawsuits highlight the importance of strict compliance with employment eligibility verification procedures (I-9s), not just internally, but for third-party recruiters and subcontractors as well. Rumors or complaints that a supervisor harbored an undocumented worker or invited him to reapply upon return could expose the employer to a RICO claim. Likewise, failure to require contractors to conduct periodic I-9 audits or to include immigration law compliance and indemnity provisions in contracts could also lead to liability under RICO. Employers interested in reviewing or revising their current compliance policies in light of the RICO litigation should contact their Jenkens & Gilchrist immigration attorney. http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1188 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1188&page=15 Address : 1300 Capitol Center919 Congress Avenue, Phone : 512-495-6000, City : Austin http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1588 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1588&page=16 Address : 300 West 6th Street15th FloorP.O. Box 1148, Phone : 512-472-8800, City : Austin Clark, Thomas & Winters, A Professional Corporation, announced today that 12 attorneys were recently nominated by their peers and listed as Super Lawyers by Law & Politics magazine and will be published in the October issues of TEXAS MONTHLY and Texas Super Lawyers. Clark, Thomas & Winters attorneys who were recognized include: Leslie Benitez - Personal Injury Defense: Products Barry Bishop - Business Litigation Jane Bockus - Personal Injury Defense: Products Susan Burton - Employment & Labor Joe Cain - Business/Corporate Ann Coffin - Utilities Walter Demond - Utilities David Duggins - Appellate Ken Ferguson - Personal Injury Defense: Products Sam Hildebrand - Estate Planning & Probate Mark Mitchell - Business Litigation Celina Romero - Environmental The selection of Super Lawyers is managed and conducted by Law & Politics magazine, which performs the polling, research, and selection of honorees in a nomination process designed to identify lawyers who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. Only 5 percent of the lawyers in each state or region are named Super Lawyers. Clark, Thomas & Winters, A Professional Corporation, announced today that 12 attorneys were recently nominated by their peers and listed as Super Lawyers by Law & Politics magazine and will be published in the October issues of TEXAS MONTHLY and Texas Super Lawyers. Clark, Thomas & Winters attorneys who were recognized include: Leslie Benitez - Personal Injury Defense: Products Barry Bishop - Business Litigation Jane Bockus - Personal Injury Defense: Products Susan Burton - Employment & Labor Joe Cain - Business/Corporate Ann Coffin - Utilities Walter Demond - Utilities David Duggins - Appellate Ken Ferguson - Personal Injury Defense: Products Sam Hildebrand - Estate Planning & Probate Mark Mitchell - Business Litigation Celina Romero - Environmental The selection of Super Lawyers is managed and conducted by Law & Politics magazine, which performs the polling, research, and selection of honorees in a nomination process designed to identify lawyers who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. Only 5 percent of the lawyers in each state or region are named Super Lawyers. Shareholder Phyllis B. Schunck is the recipient of the Outstanding Achievement Award for 2007 by the Travis County Women Lawyers' Association. The award, presented on June 15, recognizes an outstanding female attorney for her service to the profession and community. Schunck, who earned her law degree, with honors, from The University of Texas School of Law in 1977, began her legal career as a hearing examiner for the Railroad Commission of Texas. In 1979, she joined the energy section of the office of the attorney general where she tried numerous enforcement actions and agency appeals. When she entered private practice in 1983, she began representing health care clients in addition to utility clients. In 1991, she moved her appellate and regulatory litigation practice to Clark, Thomas & Winters where she continues to work with health care industry clients and serves as the chair of the health law section. One of Schunck's career achievements is her 1991 supreme court victory when she successfully obtained a trial and appellate court judgment reversal at the Texas Supreme Court on behalf of Texas-New Mexico Power Company. The end result saved the company from the loss of a billion dollar power plant. Additionally, two of her appellate victories are often cited in administrative law cases as seminal authority for administrative law principals. "A lot has changed in the practice of law over the last thirty years, especially attitudes toward females," says Schunck. "At an interview for my first job, one of the men asked me what kind of birth control I was on and what my husband's hobbies were. They hired four lawyers that day, including their first two female lawyers. The two women were to be paid less than the two men, until I threatened to make a stink about it, and the two women were told that they could never be promoted above the level of assistant division director." The Travis County Women Lawyers' Association is a professional association which fosters communication among women lawyers; works toward strengthening the image and position of women lawyers in the community; works towards the elimination of gender bias; informs the public about legal issues affecting women; and works towards the enhancement of the public perception of the legal profession. For more about the association, Shareholder Phyllis B. Schunck is the recipient of the Outstanding Achievement Award for 2007 by the Travis County Women Lawyers' Association. The award, presented on June 15, recognizes an outstanding female attorney for her service to the profession and community. Schunck, who earned her law degree, with honors, from The University of Texas School of Law in 1977, began her legal career as a hearing examiner for the Railroad Commission of Texas. In 1979, she joined the energy section of the office of the attorney general where she tried numerous enforcement actions and agency appeals. When she entered private practice in 1983, she began representing health care clients in addition to utility clients. In 1991, she moved her appellate and regulatory litigation practice to Clark, Thomas & Winters where she continues to work with health care industry clients and serves as the chair of the health law section. One of Schunck's career achievements is her 1991 supreme court victory when she successfully obtained a trial and appellate court judgment reversal at the Texas Supreme Court on behalf of Texas-New Mexico Power Company. The end result saved the company from the loss of a billion dollar power plant. Additionally, two of her appellate victories are often cited in administrative law cases as seminal authority for administrative law principals. "A lot has changed in the practice of law over the last thirty years, especially attitudes toward females," says Schunck. "At an interview for my first job, one of the men asked me what kind of birth control I was on and what my husband's hobbies were. They hired four lawyers that day, including their first two female lawyers. The two women were to be paid less than the two men, until I threatened to make a stink about it, and the two women were told that they could never be promoted above the level of assistant division director." The Travis County Women Lawyers' Association is a professional association which fosters communication among women lawyers; works toward strengthening the image and position of women lawyers in the community; works towards the elimination of gender bias; informs the public about legal issues affecting women; and works towards the enhancement of the public perception of the legal profession. For more about the association, Clark, Thomas & Winters, a Professional Corporation, is proud to announce that the firm has been recognized for its pro bono efforts by Volunteer Legal Services of Central Texas ("VLS"). In VLS's Annual Report, the firm was honored for handling the most pro bono cases by an Austin firm in 2006. Members of the firm, including attorneys, paralegals, secretaries, and clerks, handled 23 cases. Additionally, Jeffrey Taylor, an associate in the product liability section, received individual recognition for putting in 137 VLS case hours. "Clark, Thomas & Winters has a long tradition of giving back to the community and we are honored to be recognized for our efforts to help those among us who are impacted by the legal and social issues associated with poverty," says Susan P. Burton, firm Shareholder and VLS Officer Emeritus. Attorneys recognized for their support of VLS include S. Meade Bauer, Barry Bishop, Susan P. Burton, Lark Campbell, Mike B. Cotton, Ralph H. Daugherty, Walter Demond, Gail Dalrymple, Clare Dooley, Craig Duewall, David Duggins, Jim Eliasberg, Tom Fredell, Shavone Henderson, Sam Hildebrand, Josh Katz, Jonathan Lass, David Lill, Kerry McGrath, Larry McNeill, Kate Norman, Chris Pearson, Daniel Renner, Celina Romero, Paul Ruiz, Bret Slocum, Mark Strain, Fred Sultan, Jeffrey Taylor, Kay Taylor, and John Williams. Clark, Thomas & Winters, a Professional Corporation, is proud to announce that the firm has been recognized for its pro bono efforts by Volunteer Legal Services of Central Texas ("VLS"). In VLS's Annual Report, the firm was honored for handling the most pro bono cases by an Austin firm in 2006. Members of the firm, including attorneys, paralegals, secretaries, and clerks, handled 23 cases. Additionally, Jeffrey Taylor, an associate in the product liability section, received individual recognition for putting in 137 VLS case hours. "Clark, Thomas & Winters has a long tradition of giving back to the community and we are honored to be recognized for our efforts to help those among us who are impacted by the legal and social issues associated with poverty," says Susan P. Burton, firm Shareholder and VLS Officer Emeritus. Attorneys recognized for their support of VLS include S. Meade Bauer, Barry Bishop, Susan P. Burton, Lark Campbell, Mike B. Cotton, Ralph H. Daugherty, Walter Demond, Gail Dalrymple, Clare Dooley, Craig Duewall, David Duggins, Jim Eliasberg, Tom Fredell, Shavone Henderson, Sam Hildebrand, Josh Katz, Jonathan Lass, David Lill, Kerry McGrath, Larry McNeill, Kate Norman, Chris Pearson, Daniel Renner, Celina Romero, Paul Ruiz, Bret Slocum, Mark Strain, Fred Sultan, Jeffrey Taylor, Kay Taylor, and John Williams. http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=446 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=446&page=17 Address : 1700 Frost Bank Plaza816 Congress Avenue, Phone : 512-472-8021, City : Austin http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=186 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=186&page=18 Address : 600 Congress AvenueSuite 1500, Phone : 512-495-6300, City : Austin http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=2130 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=2130&page=19 Address : 401 Congress AvenueSuite 2200, Phone : 512-480-5600, City : Austin Graves Dougherty is pleased to announce that Stephen Butler and David Lein were each elected to become a Shareholder in the firm. Stephen Butler joined Graves Dougherty in 2001. His practice focuses on commercial real estate transactions, development, financing and leasing. Steve is an active member of the Real Estate Council of Austin, and has served as Vice-Chair of the Ordinance and Legislative Review Committee and as a leader and member of the Leadership Development Council. Steve also serves as a director of the Colorado River Foundation. David Lein joined Graves Dougherty in 2004. His practice focuses on constitutional and commercial litigation at the trial and appellate levels. After graduating with a joint degree from Harvard Law School and the Kennedy School of Government, David served as a law clerk to Senior United States District Judge William Wayne Justice. Prior to law school, David administered Duke University's Talent Identification Program, which selects and educates 700 academically gifted students in Grades 7-10 each summer. Before he became involved with the Duke program, David was a researcher and speechwriter for the Southwest Industrial Areas Foundation, a network of grassroots community political organizations, based in Austin. Graves Dougherty is pleased to announce that Stephen Butler and David Lein were each elected to become a Shareholder in the firm. Stephen Butler joined Graves Dougherty in 2001. His practice focuses on commercial real estate transactions, development, financing and leasing. Steve is an active member of the Real Estate Council of Austin, and has served as Vice-Chair of the Ordinance and Legislative Review Committee and as a leader and member of the Leadership Development Council. Steve also serves as a director of the Colorado River Foundation. David Lein joined Graves Dougherty in 2004. His practice focuses on constitutional and commercial litigation at the trial and appellate levels. After graduating with a joint degree from Harvard Law School and the Kennedy School of Government, David served as a law clerk to Senior United States District Judge William Wayne Justice. Prior to law school, David administered Duke University's Talent Identification Program, which selects and educates 700 academically gifted students in Grades 7-10 each summer. Before he became involved with the Duke program, David was a researcher and speechwriter for the Southwest Industrial Areas Foundation, a network of grassroots community political organizations, based in Austin. "Graves Dougherty is proud to have highly regarded trial lawyer, Chris Elliott, as Of Counsel to the firm. He returned to Graves Dougherty, having spent the past fifteen years in a civil litigation practice that he founded with two partners after leaving Graves Dougherty in 1992. During that time span, Chris focused primarily on representing individuals with serious and catastrophic injury claims, as well as insurance disputes and business-related matters. While engaging in this practice, he tried numerous cases to jury verdict and handled multiple appeals. After graduating from Austin College in Sherman, Texas, Elliott worked for three years in the Texas Legislature and then went on to graduate from the Baylor University School of Law in 1990 where he was a member of the Order of Barristers and the Mock Trial Team. Elliott began his law practice as the briefing attorney for Chief Justice Bob Shannon and later Justice Mack Kidd at Austin's Third Court of Appeals. Following a position as General Counsel to the Texas State Senate Committee on Criminal Justice, Elliott practiced with Graves Dougherty as an associate in the early 1990's. Prior to rejoining the firm this year, he was a partner in the Austin-based firm Crews & Elliott. " "Graves Dougherty is proud to have highly regarded trial lawyer, Chris Elliott, as Of Counsel to the firm. He returned to Graves Dougherty, having spent the past fifteen years in a civil litigation practice that he founded with two partners after leaving Graves Dougherty in 1992. During that time span, Chris focused primarily on representing individuals with serious and catastrophic injury claims, as well as insurance disputes and business-related matters. While engaging in this practice, he tried numerous cases to jury verdict and handled multiple appeals. After graduating from Austin College in Sherman, Texas, Elliott worked for three years in the Texas Legislature and then went on to graduate from the Baylor University School of Law in 1990 where he was a member of the Order of Barristers and the Mock Trial Team. Elliott began his law practice as the briefing attorney for Chief Justice Bob Shannon and later Justice Mack Kidd at Austin's Third Court of Appeals. Following a position as General Counsel to the Texas State Senate Committee on Criminal Justice, Elliott practiced with Graves Dougherty as an associate in the early 1990's. Prior to rejoining the firm this year, he was a partner in the Austin-based firm Crews & Elliott. " Graves Dougherty attorney Thomas Queen will be moderator of a panel at the University of Texas Technology Law Conference scheduled for May 23-25, 2007. The panel will discuss Revenue Recognition and Accounting Red Flags in the Technology Sector: What lawyers should know about the "numbers game"; how drafting affects the bottom line; questions asked by auditors and the SEC. Diana Borden, another Graves Dougherty attorney, serves on the planning committee for the Technology Law Conference. Graves Dougherty attorney Thomas Queen will be moderator of a panel at the University of Texas Technology Law Conference scheduled for May 23-25, 2007. The panel will discuss Revenue Recognition and Accounting Red Flags in the Technology Sector: What lawyers should know about the "numbers game"; how drafting affects the bottom line; questions asked by auditors and the SEC. Diana Borden, another Graves Dougherty attorney, serves on the planning committee for the Technology Law Conference. http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=941 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=941&page=20 Address : 401 Congress AvenueSuite 2100, Phone : 512-370-2800, City : Austin Winstead repeats as lead sponsor for Economic Outlook Conference in The Woodlands Winstead Sechrest & Minick P.C. will once again serve as the presenting sponsor of the annual Economic Outlook Conference on Feb. 17. The 20th annual event organized by the South Montgomery County Woodlands Chamber of Commerce will feature Texas Gov. Rick Perry as keynote speaker. The theme for this year's event is: Global Trends/Local Impact. An estimated 350 attendees from The Woodlands and Houston business communities will discuss how local, state, national, and to some extent, international economies impact The Woodlands' business community. "We look forward to participating in this event each year," says Jeff Harder, Managing Shareholder for The Woodlands Office. "Winstead attorneys are strongly vested in The Woodlands and Houston business communities and we are honored to participate in this Chamber event that brings great business and government leaders to one place to analyze economic impacts and learn more about South Montgomery County's economic growth and development." In addition to Gov. Perry, guest speakers will include Ted C. Jones, Ph.D., Senior Vice-President-Chief Economist, Stewart Title Guaranty Company; Alex Sutton and Tim Welbes, co-presidents of The Woodlands Development Company; Gerry Gabriel, Reservoir Manager of Established Areas, ExxonMobil Development Company; Greg Cizik, principal, Colliers International; and U.S. Congressman Kevin Brady (R-The Woodlands), 8th District of Texas. The conference will be held at The Woodlands Resort and Conference Center, Friday Feb. 17, from 8:00 - 11:30 a.m followed by a luncheon address by the governor. More information on the conference is available at www.workingwiththeworld.biz. Derek Seal, former General Counsel of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), has joined Texas law firm Winstead PC. Seal works in the Energy and Environmental Law Practice Group in Winstead's Austin Office. As the environmental agency of Texas, the TCEQ regulates over 340,000 individuals and entities with a $480.7 million operating budget, and a mission of protecting the state's human and natural resources consistent with sustainable economic development. Seal has served as the TCEQ General Counsel for the last 2 years. Prior to this position, he was Counsel to former TCEQ Chairman Kathleen Hartnett White. Before joining the TCEQ in November 2002, Seal worked in the Texas Legislature in the combined roles of General Counsel for the House Committee on Environmental Regulation, and General Counsel and Chief of Staff for Rep. Warren Chisum, who was the Chairman of that committee. "We are very excited about Derek joining the Winstead team," said Alex Gonzales, managing shareholder of Winstead's Austin office. "One of the goals of the Austin office is to further develop a premier regulatory and government enforcement practice, and Derek's unique background allows Winstead to solidify its position in this area." Derek's 18 years of experience working with the Texas Legislature and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, combined with his reputable work ethic and character, will bring additional depth and experience to Winstead's Environmental Law capabilities, especially in the regulatory and legislative areas. With the addition of Al Axe and Keith Courtney to Winstead's Austin office in March, and Nathan Block to the Houston office in April, Winstead now has a 15-person Environmental Law Section that can address the transactional, litigation, regulatory and legislative needs of business and industry in the environmental area. Derek Seal, former General Counsel of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), has joined Texas law firm Winstead PC. Seal works in the Energy and Environmental Law Practice Group in Winstead's Austin Office. As the environmental agency of Texas, the TCEQ regulates over 340,000 individuals and entities with a $480.7 million operating budget, and a mission of protecting the state's human and natural resources consistent with sustainable economic development. Seal has served as the TCEQ General Counsel for the last 2 years. Prior to this position, he was Counsel to former TCEQ Chairman Kathleen Hartnett White. Before joining the TCEQ in November 2002, Seal worked in the Texas Legislature in the combined roles of General Counsel for the House Committee on Environmental Regulation, and General Counsel and Chief of Staff for Rep. Warren Chisum, who was the Chairman of that committee. "We are very excited about Derek joining the Winstead team," said Alex Gonzales, managing shareholder of Winstead's Austin office. "One of the goals of the Austin office is to further develop a premier regulatory and government enforcement practice, and Derek's unique background allows Winstead to solidify its position in this area." Derek's 18 years of experience working with the Texas Legislature and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, combined with his reputable work ethic and character, will bring additional depth and experience to Winstead's Environmental Law capabilities, especially in the regulatory and legislative areas. With the addition of Al Axe and Keith Courtney to Winstead's Austin office in March, and Nathan Block to the Houston office in April, Winstead now has a 15-person Environmental Law Section that can address the transactional, litigation, regulatory and legislative needs of business and industry in the environmental area. Texas law firm Winstead PC has officially relocated the Houston Office to the JPMorgan Chase Tower building at 600 Travis Street. The new location will enable Winstead to enhance service to current and new clients who are expanding their business interests in Houston and surrounding areas. Winstead's Houston Office first opened in 1985 serving as Winstead's second largest office and a strong business hub for clients and attorneys in the Houston community. According to Winstead's Chairman and CEO Denis Braham, "We are very excited about this move. JPMorgan Chase Tower is a landmark building and this move represents Winstead's commitment to providing an excellent working environment for our employees and a dominant business hub for our clients." The new Winstead location features a state-of-the-art conference center and other client-focused amenities including room for Winstead's expansion in the months and years to come. Winstead will occupy approximately 100,000 square feet in the tower on the seventh through eleventh floors. "Winstead's Houston Office is home to many talented attorneys and staff and I have enjoyed watching our office grow and expand as the Houston business market evolves," said Winstead's Houston Managing Shareholder Ross Margraves. "We are looking forward to serving our clients in this new space as we continue to build our capabilities in core client industries and participate in the deals that make Houston a prominent business location." Texas law firm Winstead PC has officially relocated the Houston Office to the JPMorgan Chase Tower building at 600 Travis Street. The new location will enable Winstead to enhance service to current and new clients who are expanding their business interests in Houston and surrounding areas. Winstead's Houston Office first opened in 1985 serving as Winstead's second largest office and a strong business hub for clients and attorneys in the Houston community. According to Winstead's Chairman and CEO Denis Braham, "We are very excited about this move. JPMorgan Chase Tower is a landmark building and this move represents Winstead's commitment to providing an excellent working environment for our employees and a dominant business hub for our clients." The new Winstead location features a state-of-the-art conference center and other client-focused amenities including room for Winstead's expansion in the months and years to come. Winstead will occupy approximately 100,000 square feet in the tower on the seventh through eleventh floors. "Winstead's Houston Office is home to many talented attorneys and staff and I have enjoyed watching our office grow and expand as the Houston business market evolves," said Winstead's Houston Managing Shareholder Ross Margraves. "We are looking forward to serving our clients in this new space as we continue to build our capabilities in core client industries and participate in the deals that make Houston a prominent business location." Mary F. Keller has joined Texas law firm Winstead PC as a shareholder in the Business and Transactions Department - Corporate and Securities Practice Group. Keller will work in Winstead's Austin Office supporting Winstead's Insurance Industry Practice Group. Her practice will focus on insurance regulation and regulatory litigation. "Mary is an excellent addition to the Austin Office given our recent growth in both corporate and insurance practice areas," says Alex Gonzales, managing shareholder of Winstead's Austin Office. "Her experience with the Texas Department of Insurance and as a Chief Deputy for litigation at the Texas Attorney General's Office give her exceptional insight into legal matters and regulations affecting insurance and finance companies." Keller is a former Senior Associate Commissioner of Insurance at the Texas Department of Insurance, and a former Texas First Assistant Attorney General. While at the Attorney General's office, Keller was the lead counsel in several landmark cases involving Constitutional issues. She was named the national outstanding assistant attorney general by the National Association of Attorneys General in 1992 and she has been retained as an insurance expert in several multi-million dollar lawsuits. Keller is admitted to practice in California and Connecticut as well as Texas. She took the Connecticut Bar Exam during a four-year term on the faculty at Yale Law School. Prior to joining Winstead, Keller was a name partner in York, Keller & Fields. She also practiced at Baker Botts for two years. Keller received her J.D. from the University of California Los Angeles School of Law. Mary F. Keller has joined Texas law firm Winstead PC as a shareholder in the Business and Transactions Department - Corporate and Securities Practice Group. Keller will work in Winstead's Austin Office supporting Winstead's Insurance Industry Practice Group. Her practice will focus on insurance regulation and regulatory litigation. "Mary is an excellent addition to the Austin Office given our recent growth in both corporate and insurance practice areas," says Alex Gonzales, managing shareholder of Winstead's Austin Office. "Her experience with the Texas Department of Insurance and as a Chief Deputy for litigation at the Texas Attorney General's Office give her exceptional insight into legal matters and regulations affecting insurance and finance companies." Keller is a former Senior Associate Commissioner of Insurance at the Texas Department of Insurance, and a former Texas First Assistant Attorney General. While at the Attorney General's office, Keller was the lead counsel in several landmark cases involving Constitutional issues. She was named the national outstanding assistant attorney general by the National Association of Attorneys General in 1992 and she has been retained as an insurance expert in several multi-million dollar lawsuits. Keller is admitted to practice in California and Connecticut as well as Texas. She took the Connecticut Bar Exam during a four-year term on the faculty at Yale Law School. Prior to joining Winstead, Keller was a name partner in York, Keller & Fields. She also practiced at Baker Botts for two years. Keller received her J.D. from the University of California Los Angeles School of Law. http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=2568 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=2568&page=21 Address : Littlefield Building Center106 East 6th Street, Suite 900, Phone : 512-322-5757, City : Austin For the 3rd time in the last 4 years, Chambers USA, an international guide that ranks law firms in more than 30 practice areas based on surveys of American businesses, ranked Martin, Disiere, Jefferson & Wisdom the top Insurance Litigation firm in Texas. It is the second year in a row that the firm achieved the highest ranking in this practice area in Texas. Founding partner Chris Martin also received the highest ranking of any individual lawyer in Texas in the field of Insurance Litigation for the second year in a row. The firm is thankful to our satisfied insurance industry clients whose feedback to Chambers USA contributed to the firm's recognition in this prestigious national survey of American law firms. For the 3rd time in the last 4 years, Chambers USA, an international guide that ranks law firms in more than 30 practice areas based on surveys of American businesses, ranked Martin, Disiere, Jefferson & Wisdom the top Insurance Litigation firm in Texas. It is the second year in a row that the firm achieved the highest ranking in this practice area in Texas. Founding partner Chris Martin also received the highest ranking of any individual lawyer in Texas in the field of Insurance Litigation for the second year in a row. The firm is thankful to our satisfied insurance industry clients whose feedback to Chambers USA contributed to the firm's recognition in this prestigious national survey of American law firms. As a part of H Texas Magazine's survey of the city's best lawyers, the June 2007 issue recognized partners, Chris Martin, Jack Wisdom and Brad Allen as being three of the "Top Lawyers" in Houston. This survey was based on interviews of more than a thousand Houston attorneys regarding the lawyers leading in their respective practice areas. As a part of H Texas Magazine's survey of the city's best lawyers, the June 2007 issue recognized partners, Chris Martin, Jack Wisdom and Brad Allen as being three of the "Top Lawyers" in Houston. This survey was based on interviews of more than a thousand Houston attorneys regarding the lawyers leading in their respective practice areas. Stephen Henninger joins us as a partner in our Dallas office, where he works in the litigation group. He has a specialization in defending civil lawsuits involving municipalities, school districts, and other public entities. He also has extensive experience in defending premise and product liability cases. We welcome him to our great group of trial lawyers. Stephen Henninger joins us as a partner in our Dallas office, where he works in the litigation group. He has a specialization in defending civil lawsuits involving municipalities, school districts, and other public entities. He also has extensive experience in defending premise and product liability cases. We welcome him to our great group of trial lawyers. http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1535 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1535&page=22 Address : 210 Barton Spring RoadSuite 550, Phone : 512-615-3300, City : Austin http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1042 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1042&page=23 Address : 500 North Akard StreetSuite 4000, Phone : 214-758-1000, City : Dallas The Legal 500 US-Volume IV (Real Estate, Labor & Employment, and Tax) ranked Bracewell & Giuliani LLP among the top in Texas for real estate transactions and finance, while the tax practice was praised for its expertise in domestic tax matters, especially in the energy industry. Several lawyers in the firm's Houston office were individually recognized. Real estate partners Clark G. Thompson, Jr. and Aaron P. Roffwarg were credited for their work in real estate. Mr. Thompson comes "whole-heartedly recommended to others," says one client interviewed by The Legal 500, while another client reports Mr. Roffwarg as "one of the best real estate lawyers I have ever met." Tax partner Joe Hull was distinguished for his "quality tax work," as noted by another client. The Legal 500 US-Volume IV (Real Estate, Labor & Employment, and Tax) ranked Bracewell & Giuliani LLP among the top in Texas for real estate transactions and finance, while the tax practice was praised for its expertise in domestic tax matters, especially in the energy industry. Several lawyers in the firm's Houston office were individually recognized. Real estate partners Clark G. Thompson, Jr. and Aaron P. Roffwarg were credited for their work in real estate. Mr. Thompson comes "whole-heartedly recommended to others," says one client interviewed by The Legal 500, while another client reports Mr. Roffwarg as "one of the best real estate lawyers I have ever met." Tax partner Joe Hull was distinguished for his "quality tax work," as noted by another client. In reaction to public protests surrounding recent high-profile foreign acquisitions of American assets, Congress has added more regulation, more publicity and more political risk to foreign investment transactions in the United States. The new law, the Foreign Investment and National Security Act of 2007, was signed by President Bush in July and goes into effect in October. It expands the powers of a special U.S. government committee to investigate and block foreign investments. The committee is called the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States or CFIUS. "For twenty years CFIUS quietly, privately, and often informally, reviewed a small percentage of foreign acquisitions of American defense manufacturers and specialized tech companies," said George Foote, a partner in the Washington, D.C. office of the international law firm Bracewell & Giuliani LLP. "The original CFIUS approach reflected the Cold War view of national security. The new law is based on post-September 11 concepts of security that are not tied so closely to the identity of the home country of the acquiring company. That difference can be a game changer in cross-border deals." In 2006, CFIUS recommended approval of the acquisition of P&O, an international company that manages American ports, by Dubai Ports World, an Arab-controlled company. Because of the concerns about port security after the September 11 attacks, the acquisition quickly became a political hot potato. The resulting outcry led Congress to add more formality and publicity to once-informal processes at CFIUS. Congress drafted a bill that requires certain reviews and makes full investigations more likely. "The scope of what is important to national security has been dramatically expanded for purposes of a CFIUS review," said Mr. Foote, "Now, foreign investment in many more companies will require CFIUS filings and investigations will become more common. For example, any power or pipeline company or even a company with a major stake in the economy could be considered a national security asset that requires domestic control, and a foreign bid to acquire it might be blocked by the new CFIUS process." Mr. Foote said, "CFIUS decisions will be more open and political. CFIUS could become a political forum where many economic and political interest groups will have a chance to weigh in on a wide range of deals. The CFIUS process potentially is a weapon for almost any American entity that is the target of a foreign acquirer. A demand for CFIUS review might be deployed on behalf of a company, even a foreign company, that is competing for an American target company." Foreign investors have reacted unfavorably to the new law that could lead to restrictions on what has traditionally been -- and remains -- one of the most open economies in the world. "The new law could raise the cost and lower the chance for approval of foreign acquisitions and could discourage or defeat some investments," said Mr. Foote. "It remains to be seen whether, in practice, the national security benefits of the new law will outweigh the new costs to corporations and the risk of reduced foreign investment in America." In reaction to public protests surrounding recent high-profile foreign acquisitions of American assets, Congress has added more regulation, more publicity and more political risk to foreign investment transactions in the United States. The new law, the Foreign Investment and National Security Act of 2007, was signed by President Bush in July and goes into effect in October. It expands the powers of a special U.S. government committee to investigate and block foreign investments. The committee is called the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States or CFIUS. "For twenty years CFIUS quietly, privately, and often informally, reviewed a small percentage of foreign acquisitions of American defense manufacturers and specialized tech companies," said George Foote, a partner in the Washington, D.C. office of the international law firm Bracewell & Giuliani LLP. "The original CFIUS approach reflected the Cold War view of national security. The new law is based on post-September 11 concepts of security that are not tied so closely to the identity of the home country of the acquiring company. That difference can be a game changer in cross-border deals." In 2006, CFIUS recommended approval of the acquisition of P&O, an international company that manages American ports, by Dubai Ports World, an Arab-controlled company. Because of the concerns about port security after the September 11 attacks, the acquisition quickly became a political hot potato. The resulting outcry led Congress to add more formality and publicity to once-informal processes at CFIUS. Congress drafted a bill that requires certain reviews and makes full investigations more likely. "The scope of what is important to national security has been dramatically expanded for purposes of a CFIUS review," said Mr. Foote, "Now, foreign investment in many more companies will require