Representative Matters

Restructure and capitalization of a direct to consumer supplier of beef, poultry and sea food using a combination of new equity and warrant supported debt.

Represented the developer of a luxury hotel in downtown Houston in the acquisition and development of the property, including capital formation and construction financing.

Defended clients operating a start-up oil field services company in a lawsuit brought by an established competitor alleging claims against our clients for misappropriation of trade secrets, breach fiduciary duty, and conspiracy and seeking to completely shut down our client’s business. After a six day temporary injunction trial, the lawsuit settled on terms that allowed our clients to continue their business in competition with former employer.

Representation of the founder and owner of a steel processing facility in the sale of substantially all of the assets of the business and lease of the related real property to a national steel distribution company.

Represented Houston based commercial landscape service provider in the $15,000,000 equity sale to a private equity backed serial acquirer, along with the pre-closing Internal Revenue Code F-Reorganization of the Company

Represented a restaurant and bar in defense of a claim under the Fair Labor Standards Act. The plaintiffs were former waitresses and bartenders claiming tip pool violations. The case was settled on favorable terms to the client after minimal discovery.

Represented foreign corporations in connection with their global expansion into the United States and start-up of US based subsidiaries.

Won a unanimous arbitration award on behalf of a former senior executive officer and director of a privately held bank with over $1.0 billion in assets. Our client was sued by the bank in state district court for breach of fiduciary duty, misappropriation of trade secrets, and conversion following his resignation from the bank. In the state court proceeding, we successfully dissolved an ex parte restraining order and compelled the lawsuit to arbitration. In the arbitration, the bank sought over $20,000,000 in damages and we asserted counterclaims against the bank for tortious interference with contract and failure to pay wages. After a five day arbitration and significant post-hearing briefing, the three member arbitration panel ruled in favor of our client on all claims and awarded all damages sought pursuant to our counterclaims.

Represented of national home builder in the acquisition of an approximately acreage tract of land in Harris County for development as a residential subdivision community, and negotiation of associated conveyance documents, land bank documents, development agreements with adjacent land developer, and financing and reimbursement agreements with the Municipal Utility District.

Represented specialty engineering firm in sale-leaseback of headquarters complex and other facilities for $39 million.

Represented a Houston-based company in connection with private equity investments for the production of a nationally televised PBS television series.

Transfer of ownership interests in multiple related entities and jointly owned ventures relating to various lines of business in settlement of disputes between the business’s owners.

Obtained a temporary restraining order enjoining two former employees from doing business under a substantially similar business name as that of their former employer as well as from using their former employer’s confidential information. Two defecting, former employees formed a competing company selling power-generation equipment to both commercial and industrial clients. Prior to filing suit, conducted an electronic, forensic review of the former employees computers, and discovered evidence of theft of confidential information. This evidence was subsequently used at the emergency hearing. The case was successfully settled within a month of obtaining the emergency relief.

Sale of substantially all of the assets of a company engaged in the business of placing and servicing insurance products and related services

Successfully defended a Texas-based drilling rig manufacturer in a lawsuit by a drilling rig purchaser. The purchaser claimed the manufacturer breached a rig construction contract and tortiously interfered with its contract with a drilling operator. The purchaser sought approximately $25 million for the cost of repairing the rig and lost profits. The case settled for a fraction of that amount on the eve of picking a jury.

Ongoing representation of a regional Technology focused venture capital company in its acquisition and sale of interests in numerous portfolio companies.