inside bracewell
happenings in our firm
Spring 2007
•
In this issue…
Welcome to Inside Bracewell—the place to get the inside scoop on goings on in the firm. • Get to Know our New Partners—pg. 2 • New York Office 2nd Anniversary—pg. 5 • Number Nine Guides Firm Through Growth and Expansion—pg. 6 • Bracewell Goes Extreme—pg. 7 • Meet the Austin Office—pg. 8 • Client Profile: American Electric Power—pg. 11 • Bracewell Hosts Evening of Pizza, Cookies and Brilliant Conversation—pg. 12
Firm Adds Five Attorneys and New Office in Connecticut WOW...here we grow again! Bracewell opened a new office in Connecticut and added seven attorneys previously with the law firm Bingham McCutchen LLP. Evan Flaschen and Gregory Nye, along with three associates, Renee Dailey, Kurt Mayr and Ilia O’Hearn concentrate on financial restructuring and practice out of the firm’s new Connecticut office. Partners Robert Carey and Mark Joachim also joined the firm from Bingham McCutchen and practice from the New York office. The Connecticut staff includes Office Administrator, Marketing Manager and Attorney Development Manager Kristine Holland, Office Coordinator Beth Tyler, paralegal Meghan Olsen and assistants Edit DiPippo and Norris Fair. The move represents a critical stepping stone for Bracewell, providing greater vertical depth and broader full-service capabilities in areas that include reorganizations, insolvency, investments, leveraged finance and joint ventures. Bracewell’s new partners bring with them a blue-chip client list that features hedge funds and private equity funds, as well as corporations, insurance companies and other institutional investors. “With the arrival of Evan, Greg, Bob and Mark, we’ve taken the logical next step toward a seamless and global finance practice,” said Managing Partner Patrick Oxford. “Their arrival is gratifying on two fronts. First, it simply shows that we are attracting absolutely spectacular lawyers, second to none in their areas. Second, it is proof positive that our overall growth strategy is working, and that the seed we planted two years ago when we became Bracewell & Giuliani is continuing to bear substantial fruit,” Oxford said. This latest coup adds to Bracewell’s already-strong global capabilities. Flaschen, for example, practices in courts on four continents. Among his numerous honorifics, he was twice named to the Euromoney list of the 25 “Best of the Best” insolvency lawyers in the world. He was the only U.S. restructuring attorney included in Asialaw’s “Leading Lawyers 2006.” “For us, Bracewell means we get the best of both worlds—on the one hand, the opportunity to further build our own practice and, on the other hand, a solid platform for us to further serve our clients throughout the world,” Flaschen said. “Client service is, of course, always the first consideration. Everything we’ve seen of this firm, in its culture and its growth strategy, bespeaks a totally client-centric practice,” he added.
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Get to Know Our New Partners Earlier this year, Bracewell & Giuliani elected eight attorneys in five cities as new partners. To find out more about them, Inside Bracewell invited them to complete an e-mail questionnaire. Here’s some of what they had to say.
Ron Erlichman
Ryan Holcomb
Jason Hutt
New York, Energy, Finance,
Houston, Energy, Finance,
Washington, Environment and
Infrastructure and Real Estate Section
Infrastructure and Real Estate Section
Natural Resources Section
What did you do to celebrate
What did you do to celebrate becoming partner?
How did you celebrate becoming partner?
becoming partner? I went with my
I went to dinner with my wife, Carrie, and our
I invited the D.C. office to the Black Rooster
wife to her hair salon. She got her hair
three kids, Scott (6), Ashley (4) and Boyd
(a local watering hole) for a few celebratory
cut and I worked while I eavesdropped
(19 months), at Ninfa’s (kid’s choice).
drinks with my wife and two friends. For some
on a wide array of gossip. Afterwards, we went to SoHo for dinner. It was great. The dinner, not the trip to the hair salon.
What did your family and friends say when you told them the news? Congratulations!
responded with ”Thank God.” My mother didn’t understand why the firm’s name wasn’t changing. What is the most peculiar thing you’ve experienced in your legal career? Two different instances, both involving the same attorney. On one occasion he concluded a meeting by presenting my summer associate with a business card and stating ”If things don’t work out here,
thought that tequila shots were called for (39 total) and the celebration devolved from there. I won’t mention who bought the Dunhills.
What did your family and friends say when you told them the news? My mother-in-law simply
reason, associates Shelby Kelley and Dee Martin
My mother-in-law simply responded with “Thank God.” My mother didn’t understand why the firm’s name wasn’t changing.
What did your family and friends say when you told them the news? My wife was obviously thrilled for me (and us), and she then kindly granted me a night off from feedings and diaper duty. (Our newest addition, Sam, was three-weeks-old at the time.) The rest of my family and friends offered lots of congratulations (and several asked for loans). What is the most peculiar thing you’ve
give me a call.” On the second occasion, years
experienced in your legal career? Time sheets.
later, he threw a document across the conference
They should put those on the LSAT.
room table at me, slammed closed my laptop
What is the most peculiar thing you’ve
and began screaming at me because he was
experienced in your legal career? During my
upset at the extent of my comments to his
first or second year at the firm, I had to take
document. It was like something out of the
a deposition from an inmate in the Galveston
movie Anger Management with Jack Nicholson
County Jail. He was a plaintiff in a personal
and Adam Sandler.
injury lawsuit claiming that he had suffered
What is an interesting tidbit of information that few people know about you? I always dreamed of becoming a member of the A-Team. It wasn’t about being on TV. I really wanted to ride around in a van with Mr. T and help all of those people. What book(s) are you currently reading? Act of Mortgage written for Bank of America and LLC Operating Agreement written by Kinder Morgan. Last chance I had to read for pleasure, it was Marley and Me.
from a variety of personal injuries as a result of exposure to chemicals released from a Texas City plant. I had to be in a small room with two armed guards and the inmate. It was
What is an interesting tidbit of information that few people know about you? Before becoming a lawyer, I was a charter boat fisherman, working mainly on an offshore tuna boat out of Connecticut and entering various fishing tournaments on the East Coast and the Caribbean. Believe it or not, entertaining six people for 12-hour fishing expeditions day after day is great training for managing client expectations and building relationships that foster repeat work.
uncomfortable to say the least. What book(s) are you currently reading? What book(s) are you currently reading? I’m currently reading Freakonomics by Steven D.
Here’s a line from each book. See how many you can name.
Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner. However, the vast majority of my reading outside of work is done
“We have a Wump with just one hump.”
with my kids—Charlotte’s Web, Stuart Little, etc.
“He’s likely to ask for a glass of milk.” ”I’ve been to London to visit the Queen.” ”En la gran habitacion verde, hay un telefono, un globo rojo, y un cuadro . . . .” (check your answers on next page).
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My mom’s quote on the flowers she sent me was, “Congratulations, excellent, terrific, awesome, marvelous, amazing and wonderful!
Deanna King
Bridget O’Toole Purdie
Austin, Energy Regulatory Group
Chris Rulon San Antonio, Trial Section
Houston, Wealth Management Practice in the Tax Section
What did you do to celebrate
How did you celebrate becoming a partner?
becoming partner? I celebrated
I celebrated with a few friends at Tampico’s, a
Initially, champagne and single malt scotch with
with friends and family with
Mexican dive on Airline. Bandanas and cowboy
my San Antonio colleagues. Later, a quiet dinner
champagne toasts and lots of good
hats were passed around for the new ”pardner”
with my wife, Jennifer.
things to eat at the Four Seasons bar
in town.
What did your family and friends say when
across the street from our office, then migrated into the restaurant downstairs for a dinner. What did your family and friends say when you told them the news? “What took them so long?” was my family’s first response, with the close second a query as to when we would all go on a
The congratulations from friends in all walks of life, including in other firms around the country, were very touching
terrific vacation. The congratulations from
you told them the news? My mom’s quote on
around the country, were very touching as well.
the flowers she sent me was, “Congratulations,
experienced in your legal career? The most peculiar moment I’m willing to speak about was a combination of day-and-night work in a
you told them the news? My father, an academic, asked if becoming a partner was the same as earning tenure. What is the most peculiar thing you’ve experienced in your legal career? During mediation, and without warning, a female plaintiff removed her blouse in an attempt to show the mediator, the parties’ representatives and counsel (includ-
What did your family and friends say when
friends in all walks of life, including in other firms
What is the most peculiar thing you’ve
How did you celebrate becoming partner?
ing me), the severity of the alleged injury. Her lawyer and the mediator were both too dumbstruck to stop her.
excellent, terrific, awesome, marvelous, amazing and wonderful!” She was just a little excited
What is an interesting tidbit of information that few people know about you?
and proud.
In 2005, I was the men’s 35–39 age group What book(s) are you currently reading?
national champion for a long-course
too-beautiful location. I spent a five-day stint in
Who has time for reading other than reading
the Four Seasons’ incredible house-sized
with my children at night. Isabel (9), Claudia (6)
Presidential Suite in San Francisco, sharing the
and Margot (4). We enjoy books like
space with clients and other counsel, with blue
Charlotte’s Web, A Series of Unfortunate
skies, floor-to-ceiling window views of city, the
Events by Lemony Snicket, and Richard
Truman by David McCullough and The
bay, Alcatraz—and somehow I managed to
Scarry’s What Do People Do? and
Motorcyle Diaries by Ernesto “Che” Guevara.
never have a moment to leave the confines of
other such high-brow titles.
triathlon. Oh, and my wife trains killer whales at Sea World San Antonio. What book(s) are you currently reading?
the suite. It was like being jailed in paradise. What is an interesting tidbit of information that few people know about you? I’m a recreational pilot, and I will travel nearly anywhere for great food. The two things are not necessarily connected. What book(s) are you currently reading? Fiction—American Pastoral by Philip Roth and
My father, an academic, asked if becoming a partner was the same as earning tenure.
Gilead by Marilynne Robinson; Non-Fiction— The J-Curve by Ian Bremmer.
1. One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish. 2. If You Give a Mouse a Cookie 3. Pussy Cat, Pussy Cat from Mother Goose’s Nursery Rhymes 4. Buenas Noches Luna (Goodnight Moon) I N S I D E B R A C E W E L L | S P R I N G 2 0 0 7 | PA G E 3
Get to Know Our New Partners Dale Smith
Michael Tomberg
Houston, Energy, Finance,
Houston, Employee Benefits Practice
Infrastructure and Real Estate Section
in the Tax Section
My kids asked if it meant they get to go on more vacations. How did you celebrate becoming partner? Enjoyed a quiet evening with my family at
How did you celebrate becoming partner? Not sure those would have been my exact
a restaurant near our home. And at the
words if faced with the same situation. Plaintiff’s
risk of sounding like a commercial, I
counsel pondered for a few seconds, threw the
promised to take my kids to Disney
gun in his briefcase and slammed the conference
World for spring break.
room’s glass door as hard as he could on his
What did your family and friends say when
way out. I heard the lawyer was disbarred
My family and I went to dinner with some friends. What did your family and friends say when you told them the news? Everyone has been very excited for me. What is the most peculiar thing you’ve experi-
you told them the news? They were happy for
(thankfully), and this event is recounted at many
enced in your legal career? A new client wanted
me and very proud of the accomplishment. Some
professionalism courses as a model example of
me to convince the governing members of the
said they now expect the value of my gifts to
how not to treat your opposing counsel.
client as to certain action to be taken with legal
them to increase proportionally. My kids asked if it meant they get to go on more vacations. What is the most peculiar thing you’ve experi-
ramifications to one of its health plans. Just What is an interesting tidbit of information that few people know about you? I am a perpetual student. After graduating from college,
before I went in to speak to this group, I was told by the in-house counsel of the client that the prior outside benefits counsel attempted to convince
enced in your legal career? When I was a new
I worked for a Fortune 500 company for 14
lawyer in New Orleans about two weeks after
years and went to night school for a significant
graduating from law school, I was assigned to a
portion of that time. I generally took classes of
cubicle just across from a conference room,
interest not related to any particular curriculum
where a deposition was taking place one day.
but did manage to work a couple of advanced
As I tried to focus on preparing a brief to be
degrees into the process. This is also evidenced
argued before the U.S. Supreme Court (sounds
by the fact that although most sane persons
was the fact that the head of the governing
much better than what I was actually doing—
only endure the misery of one-bar exam process,
body had a career in the insurance arena and,
reviewing the firm’s policy regarding birthday
I had to experience three (seemed like Florida
therefore, believed he had to be correct. I
celebrations during working hours), I heard
condo and elder law would be beneficial during
figured I would put forth the best arguments I
shouting and screaming.
the golden years). I recently told my wife I
could think of against my proposition and strike
heard about a night-time M.D. program and
each of them down while explaining how my
was told, “Don’t even consider it.”
recommendation was the proper course of action.
After about 20 minutes of this non-stop commotion, there was an incredibly loud crash and I saw the plaintiff’s lawyer running down
this governing body of the same proposition but was met with much opposition. In fact, he stated that they made “minced meat” out of her and that it was a “feeding frenzy.” What made the situation even more interesting
Needless to say, my presentation was a success, What book(s) are you currently reading?
and I have been doing the client’s benefits
the hall as if he was about to miss a last-minute
The Search: How Google & Its Rivals Rewrote
flight. The exchange between the plaintiff’s
the Rules of Business & Transformed Our
lawyer and our firm’s defense counsel had
Culture by John Battelle and Your Best Life
What is an interesting tidbit of information
become so heated that plaintiff’s counsel pulled
Now by Joel Osteen. Also, whatever books
that few people know about you? Although I
a revolver from his pocket and pointed it at
my kids pull from the bookcase each night.
am purely a transactional attorney, I won a best
our counsel’s head. I later learned from the
Currently, it’s If You Give a Moose a Muffin.
oralist award at the Philip C. Jessup International
stenographer that our counsel stood up, looked the plaintiff’s counsel straight in the eye and said, “Don’t point that at me unless you actually intend to use it.”
work ever since.
Moot Court Southeast Regional Competition while in law school. What book(s) are you currently reading? Man and Woman He Created Them: A Theology of the Body by John Paul II.
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New York Office Marks Second Anniversary Bracewell & Giuliani marked the second anniversary of the opening of its New York office with the announcement of expanding its presence in the New York region and establishing an office in Connecticut. (see related story on page 1) “Extraordinary,” is how New York office Managing Partner Dan Connolly characterized the growth of the New York office. “It’s been beyond our expectations.” Connolly, along with former Mayor Rudy
complex indenture interpretation disputes and
Bruce Cheatham and Brice Tarzwell have
distressed debt situations.
joined Bracewell & Giuliani as partners in the
Connolly believes the success of the office is a combination of two things: one, the opportunity for attorneys to build a presence in the legal community with someone like Mayor Giuliani and, second, to be a part of the great culture at a distinguished firm like Bracewell. To accommodate its fast-growing team of attorneys, the firm doubled its space and now occupies both the 18th and 19th floors of the
Giuliani, Ken Caruso, Michael Hess and Marvin
Americas Tower building, located at 1177
Lange, joined Bracewell as partners to establish
Avenue of the Americas.
the New York office. Together, this core team began recruiting attorneys with career practices in New York, as well as existing Bracewell partners relocating from other offices, to support the anticipated growth of the firm’s New Yorkbased practice. Partners who relocated from other Bracewell offices include Ron Erlichman, Martin Hunt and Robin Miles. And grow it did. In the two years since announcing the opening of its New York office on March 31, 2005, the office has expanded to
Firm Strengthens Securities Practice in Dallas
Connolly said key milestones during the New York office’s first two years have been the addition of well-respected and experienced partners David Albalah, Jon Gill, Jonathan Halpern, Marc Mukasey, Mark Palmer, Julian Rainero, Tim Toy and Robb Tretter. Another milestone, said Connolly, was the office’s independent review for international banking client Grupo Santander which set an example of innovation in meeting client needs.
include 37 attorneys and 24 staff. Most recently, EFIRE partners Robert Carey and
corporate and securities practice of the firm’s Dallas office. Connie Stamets also has joined the firm as counsel. Before joining Bracewell, all three were with the Dallas office of Winstead P.C., where Cheatham was the head
Bruce Cheatham
of the corporate and securities section. Dallas office Managing Partner Sanford Brown welcomed the trio in February.” We are very pleased to welcome Brice, Bruce and Connie to the firm and look forward to further growth in our corporate and securities practice in Dallas.”
Connie Stamets
Cheatham primarily represents publicly held companies and has extensive experience in securities regulation, compliance issues, mergers and acquisitions and corporate governance. Tarzwell has broad experience in corporate and securities matters in the financial institutions, retail, manufacturing and energy industries.
Brice Tarzwell
He also focuses on public and private offerings, federal and state compliance issues, and corporate governance matters. Stamets advises clients on federal securities and corporate matters, including public company, reporting, corporate governance and capital
Mark Joachim joined the firm from Bingham
raising, with a particular focus on the energy
McCutchen LLP. Their addition marks a
(E&P) industry.
milestone in the continuing growth of Bracewell’s New York office and the firm’s global finance, funds and financial restructuring practices. Joachim advises asset-based lenders, investment and commercial banks, private equity and hedge funds and other buy-out firms, with emphasis on leveraged finance transactions, second lien financings, and chapter 11 DIP and exit financings. Carey’s practice focuses on corporate finance and securities, including high yield debt offerings,
Dallas Office Adds Four Labor and Employment Attorneys Robert Sheeder and Marc Katz have joined the firm as partners in the Labor and Employment Section. Gail Salcido and Donna Hiltenbrand joined the firm
Firm to Focus on Six Key Areas
as associates. Before joining Bracewell, they were with the Dallas office of Jenkens & Gilchrist.
Quick! Name Bracewell & Giuliani’s six key practice areas. Time’s up. Did you get all six? If not, the firm’s new Web site soon will be the go-to source for a better understanding of Bracewell’s capabilities. “As part of defining what our firm stands for, we have identified our world-class value proposi-
”We are happy to welcome the team to Bracewell & Giuliani’s labor and employment
tions,” said Managing Partner Patrick Oxford. “They tell our clients and potential clients that they
practice,” said Sanford Brown, Managing
can expect a depth of expertise and service that is second to none. They also represent the firm’s
Partner of Bracewell’s Dallas office. “These
commitment to building up these areas even more.”
attorneys have demonstrated a commitment
The practice areas are Bankruptcy and Financial Restructuring, Energy, Environmental Strategies, Financial
to professional excellence that will no doubt
Institutions, Private Investment Funds, and White Collar Criminal Defense and Special Investigations.
assist in the growth of our practice and, most
“Bracewell should be top-of-mind when it comes to expertise in these areas,” said Marketing
importantly, better serve our clients.”
and Client Relations Director Wendy Horn. While we’re waiting for the new Web site, see the portal for these featured practice descriptions.
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Bracewell Legends
Number 9 Guides Firm Through Growth and Expansion
Carlton Wilde still uses the same charge code
began doing labor work for existing clients.
he’s had since he joined the firm 47 years ago.
”It wasn’t like the employment law we know
It is 00009, representing his role as the ninth
today. We represented employers in disputes
attorney to join the firm. Yet while his code has
with labor unions. But it was the first specialty
remained the same, little else at the firm has.
practice area for the firm and the concept
During his distinguished career—including 18 years as the firm’s Managing Partner—Wilde guided the firm through tremendous growth and expansion, helping Bracewell achieve an international reputation. A native Houstonian, Wilde’s pursuit of a legal career was influenced by his grandfather, an attorney in Alabama, and his older brother,
grew. The inefficiencies of lawyers trying to do everything became very apparent. Specialization is more profitable for the firm, more economical for the client and provides an attorney with the security of being an expert in a specific area,” he said.
Overseeing Tremendous Growth In 1967, at age 32, he was elected Managing
now retired partner Bill Wilde. “We wanted to
Partner—a role he held for 18 years. “Harry
practice together,” he said.
Patterson, our Managing Partner at the time,
That wish came true in July 1959 after Wilde graduated from The University of Texas School of Law with his law degree. He joined then Bracewell, Reynolds and Patterson where his brother Bill had been practicing for a year. He recalled the early days of the firm. “The mail would come in around 9 a.m. and after everyone went through their mail, we’d meet for coffee at the L&C Cafeteria at the corner of Main and Walker. The pace was slower, but we were busy.”
was elected president of the Houston Bar Association. He felt with these additional duties, he should not be Managing Partner at the same time, so the partners asked me to fill in. I kept filling in for the next 18 years.” Wilde enjoyed the role as a consensus builder.
“When I started practicing law, we were all generalists. One day I would write a will, the next day form a corporation or handle a foreclosure or a divorce. We all did a lot of trial work, too.” He remembered a wrongful death case in 1961, which he won for the plaintiff with a jury award in the amount of $107,000. It was the largest plaintiff verdict in Harris County that year and the firm’s one-third fee was the largest it had ever collected. In the early 1960s, then Managing Partner Fentress Bracewell asked him if he would develop a labor law practice. “At that time, we represented quite a few sizeable companies in the building materials industry, such as ready mix concrete and aggregate producers, but we didn’t do their labor work. He was eager to broaden our representation of these clients to include labor relations.”
the quality of our practices and to see us as real players in whatever legal community we’re in has been very satisfying.” Some of his career highlights include finally breaking the 100th lawyer barrier and the first year the firm collected over $1 million dollars. “I remember the week I first started with the firm, I had lunch with Searcy and Fentress Bracewell and they told me if I could collect $100 a day, I wouldn’t have to worry. They also discussed what lawyers we should send a Shudde Brothers Stetson hat to as a gift to
make a name for ourselves in Houston and in
thank them for referring business to the firm.”
the State of Texas. As Managing Partner, I was part of that building process. I enjoyed the personal relationships and tried to be a good listener so that we could make decisions based
During those years, Bracewell expanded into Austin, then Washington, D.C. and London. Wilde was instrumental in the expansion of the offices, traveling to new locations to find space, hire attorneys and staff and coordinate the office openings. “You look for the opportunities and for the
From Generalists to Specialists
his career. “To have the quality of lawyers and
“We were building a firm and attempting to
on consensus. We rarely had up-or-down votes.”
“We’re here to serve clients. If you do a good job at that, everything else falls in place.” —Carlton Wilde
“I remember the week I first started with the firm, I had lunch with Searcy and Fentress Bracewell and they told me if I could collect $100 a day, I wouldn’t have to worry. ” —Carlton Wilde
Representing Fannin Bank as general counsel and serving on the board from the early 1970s has been very meaningful. Through a series of mergers, acquisitions and name changes, the bank went from being Fannin to InterFirst to FirstRepublic to NCNB to NationsBank, and is now Bank of America. Another highlight has been being able to practice with his brother, Bill, who retired two years ago. “Practicing with my brother over the years and building a firm together, has been an added feature for me,” said Wilde, who was
right people to build the practice in a city.
initially turned down for employment by
When I joined the firm, the idea of multiple
Fentress Bracewell because he decided it would
offices was not contemplated. Our original
be too much of a risk to have two brothers at
objective when we started branching out was
the same firm. Today, Wilde finds that ironically
to maintain a Texas axis. Most of the clients in
humorous given that at the time Fentress and his
other locations originally had some connection
brother Searcy Bracewell practiced together at
to Texas or our Houston practice when we
the firm, along with their father, J.S. Bracewell.
opened these offices.” When he was succeeded by Richard Royds as
His advice for new people joining the firm: “Number 1, the client is the most important
Managing Partner in 1985, President Ronald
thing. We’re here to serve clients. If you do a
Reagan had just appointed Bracewell partner
good job at that, everything else falls in place.”
Bob Clarke as Comptroller of the Currency. Wilde took over his role at the firm as head of the financial institutions section during Clarke’s six years in Washington. Upon Clarke’s return in the early 1990s, Wilde
Since he retired at the end of 2006, Wilde and his wife of 49 years, Marty, split their time between their home in Houston during the winter months and a home in the North Carolina mountains between June and October.
continued to assist the financial institutions
An avid golfer, he is also active in his church,
practice, while moving into a particular area of
where one day a week he assists a homeless
interest, non-profit law, where he represented
ministry, helping people without identification
private foundations and other public charities
get their birth certificates and picture I.D. cards.
until his retirement at the end of 2006.
A Satisfying Career
What would he like his legacy at Bracewell to be? “That we set the tone for a congenial place to practice our profession and built a lasting insti-
Wilde, who had taken a labor law course in law school, quickly boned up on labor law and
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Wilde said the satisfaction of seeing the firm’s success has been the most enjoyable aspect of
tution that will be well-known, highly regarded and appreciated through many generations.”
Bracewell Goes
Houston trial partners Andrew Edison and Glenn Ballard are combining forces for the upcoming Boston Marathon by both working hard at training and fundraising for the American Liver Foundation. “Both of us have run marathons before—but this is the granddaddy of them all,” Edison said.
Houston trial partner Andrew Edison.
Ballard has been training since last November for Boston and has also run the Houston and New York marathons. He not only runs marathons in his spare time, but also climbs mountains. “Since I got run over by a car four
San Antonio trial partner Chris Rulon.
years ago, I have been looking for ways to motivate myself to get back in shape. The first was climbing Kilimanjaro and now it’s the Boston Marathon,” he shared. Ballard has also climbed Mount Ranier, with his fellow trial partners Edison and Phillip Houston paralegal Holly Pelikan.
Sampson. Mount Rainer is said to be the hardest climb in the lower 48 states, and Ballard has plans to climb Mount McKinley in Alaska and Aconcagua in South America to reach his goal of climbing the highest mountains on three of the seven continents. Another climber, Houston IP partner Jim Bradley, has scaled Pico de Orizaba, an 18,500-foot volcano in Mexico, and has taken
xtreme!
Dallas trial partner Clay Scheitzach.
on Mount Adams in Washington. ”I attempted to winter climb Mount Whitney via the Mountaineer’s route, but got stopped by a snowstorm which had created avalanche conMany people make
ditions at 12,000 feet. I’ve scheduled a trip to
an effort to take care of
the Canadian Rockies to climb Mount Athabasca
their bodies and live healthy
and a couple of others in July,“ he related. To
lifestyles, but a handful of
prepare, several months before a trip, Bradley
Bracewell Texans stake their fitness goals to a
climbs the stairwell in the Pennzoil Building four
new level. Inside Bracewell finds out what
times an evening about three times a week—
extremes these attorneys and staff go to in
from the 2nd floor to the 31st floor, wearing a
order to stay on top of their game.
40-pound backpack and mountain boots.
San Antonio trial partner Chris Rulon became a multi-sport athlete in 2001. Both he and his wife Jennifer participate in triathlons and both
Bradley is also an avid backpacker and runs more than three miles a day, six days a week. Dallas assistant Linda Ladner focuses her routine
have been named elite amateur athletes for
on cardio and weight training for optimal fitness.
their region multiple times. Not surprisingly, this
She trains four times each week and three of her
athletically motivated pair met at a masters swim
workouts include an hour of weight training.
group, where they were training for triathlons. She said, “I am reaching the critical years in Rulon has been training since October for the
my life where many things can go wrong with
Ironman Arizona triathlon on April 15. The
one’s body. This is one of the many reasons
event, which will draw about 2,000 athletes,
I train. Plus, I really enjoy it. I feel fantastic
consists of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride
afterwards, and I like the results.”
and a 26.2-mile run, which totals 140.6 miles. Ladner’s hard work has produced serious results. “Perhaps the most extreme part of my training is Jen’s willingness to tolerate it. Jen is very
Her body fat percentage has decreased down to eight percent, which is very rare for a woman.
understanding, in part because she is herself a four-time Ironman finisher and in part because that’s just the way she is,” he shared.
Dallas trial partner Clay Scheitzach is no rookie when it comes to competing. This former University of Texas soccer player picked up
Houston paralegal Holly Pelikan is an avid
running during law school to get back in tip-
cyclist. She has pedaled over 13,000 miles since
top shape. He participated in his first triathlon
September 2003 and has two Houston-to-Austin
in 2001, and he’s been addicted ever since.
MS 150 rides under her belt. She has averaged over 4,000 miles each year since 2004, including
“I have done 10 marathons, half a dozen
several 100-mile single-day rides. These successes,
half-Ironman distance triathlons, countless bike
however, did not come easily.
rallies, 10Ks and 5Ks,” he shared.
“I have actually had two trips to the Houston
Scheitzach tries to train at least six days a
trauma center and destroyed three helmets,
week and does most of his training in the early
but I refuse to be off my bike for more than
morning between 5 and 7 a.m. when he says,
13 days,” she said.
“Nothing but sleep gets in the way.”
True to form, Pelikan continues to cycle and has even added running to her weekly routine. She plans to run a 10K by the end of the year. Public Law Section Head Jeff Horner prefers playing full-court basketball against 20 and 30somethings. Just one hour of b-ball can burn as many as 600 calories for an average-sized male.
So what’s his goal these days? “To catch Chris Rulon in just one race, but alas, he is usually drinking a post-race beer by the time I finish,” he joked. Be it long-distance cycling, running, mountain climbing or swimming, the Bracewell team knows what it means to go to the extreme.
“It’s fun and good exercise—as long as I stay away from the flying elbows!” he said.
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Texas State Capitol Dome
Meet the “This city buzzes with activity when the state
bottom rivers and creeks, the scenic Texas Hill
legislature is in session,” noted Austin’s
Country, lots of restaurants and live music. It’s a
Managing Partner Stephen Benesh. “All eyes
fabulous place to live and work.” In fact, more
are on Austin.”
than half of the current attorneys are transfers
Bracewell Helps the Hispanic Bar Association Give a Helping Hand The Hispanic Bar Association of Austin (HBAA)
And that energy is certainly infectious. Just 12 blocks down Congress Avenue, Bracewell’s
from other Bracewell offices. Roan said that the positive Austin vibe
gives a helping hand to the future leaders of the Austin community. “Through our scholarships, we are materially helping someone achieve a
Austin office is a-buzzing as well. The office
contributes to a sense of community in the
goal,” said trial associate Patrick Caballero, who
opened its doors in 1974 as the law firm’s first
office. “There are no raging egos in the Austin
serves as treasurer for the organization.
office outside of Houston. Today, the office
office. It’s laid back.”
manages a diverse client portfolio with 20 attorneys and 17 support staff. “In terms of number of lawyers, our biggest practice is trial,
scholarships to minority students in middle A sentiment seconded by trial partner Andy
corporate, banking, labor and employment, and intellectual property,” Benesh said.
school based on an essay-writing contest. At
Taylor. “Working in the Austin office is a pleasure.
the college level, the scholarships contribute to
Everyone pitches in to get the job done.”
funding for the LSAT review course for minority
but we’re also very active in energy and regulatory, environmental, government relations,
Each year, the organization awards several
students interested in pursuing law school. “The people I work with are the best,” commented assistant Kathy Dube.
Once the students are in law school, the HBAA awards scholarships to graduating seniors to fund the Texas Bar Exam prep course BAR/BRI.
With 25 years experience working in Austin’s
“It means a lot to have professionals give their
legal community, assistant Kim LaRocca is
time and resources to help these young adults,”
I’ve ever managed. Although it’s relatively
impressed by the Bracewell office. Noting that
Caballero said.
small, there are many practice areas,” said
the office routinely makes the Austin Business
Austin Office Administrator Debbie Roan, who
Journal’s “Best Places to Work” list, she noted,
has been with the Austin office for three years
“I tell anyone that my experience with
and has been working for law firms for more
Bracewell’s Austin office is most definitely the
“We help defray the cost for those individuals
than 30 years.
best legal employment experience I’ve had,
recommended to the program,” he said.
“The Austin office is the most unique office
without exception. Attorneys and staff place Another unique attribute of the Austin office is the geographically varied client base. “We
client needs first, but also strive hard to have a life outside of work.”
for Leadership Austin, a local organization which actively recruits community leaders and provides diverse educational leadership programs.
The organization’s foundation also raises money to support community activities like Christmas and Thanksgiving events for needy families, as well as other charitable activities.
have several big Austin-based clients like Temple-Inland and Capital Metro, but by and
In addition, the HBAA provides sponsorships
The attorneys and staff work very well together,
“It’s very gratifying to be involved with an organization that really cares and is trying to
large, most of our clients are located outside
according to trial partner Roberta Hegland.
of Austin,” Benesh said. “We serve our clients
“The relaxed atmosphere mirrors the city itself.
community involvement like this is a testament
wherever they have needs.” Benesh pointed
Although we handle some pretty high-profile
to its commitment to diversity initiatives.”
out that Austin partner and co-head of the
legal matters, we also enjoy a genial atmosphere
firm’s Energy Regulatory Group Paul Fox’s
and relaxed lifestyle.”
principal clients are located in British Columbia, Canada, and Paul, along with new partner Deanna King, serves their legal needs throughout
For assistant Judi Probst, the camaraderie is what’s important. “There is genuine compassion and caring among attorneys and staff.”
the United States.” “And, if you’re going to be located in Austin, So why base your practice in Austin? Easy, said Benesh, who noted that Austin is consistently rated among the top five most livable cities in the United States according to U.S. News and World Report. “In addition to a healthy and vibrant business community, Austin abounds with plenty of attractions such as clear rock-
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then downtown is the place to be,” she said. “After all, this is where the slogan ’Keep Austin Weird’ has its roots. An afternoon walk down Congress Avenue will attest to that with eclectic shops, street musicians and an interesting mix of people.”
make a difference. And, Bracewell’s support of
Inside Austin
From the State Capitol of Texas, the largest
town. Drive out to Lake Travis for the view from
Lake and the look-out point on Mount Bonnell.
public university in the nation and the Lyndon
the Oasis restaurant. Do some late afternoon
In the evening, check out the Continental Club,
Baines Johnson Presidential Library to the city’s
shopping on SoCo (South Congress) and grab
Emo’s or Stubb’s Bar-B-Q to enjoy some of the
unique artistic offerings and natural lakes,
dinner at Guero’s Taco Bar. Then take in a show
city’s famous finest live music.”—Environment
rivers, creeks and springs, Austin has a great
at the historic Paramount Theatre on Congress.
and Natural Resource Section Head Tim Wilkins,
deal to offer. But with just one day to see the
And, finally, late-night dancing at the Broken
who loves taking in the Austin City Limits festival
sights, where do you go? Austin attorneys and
Spoke.”—Trial partner Andy Taylor, who loves
in the fall and the South by Southwest music
staff shared their favorite haunts:
Austin for its easy access to the Texas Hill
festival in the spring when “some of the best
Country, great scenery, outdoor opportunities
bands in the world descend on Austin.”
“Spend the morning at the Bob Bullock Texas and sports at The University of Texas at Austin. State History Museum and the new Blanton Museum of Art. Then take in lunch at Dirty’s
“Go to the shops and restaurants on South
“There’s a lot to see and do in Austin. You will always see people running, walking and biking
Hamburgers, or if the greasy, bacon-cheese
Congress where Austin “keeps it weird.”
on the hike-and-bike trail in the middle of
burgers offend you, then try Louie’s 106 down-
[a local slogan] Also, visit the trails along Town
downtown. There are also rowing teams and kayakers on Town Lake. Mount Bonnell offers a
Austin Office
view of the Texas Hill Country. There’s also lots of clubs with live music all around town.”—Trial partner Roberta Hegland, who enjoys the highlyeducated, creative crowd of Austin and can be found running, rollerblading, sailing or taking in the music scene. “Hike or bike the trail at Town Lake, swim at Barton Springs and dine al fresco at one of the restaurants in those areas.”—IP associate Michael Noe, who loves exploring the Texas Hill Country with his family. “Visit the State Capitol building and new annex and Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. You can really get a sense of how this great state was formed and also get a look at the Capitol dome, which is higher than the U.S. Capitol dome in Washington, D.C. (Things really ARE bigger in Texas!) Other great sites: Barton Springs/ Zilker Park, Austin Botanical Gardens (across from Zilker) and Mount Bonnell. For live music lovers, visit 6th Street at night. I personally suggest catching guitarist Eric Tessemer. He’s the closest thing to Stevie Ray Vaughan we have right now—an amazing young musician. Also visit the
Zilker Park
great “funky” shops and restaurants on South Congress, view the night departure of the
”In the evening, check out the Continental Club, Emo’s or Stubb’s Bar-B-Q to enjoy some of the city’s famous finest live music.” —Tim Wilkins
bats from under the Congress Street Bridge. (The Four Seasons Hotel grassy Assistant Theresa Cappellano and receptionist Patricia Larson check schedules at the reception desk.
area fronting Town Lake is always a great place to see that event.)”—assistant Kim LaRocca, who enjoys gardening and day trips to the Texas Hill Country in search
Environmental associate Heilla Lain attends to business.
of antiques.
Michelle Spencer, IT specialist, keeps the Austin office’s technology in check.
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The Environment and Natural Resources Section Strikes Business and Environmental Balance For Tim Wilkins, Austin partner and head of the
with their eyes open. No one wants to buy
Environment and Natural Resources (ENV) Section
someone else’s superfund site.” After helping
compliance can yield a big payoff. The environ-
Head, it’s all about the subject matter. “Our main
to assess risks, the environmental attorneys help
mental group is concluding negotiations with the
subject is the planet. Coming up with creative
negotiate contracts to allocate them as part of
Department of Justice and the Environmental
ways to accomplish business objectives while
the overall transaction.
Protection Agency (EPA) relating to a $3.5
protecting the environment is very rewarding.” Bracewell’s ENV Section provides environmental
Controversy work, involving actual or potential judicial or administrative litigation, can involve
law services to a broad spectrum of clients.
negotiating the clean-up of environmental
“We primarily serve industrial clients, but we
contamination, defending a penalty action by
also manage environmental risks, liabilities and
an environmental agency or securing a contested
compliance for schools, municipalities and other
permit for a new power plant. “Most of the
entities,” he said.
time this type of work happens outside of the
With 10 environmental attorneys, as well as numerous attorneys from other sections who collaborate on select matters, the practice covers environmental matters such as: – Regulatory counseling and permitting with respect to emissions of air pollutants, discharges of water pollutants, and disposal of industrial and hazardous wastes – Reporting, cleanup and management of hazardous substance releases
courtroom and behind closed doors,” he said. “Through our in-depth knowledge of the environmental regulations and agencies, we can help negotiate creative solutions that benefit all parties.” Regulatory work involves counseling on compliance with highly complex environmental laws, regulations and permits as well as auditing services that help companies identify and correct weaknesses. “Companies hire us to spot environmental compliance issues and to really scratch the surface to ensure their employees
Inside Austin
– Defense of criminal civil and administrative
and facilities are meeting regulatory require-
enforcement actions and other environmental-
ments.” He cites one case where being unaware
related litigation
of environmental compliance issues was disas-
– Advising on the environmental aspects of transactions
In fact, acting up front on environmental
billion merger between a French industrial gases company and a German company in the same industry. The German company owned more than 100 industrial facilities in the United States that were acquired in the merger. “Some of those facilities were not crossing all their t’s and dotting all their i’s,” Wilkins noted. “But by negotiating an agreement with the EPA whereby environmental assessments on the sites would be treated as compliance audits subject to penalty leniency, we saved the buyer millions of dollars in future penalties from the EPA. “In this case, we persuaded the EPA to treat the transactional diligence like an environmental audit, subjecting our disclosures of past violations to really substantial penalty relief. This had never been done before. Today, the environmental compliance issues have been resolved and, once the consent decree is finalized, the buyer will have a clean slate with the EPA,” Wilkins said. “That’s extremely gratifying work.”
trous for a publicly-traded company. At one of the company’s industrial facilities, an employee was found to be fudging the numbers on
– Participation in legislative, rulemaking and policy matters – Participation in corporate environmental governance, management systems and auditing “Our broad experience and expertise in
wastewater samples that were performed to assure that its discharges met the limits in their permit. This employee’s acts became the basis for a criminal enforcement action against the company, which in turn became a serious concern for the company’s customers and
these areas helps us to very effectively meet
investors. “In short, the company went belly
client needs,” Wilkins said. He explained that
up as a result of the criminal case,” he said.
most cases fall into three main categories:
“Heavily-regulated companies that don’t heed
transactional, controversy or regulatory work.
this lesson may not be in business for long.
“Within our transaction practice, we help identify risks and liabilities associated with transactions so clients can go into a purchase
You can’t be careless about environmental compliance. The consequences are just too dramatic.”
Austin Attorneys Recognized for Community Leadership
Austin Cares: Bracewell Associate Advocates for Death Row Inmate in Pro Bono Case
Bracewell & Giuliani attorneys are turning heads in Austin. Austin Under 40, organized by the Young Men’s Business League and the Young Women’s Alliance to raise funds for the Austin Sunshine Camp, recently recognized trial associate Joseph Stallone and GRAS counsel Shannon Ratliff as finalists in their respective categories at the Austin Under 40 Awards held at the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum.
defendant has effective legal counsel. Trial lawyers who choose to watch an NBA basketball game
Austin trial associate Eric Storm believes there is a place for the death penalty—but only if the over prepping witnesses in the middle of a murder trial do not constitute effective legal counsel. “This case was appalling,” said Storm who was assigned the pro bono case of death row inmate Richard Vasquez, who was convicted of killing a four-year-old girl. “My first impression was that this was going to be a difficult case,” admitted Storm, who has three little girls at home. “But when we started going back through the records, it was clear that counsel
Ratliff was a finalist in the category of Government/ Public Affairs and recognized for his work with Bracewell’s Texas Public Affairs practice, as well as his volunteer work with the Austin Children’s Museum and Seton Forum, a group of young leaders organized to support Seton Community Clinics throughout Central Texas. Ratliff is the immediate past president of the children’s museum and the president-elect of the Seton Forum. Stallone was a finalist in the category of Legal. He was not only recognized for his legal work, but also his volunteer involvement with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and his newly launched nonprofit organization Grounded in Music. (See related article, facing page.)
had failed the defendant.” Failed in ways that included not bringing to light Vasquez’s troubled background. “Vasquez’s crime stemmed from a life-long addiction to heroin. But counsel never took the time to investigate his background.” According to Storm, Vasquez had been introduced to hard drugs since the time he was an infant. His father took him to heroin-shooting galleries and introduced him to heroin when he was 11 or 12 years old. His mother was an alcoholic, and Vasquez was born with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. “Any death penalty lawyer knows that your duty is to build a case to win the jury’s sympathy’s for the sentencing phase. The jury never got to know anything about Vasquez’s background. Counsel never interviewed his parents. They never even visited the crime scene.” After reviewing these shocking omissions, as well as many other grievous errors and omissions by Vasquez’s legal counsel, Storm and Houston trial partner Andrew Edison filed a petition asking for either a new trial or for Vasquez’s release. “It’s gratifying to try to fix the flaws in the system for this
“It was a great honor to be recognized along with other folks who are doing incredible work in the community,” Ratliff said. Agreed Stallone. “There were a lot of great Austinites on that short list.”
INSIDE BRACEWELL | SPRING 2007 | PAGE 10
person,” Storm said. “Work like this is critical. We as lawyers can do something no one else can. We can advocate for people in court. Through Bracewell’s pro bono work, we can provide someone assistance who wouldn’t otherwise get it. And, hopefully, achieve a much better result.”
When trial associate Joseph Stallone set
Client Profile
Bracewell’s Texas Music Industry Niche Practice
Joe Stallone (left) checks out Austin music festival South By Southwest with client Zach Baker, owner of the Jiles Agency and guitar player with the band Vallejo.
American Electric Power
about to develop a music industry niche
At a Glance… Headquarters: Based in Columbus, Ohio Chairman, President, Chief Executive: Michael G. Morris 2006 revenues: $12.6 billion
practice in Austin last fall, he was very strategic in his planning and execution. Stallone not
Assets: $38 billion
only gained access to Austin artists, managers U.S. employees: 20,400
and agencies in the music biz, but his efforts to market the practice have resulted in repre-
States served: Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia
senting the nonprofit group, Grounded in Music, which seeks to inspire kids about music and the music industry.
Bracewell & Giuliani is fortunate to work with many of the nation’s
“When I decided I wanted to get into this practice area, I formed a roundtable group of Austin music industry professionals. During our meetings, we realized that even here in the live music capital of the world, kids do not have access to music at an early age.” The group developed Grounded in Music to not only inspire kids about music and the music industry, but provide them with the tools they need like instruments, lessons and access to music industry professionals.
Among them is American Electric
Miles of distribution lines: 207,632
Power (AEP) which ranked among
Generating capacity: 36,000 megawatts
Bracewell’s top ten clients last Bracewell Energy Regulatory Group
U.S. electricity sales: Approximately 214 million megawatt hours
partner Phil Ricketts in Austin is AEP’s client relationship manager. Working with Ricketts in Austin is special project counsel Davison Grant, who hanLabor and Employment Section provides expertise in employment issues and EFIRE partner Walter
which Stallone has volunteered with for five
Keneally does transactional work for AEP. Inside
years. Stallone serves on the Board of Directors
Bracewell takes a look at this special relationship.
for the Austin group and is in charge of operaAlthough Bracewell’s work with AEP didn’t offi-
programs offered and ensuring the group has
cially start until 2000, the firm had worked with
adequate staff and funding. His participation
Texas Utility Central and Southwest Corporation
is just one example of Bracewell’s commitment
for 25 years. When that company merged with
to community involvement.
AEP, Bracewell continued the relationship.
“It was a great fit,” Stallone said of the
U.S. customers: More than 5 million
year in terms of revenue.
involved in the Boys & Girls Clubs of America,
tions, which includes keeping tabs on the
Miles of transmission lines: 38,953
most prominent companies.
dles regulatory issues. In Houston, the The group is initially providing services to kids
Service territory: 197,500 square miles
AEP, which celebrated its 100th anniversary last
locales from West Texas, east to Louisiana and south to the Rio Grande Valley,” Nichols said. In addition to discrimination lawsuits, other employment cases have involved environmental and OSHA whistleblower claims. “Stephanie Slobin, a labor associate in the Houston office, and Nichols prevailed in a major environmental whistleblower case for AEP in Dallas last year." Bracewell also has assisted AEP in the selling of power plants. “We worked with them to sell plants in Florida and Colorado in 2005 and helped them close the sale of their interest in a Mexican power plant in early 2006,” Keneally
pairing of Grounded in Music with the Boys
year, is one of the largest electric utilities in the
said. “It took AEP four solid years to sell the
& Girls Clubs of America. Grounded in Music
United States, delivering electricity to more
Mexican interest. In all of these sales, we
has garnered the support of businesses like
than five million customers in 11 states. The
were involved in helping to produce the sales
Gibson Guitar, the Recording Academy, the
company owns the nation’s largest electricity
books—called the confidential information
Texas State Music Office, Square Park
transmission system, a nearly 39,000-mile
memorandum—which highlights the commercial
Entertainment and the Jiles Agency. Contacts
network that includes more than 765 kilovolt
attractiveness of the plants, and getting bids
that have also been extremely valuable in
extra-high voltage transmission lines than all
from interested buyers. For the Florida sales, we
launching the firm’s new music practice. Today,
other U.S. transmission systems combined.
negotiated asset purchase agreements with four
Stallone represents management companies
different potential buyers.”
and agencies, drafting, advising and enforcing
In the last couple of years, Bracewell has
contracts. “We recently had to file suit when
represented AEP in rate cases for two of its
The Bracewell team enjoys working with the
a venue owner backed out just days before
three Texas utilities and a project Ricketts called
AEP in-house attorneys. “They are always
an event and refused to pay the artist the
one of the largest bond issuances in the industry.
presenting interesting issues to deal with,”
contract price,” he said. “Artists routinely
“We had about 15 lawyers working on this
Grant said. “There’s nothing routine about the
need that kind of representation.”
project that resulted in the issuance of $1.74
work. AEP works on issues that combine inter-
billion in bonds. We represented the regulatory
esting social policy, economics and engineering.
proceedings at the Public Utility Commission,
It’s a relatively unique area of law.”
Among the diverse music found in Austin, the city is known for its country and blues music, nurturing the talents of legends Stevie Ray Vaughan and Janis Joplin, and currently serving as home to Willie Nelson and the Dixie Chicks. Stallone, a life-long musician who enjoys
and we had experts in regulatory, tax, litigation, transaction and corporate working on it. It was a good team project.” Another major case last year involved a
“I’ve been working with the same in-house attorneys for 18 years and consider all of them respected colleagues and good friends,” Ricketts said.
playing guitar and piano, appreciates the
discrimination lawsuit for which the Houston
opportunity to practice law in an area that’s
attorneys earned a summary judgment. “It
one of his passions. “To have exposure to
involved a lucrative bonus program that provided
professionals in the music industry is really
recipients millions of dollars,” said Houston
energizing. There’s so much potential to
labor partner Jay Aldis, who worked on the
expand this practice with good clients right
case with partner and co-head of the Labor
Keneally said he has always been impressed
here in Austin.”
and Employment Section Amy Halevy. “If it
by the people who work at AEP. “They know
had gone to trial it would have been most
their business. They are dedicated and loyal
significant from a dollar standpoint,” Aldis added.
and expect everyone they work with to be
And the opportunity to help children at the same time is music to Stallone’s ears. “Volunteering is incredibly rewarding. To
“There’s just a great camaraderie in their legal department,” Aldis said. “Once you establish a level of trust with them, they give you a great deal of independence.”
as dedicated and loyal to do what’s best for Houston labor partner Bob Nichols said AEP is
bring Grounded in Music to the children of
his largest client. “Bracewell has represented
the Boys & Girls Club is truly exciting. In the
AEP in employment cases in a wide variety of
AEP. And that fits well with our culture here at Bracewell.”
future, we hope to expand the program to help other children in other cities as well.” I N S I D E B R A C E W E L L | S P R I N G 2 0 0 7 | PA G E 1 1
Texas Public Affairs Practice Fits the Bill for Clients When the Texas state legislature is in session, hold onto your hat. It’s a fast and furious 140-day ride. Austin counsel Shannon
Bracewell Hosts Evening of Pizza, Cookies and Brilliant Conversation
Ratliff, of the Texas Public Affairs practice, gets up early to review new bills filed the previous day. Then he hits the steps of the State Capitol of Texas where he meets with lawmakers before the session begins. Later, he fills in clients on the status of bills and amendments of interest before sitting in on committee hearings in the afternoon and on into the evening. “It’s an extremely fast pace,” said Ratliff, who can often be spotted negotiating and lobbying on a bench in the hallway while a hearing is in progress. “We’re making changes up to the last minute. It’s 24/7
Believe it or not, salad was a big hit!
Bracewell’s conference room turns into a pizza parlour for a night.
while the legislature is in session.” Out of session, Ratliff keeps up a brisk pace, advising clients on issues like political action committees and campaign compliance, assisting them with interim studies and helping to develop the next legislative agenda—all in preparation for the next session. “If you haven’t properly prepared before the legislature goes into session, then you’ve already lost your game.” The practice’s clients include the City of Carrollton, the Corporation for Texas
Students get to experience the good side of the law.
Bracewell associate Francis Chin gives students the grand tour.
Regionalism, Cisco Systems and Wachovia. Ratliff helps clients in all aspects of their dealings with the state government—from procurement to contract disputes to government investigations and regulations. ”Most sophisticated business clients are not familiar with the legislative terrain. We’re the translators between the world of business and government. It’s gratifying to help a client frame a legal issue appropriately and identify the right legislative avenue to accomplish an objective.” While outcomes may not seem as dramatic
Members of Bracewell & Giuliani’s Associate Diversity Committee recently hosted 100 middle-school students and their chaperones for an evening of pizza and brilliant conversation. The evening started with dinner and a tour of Bracewell’s Houston office and ended at the Hobby Center for A Conversation with Sir Sidney Poitier. General Counsel for Professional Development Jennifer Weston welcomed the students and presented an introduction to the firm. The students then toured the 22nd and 23rd floors guided by associates Travis Gill, Francis Chin, Lisa McBride, Mark Chretien, Mona Guidry, Feras Gadamsi and Sasha Begum along with Professional Resources Specialist Marredia Rogers and Professional
as a trial case, a change in legislation can
Resources Director Jean Lenzner. Public law partner Jarvis Hollingsworth and labor and public law
have a big impact for a client. “I consider
associate Kim Cunningham also attended.
what I do to be practicing law plus. You not only have to have substantive knowledge
Inside Austin
of legal issues, but have a full understanding of the legislative process,” Ratliff said. That includes understanding the personalities of lawmakers, knowing how to draft legislation to defeat or achieve an objective and advising clients on where and when to insert themselves in the process.
The students are members of Prepared 4 Life, a nonprofit organization that empowers youth to become contributing members of society through asset-based, experiential after-school programs. Poitier appeared as part of the Hobby Center’s Conversation with Brilliance lecture series, of which Bracewell is a proud sponsor. The award-winning actor, director, best-selling author, husband, father, grandfather and, quite recently, great-grandfather spoke about his life’s experiences. He currently holds a dual diplomatic appointment, serving as the Ambassador to Japan and as the Ambassador to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), both posts representing the Commonwealth of the Bahamas.
“There are many ways a government policy or regulation can affect a business, no matter whether you are a technology company, a bank, a healthcare entity, a refiner or a utility to name a few. We have specialized expertise and knowledge of the players to help resolve these issues.”
INSIDE BRACEWELL | SPRING 2007 | PAGE 12
inside bracewell
Executive Editor: Brenda Cialone Executive Board: Helen Lilienstern, Will Luedke, Jennifer Weston Managing Editor: Toni Brown