inside bracewell
happenings in our firm
Winter 2007
•
In this issue…
Welcome to Inside Bracewell—the place to get the inside scoop on goings on in the firm. • 2007: A Focus on Diversity—pg. 2 • Bracewell Gives Back—pgs. 4–6 • Big Doings in Big D—pg. 7 • Client Profile: Valero Energy—pg. 8 • Milestone Anniversaries—pg. 9 • Meet the Washington Office—pgs. 10–12
Jose Luis Vittor, Mike Telle, Tim Wilkins and Ileana Blanco.
Bracewell Sponsors “Academy Awards of Energy“ “I have never in my life seen so much opportunity, so well developed for our purposes...it was easy for us to really have an impact. Bracewell left an indelible brand on our core client base and we came away with concrete opportunities for revenues and relationships.” —Kevin Ewing, Washington environmental partner
Bracewell & Giuliani’s recent sponsorship of the Eighth Annual Platts Global Energy Awards in New York was more than a way to honor the world’s most visionary energy firms. It was part of a marketing strategy to take awareness of the firm in the energy industry to the next level. Marc Mukasey and Energy Regulatory Group (formerly ET) co-heads Paul Fox and Chuck Shoneman.
Bracewell is the first law firm to sponsor the annual event, known as “the Academy Awards of Energy,” along with Platts, the world’s leading supplier of energy information. Among the 400 attendees of the Nov. 30 event were 32 Bracewell partners and 19 current or former client companies. Numerous Bracewell clients were among the award winners, including Iberdrola S.A., which was named Energy Company of the Year and whose Chief Executive Officer Ignacio
Kevin Ewing and Rick Navarre, CFO & Executive VP of Corporate Development for Peabody Energy.
Sanchez Galan was named CEO of the Year; Duke Energy, which landed the Industry Leadership Award and whose Chairman Paul M. Anderson received the Lifetime Achievement Award; Current Communications Group, which was honored for Commercial Technology of the Year; and Williams, which won Hydrocarbon Producer of the Year. As a sponsor, the firm received significant exposure through full-page advertising in Platt’s Global Energy Awards magazine, Insight, which is
Gregg Dixon, David Brewster and Phil Giudici of EnerNOC Inc. and GRAS section co-head Scott Segal.
distributed through BusinessWeek magazine. Bracewell’s participation also reached a key audience of energy executives. At least 50 percent of the attendees held the title of chief executive officer, president, chairman, officer, director, global head, senior vice president or vice president. As a result of the event, 17 specific new business opportunities have been identified and are being tracked closely by the Marketing and Client Relations Department. The firm will sponsor this event in 2007.
Chuck Shoneman, Bill Hayes and Jeff Holmstead.
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2007: A Focus on Diversity
When Houston public law associate Lisa McBride joined Bracewell &
the firm. “The firm has done a good job of hiring and retaining attorneys
Giuliani six years ago, she was impressed with and thankful for the
of color at the associate and partner level, but we must do better,”
abundance of “natural” mentoring that took place in addition to
said Jarvis Hollingsworth, partner and chair of the Partner Diversity
her assigned supervising partner mentor. “Bracewell is naturally a warm
Committee (PDC).
and welcoming place. I was like a sponge soaking it all in. It was an exciting chapter in my career,” she recalled. That’s the feeling Bracewell wants all new associates to have when joining
The PDC has been in existence for several years, primarily focused on the goals of recruitment and retention but will also be monitoring the diversity goals of the firm’s clients in the future. “Our clients have really begun to
the firm. It’s also a key focus of the newly formed Associate Diversity
focus on the diversity make-up of the Bracewell attorneys who do their
Committee (ADC). While the word diversity implies ethnicity and gender,
work—they want to see a diverse team work on their matters. Many have
McBride said that’s just the surface.
set objective standards and actively monitor the percentage of hours worked
“There are so many things that make us different from one another. When you can see and accept other points of view, it enriches everyone,” said McBride, who is currently the chair of the firm’s ADC Mentoring Subcommittee. One example of “being different” has to do with geographic location. That’s why the committee has introduced a cross-office mentoring program.
by women and lawyers of color. The partner committee will monitor this and assist the firm in meeting client expectations,” said Hollingsworth, who also serves as the PDC liaison to the associate committee. This past June, the PDC started the ADC. It began as an affinity committee with only minority lawyers as members. “For the first year, we thought it was important for all minority associates to be involved to
“During the first year with the firm, the ADC will not only assign non-Houston based associates mentors from their offices, but also mentors from other Bracewell offices. And to take it a step further, one mentor will be from the associate’s practice area and one will not. This way, peers will have the opportunity to meet each other throughout the firm even if they don’t work in the same location or practice area,” McBride said. So far, about eight new associates have been matched in an informal program of keeping in touch through phone calls, lunch outings, client interaction and observations of law in practice. “We want to build on the firm’s strong diversity efforts by recruiting the
create an open dialogue and identify issues and concerns that minority associates have regarding the law firm environment, then create a plan to address those issues,” Hollingsworth explained. The plan has evolved into setting up subcommittees to focus on the major issues of mentoring, recruitment and retention, community outreach and business development. “The plan is to expand the ADC in 2007 from an affinity committee to a true diversity committee made up of members who reflect the make-up of the entire firm,” Hollingsworth said. “The partner committee thinks the addition of the Associate Diversity Committee will enhance Bracewell’s diversity efforts. Most law firms only
best candidates, helping them get acclimated to the Bracewell culture
have one committee focused on diversity. The committee members have
and ultimately help them want to stay,” said Tamara Stiner, Houston trial
some great ideas that we’re looking forward to seeing implemented in
associate and ADC chair.
2007,” Hollingsworth said.
Always Striving for Improvement Bracewell has fared well over the years in many national and state surveys on the number of minority attorneys being hired and practicing at
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For more information on becoming involved with the Associate Diversity Committee, contact Tamara Stiner at ext. 1493.
Cultivating Relationships
Ask anyone what they think sets Bracewell apart from other firms and odds are you will get an answer that contains the word relationships. The Associate Diversity Committee’s Recruitment Subcommittee uses this secret weapon in its aggressive new approach to building relationships with students of all ages and in the community at large.
Houston’s Partner Joins Financial Elite
“Recruitment is highly competitive. Diverse
Bracewell & Giuliani partner Jarvis Hollingsworth was
candidates are highly sought after and have many options. We start cultivating relationships
recognized as one of the 75 Most Powerful Blacks on Wall
with candidates earlier than the initial interview,”
Street by Black Enterprise magazine in its October 2006
said Kim James, counsel in the Houston public
edition. Hollingsworth is one of only two Houston profes-
law group, who also serves as the ADC
sionals selected.
Recruitment Subcommittee chair.
Black Enterprise recognized Hollingsworth for his impact
“We recently began volunteering in an annual writing collaborative at Texas Southern
on the Wall Street financial markets through his role as chairman of the
University’s (TSU) Thurgood Marshall School
Board of Trustees of the Teachers Retirement of Texas (TRS), a system that
of Law where Bracewell attorneys take on two or three law students over the course of a year and edit and evaluate their writing assignments,” James explained. “This affords students substantive, technical experience. By
manages a $100 billion-plus pension fund on behalf of Texas retired and active teachers. “My family and I were very excited to learn of the recognition, especially
itself, it may not appear to be a recruiting effort,
since I do not work full-time on Wall Street,” Hollingsworth told the Fort
but it really is the initial process of relationship
Bend/Southwest Sun. The newspaper wrote a feature story on the long-time
building. Recruitment, like all other aspects
Fort Bend County resident.
of effective business development and management, is all about relationships. This type of
Just as Hollingsworth chairs the Partners Diversity Committee at Bracewell,
initiative illustrates Bracewell’s commitment to
he has taken a leadership role in diversity at TRS as well. He established a
professional development, not only of attorneys,
diversity initiative to recruit and maintain a diverse employee workforce,
but of law school students at the initial stage of their legal education,” James noted. This particular program began this year at Houston’s TSU, but the committee hopes to expand this and similar programs at other law schools including Southern University in Louisiana, Howard University in Washington,
start a minority and woman-owned brokerage program and create emerging private equity and hedge fund programs. Candidates for the Wall Street honor include investment bankers, traders, asset managers, venture capitalists and top executives who meet stringent selection criteria and demonstrate significant influence within their company
D.C., and St. Mary’s College in San Antonio.
and throughout their respective industries. Nominees underwent a rigorous
Bracewell attorneys are also actively involved
six-month evaluation process by editors and reporters of Black Enterprise to
in campus seminars designed to help law students
identify the financial elite.
develop and refine interviewing skills and prepare them for what to expect during clerkship interviews and the actual clerkship process.
Hollingsworth’s legal, business and financial expertise has also been recognized with awards from the University of Houston Law Alumni Association, the
Networking
State Bar of Texas, Texas Lawyer and through his induction into the New York
Bracewell minority associates have been
Chapter of the National Association of Securities Professionals’ Wall Street Hall
participating in and co-hosting events with the Minority Corporate Counsel Association and plan more in 2007. Last spring, Bracewell co-hosted an eight-minute mentoring event with Shell Oil Company at the firm’s Houston office. Based on the idea of speed dating where singles meet one-on-one for a set time, more than 50 new
of Fame. Hollingsworth’s law practice focuses on strategic advice to boards of directors of public and private entities, public law and complex litigation. A native of Fayette, Alabama, Hollingsworth received a bachelor’s degree from the United States Military Academy at West Point and a law degree from the University of Houston Law Center.
attorneys took advantage of visiting with experienced associates eight minutes at a time. “It’s basically a structured cocktail party where you have a chance to ask associates questions about how they got their first job, how they got the job they have now, what path they took to choosing a legal career and how they get clients,” said Jennifer Weston, the firm’s General Counsel for Professional Development.
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Bracewell Gives Back When it comes to volunteering, Bracewell & Giuliani attorneys and staff have discovered that even small gestures can make a huge impact, especially when combined with efforts throughout the firm. Whether giving back to those in need, making life easier for troops in Iraq or showing fellow employees that they care, Bracewell employees are reveling in the spirit of giving, even to our four-legged friends.
Blood, Sweat and Joy Dallas attorneys and staff racked up a day of sweat equity recently to help make life a little better for Angela Aldridge and her five children during a Habitat for Humanity build. Sixteen associates, paralegals, assistants and their families donned their very grubbiest to roof, side, frame, caulk and install doors during the day’s event. “Angela was onsite working during the team build day and was very appreciative of all our hard work,” said energy, finance and real estate associate Justin Conner, who has coordinated the effort for the past two years.
Back row, from left, assistant Lorraine Rushing, Larry Rushing (Lorraine’s husband), associates Justin Conner, Clay Scheitzach, Mario Price and Nathan Carr. Front row, from left, associates Jose Bartolomei and Kimball Tyson, paralegal Jennifer Massey, soon-to-be Bracewell associate Tabor Pittman; associate Michael Anderson, Giovanna Anderson (Michael’s wife); associate Mason Griffin, assistant Sharon Jones, associate Jerry Sanchez, assistant Michelle O’Brien. Not shown, associate Brian Mitchell.
Top: Assistants Sharon Jones and Lorraine Rushing cut spec siding for the house for Habitat for Humanity. Below: Dallas trial associate Mario Price cracks a smile while securing roof shingles for Habitat for Humanity.
Adopt an Angel Through the Houston Young Lawyers’ Adopt an Angel campaign, Bracewell employees were able to help provide gifts for over 1,400 children from two elementary schools located in underprivileged neighborhoods as well as two Houston charities. Attorneys and staff shopped and wrapped gifts for the children, who had filled out their wish lists for Santa. “For many of the students, these are the only gifts they received during the holiday,” related Chris Dodson, Houston trial associate and chair of Houston Young Lawyers’ Adopt an Angel campaign. “Adopt an Angel gives Houston area lawyers and legal staff the ability to reach out beyond their immediate communities and help the lives of deserving children. As individuals and as a whole, we have the will and power to change lives for the better. We should never pass up the opportunity to improve our broader community.”
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Attorneys and staff from the Houston office play Santa for elementary school students from underprivileged neighborhoods.
Children from Versia L. Williams Elementary School in Fort Worth show their appreciation.
Children Enjoy New Playground
One Look on a Child’s Face For Austin assistant Joy Pierson, getting into
for select items, giving money, gift wrapping
the holiday spirit starts with putting smiles on
and delivering gifts to the families. Since 2001,
the faces of those in need. Pierson, along with
the Austin office has helped 43 families in need.
attorneys and staff from the Austin office, gives
“One look on a child’s face, a hug or a smile from
to the Christmas Bureau of Austin and Travis
a parent who has had such a hard time makes all
County, which works
the hours of shopping, fighting the holiday
with local agencies to
crowds and wrapping worth it,” Pierson said.
provide meals, toys and gifts to families in need during the holiday season. “There are so many
Pierson is no stranger to volunteering. She serves 11 meals to seniors each Wednesday during her lunch hour for Meals on Wheels and participates and raises funds for the Susan G. Komen Walk for
families that can’t have a
the Cure in memory of her grandmother who died
holiday due to financial
of breast cancer. “When I first started volunteer-
and/or health reasons.
ing, I didn’t have money to give. But I had time
If I can help change that
and energy to help.”
and put smiles on their faces, I want to help,” said Pierson, who has been coordinating the drive for the Austin office for six years and has been contributing for 20 years. “I’ve found through the years that most people want to help in some way. They just need
Pierson said that volunteering keeps her see what others have to deal with in their lives and am reminded how blessed my life is. With Meals on Wheels, many times I’m the only person they see or talk to during the day. My lunch delivery is a highlight of their day, so I wear a smile, make sure to briefly chat with them and always tell them to take care when I leave. “Whether financial or in time and energy, everyone has something to give. We are blessed
organized—which is
with a good job, a paycheck, a family (some
what I’m good at.”
large, some small) and hopefully good health.
contribute by shopping
CEO of Crescent.
Giving During the Holidays Attorneys and staff of the Houston office took time to remember those less fortunate by giving to the United Way during the month of December. Donations make a difference. Thanks to the United Way: – Students in United Way-funded programs do better in school. – Moms and dads in United Way-funded programs do a better job of raising healthy families. – Senior citizens are able to remain independent in their own homes. – Men and women are receiving the skills they need to enter the workforce.
grounded. “If I’m having a bad day or week, I
someone to get things
Attorneys and staff
Students at Versia L. Williams Elementary School in Fort Worth recently showed their appreciation for a new playground created by FACES of Change®, a Crescent properties partnership, which brings together leaders in the community in innovative partnerships to help encourage and support outstanding elementary schools. Bracewell & Giuliani donated $2,500 to the playground. “Without the generosity of Bracewell, our goal of ’raising the dough’ for this playground would not have been met,” said John Goff, vice chairman and
It’s good to give back to others who may not be
A Touch of Home Attorneys and staff in the Washington D.C. office showed their support for the troops in Iraq by sending gift packages to family members and their units. In July, attorneys and staff sent approximately 100 pounds of items, and for Christmas, the group packaged food items, games and toiletries. “These packages help to keep up the morale of the troops and maintain their connection to home,” said assistant Debbie Rowe. And the troops appreciate the effort. Said First Lieutenant John Collins, “It’s tough to keep the Marines motivated and enthusiastic. Days are long and boring on ship. So love from home like you guys sent really helps. There was something for everyone. And they all got something.”
so fortunate,” Pierson concluded.
For Joy Pierson, volunteering keeps her grounded. Every week, Pierson delivers Meals on Wheels to seniors during her lunch hour.
Helping Those with Nowhere to Turn
Assistants Share Appreciation For 13 years, assistants on the 24th floor of the Houston office have celebrated Christmas on the Ledge by putting their hearts and homemade goodies on the ledge of their desks to thank support staff members for their hard work during the year. “These employees make our jobs easier. It’s the one time of year when we all stop to let everyone know how much
Providing pro bono services for those in need has always been a priority of Bracewell, as evidenced by a recent Saturday clinic for the Houston Volunteer Lawyers Program. Twice in 2006, Bracewell sponsored and provided all the attorneys for the monthly event. “In August, we were able to help 131 people. During the December event, we were able to provide services for approximately the same number of people,” related Houston trial partner Andrew Edison. Bracewell heard issues on everything from divorce to landlord/tenant issues to tax, wills and consumer issues. “To sit across from someone who has nowhere else to turn and have the ability to help them out is incredibly rewarding,” Edison explained. “For many of them, we are their last resort. It’s amazing how much of a difference you can make in the lives of people in just three or four hours.”
we appreciate what they do,” said assistant Elaine Edon. Each year, 14 assistants recognize more than 100 administrative staffers from support groups like Special Services, Knowledge Resources, Human Resources, Information Technology, Operations and Marketing and Client Relations.
Top photo, from left: assistants Carrie Fuoss, Yvonne Young, Sharon Frenna, Nancy Coons, Lou Genia Mills and Janice Barbo. Middle photo, from left: assistants Laura Speer, Elaine Edon, Jo Nell Cass, Cheri Scheig, Gwyn Warren, Michelle Newton and Pat Carroll. Not pictured is Lynette Meador. Bottom photo, from left: assistant Michelle Newton, IT Manager Sean Luman, IT Director Kirk Scruggs, assistant Jo Nell Cass and assistant Gwyn Warren get into the holiday spirit.
Changing the Lives of Houston Families From writing a check to shopping for family members to donating gently-used items, Bracewell is making a difference in the lives of Houston residents. “Through the Houston Bar Association, we chose to sponsor a grandmother who is raising five grandchildren from ages six to 17,” explained Heather Brown, Houston energy, finance and real estate partner. “The grandmother is not in good health, and she is struggling to provide a good life for her grandchildren. We provided monetary donations, small household items, clothes and bedroom furniture. Thanks to the efforts of Bracewell attorneys and staff, we were able to bring a little holiday cheer to this family,” Brown said. INSIDE BRACEWELL | WINTER 2007 | PAGE 5
Bracewell Gives Back Many Bracewell attorneys and
Bracewell Gives to Animals in Need Karen Cloud trains a deaf Dalmatian. “The hardest part of training a deaf dog is to have them 'get' that they have to look at me for a sign. Once they get that, I incorporate more and more signs that are variations on the American Sign Language used for humans. I use a gentle leader which is like a horse halter to keep control of the head to gently direct their eyes to me. Once a dog learns sign language, it can go through a standard obedience class and a sign is substituted for a verbal command,” she explained.
staff have helped save the lives of animals through adoption. “Our Border Collie/Labrador Retriever mix, adopted through e-rescuehouston.org, thinks she can drive. She likes to jump on the front seat of the car and sit behind the wheel!”—Joan Englander, Houston technical services librarian “Thirteen years ago while she was working for BFI, my wife Carolyn found a mixed breed wandering in emaciated, had lost most of her hair and carried two mummified fetuses. We put her in a rehab program at Sunset Animal Clinic, and today “Whisper“ is the senior ranking pet in a house full of adopted dogs and
It was late in the day on a Friday afternoon, and
Crow’s first rescue for Legacy Boxer Rescue under-
cats.” —Will Luedke, Houston
Houston assistant Alexandra Kelsey received what is
scores why animal rescue is so rewarding. “The first
an all too common plea concerning an animal in need.
boxer I ever rescued would have been euthanized the
“A person had come across a dog that was extremely
day after we pulled her out of the animal shelter. Just
emaciated and had lost much of his fur. She was afraid
recently, she went to her ‘forever home.’ Although it
to call an animal shelter for fear the dog would be
was hard to give her up, she now has a fantastic home
euthanized,” Kelsey related. With estimates of
with people who fell in love with her immediately. It is
between four and eight million animals euthanized
so rewarding to love and care for these animals and
sweet. I never knew how much
each year, her fear was certainly not unfounded.
see how happy they are with their new families.”
I could fall in love with a dog
Thankfully, some animals fall into the hands of Kelsey
In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Kelsey and
corporate partner “I adopted Sadie, a Yorkie mix, several months ago. She has an adorable personality and is very
until now.” —Lauren McLaughlin,
and other animal rescuers like her. Kelsey rescued the
many others involved in animal rescue were called to
San Antonio energy, finance and
stray dog and paid for his veterinary care. Today, since
New Orleans. “My phone rang constantly,” she said.
real estate associate
his rescue, the dog has grown back almost all his fur
Kelsey, along with a local Pit Bull group, rescued 500
and has gained back approximately 40 percent of his
dogs from the floodwaters in New Orleans.
body weight. “I think that the way we treat the least among us is
“I have adopted four dogs through the San Antonio Animal Defense
very indicative of who we are as human beings,”
League, and I make monetary
all have gifts we bring to the world. For me, rescuing
Kelsey said. “For me, it all boils down to how much
donations to animal rescue
animals is my gift. I simply take what is in front of me
you are willing to consider the pain of sentient beings
and do what needs to be done.”
organizations. —Kathy Tower,
and how much you are willing to do about that. The
Kelsey considers animal rescue her path in life. “We
And what needs to be done is often an uphill battle. “Animal rescue is the hardest thing I’ve ever done because it’s both frustrating and rewarding,” said Houston paralegal Karen Cloud, who volunteers for
Buddhists say that when you do, you create good Karma for yourself. But to me, it's about whether or not you are willing to act as opposed to waiting for someone else to do it.”
San Antonio paralegal “I started 12 years ago with a Dachshund named Frieda. Since then, I have adopted another
Dalmatian rescue organizations. “It’s rewarding when
And acting can be anything from volunteering or
you can bring together an animal with a new owner.
fostering an animal to donating to an animal rescue
It’s frustrating because we can’t save all the animals in
or spay/neuter organization, adopting a rescue animal
Chow mix named Chewy and recently
need. There is never enough money for veterinary
or simply spaying or neutering your pet.
another red miniature Dachshund
care or enough people willing to foster abandoned animals. It’s also frustrating because uneducated people contribute to the problem of overpopulation by not spaying or neutering their pets.”
“It's amazing to see that even with such abuse and
“Unfortunately, almost every day I come across sad stories of abuse and neglect that make me wish I could do a lot more.”
dogs were all either strays or had
maintained their spirit,” Crow related. “You will
been abused by previous owners.”
certainly have a friend for life if you adopt.”
—Linda Williams, Houston assistant
And most importantly? “Adopting an animal from a rescue group saves a life,” Kelsey said. Cloud encourages everyone at Bracewell to support animals. “From a canine mixed breed to a purebred to the feline variety, there’s an organization for everyone,” Cloud concluded.
Alexandra Kelsey with Emma, one of her rescue dogs. Emma underwent three surgeries in one week. “It's amazing she survived,” she said. Emma was adopted out to a family with three children in Fort Worth. “She is the sweetest dog I've ever seen. I miss her all the time.”
INSIDE BRACEWELL | WINTER 2007 | PAGE 6
named DeeDee. These wonderful
neglect many of these animals have somehow
Seconding that sentiment is Dallas assistant Wendy Crow, who volunteers for Legacy Boxer Rescue.
Dachshund named Ladybug, a black
Rewards of Adoption
BFI’s Whisper waste site. The dog was
A sushi bar, jazz band and a beautiful nighttime view of the Dallas skyline greeted guests attending the Oct. 26 open house of Bracewell’s Dallas
Dallas corporate partner Janice Davis is among the 50 lawyers and staff who moved to the new location in early September.
office in Fountain Place. More than 130 people gathered on the 38th floor of the most recognizable building in the city to get a first-hand tour of the firm’s new offices. A sushi chef from Nobu
BigD
performs his craft.
Big Doings in
Dallas corporate associate Carrie Carbone and Sandy Brown, Dallas co-managing partner, share a laugh during the open house festivities.
Dallas trial partner Chris Rentzel visits with guests.
Houston tax partner Mickey Davis joins Dallas partner Sam Stricklin for a look at the firm’s new office space.
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Client Profile
Valero Energy Corporation At a Glance… HEADQUARTERS: Based in San Antonio, Texas, Valero derives its name from the Alamo. Founded in 1718, the Alamo was originally called Mission San Antonio de Valero. PRESIDENT: Greg King, a former Bracewell partner who joined Valero in 1994 as assistant general counsel. Other Bracewell alums include litigation counsel Amber Alonso, who has since been named HR director at Valero’s Texas City refinery; vice president of litigation Martin Loeber; commercial law division counsel Andrew Ray; and most recently Julia Rendon, a labor partner in the San Antonio office, who joined Valero as in-house counsel. ANNUAL REVENUES: More than $80 billion
Bracewell & Giuliani is fortunate to work
In addition to litigation work, the firm has
TOTAL ASSETS: $33 billion
with many of the nation’s most prominent
assisted Valero in government relations, labor
companies. Among them is Valero Energy.
and employment, real estate and general
Bracewell trial partners Cliff Gunter in Houston
transactional services. Jim Satel, San Antonio
and Mike Dinnin in Dallas share client relation-
energy, finance and real estate partner, recently
ship responsibilities, but many attorneys and
helped secure a new corporate headquarters in
staff throughout the firm contribute to fulfill
San Antonio for Valero LP. “In the past few years,
Shamrock, Shamrock, Ultramar and Beacon.
Valero’s needs. In the past year, nearly every
Bracewell has not done a lot of corporate or
NUMBER OF WHOLESALE MARKETS: Valero markets
section of the firm has supported the client in
transactional work for Valero, but this year it has
one way or another. Inside Bracewell takes a
increased. I look forward to hopefully working
look at this special relationship.
more with Valero and the limited partnership
Valero celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2005,
in the future,” Satel said.
NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 22,000 REFINING THROUGHPUT CAPACITY: Largest refiner in North America with 18 refineries producing 3.3 million barrels per day. NUMBER OF RETAIL SITES: Approximately 5,000 under various brand names including Valero, Diamond
products in 42 states, Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean region. PRODUCTS INCLUDE: Various forms of gasoline, jet fuel, petrochemicals, asphalt, lube oils, sulfur, kerosene, home heating oil and stove oil, petroleum coke and propane. RANKINGS: No. 15 on the list of Fortune 500 companies;
Scott Segal, GRAS co-head, recalled working
No. 1 among the world’s refining and marketing companies
before that. “I began working with Valero’s
on Valero projects as a summer associate under
in the 2006 and 2005 Platts Top 250 Global Energy Company
predecessor, the LoVaca Gathering Company, in
the supervision of Washington GRAS partner
the early 1970s,” Gunter recalled.
Gene Godley. “Valero is one of our oldest
but its relationship with Bracewell began well
Awards; No. 3 among the nation’s best employers on
LoVaca was the natural gas gathering subsidiary of Coastal States Gas Corporation. Gunter and other Bracewell team members worked with LoVaca and Coastal during the
Fortune’s listing of the “100 Best Companies to Work For.”
and best clients,” Segal said. “Everyone in government relations at some time or another has worked on Valero projects.” As Valero has experienced “meteoric” growth,
related to groundwater contamination. Many of the cases have been consolidated to be tried in the federal Southern District of New York
natural gas shortage of the 1970s. LoVaca was
Bracewell government relations work has also
with the first case scheduled to go to trial in
unable to honor its contracts to supply gas to
grown to include energy and environmental
early 2008.
Texas utilities. It took six years of litigation that
policies, tax and trade issues, presidential certifi-
resulted in a $1.6 billion settlement and the
cation for pipelines, and foreign policy matters
formation of Valero as a new company,
as Valero acquires crude from many countries
separate from Coastal.
and has refining assets in Aruba and Canada.
“We will be working diligently this year to prepare them for trial,” said Taylor, who has enjoyed a 16-year relationship with Valero. “It’s just a great company to work for,” he
Since then, Valero has been on an aggressive
“It’s an exciting company to work for. We
growth tract going from one refinery in Corpus
trust Valero implicitly and I believe they trust
Christi to 18 today, making it the largest refiner
us,” Segal said.
in North America. Within the last 10 years, Valero has sold its natural gas interests, merged with Diamond Shamrock and formed Valero LP, a master limited partnership to oversee its pipeline interests in the United States and abroad. “Valero has always been one of the firm’s
Houston labor partner Bob Nichols has enjoyed working with Valero on labor and employment issues. “They’re an outstanding employer, always ranked very high in terms of being among the best companies to work for. Valero is very fair and generous with their
top ten clients and this year will probably rank
employees and it’s nice to work with a company
second or third largest in terms of revenue,”
like that on labor issues.”
reported Dinnin.
Trial partners Andy Taylor and Coy Connelly are currently working with Valero on litigation
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said. “From the top down, the company culture is one of service. Valero and its employees are very involved in the San Antonio community and all communities from one coast to the other where they have facilities.” Connelly said, “The relationship with Valero has remained strong over the years because of a shared philosophy. Valero is a dynamic and growing company, which I liken to the philosophy of our firm. We are both creative and goaloriented, which I think aids us in providing the best possible legal services to them.”
25-year honorees George Daniel and Gloria Dial with
Denise Earley celebrates 25 years of service.
Rowan Shipman receives a special gift for her 20 years of service.
Managing Partner Patrick Oxford.
Milestone Anniversaries Recognized 30 years: Terri Coffman • 25 years: Gloria Dial, Sandra Sprawls, George Daniels and Denise Earley • 20 years: Maria Maldonado, Chris Garza-Guhl and Rowan Shipman In November, Bracewell & Giuliani honored staff members celebrating milestone anniversaries of 20, 25 and 30 years of service in 2006. These individuals have seen the firm grow to more than 800 attorneys and staff in nine offices worldwide. They’ve adapted to technology changes from
Recruiting, Word Processing, Administration, Payroll and her current position as assistant for the Operations Department. Earley said she enjoys the atmosphere and people at Bracewell. “It’s like a family. It’s a nice place to be,” she explained.
magnetic card readers to typewriters to computers. Earley’s secret to staying with the same firm for her entire career? “Being The firm hosted a reception for Houston staffers that featured a variety of cheeses and desserts along a with a Starbucks coffee bar. In addressing the honorees, Managing Partner Patrick Oxford joked that “these anniversary
able to take directions, criticisms and always trying to improve. Any job is going to have its ups and downs, but you usually get out of it what you put into it. You’ve got to be willing to roll with the flow,” she added.
events prove that the firm was guilty of breaking child labor laws back in the Maria Maldonado has worked as a legal secretary for Houston trial partner
days when the honorees started work!”
Skip McBride for two decades in the Houston office. “I have been blessed On a more serious note, Oxford thanked Chief Operating Officer Brenda Cialone, Director of Human Resources Helen Lilienstern, and the administrative staff for being the foundation of service for the firm. Assistant Rowan Shipman, who has been with Bracewell for 20 years, said that one of her most memorable experiences with Bracewell was the opportunity to share her love of dog breeding and showing with a young associate many years ago.
Three Decades of Service in San Antonio
Working with coworkers and vendors has made 30 years of service fly by for Terri Coffman, assistant in the firm's San Antonio
“One of my highlights
whenever there is a problem or disagreement,” she said.
Dalmatian specialty as part
out,” she said.
Assistant Gloria Dial, who celebrated 25 years of service, began working with Steve Hogwood and Elaine Malloy. Dial is currently an assistant to corporate partner John Bland. She has worked for a multitude of first-year associates, many of whom are now practicing in other Bracewell offices.
of the Astrohall Dog Show and won,” Shipman said.
Dial’s most memorable experience with Bracewell was her 40th birthday party given by friends at the firm. “That is the one
Being with Bracewell for two decades, Shipman has watched the firm grow
experience I will remember always. I had a big party and everyone that I loved from the firm was there,” Dial said.
over the years. “We’ve gotten huge. When I started,
Coffman has witnessed many technological
and treat everyone with respect. When you work in the same office for so
dogs after he acquired a
November, says she
meet. I’m a traffic cop who gets information
mutual respect. “I always try to get along with everyone, go the extra mile
communicating with the people you work with and talking things out
He exhibited her at the
service the firm. “I enjoy the people I get to
Maldonado said the key to her staying power is good communication and
ner, interested in showing
service at a lunch in
vendors and contractors who supply and
Maldonado said.
you are at home and you want it to be as pleasant as possible. The key is
from me named Rosebud.
fields. In her position she deals with many
them. No place is perfect, but I could not ask for a better place to work,”
New York corporate part-
was honored for her
drawn to both the legal and architectural
and people have gone and I have many good memories with a lot of
long it becomes like your second family. You are here more hours than
show-quality Dalmatian
do something in the business world and was
associates grow into mature and outstanding attorneys. People have come
was getting Robin Miles,
office. Coffman, who
had always wanted to
to work with Mr. McBride and his group. It’s been awesome to see new
She said she enjoys the family-like
we had four floors in this
atmosphere at Bracewell more than
building and one was just
anything else. “I love the people
and e-mail. “Now everything is instanta-
the library and administra-
I work with. They have
neous. Back then, the introduction of FedEx
tion floor. Now we have
been there for me
was a huge deal. We just couldn't believe you
eight floors in the same
through a lot of
could receive or send something overnight.”
building,” said Shipman.
heartaches and trials
changes over the past 30 years, from the use of magnetic cards to the rise of the Internet
Coffman currently lives in the Texas Hill Country in Spring Branch with Dennis, her husband of 29 years, and commutes to San Antonio during the week. She has learned a few tricks at Bracewell
and, hopefully, I’ve been Denise Earley has worked as a secretary in the Houston
there for them also. We really are a family,” she said.
office for 25 years in several departments, including
that helped make for a smooth career experience. “A good sense of humor is number one. And, you have to be flexible and able to adapt to technology and procedural changes,” she added.
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DC
Meet the Washington Office Touring our nation’s capital can be quite a daunting experience for first-time visitors
Government
Litigation
with all the monuments, museums and memorials from which to choose. Luckily, our Washington attorneys and staff have the inside track on the most convenient and interesting must-see sites. The favorite crowd-pullers range from the modern museums to the historic cemeteries that are peppered around Capitol Hill. Frank Maisano suggested the Holocaust Memorial because, “It is the opposite spectrum of the American History Museum, serious and
Business
heartbreaking, but important.”
Bracewell opened its Washington, D.C. office in 1975—an unsettling year of Watergate convictions, recession woes and oil and gas shortages. The attorneys and staff hit the ground running and haven’t stopped yet. “There’s a constant energy and excitement that comes from working on issues in front of the world’s strongest government,” said Strategic Communications Manager Jon Wadsworth. As expected, being located in the nation’s capital, Government Relations, Advocacy and Strategy (GRAS) tops the list of practice areas. Another major practice is the Energy Regulatory Group (formerly known as Energy and Telecommunications Markets and Regulation). The Washington office produces the firm’s acclaimed Energy Legal Blog (www.energylegalblog.com). Started a year and a half ago, the blog has become an industry “go to” for updates and analysis on national and regional energy issues. Our legal team is currently comprised of 36 attorneys, including the newest partner, Sandra Rizzo, who joined the Energy Regulatory Group (ERG) from Preston Gates Ellis & Rouvelas Meeds, LLP. “The Washington, D.C. office is key to Bracewell’s ability to provide our clients with comprehensive legal services,” said Managing Partner Patrick Oxford. “It represents a unique blend of our firm’s capabilities in major litigation and substantial business transactions intersected by government rules and regulations.” Inside Bracewell polled the attorneys and staff on what life is like inside the Beltway. Although the fast pace of such a dynamic city may conjure up an image of no one having time for niceties, the attorneys and staff debunked this assumption—at least within the walls of Bracewell. “We are a close, tight-knit group,” said Strategic Communications Principal Frank Maisano. “Maybe it’s because we are all products of the Washington political environment.” (continued on page 12)
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Insider’s Guide to Washington
To throw in some pop culture, he offered the stairs in Georgetown which were featured in the 1970’s classic thriller The Exorcist because, “Everybody has seen that movie and wondered where those steps were.” Karen Bishop took the historical route and proposed visiting the National Archives to read the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights because, “That’s where it all started, so start there.” She also advised, “Then visit the Museum of Natural History. It’s awesome from the moment you walk in the doors. Then take a tour of the Capitol building. You’ll have to start early to get it all in though.” Colette Fozard said she prefers the Air and Space Museum simply because, “It’s my favorite Smithsonian museum.” Patricia Mattison said, “There is plenty to see and do. By day you can just walk down the mall with the monuments, take it all in, pass by the White House on your left and keep going until you have hit the Capitol, Senate and House buildings. By night, go to one of the many delicious and unique restaurants in Dupont Circle.” Debbie Rowe recommended attractions at Arlington Cemetery, such as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Kennedy’s Eternal Flame, the Custis-Lee Mansion and the view of Washington from Mansion Hill. She said, “The cemetery itself is extremely moving and emotional.” Armed with this insider knowledge, visitors are guaranteed an enjoyable and educational experience in our nation’s capital.
Clients Benefit from Bracewell’s Strategic Communications Experience Strategic Communications Principal Frank Maisano
In addition to Maisano, the team includes
“We kept opponents off guard by immediately
recalled how Strategic Communications got its start
Jon Wadsworth as manager and associate Chris
responding to their claims, talking to influential
as a bona fide practice in the Washington, D.C. office.
Staszak, with partner direction from co-head of
reporters and editorial writers and responding rapidly
“After two years of working as a media relations
GRAS, Scott Segal. They help shape media messages
to any letters in local papers. We also activated allies
consultant with Scott Segal, we realized that there
and provide assistance for clients on issues such as
and other third parties and worked them into the
was a real nexus between lobbying, litigation and
national energy legislation, climate change policy,
public debate to advocate our side of the case,” Maisano
communications. It is the essential element to being
Clean Air Act settlements, environmental crisis
said. As a result, the company was able to come to an
effective and defending yourself. You can be a great
communications, transportation, food safety issues
agreement with the two state governments and the
lobbyist, but can quickly lose your effectiveness if
and international trade.
system was activated by the client.
you get creamed in the newspaper all the time.” A good example of how Strat Comm worked with the Maisano joined the firm in 2003, bringing 15 years
The Strat Comm team is highly skilled in public
legal team for a positive client outcome involved an
affairs communication, monitoring, advocacy and
experience as a press secretary on Capitol Hill and as
interstate dispute between New York and Connecticut.
negotiations with Congress and administrative agen-
a professional media consultant specializing in energy
The argument was whether an underground cable
cies. They also have a strong track record of securing
and environmental issues. “Rather than hiring a PR
system that had not been buried properly should
high-profile media and editorial placements in busi-
firm to handle media relations issues, our clients can
be turned on, what impact it would have on the
ness, trade and mainstream publications, and are fre-
look to Bracewell as a one-stop shop,” he said.
environment and the electrical grid and who should
quent political commentators on CNN, C-SPAN, Fox
benefit. In addition to handling the cable system
and other national networks.
The Strat Comm practice helps clients avoid
company’s legal needs, the GRAS representatives
controversy, communicate positions successfully and manage the problems that affect the bottom line. The practice blends litigation, media relations and issues advocacy into a seamless function that delivers better, more persuasive messages to key influencers
engaged the federal, state and community officials and got proponents active while addressing opponents. Strat Comm fought the public fight in the media during a time when blackouts caused public concern
“Reporters know that we know what we’re talking about. They reach out to us because they know they will get a fast, substantive report that they wouldn’t get from a regular PR agency,” Maisano concluded.
about energy reliability.
in both the legislative and regulatory arenas.
Supreme Court Appearance Becomes Family Affair not get a chance to cross-examine his accuser because
or trial unless you prepare for each one of them like
experience a rare occurrence in the life of a lawyer by
the evidence against him came in the form of a state-
it’s the biggest one you’ve ever had.”
sitting second chair on a case before the U.S. Supreme
ment taken by a police officer. During her 30-minute
Court, but he may have also made history.
presentation to the High Court, Forsman told the
Not only did Washington GRAS associate Josh Zive
justices that the ability to cross-examine a witness is “I’m pretty sure we are the only mother and son
an essential element of any fair trial. Her performance was praised by Supreme Court analysts and by Justice John Paul Stevens directly
Zive’s mother, Franny Forsman, is the federal public defender for the District of Nevada. She asked her son to assist with briefing and mooting for the criminal case. Forsman argued that a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in 2004 (Crawford v. Washington), which held that an accused has a fundamental right to cross-examine his or her accuser, be applied retroactively to a case she had tried years before (Whorton v. Bockting).
of rape. The evidence at the trial consisted of what the victim told her mother and a police detective. The girl did not take the stand and the defendant did
The Bracewell Ten
the Supreme Court. “This experience was surreal. jurists in the world who happen to be talking to my mom,” Zive said.
from the bench. However, most analysts believe that it is unlikely that the Crawford ruling will be applied retroactively. The verdict is expected early in 2007. “If she does win, it would set a constitutional rule that could last for a long time,” Zive said. “Whatever the outcome, I know she did this for a client who she deeply believes is innocent, but has been in jail for 15 years. She fought this from the heart, motivated by a
The defendant Forsman represented was convicted
him to be part of his mother’s team and appear before Here I am sitting within reach of the most powerful
team to argue a case before the Supreme Court,” he proudly announced.
Zive said he was grateful to Bracewell for allowing
really deep passion.” It’s a passion that Zive has seen all of his life from his public defender mom and his bankruptcy judge dad.
In addition to his mother and his grandfather, who had come to watch his daughter in action, Zive saw another friendly face in the Supreme Court halls that day. GRAS co-head Scott Segal was part of the team of lawyers handling media and briefing duties for Duke Energy v. the Environmental Protection Agency. Segal coordinated an amicus brief and worked on PR issues. “I think all lawyers should go see an argument in the Supreme Court,” Zive said. “It’s a very powerful experience.”
“I learned from them that you don’t win any argument
Guest written by Washington, D.C. Environmental Associate Erik Petersen
As you may know, every summer
Due to client needs, our team was without its slugger,
Bracewell’s Washington, D.C. office
environmental associate Jason Hutt and its manager,
fields a softball team that plays in a
yours truly. That didn’t faze the BGs in the least. Led
Lawyers League. As winter sets in
by the dynamic duo of Energy Regulatory Group
and the baseball hot-stove season
(ERG) associates Tracy Davis and Andrea Kells and
cools down, I thought a recap of
their husbands, the Bracewell Ten took the field.
our 2006 season might lift your spirits. The BGs, as
The battle was waged on the Ellipse with the White
they are known, started the season off with a victory,
House behind home plate and the Washington
but then suffered a string of tough losses. Showing a
Monument in center field.
never-say-die attitude, the BGs managed to turn the ship around by pulling off several terrific victories. In doing so, they found their identity as a true team toward the end of the season, earning their first playoff appearance since 2002. The team was elated at the news and ready for action.
Something special happened on that field, my friends. The two teams faced off in a game more reminiscent of a Clemens-Pedro duel than a softball game. Each team pitched well and executed sharply on defense. The innings sped by. By the time I arrived at the field (in my suit), the game was almost over.
Then news came of our playoff opponent—top seed
Bracewell was down 5-3 with the game on the line.
Hogan & Hartson. For those not familiar with the firm, Hogan employs more than 1,000 attorneys worldwide, and almost 500 of them are here in Washington. Their Washington summer associate class had “dwindled” to 67 summers by game time, and they entered the playoffs with an 8-0 record. Did that affect our team? Sure, maybe a little. It didn’t dampen anyone’s spirit, though, you can be sure of that. Bracewell is tougher than that.
The BGs strung together a few hits (dig, dig, dig!) and had runners on second and third with one out. After a sacrifice fly, the score stood at 5-4 with two
League softball team (left to right): Front row: John “the Immovable Object” Bartus, Thor “the Mascot“ Kelley, Aaron “Shutterbug” Ringel, Molly “the Scream” McGowen, and Haley
outs. Without taking you to Mudville, I’ll end the story
”Let’s Play Two” Mittler. Second row: David ”Mr. Intensity”
by saying that the BGs didn’t quite pull the game out.
Nosse, Shelby “Thor’s Best Friend” Kelley, Tracy “Master of the Swinging Bunt” Davis, Alli ”the Good Luck Charm“ Parrott,
I’ll tell you this, though. At the end of the game, there
Andrea ”Better Late Than Never” Kells. Back row: Josh ”I’m All
were only smiles in the Bracewell dugout. Sure, Hogan
In” Zive and coach emeritus Jason ”Good for 5 RBIs” Hutt. Not
won. Who cares? We spent every Tuesday this summer
Pictured: Manager and Team Historian Erik “the Invisible Man”
playing together, having fun and becoming a team. On a Tuesday night, just before twilight, the Bracewell Ten faced off against Hogan’s best.
The BGs, Bracewell’s attorney and staff Washington Lawyers
Petersen, the ”Husbands” Matt Davis and Rich Kells, and ”Nosse Posse” regulars Billy, Finn and Nayan.
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Washington
Meet the Washington Office (continued from page 11) It’s a happy environment, said assistant Patricia Mattison. “Everyone is very positive and pleasant, supportive and helpful.” Assistant Karen Bishop said change is constant. “It’s sometimes stressful, sometimes noisy, usually jovial, always changing for the better.” Government Affairs Director Greg Riels said the office atmosphere reminds him of his favorite quote, “Winners surround themselves with winners.” He continued, “Most folks are motivated to do great things because of the team around them. I see that here. We challenge each other to do greater things and support each other while we do it. You can’t beat a team effort like that.”
Jeff Holmstead knows the Clean Air Act backwards and forwards. He comes by it passionately as he worked on air pollution issues as a member of the White House staff during the George H.W. Bush Administration and at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the current Bush Administration. He now brings that knowledge to Bracewell as the head of
Shock and Awe City
the Environmental Strategies Group
Josh Zive, GRAS associate, finds being surrounded by history and immersed in current events makes Washington an interesting and exciting place to work and live. “I enjoy the fact that political, social and cultural developments alter my work environment almost daily. As an issue becomes important to the media, politicians and interest groups, it creates new and interesting problems for our clients. As a result, working in government relations requires you to constantly learn new issues and areas of law.” Working in the nation’s capital can inspire both greatness and cynicism at the same time, said Maisano. “You are awed that the levels of government and wonderful history are at your fingertips, but that can at times make you a bit more cynical about the entire process.”
Holmstead Joins Bracewell to Head New Environmental Strategies Group
“The Washington, D.C. office is key to Bracewell’s ability to provide our clients with comprehensive legal services. It represents a unique blend of our firm’s capabilities in major litigation and substantial business transactions intersected by government rules and regulations.”– Patrick Oxford
Assistant Colette Fozard agreed. “I realized I was a little jaded about working in Washington, D.C. when the vice president’s motorcade went by and I was thinking, ’Oh god, not another bloody motorcade. Don’t they know how those mess up traffic?’ Then I saw the Secret Service SUV with automatic weapons sticking out of the windows. That was alarming.”
Bishop said motorcades can blast by all day. “I believe we share something with New York in the fact that we are always aware of our geographical location being a target for terrorism. Not a pleasant thought, but definitely a reality.” “I often forget in the rush to get to work and the crush of traffic that I do work in the seat of legislative power of the whole United States. That’s pretty impressive,” said assistant Debbie Rowe. The team enjoys the social aspect, too, with spring flings, holiday parties and softball games. But even day-to-day tasks are enlivened with the office’s newest addition—the Starbucks coffee robot. “The Washington, D.C. office provides a relatively unique work environment whereby Monday morning quarterbacking at the Starbucks machine is often interrupted by discussions regarding which energy company was caught off guard in a Washington Post article that Sunday about its lack of leadership on global warming issues,” said energy, finance and real estate partner Benjamin Israel. “We vacillate between ’normal’ and ’wonkish’ at the drop of a dime.”
in Washington. “I have been working on clean air issues since the late 1980s. Over that time, I’ve had a chance to see what works well and what doesn’t work well under the Clean Air Act. I went to the EPA with clear ideas on what I thought the Agency should do. I stayed for five years. By and large, I saw my ideas implemented, especially in the power sector, where we replaced some cumbersome programs with much more effective approaches.” Holmstead will use his expertise in policy development, legislative and administrative advocacy, litigation and strategic communications to counsel clients on complex environmental issues. His practice will concentrate on climate change issues and the development of new coal-fired, nuclear and renewable energy plants, LNG terminals, and the expansion of the electric transmission infrastructure. It was Bracewell’s combination of skills and practice areas that was most appealing to Holmstead when he considered joining the firm. “I like having traditional legal work combined with strategic communications, as well as the advocacy in Congress to help clients accomplish their goals,” he said. Two big topics he sees his group counseling clients on this year are global climate change and the continuation of debates on clean air issues. “We’ll be monitoring activities in Congress and the Bush administration to help clients develop and explore options for dealing with climate change.” During his tenure at the EPA from 2001 to 2005, Holmstead was the architect of several important initiatives, including the Clean Air Interstate Rule, the Clean Air Diesel Rule, the Mercury Rule for power plants and the reform of the New Source Review program. He also oversaw the development of the President’s Clear Skies Legislation and key parts of the Administration’s Global Climate Change Initiative. From 1989 to 1993, Holmstead served as Associate Counsel to the President in the White House of President George H.W. Bush. In that capacity, he was influential in the implementation of the Clean Air Act amendments of 1990. He earned his law degree in 1987 from Yale Law School and his undergraduate degrees from Brigham Young University, graduating first in his class in 1984, with degrees in economics and English.
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