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IN FOCUS

6-1-1 Day of Service

Jackson Walker’s inaugural “6-1-1 Day of Service” on November 3 united volunteers across our six Texas offices. From preparing thousands of meals to assembling care kits and launching a food drive, the day was all about coming together to support our communities. The timing made it even more meaningful as we stepped up during a federal government shutdown that temporarily halted SNAP benefits for millions. Read more about this incredible day.

Business Professional Shoutout

Let’s celebrate Justin George, Jackson Walker’s newly promoted Senior Unified Communications Analyst. Justin’s expertise has strengthened the firm’s communications infrastructure and elevated the way our teams connect and collaborate. His advancement reflects both sustained impact and earned recognition. From professional milestones to personal joy, Justin is truly having a moment—congratulations on this well-deserved next chapter.

Third Annual Día de los Muertos Celebration

Jackson Walker’s Hispanic Lawyer Resource Group sponsored a Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration in our Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio offices. Día de los Muertos acknowledges the symbiotic relationship between life and death and is meant to remember loved ones who have passed away. While this is usually celebrated on November 1st and 2nd, many Hispanic families living in the United States also celebrate it on Halloween.

JW Halloween Costume Contest

Across our offices, business professionals and attorneys alike joined in some friendly competition as we embraced the Halloween spirit during our annual Halloween luncheon and costume contest!

NEWS & NOTES

Suzanne Covington Pro Bono Service Awards

Anne Derrig received the Susan P. Burton Award at this year’s Suzanne Covington Pro Bono Service Awards presented by Volunteer Legal Services of Central Texas. Michael Roberts and Jack Skaggs were recognized with Judge Suzanne Covington Pro Bono Awards for each handling five or more pro bono cases over the past year. Read more »

Top Hired Gun Lobbyists of the Year

Denise Rose was named to USLege’s Top Hired Gun Lobbyists of the Year as part of its 2025 Best in Government Affairs Awards. The annual program recognizes leading professionals in lobbying, public affairs, and policy strategy through a peer-nomination process, highlighting honorees who “bring sharp strategy, strong relationships, and consistent wins to the table, year after year.” Read more »

LCLD Top Performer and Compass Award Winner

Jackson Walker is honored to announce that we have been named a Top Performer and Compass Award winner by the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD), which recognizes law firms and corporations that show a strong commitment to building a more inclusive legal profession.

Texas Business Courts’ First Year

Since the Texas Business Courts launched last September, Jackson Walker has quickly established itself as one of the leading firms for high-stakes commercial litigation in this new forum. In just one year, the firm has become a top choice for parties navigating complex business disputes across the court’s five active divisions. Read more »

Recognizing Achievements

During the third quarter of 2025 through the fourth quarter of 2025, the Firm received the following recognitions:

• Benchmark Litigation, a global guide focused exclusively on litigation, has ranked Jackson Walker as a recommended firm for dispute resolution in the United States. Read more »
• Jackson Walker earned 27 national and 142 metropolitan rankings in 2026 edition of Best Law Firms® by Best Lawyers. Read more »
• Jackson Walker was recognized by BTI Consulting Group as one of 37 firms nationwide on its “Class Action Powerhouses and Leaders” list, released as part of the 2026 BTI Litigation Outlook report. Read more »
• Jackson Walker was recognized by BTI Consulting Group as “Gen AI Distinguished” in its BTI Litigation Outlook 2026, earning a place among 32 law firms identified as leaders in the use of generative AI in litigation. Read more »
• Jackson Walker has once again been recognized by BTI Consulting Group as one of the nation’s top law firms for employment litigation. In the BTI Litigation Outlook 2026, the firm is recognized as one of “The BTI Employment Litigation Leaders,” marking a second consecutive year of distinction. Read more »
• Jackson Walker was recognized by BTI Consulting Group as one of the nation’s “Intimidating Opponents” in its 2026 BTI Litigation Outlook report. Read more »

In addition, the following individuals received notable achievements:

• Nate St. Clair was recognized among the most powerful business leaders in Business & IP Litigation in North Texas in the 2026 Dallas 500 edition of D CEO Magazine. Read more »
• 43 Jackson Walker attorneys were selected to the inaugural Legal 500 US Elite guide—the most of any firm in Texas. Read more »
• Stephanie Chandler, Sarah Christian, Alden Crow, Joe Flack, Larry Glasgow, Brian Lidji, Jesse Lotay, Evan Malloy, Michael Meskill, Kathryn Nordick, and Carlos Treviño were recognized among Lawdragon’s list of the 500 leading dealmakers in America. Read more »
• Jamila Brinson, Chuck Campbell, Greta Cowart, G. Scott Fiddler, Richard Garza, Dawn Holiday, Gary Ingram, John Jansonius, Sarah Mitchell Montgomery, Jay Rutherford, David Schlottman, and Lonnie Schooler were recognized among Lawdragon‘s lists of the 500 leading practitioners in corporate employment law. Read more »
•  G. Scott Fiddler and Alfred Meyerson were selected to the “Texas Top Lists” for 2025 by Thomson Reuters’ Super Lawyers. Read more »
• 75 Jackson Walker attorneys were selected to Thomson Reuters’ 2025 “Texas Super Lawyers” list and 66 attorneys as “Texas Rising Stars.” Each nominee is evaluated on his or her professional accomplishments, peer recognition, and community involvement. Read more »
• 36 Jackson Walker attorneys were recognized among Lawdragon‘s list of the 500 leading litigators in America. Read more »
• Priya Coffey, William Dahlstrom, Suzan Kedron, Brad Lowry, Travis McNellie, and Alfred Meyerson were recognized among Lawdragon‘s list of the 500 leading global real estate lawyers. Read more »

Achieving Results for Clients

Attorneys across various practices and backgrounds come together to serve the needs of our clients. From the pitch to the end result, our teams include an array of JW attorneys who are involved at every stage of the representation:

• Jackson Walker’s Energy team, led by Danny Nappier and Graeme Hawkins, represented Renaissance Growth Partners and its subsidiaries in the successful acquisition of approximately 145,000 net acres located across 44 counties in West Texas and New Mexico, encompassing both conventional and unconventional wells within the Permian Basin. The team also included Jonathan Judkowitz, Brian Oates, Pete Wahl, Nate Smithson, and Amanda Van Deusen. Read more »
• Chip Babcock, Joel Glover, Carl Butzer, Minoo Blaesche, and Tori Emery, obtained a dismissal of all claims asserted in New York federal court against Jed Wallace. The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York granted Mr. Wallace’s motion to dismiss for lack of personal jurisdiction. Read more »
• Jackson Walker advised Sensei Ag Holdings, Inc., the agtech company backed by Larry Ellison, Chairman and Chief Technology Officer of Oracle Corp., in its acquisition of approximately 25 acres in Lockhart, Texas. The transaction, led by David Parker with assistance from Maggie Lu, was acquired from Evergen Equity 30 LP. Read more »
• Jackson Walker represented JRGO, LLC d/b/a Integrity Assessment Group (“IAG”) and its controlling equity holder, Cambridgeport Capital, in a sale transaction with XCEL NDT, a portfolio company of Greycliff Partners. The team was led by Evan Malloy and included Chelsea Wood, Kelly McConnell, Manonh Soumahoro, Aaron Pinegar, Michael Vecchio, Joel Heydenburk, Peter Wahl, Steve Day, David Schlottman, John Jackson, and Sara Borrelli. Read more »
• William Hornberger, Brady Cox, Garrett Lessman, Ryan Quade, and Brian Harris represented emerging sponsors Collin Cooper and Ryan Moore, who led the Dallas-based private real estate investment firm, Palmetto Capital, in a significant co-investment transaction for the acquisition and management of Ascend at Ventana Lakes, a premier multifamily community in Katy, Texas. Read more »
• Len Wade obtained a complete defense victory for client Dallas Renal Group, P.A. (DRG) after trial in the 116th District Court of Dallas County, Texas. The case was brought by departing physician-shareholder Cristina Arce, M.D., who asserted claims for breach of contract. DRG sought valuation of Dr. Arce’s interest in a joint venture and declaratory relief arising from disputes related to Dr. Arce’s departure from the practice. Read more »
• Jackson Walker secured a complete victory for renowned photographer Kirk Weddle, with the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California granting summary judgment on September 30, 2025, and holding that Nirvana’s Nevermind album cover is not child pornography as a matter of law. The court dismissed the case with prejudice. Joshua Romero and Emilio Nicolas led the defense for Mr. Weddle alongside California counsel at Kendall Brill & Kelly LLP. Read more »
• Larry Glasgow, Mark McMullen, Richard Waggoner, Joseph Guajardo, Noah Speck, Ann Leafstedt, Shari Mao, Nathan Smithson, Erik Allison, Steven Day, Sang Shin, and David Schlottman represented CEC Facilities Group, LLC in its $505 million sale of assets to Sterling Infrastructure, Inc. The transaction included $450 million in cash and $55 million in Sterling common stock, with an additional earn-out opportunity based on future operating income targets. Read more »
• Alex Frutos, Byron Egan, Janie James, Mark McMullen, Ryan Holm, Sami Landon, Chris Rogers, Antonio Partida, David Schlottman, Alicia Duleba, Ann Leafstedt, Shari Mao, and Raman Dewan are advising Fort Worth-based Crestline Management in connection with its entry into a definitive agreement to sell to Rithm Capital Corp. The transaction is expected to close during the fourth quarter of 2025, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. Read more »

COMMUNITY IMPACT

• Frederick Sultan was elected president of the National LGBTQ+ Bar Association and appointed Vice Chair of the State Bar of Texas Outreach and Engagement Committee. Read more »
• Roderick Faulk was appointed to the Board of Directors of San Antonio Sports and was elected as a Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation.
• Clinton Butler was elected as a Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation. Read more »
• John Wittenberg was elected as a Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation. Read more »
• Denise Rose was appointed to the Texas Woman’s University Center for Women in Government Speakers Bureau. Read more »
• Lee B. Hunt was appointed to the International Trademark Association Rights of Publicity Committee. Read more »
• Mariana Gonzalez Davila and Ivan De Leon are participating in the Houston Young Lawyers Association Leadership Academy. Read more »
• Jonathan Lass was appointed to The University of Texas System Chancellor’s Council Executive Committee. Read more »
• Len Wade was invited to join the American Board of Trial Advocates. Read more »
• William Hornberger was elected to the Executive Committee of the North Texas Commission. Read more »
• Michael Murtha was elected as a Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation. Read more »
• Phil Kim was elected as a member of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association Board of Governors. Read more »
• Zach Zurek was selected to participate in Leadership San Antonio Class 50.
• Brandon Durrett was appointed to the Board of Directors of the San Antonio River Foundation.

EVENTS & SPONSORSHIPS

Good Apple Dinner

Jackson Walker was a proud sponsor at the Texas Appleseed’s Good Apple Dinner in Austin. This year’s event set a record for attendance and fundraising, with more than $745,000 raised to support critical initiatives. Ali Abazari, Christopher Mugica, and Marilyn Brown represented JW at the dinner. Christopher served on the Host Committee.

2025 NAPABA Convention

Shari Mao, Frederick Sultan, Phil Kim, and Sang M. Shin participated in the 2025 National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) Convention in Denver. Sang was a featured speaker.

GHP Leadership Roundtable

Jamila Brinson was a featured speaker at the Greater Houston Partnership Leadership Roundtable on “Navigating the Risks of Retreat: A Leadership Roundtable on Inclusive Strategy.” Jamila shared strategies for mitigating risks across talent, financial, legal, and reputational dimensions while helping organizations advance inclusion initiatives.

“Thriving, Striving, or Surviving”

Erica Benites Giese joined a panel presented by Region XII Hispanic National Bar Association and the Association of Corporate Counsel-San Antonio Chapter. The panel discussed their unique career paths and how they found more harmony and joy in their careers. Jackson Walker was a proud sponsor.

JW2 Fall Wreath Design

San Antonio’s JW2 group hosted a spectacular Fall Wreath Design client event, bringing together creativity, community, and a touch of autumn magic. Guests designed stunning wreaths while enjoying great conversation and festive refreshments.

LCLD Membership Meeting

Suzan Kedron attended the 16th Annual LCLD Membership Meeting in Washington, D.C. on October 30.

NYC Lavender Law Conference

Frederick Sultan and Joseph Guajardo attended the 2025 Lavender Law Conference and Career Fair in New York City. Fred addressed attendees from the main stage and recognized this year’s 40 Under 40 award winners.

HBAA Hispanic Heritage Luncheon

Jackson Walker proudly sponsored the Hispanic Bar Association of Austin (HBAA) Annual Hispanic Heritage Luncheon. Juan Alcala, Marilyn Brown, Sean Gallagher, Jorge Padilla, Josh Romero, Melissa Ruiz, Jack Skaggs, and Scott Weatherford represented JW.

ACH Child & Family Services

Our Fort Worth team supported ACH Child & Family Services through the Jackson Walker Cares initiative. Together, they delivered more than 60 duffel bags to children and families in need—helping provide dignity, comfort, and a sense of home during times of transition.

Chord Energy Houston Corporate

Jackson Walker was proud to sponsor the 9th Annual Chord Energy Houston Corporate 5K, joining companies across the city in support of wellness, camaraderie, and our Houston community. A big congratulations and thank you to our runners—Noah Speck, Christian Ryholt, Jalen Johnson, Lindsey Kellam Valenta, Ivan De Leon, Mariana Gonzalez Davila, Taylor Lanier, Cassidy Tresidder, Gabriela Barake, Larry Gibson, and Zachary McKay—for representing JW.

Books Between Kids

The Houston office’s JW Cares September Book Drive was a resounding success. Aiming to collect at least 200 books for Books Between Kids, the team gathered an extraordinary 860 books—more than four times the original goal. This generosity will put books directly into the hands of 143 children, giving each the chance to build a personal library and foster a lifelong love of reading.

Collaborative Bar Leadership Academy

Frederick Sultan represented the National LGBTQ+ Bar Association at the Collaborative Bar Leadership Academy (CBLA) in Washington, D.C. Fred spoke on the Presidents’ Panel alongside leaders from the NBA, NAPABA, SABA, NNABA, and HNBA, sharing insights on inclusive leadership and the future of the legal profession.

JW2 Fort Worth Fall Client Happy

The JW2 Fort Worth group hosted a Fall Client Happy Hour at Magnolia Wine Bar. It was a great opportunity to reconnect with clients and colleagues in a relaxed setting and show our appreciation for the relationships that drive our work forward.

CREW Careers 

Jackson Walker was proud to support CREW Dallas’ CREW Careers outreach initiative, a one-day, interactive competition designed to introduce high school girls to the world of commercial real estate. Through hands-on learning, property tours, and team collaboration, participants gain insight into careers in brokerage, finance, architecture, property development, and more—all while working alongside industry mentors to develop and present a real-world project plan.

Student Veterans Roundtable

Autumn Brehon, Larry Gibson, Maggie Lu, and Christian Ryholt participated in an incredible event for local veteran law students. Houston Young Lawyers Association (HYLA) and the Houston Bar Association hosted a Lawyer Roundtable for Student Veterans. Students from all three Houston law schools sat down with attorneys from different practice areas to learn about “a day in the life” of a practicing attorney.

Yellowstone Schools

The Houston office kicked off the school year with its first in-office volunteer initiative, hosted by the JW Cares Committee. Colleagues gathered to assemble 50 boxes of essential school supplies—one for every classroom at Yellowstone Schools—ensuring teachers and students had what they needed to start strong.

SALSA Big Give

The San Antonio office was proud to support this year’s Big Give—an annual campaign led by the San Antonio Legal Services Association (SALSA) to strengthening the impact of local nonprofits across our community. Robert Soza is serving as Chair and John Wittenberg, Jr. as incoming Treasurer, helping lead this important effort to expand access to resources and amplify the work of organizations making a difference in San Antonio.

United Way Breakfast

The San Antonio office gathered for the kickoff of their annual United Way campaign breakfast. This year, they raised a record amount of $52,657 for The Children’s Shelter. JW is proud to partner with United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County as well as The Children’s Shelter to support critical programs and services for those who need them most.

Be the Difference’s Wheel the Survive 

Ryan Watkins, Chris Thompson, and Maggie Burreson represented Jackson Walker at Be the Difference’s Wheel the Survive, a JW-sponsored cycling event supporting life-saving ovarian cancer research.

Young Women’s Leadership Academy

Erica Benites Giese and Peyton Fulgium spoke to the junior class at the Young Women’s Leadership Academy, sharing what inspired them to pursue a legal career, how they found their path to law, and what their day-to-day looks like in practice.

Certificate of Outstanding Achievement

United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County recognized Jackson Walker with a Certificate of Outstanding Achievement for raising the most dollars and the largest per capita gift in the 2024 Law Firm Initiative Campaign (50–100 employees). Julia Mann, Stephanie Chandler, and Jeff Harvey attended the ceremony.

Grant Williams Family Foundation

Larry Gibson and Jeremy Sheng represented the firm at the 3rd Annual Grant Williams Family Foundation (GWFF) Celebrity Golf Tournament. This event helps to support the operations and growth of the GWFF in its four core areas of mentorship, financial literacy, technology, and arts/athletics.

General Counsel Institute

Amanda Crouch attended the National Association of Women Lawyers’ General Counsel Institute in New York City, a multiday program of networking, education, and inspiration tailored to senior in-house counsel.

“Guts + Glory”

Ivan De Leon, Larry Gibson, Jalen Johnson, Taylor Lanier, Crespin Linton, and Cassidy Tresidder represented JW at Covenant House “Guts + Glory” Obstacle Course Challenge, which raised funds to combat youth homelessness.

Center for Women in Law

Denise Rose served as a panelist at the Pathways: A Lawyer’s Path to Lobbying and Public Policy hosted by The Center for Women in Law. The panelists discussed their career paths from law school to lobbying, how their work impacts the world of law making and public policy, and the highlights of a career in the halls of the capitals of Austin and Washington, D.C.

Thinkery Imagine That Gala 

Alisha Adams, Alyca Garrison, Cathy Garza, Amanda Neinast, and Michelle Moore Smith represented Jackson Walker at the Thinkery Imagine That Gala. This event raised funds to ensure all children have access to hands-on, play-based STEAM experiences that inspire creativity, confidence, and lifelong curiosity.

Hope Lodge

Stephanie Chandler represented Jackson Walker at the American Cancer Society (ACS) Hope Lodge Topping-Out Ceremony, celebrating the completion of the highest structural point of the three-story, 40,000 square-foot facility.

Houston Banker’s Classic

Jackson Walker proudly sponsored the 9th Annual Houston Banker’s Classic at Wildcat Golf Club, benefiting Gracewood. Lewis Kasner represented the firm at the event. Gracewood empowers single mothers and their children by providing safe housing, compassionate support, and holistic services that foster stability, hope, and a brighter future.

Good Days Exchange 

Cheryl Murray and Sara Harris attended the 2025 Good Days Exchange Conference, sponsored by Jackson Walker. This event brought together changemakers, caregivers, compassionate leaders, and those dedicated to improving lives through access, advocacy, and awareness.

JW2 Succulent Fine Dining

The Houston JW2 group hosted clients at Succulent Fine Dining for an evening of cocktails, small bites, and great conversation.

“Evening with the Judiciary” 

Jackson Walker was a platinum level sponsor for the Houston Young Lawyers Association (HYLA) “Evening with the Judiciary” event at The Grove. Attendees were able to interact with dozens of local judges and other young lawyers. Ivan De Leon, Shannon Wright, Cassidy Tresidder, Jalen Johnson, Taylor Lanier, Autumn Brehon, Ariel Perez, and Baker Howry represented JW.

United Way Golf Tournament

Jackson Walker sponsored the ExxonMobil United Way Golf Tournament. Mike Bernick, Lindsey Moorhead, Harris Huguenard, and Dan Vineyard represented the firm.

Covenant House Texas 

Jackson Walker was proud to sponsor the annual Covenant House Executive Edition “Sleep Out” on November 20. Team members Priya Coffey, Marisela Pena, Kirk Tucker, Jeremy Sheng, Anna Elwood, Cassidy Tresidder, Matt, Ivan De Leon, and Lindsey Kellam Valenta spent the night meeting with youth experiencing homelessness, listening to the personal stories of Covenant House residents, and sleeping outdoors in solidarity to support Covenant House Texas. The event surpassed its $1 million fundraising goal, and our team contributed $49,000 toward that total.

These materials are made available by Jackson Walker for informational purposes only, do not constitute legal advice, and are not a substitute for legal advice from qualified counsel. The laws of other states and nations may be entirely different from what is described. Your use of these materials does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Jackson Walker. The facts and results of each case will vary, and no particular result can be guaranteed.

© 2025 Jackson Walker