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IN FOCUS

Business Professional Spotlight

Jackson Walker proudly congratulates Greg Lambert on his promotion to Chief Innovation Officer and Bill Finner on his promotion to Chief Information Officer. We look forward to their continued leadership and dedication to advancing our firm. Read more »

Shoutout to Dallas Office Services

On the eve of NFA orientation, a mis-delivery left Attorney Development missing half the binders. Dallas Office Services—TJ, Deandrea, Brandi, Kim, and Andi—jumped into action. They organized, problem-solved, and recreated every missing binder with good cheer, turning a potential disaster into a flawless save. Thanks to their teamwork and can-do spirit, orientation was a great success. Huge thanks for turning a crisis into a win and showcasing JW’s culture!

Excellence Exemplified Award

This quarter, JW San Antonio paralegal Carey Edwards received the inaugural Excellence Exemplified Award. Selected from office-wide nominations reviewed by the EEA Committee, Carey was recognized for consistently going above and beyond in her role.

In Memoriam

We remember and honor our dear colleagues, Michael Kuhn of Houston and Steve Bedinghaus of Austin, whose contributions and friendship are deeply missed.

Celebrating Holding Texas in Our Hearts

Jackson Walker is honored to have supported both the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund and TEXSAR—Texas Search and Rescue—in strengthening emergency response and recovery efforts after the Hill Country floods. In addition to our financial contributions, the firm’s Pro Bono Committee mobilized attorneys across practice groups to identify and provide volunteer legal services to individuals, families, and businesses affected by the disaster. Read more »

JW Belonging & Inclusion

Belonging at Jackson Walker: Ashlie Hein and Rebecca Villanueva proudly wear JW’s “Belonging” tee, embodying our firm’s commitment to creating a workplace where every voice is heard, every story matters, and everyone feels at home.

NEWS & NOTES

Mansfield Rule Certification

Jackson Walker is proud to announce our achievement of Mansfield Rule Certification Plus status for the 2024–2025 program.

TAB Annual Gala

The Texas Association of Broadcasters (TAB) honored Stacy Allen with the Distinguished Service Award during its Annual Awards Gala. This event brought together radio and television professionals from across Texas and the United States to celebrate the outstanding achievements of broadcast leaders and stations. Read more »

Announcing Our 2025 NFA Class

Jackson Walker is strengthened by hiring and training attorneys who have excellent academic records, demonstrated leadership ability, strong work ethic, and diverse backgrounds that reflect our clients and the communities we serve.

This year, we welcomed 25 new associates to expand our Bankruptcy, Restructuring, & Recovery, Corporate & Securities, Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation, Environmental, Regulatory, & Legislative, Finance & Banking, Labor & Employment, Land Use, Real Estate, Trial & Appellate Litigation, and Trusts & Estates practices.

Recognizing Achievements

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

• Jackson Walker has once again been recognized by Texas Lawyer as a top firm in Labor & Employment law, earning first-place rankings in Austin and Houston, and third place in Dallas in the publication’s 2025 “Best of Texas Lawyer” supplement. Read more »
• Jackson Walker was included in the BTI Client Service A-Team 2025: Survey of Law Firm Client Service Performance, a national ranking that evaluates law firms solely on direct, objective feedback from corporate counsel. Read more »
• Chambers and Partners selected 79 attorneys and 28 departments for inclusion in the 2025 edition of the Global and USA guides. Read more »
• Chambers and Partners have recognized JW’s Family Office and Trusts & Estates Litigation practices in the High Net Worth Guide. In addition, partners Lauren Ciminello and Sarah Patel Pacheco were ranked in their respective areas. Read more »
• Jackson Walker received top rankings in the Chambers Associate Satisfaction Surveys 2025. View our profile on Chambers Associate »
• Jackson Walker ranked among the top “Best Law Firms to Work For” and “Best Summer Associate Programs” in the 2026 Vault Rankings. Visit our profile for the full list of rankings »
• Jackson Walker has been recognized among the 2025 Top 50 Construction Law Firm by Construction Executive (CE), placing No. 35 among law firms nationwide.

In addition, the following individuals received notable achievements:

• The Best Lawyers in America recognized 350 Jackson Walker attorneys in its 2026 edition, including 10 Lawyers of the Year and 106 Ones to Watch. Read more »
• Lawdragon recognized Matt Cavenaugh, Wade Cooper, and Kristhy Peguero among 500 Leading Bankruptcy & Restructuring Lawyers of 2025. Read more »
• 21 Dallas-based attorneys were included in D Magazine’s list of the “Best Lawyers in Dallas” for 2025. Read more »
• 19 Fort Worth-based attorneys were included in ‘360 West Magazine’ as top lawyers in 2025. Read more »
• Edwin Buffmire, Art Cavazos, Amanda Crouch, Brian Oates, Bethany Pickett Shah, and Ashley Withers were recognized among Lawdragon “500 X – The Next Generation” list for 2024. Read more »
• 21 Austin-based attorneys were recognized among Austin Monthly’s list of “Austin’s Top Attorneys” for 2025. Read more »
• Brit Nelson, Wasif Qureshi, and Nate St. Clair were recognized by Managing IP as a 2025 Patent Stars and Shannon Zmud Teicher as a Trade Mark Star in Texas and the United States overall. Read more »
• Michelle Moore Smith was identified among the top 240 attorneys in the nation for delivering the best client service in BTI Consulting Group’s 24th annual list of “BTI Client Service All-Stars.” 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:

• Erica Benites Giese secured a complete victory for a technology-sector client that had been under investigation by both the U.S. Department of Justice Antitrust Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York. Read more »
• Vytas Petrulis, Marisela Peña Gonzalez, Mahira Khan, Anna Elwood, and Lindsey Kellam Valenta represented HASTA Capital in the successful acquisition of The Star, a luxury residential high-rise located in downtown Houston, Texas. Read more »
• In a unanimous decision, the Supreme Court of Texas reversed a judgment against American Midstream and provided important guidance for future energy litigation, contract interpretation, and lost profits damages. The decision also reinstated American Midstream’s counterclaim. The Jackson Walker team included Tré Fischer, Richard Howell, and Luke Gilman. Read more »
• Bowman Givhan, Mario Perez Dolan, Brad Lowry, Greta Cowart, Peter Wahl, John Jansonius, Aaron Pinegar, and Amanda Miller represented County Line Rail (CLR), a privately owned rail yard operator, in the acquisition of the Sabine River & Northern Railroad (SRN). This strategic acquisition marks a significant expansion for CLR, enhancing its rail services and operational capabilities in East Texas. Read more »
• A multi-disciplinary Jackson Walker team represented of Teladoc Health, Inc. in the acquisition of Catapult Health, a leading provider of virtual preventive care services. Read more »
• Cale McDowell, Art Cavazos, Michael Flatter, Jimmy McDonough, and Peyton Fulgium advised a strategic joint venture between Established Incorporated and ACI Licensing in securing a credit facility to support the acquisition of four prominent women’s lifestyle brands. Our team represented Established ACG Borrower, LLC in securing the facility with Huntington National Bank. Read more »
• A multi-disciplinary Jackson Walker team represented Concentra Group Holdings Parent, Inc. in its acquisition of U.S. Occmed Holdings, the parent company of Nova Medical Centers. The transaction marks a significant milestone in Concentra’s strategic expansion in the occupational health services sector. Read more »
• A multi-disciplinary Jackson Walker team advised Dallas-based Surge Private Equity LLC in connection with a majority investment in White Plains Linen, a New York-based provider of commercial laundry and textile rental services. The transaction was valued in excess of $50 million and was supported by senior debt financing from Capital Southwest Corporation. Read more »

COMMUNITY IMPACT

• Heidi Angel has been elected to the Board of Directors of the Tarrant County Bar Association (TCBA). Read more »
• Lindsey Kellam Valenta has been elected Chair of the Houston Bar Association’s Real Estate Law Section. Read more »
• Baker Howry has been elected to the Board of Directors of the Houston Young Lawyers Association (HYLA). Read more »
• Thad Armstrong has been elected as a Fellow of the American College of Real Estate Lawyers (ACREL). Read more »
• Scott Fiddler has been appointed to the Board of Directors for the Texas Board of Legal Specialization for a 3-year term. Read more »
• Nathaniel St. Clair has been appointed to the Texas Bar College for a second three-year term. Read more »
• Diana Perez Gomez and Cheryl Camin Murray have been elected to the State Bar of Texas Board of Directors and appointed to several committees. Read more »
• Jonathan Lass has been appointed as a member of the Innovation Advisory Council for Texas A&M University. Read more »
• Joe Guajardo has been elected to the Board of Directors of the Dallas Arboretum.
• Carolyn Mulvey has been elected to the board of River City Advocacy and Counseling, Inc.
• West Bakke has been elected to the Board of the Stewards of the Wild (SOTW) San Antonio Chapter.
• Richard Howell has been elected Vice Chair of the Board for the University of Texas at Austin’s Thomas Jefferson Center for Core Texts and Ideas.
• Stephanie Chandler has been appointed to the Board of Directors for the United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County.
• Brandon Durrett has been selected to the Institute for Energy Law’s 8th Leadership Class.

EVENTS & SPONSORSHIPS

Hats in the Park

Priya Coffey, Marisela Gonzalez, April Vasquez Leibman, and Emily Leith entertained clients at “Hats in the Park” benefitting the Memorial Park Conservancy and sponsored by JW.

Charity Fair for Lawyers

Manonh Soumahoro, Bonnie Nolan, Devanshi Somaya, Demi Williams Coles, and Meredith Tavallaee attended the Dallas Bar Foundation Charity Fair for Lawyers where they met with executives of 13 local charities.

Youth Justice Alliance

Robert Soza and Daniel Maldonado attended St. Mary’s University School of Law’s Law Day, co-sponsored by the Youth Justice Alliance. They connected with high school students, sharing insights about the legal profession and what it’s like to practice law.

Black Dog Charity Auction

Jackson Walker sponsored the Black Dog Charity Auction Party, supporting those who are affected by Leukemia, Lymphoma and other blood cancers. Representing JW included Jarrod Cone, Nate McCune, Colin Murchison, Mallory DeGroat, Sara Thornton, and Jeff Gilmore.

HisBA Annual Gala

Jackson Walker was a sponsor of the Hispanic Bar Association’s (HisBA) 37th Annual Gala, where Luke Gilman and Diana Pérez Gomez were in attendance.

“Off the Record”

Jenny Forgey joined Baylor University School of Law’s Women’s Legal Society for their annual “Off the Record” event, sharing insights from her unique path to practicing law, offering guidance and encouragement to the next generation of attorneys.

Healthcare Ministries Hope Lodge

Julia Mann and Stephanie Chandler attended the ceremonial groundbreaking for the new American Cancer Society (ACS) Methodist Healthcare Ministries Hope Lodge. This vital project will provide free lodging and a supportive environment for cancer patients who must travel for treatment.

JW2 Austin Event

JW2 Austin hosted a wonderful evening at Holey Moley, bringing together clients and colleagues for a night of connection, camaraderie, and a little friendly competition

“An Evening with Legends”

Mike Bernick co-chaired “An Evening with Legends” benefitting Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Center featuring a live musical performance by country legends Pat Green, Randy Rogers and Cory Morrow. David Parker and Clinton Kuykendall were also in attendance.

The Catholic Foundation’s Donor Reception

Jackson Walker was a sponsor and host for The Catholic Foundation’s Donor Reception. Alexander Leseney welcomed the evening’s attendees on behalf of JW. Following a Donor Mass at the National Shrine Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the Foundation hosted a special evening to thank the generous individuals, families, and businesses who make a world of good possible—both in Catholic and non-Catholic communities.

Christian Assistance Ministry 

Jackson Walker San Antonio partnered with Christian Assistance Ministry (CAM) in preparing and distributing sandwiches to those in need. They made nearly 50 sandwiches.

HLA Awards Gala

Jackson Walker sponsored the Houston Lawyers Association (HLA) Awards Gala, supporting the future of the legal profession by providing scholarships to deserving law students. Representing JW at the Gala were Bruce Ruzinsky, Dawn Holiday, and Chevazz Brown.

HYLA Bingo Night

Jackson Walker served as the wine sponsor for HYLA’s Bingo Night. The event raised funds for The Beacon, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing essential services to individuals experiencing homelessness in the Houston area. Maggie Lu and Anna Elwood represented JW.

DFW Muslim Bar Association Gala

Jackson Walker sponsored this year’s DFW Muslim Bar Association’s Annual Gala. Shayan Gaziani attended alongside new and incoming law students to help them build connections and feel at home in the local legal landscape.

HAAM Battle of the Bands

Jackson Walker sponsored the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians (HAAM) 2025 Annual Corporate Battle of the Bands, raising nearly $280,000. Bands were given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to perform in front of a live audience at ACL Live at the Moody Theater. Tim Taylor serves on the HAAM Board of Directors and played a pivotal role in the success of this year’s event.

American Red Cross

Jackson Walker hosted The American Red Cross Young Professionals Advisory Board for a fundraising happy hour. Mario Dolan facilitated the event, showcasing our new office space and our commitment to the Dallas community.

Chamber of Commerce Pride Luncheon

Jackson Walker was a sponsor of the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce Pride Luncheon. Attorneys in attendance representing JW were Kathy Silver, Bruce Ruzinsky, Jackie Staple, Emily Flynn Meraia, and Shannon Wright.

Jody Davis Trunk Show

Jackson Walker hosted the Jody Davis trunk show, where guests shopped Jody’s impeccably tailored design while raising support for the Texas Women’s Foundation.

Capital for Kids

Jackson Walker hosted the Capital for Kids 3rd annual beneficiary happy hour, spearheaded by Graham McCall. Capital for Kids brings together professionals from the investment management community to raise money in support of non-profits that serve children at risk of poverty, abuse and neglect in the DFW area.

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