Arturo Cavazos
Practice Areas
Experience
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Blockchain & Digital Assets
- Commercial Finance
- Commodities & Derivatives
- Diversity & Inclusion Counseling
- Energy Finance
- Healthcare Mergers & Acquisitions
- Mergers, Acquisitions, & Divestitures
- Real Estate Financing
- Venture Capital & Emerging Companies
Biography
Art Cavazos is a finance and corporate lawyer who focuses his practice on complex financial transactions and other business matters. His clients include companies from a range of sectors including finance, healthcare, energy, real estate, construction, and technology. His transactional experience includes M&A, private placements, entity formation and governance, and general contract negotiations.
Art’s significant finance experience includes representation of both lenders and borrowers in a variety of transactions, including syndicated, bilateral and club facilities, secured and unsecured facilities, first, second lien and mezzanine facilities, revolvers and term loans, acquisition financings, commercial real estate and construction loans, asset-based loans, reserve-based loans, commodities and derivatives transactions, and others. He has also helped guide lenders and borrowers through distressed loan workouts and bankruptcy debtor-in-possession financings.
Moreover, Art’s diverse transactional practice affords him broad experience that enables him to identify problems, find solutions, and help clients achieve their goals. This includes advising companies on mergers and acquisitions, corporate structuring and governance, private debt and equity securities offerings, and other complex business transactions.
Education
B.B.A., Texas A&M University
- National Merit Scholar
- President’s Endowed Scholar
J.D., Columbia Law School
- Operations Editor, Columbia Law Review
- Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar
Bar Admissions
Texas
Corporate Finance
- Represented BBVA Compass Bank, as lender, in connection with $45 million revolving loan and $5.3 million term loan credit facility for building materials supply company borrower.
- Represented Texas Capital Bank, N.A., as lender, in connection with amendment and restatement of multiple credit facilities secured by commercial real estate for group of affiliated borrowers.
- Represented Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, in connection with $725 million revolving credit facility to Memorial Resource Development Corp.
- Represented oil and gas exploration and production company, as borrower, in connection with $500 million revolving credit facility and $125 million second lien term loan facility.
- Represented Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, in connection with distressed workout of $200 million revolving credit facility to Emerald Oil, Inc., as borrower, and subsequent bankruptcy financing.
- Represented major institutional lender, as administrative agent, in connection with $75 million second lien term loan facility to oil and gas exploration and production company.
Mergers & Acquisitions
- Represented a public mobile advertising solutions provider in its transformative acquisitions of three international mobile advertising companies valued in excess of $1 billion.
- Represented Abraxas Petroleum Corporation in connection with the exchange of $3.2 million in cash, 2 million shares of Abraxas Petroleum Corporation stock and certain surface estate real estate for certain oil & gas assets from Blackbeard Resources, LLC.
- Represented matchmaking company with operations in Austin and San Antonio, as seller, in connection with the purchase of substantially all of its assets by Dallas-based matchmaking company, as buyer.
- Represented regional owner-franchisee of national fast food chain, as seller, in connection with the purchase of substantially all of the equity in its operating company.
Financial Derivatives
- Represented oil and gas exploration and production company, as a counterparty, in connection with nine ISDA Master Agreements and schedules, each with a major institutional swap dealer.
- Represented multinational automatic teller machine operator, as a counterparty, in connection with four ISDA Master Agreements and schedules, each with a major institutional swap dealer.
Securities Transactions
- Represented technology startup, as issuer, in connection with $2 million second-round secured notes offering.
- Represented fund, as purchaser, in connection with the purchase of $5 million notes from technology startup, as issuer.
Intellectual Property
- Represented microwave radiation pathogen sterilization company, as licensee, in connection with the licensing of its technology to multinational baked goods company.
- Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch (Woodward/White Inc.)
- Banking and Finance Law, 2022-2023
- Corporate Law, 2022-2023
- Lawdragon 500 X – The Next Generation – Corporate, Finance, 2023-2025
- “Best S.A. Lawyers” List, San Antonio Scene, 2018-2024
- Banking
- Business & Corporate
- Mergers & Acquisitions
- “Rising Star Lawyers” List, San Antonio Scene, 2018, 2020-2022
- Business & Corporate
- Securities and Corporate Finance
- San Antonio Chamber of Commerce – Leadership San Antonio, Class 48, 2024
- San Antonio Bar Association
- Columbia Law School, Reunion Committee Co-chair
- U.S. Green Building Council, LEED Accredited Professional (Building Design and Construction)
- Advisory Board Member, Justice Technology Association
Six Jackson Walker Attorneys Named to Lawdragon’s List of 500 Next-Generation Lawyers for 2025
Jackson Walker attorneys Edwin Buffmire, Art Cavazos, Amanda Crouch, Brian Oates, Bethany Pickett Shah, and Ashley Withers have been selected to the third annual “Lawdragon 500 X – The Next Generation” list recognizing attorneys who have demonstrated significant impact early in their careers.
Attorney News • July 17, 2025
The Changing Face of Cyber Threats and Defenses in the Age of AI
In this episode of Future Ready Business, Art Cavazos and William Nilson discuss with cybersecurity expert John Dickson the current state of cyber threats, from the automation of ransomware attacks to the emerging concerns around deep fakes and voice-based authentication.
Podcast: Future-Ready Business • August 7, 2024
Seven Jackson Walker Attorneys Named to Lawdragon’s List of 500 Next-Generation Lawyers
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce the selection of Edwin Buffmire, Art Cavazos, Amanda Crouch, Brian Oates, Manny Schoenhuber, Bethany Pickett Shah, and Ashley Withers to the “Lawdragon 500 X – The Next Generation” list for 2024.
Attorney News • June 28, 2024
The AI Frontier: Policy, Regulation, and Global Leadership
In this episode of Future Ready Business, Art Cavazos and Courtney White welcome Neil Chilson, Head of AI Policy at the Abundance Institute, and Travis Wussow to discuss the rapidly expanding realm of artificial intelligence.
Podcast: Future-Ready Business • June 24, 2024
Preparing the Workforce of Tomorrow
In this two-part segment of FRB, panel co-hosts Art Cavazos, William Nilson, Courtney White, and Greg Lambert discuss the latest developments in business and technology. The conversation continues with Cliff Zintgraff sharing insights on preparing the next generation of the workforce for the future amidst rapidly changing times.
Podcast: Future-Ready Business • May 15, 2024
Unlocking the Potential of AI in Medicine
In this episode of FRB, Art Cavazos and Courtney White discuss with family medicine physician Dr. Lane Aiena the benefits of value-based healthcare, the potential of AI in medicine, and the importance of sustaining the human touch that is at the heart of healthcare.
Podcast: Future-Ready Business • April 10, 2024
AI Currents in Law and Beyond
In this episode of FRB, Art Cavazos, William Nilson, Courtney White, and Greg Lambert have an open discussion on the evolving landscape of AI, the challenges it poses, and the need for robust regulations to safeguard against potential misuse.
Podcast: Future-Ready Business • February 29, 2024
You’re Already Living in the Space Economy
The concept of a space economy often conjures up images of distant, sci-fi futures, but in reality, it’s a present and rapidly evolving aspect of our daily lives. On this episode of Future Ready Business, co-hosts Art Cavazos and Will Nilson talk with Space Lawyer Bailey Reichelt about her work and how space law isn’t just about international treaties and policies, but also about their practical, day-to-day application.
Podcast: Future-Ready Business • January 24, 2024
Looking Back: AI and Emerging Technology in 2023
In this podcast, Art Cavazos, William Nilson, Courtney White, and Greg Lambert engage in a thought-provoking exploration of AI’s impact so far on law and business, and the need for a nuanced approach to its integration.
Podcast: Future-Ready Business • December 19, 2023
Art Cavazos Joins 48th Class of Leadership San Antonio
Jackson Walker partner Art Cavazos, Jr. has been selected as a member of the 48th Class of Leadership San Antonio (LSA). Established in 1975 by the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, LSA boasts a history of graduating nearly 2,000 participants. The program identifies individuals exhibiting leadership potential who actively contribute to community organizations supporting the growth and development of San Antonio.
Attorney News • December 5, 2023
Navigating the AI Landscape and Revolutionizing Legal Tech
The release of ChatGPT in late 2022 thrust AI into the forefront of public conversations, shifting attitudes from initial skepticism to the current widespread fascination. In this episode of FRB, we engage in a conversation with the CMO of HyperDraft, Inc., Ashley Carlisle, as she provides a comprehensive exploration of the future of AI and its multifaceted impact on law, business, ethics, and professional growth.
Podcast: Future-Ready Business • November 15, 2023
‘Scene in S.A.’ Recognizes Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2023 “Best S.A. Lawyers” List
Jackson Walker congratulates the 44 practicing attorneys in the San Antonio office who were included in Scene in S.A.’s 2023 “Best S.A. Lawyers” list. In its 19th year, the “Best S.A. Lawyers” list presents attorneys across 80 distinct practice areas who were nominated by fellow licensed, practicing attorneys of Bexar County.
Attorney News • September 18, 2023
Art Cavazos, Amanda Crouch, and Manny Schoenhuber Named to Lawdragon’s List of 500 Next-Generation Lawyers
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce the selection of Art Cavazos and Amanda Crouch to the “Lawdragon 500 X – The Next Generation” list for 2023.
In its announcement, Lawdragon noted: “The achievements and pace at which these lawyers have vaulted to the forefront of the legal profession is remarkable. They represent the tried-and-true paths worn by those who came before them.”
Attorney News • July 13, 2023
Next in Fashion: Influencers, IP, and Sustainability
Outside of Jackson Walker, William Nilson runs a bespoke clothing consultancy, and Courtney White reaches the masses through her Courthouse Couture blog and social media. In this episode of FRB, Erin and Art engage in a conversation with William and Courtney about fashion and the intersection of art and business.
Podcast: Future-Ready Business • March 15, 2023
Your New Co-Worker?: AI, Automation, and the Rise of ChatGPT
In recent months, a new AI-powered chatbot has made its way to the forefront of conversations about innovative technology. However, ChatGPT is just one example of how artificial intelligence and machine learning seem poised to become as integral to business as the internet and the computer. While many embrace the advances of AI and automation, others still struggle with the looming fear that their jobs may one day be replaced by AI. On this episode of FRB, we take a dive into AI and automation, and how it may influence industries in the near future.
~26 minutes | JW Future-Ready Business Podcast
Podcast: Future-Ready Business • February 15, 2023
Value-Based Care and the Changing Healthcare Landscape
Following the pandemic, many industries have experienced major shifts in the way that they do business. In the forefront is the healthcare industry, which was forced by the pandemic to consider the benefits of value-based healthcare, as opposed to more traditional fee-for-service models, when the world shut down. On this episode of FRB, Erin Camp and Art Cavazos discuss with Dr. Lane Aiena what exactly value-based care is and how the business landscape in the healthcare industry is changing.
33~ minutes | JW Future-Ready Business Podcast
Podcast: Future-Ready Business • January 18, 2023
Cryptocurrency: A Commodity, a Security, or a Scam?
Despite recent setbacks and scandals, cryptocurrency and other blockchain technologies are increasingly being utilized in the finance and corporate world. However, transitioning to legitimacy also means regulation, which raises new questions about how cryptocurrencies will be treated by government agencies such as the CFTC and the SEC.
~28 minutes | JW Future Ready Business Podcast
Podcast: Future-Ready Business • December 14, 2022
Corporate Responsibility and the Spirit of the Law
What are the rights and responsibilities of corporations and other types of companies? It’s a question that has been asked since corporations were first created, and the answer has changed over time. On this episode of FRB, hosts Erin Camp and Art Cavazos discuss with tech CEO and co-founder Yousef Kassim the ever-evolving field of corporate responsibility.
~43 minutes | JW Future-Ready Business Podcast
Podcast: Future-Ready Business • November 16, 2022
Startup Series: Introduction
When talking about business innovation, startup companies are so fundamental that it’s a topic we’ll return to from time to time on FRB as part of our series on startups. For now, we’ll begin at the beginning and discuss what a startup is, the startup ecosystem, startup culture, and how all of that has changed over time.
~25 minutes | JW Future-Ready Business Podcast
Podcast: Future-Ready Business • November 2, 2022
Practice Experience
Corporate Finance
- Represented BBVA Compass Bank, as lender, in connection with $45 million revolving loan and $5.3 million term loan credit facility for building materials supply company borrower.
- Represented Texas Capital Bank, N.A., as lender, in connection with amendment and restatement of multiple credit facilities secured by commercial real estate for group of affiliated borrowers.
- Represented Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, in connection with $725 million revolving credit facility to Memorial Resource Development Corp.
- Represented oil and gas exploration and production company, as borrower, in connection with $500 million revolving credit facility and $125 million second lien term loan facility.
- Represented Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, in connection with distressed workout of $200 million revolving credit facility to Emerald Oil, Inc., as borrower, and subsequent bankruptcy financing.
- Represented major institutional lender, as administrative agent, in connection with $75 million second lien term loan facility to oil and gas exploration and production company.
Mergers & Acquisitions
- Represented a public mobile advertising solutions provider in its transformative acquisitions of three international mobile advertising companies valued in excess of $1 billion.
- Represented Abraxas Petroleum Corporation in connection with the exchange of $3.2 million in cash, 2 million shares of Abraxas Petroleum Corporation stock and certain surface estate real estate for certain oil & gas assets from Blackbeard Resources, LLC.
- Represented matchmaking company with operations in Austin and San Antonio, as seller, in connection with the purchase of substantially all of its assets by Dallas-based matchmaking company, as buyer.
- Represented regional owner-franchisee of national fast food chain, as seller, in connection with the purchase of substantially all of the equity in its operating company.
Financial Derivatives
- Represented oil and gas exploration and production company, as a counterparty, in connection with nine ISDA Master Agreements and schedules, each with a major institutional swap dealer.
- Represented multinational automatic teller machine operator, as a counterparty, in connection with four ISDA Master Agreements and schedules, each with a major institutional swap dealer.
Securities Transactions
- Represented technology startup, as issuer, in connection with $2 million second-round secured notes offering.
- Represented fund, as purchaser, in connection with the purchase of $5 million notes from technology startup, as issuer.
Intellectual Property
- Represented microwave radiation pathogen sterilization company, as licensee, in connection with the licensing of its technology to multinational baked goods company.
Recognition & Accolades
- Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch (Woodward/White Inc.)
- Banking and Finance Law, 2022-2023
- Corporate Law, 2022-2023
- Lawdragon 500 X – The Next Generation – Corporate, Finance, 2023-2025
- “Best S.A. Lawyers” List, San Antonio Scene, 2018-2024
- Banking
- Business & Corporate
- Mergers & Acquisitions
- “Rising Star Lawyers” List, San Antonio Scene, 2018, 2020-2022
- Business & Corporate
- Securities and Corporate Finance
Community Involvement
- San Antonio Chamber of Commerce – Leadership San Antonio, Class 48, 2024
- San Antonio Bar Association
- Columbia Law School, Reunion Committee Co-chair
- U.S. Green Building Council, LEED Accredited Professional (Building Design and Construction)
- Advisory Board Member, Justice Technology Association