In the News | Kelly Hart & Hallman | Fort Worth | Austin

David Keltner Named 2020 Arbitration "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers®

Best Lawyers in America® selected David Keltner as the 2020 Dallas/Fort Worth Arbitration “Lawyer of the Year.”

Forty-Three Kelly Hart Attorneys Named The Best Lawyers in America® 2020

Forty-three Kelly Hart attorneys were included in the 26th Edition of The Best Lawyers in America© which is published annually in U.S. News & World Reports.

William Kerr and Bob Stewart Named Top Austin Attorneys by Austin Monthly

The August edition of Austin Monthly magazine names William Kerr and Bob Stewart to its 2019 Top Attorneys list.

Travis Alley Joins Kelly Hart

Travis Alley joins Kelly Hart as an associate in the Fort Worth office’s Corporate & Securities section.

Hannah Parks Authors Column in the Fort Worth Business Press

Hannah Parks authored an article addressing what businesses need to know about service and emotional support animals in the workplace.

John Cayce Sworn In as Tarrant County Bar Association President

John Cayce recently was sworn in as president of the Tarrant County Bar Association (TCBA).

Kelly Ransom Serves as Issue Editor for The Energy Dispatch

Kelly Ransom served as editor of the July 2019 issue of The Energy Dispatch, a news publication produced by the Institute for Energy Law's Young Energy Professionals.

Sean Bryan Authors 3-Part Article in Fort Worth Business Press

Sean Bryan penned a 3-part article, “New Guidance for Investment in Qualified Opportunity Zones—Part I, II, and III,” which recently was published in the Fort Worth Business Press.

Russell Cawyer Pens Blog on San Antonio’s Paid Sick Leave Ordinance

Barring legal action and an injunction, employers that have an employee performing at least 80 hours per year in San Antonio should be prepared to comply with the city’s new paid sick leave ordinance beginning on August 1, 2019.

Katherine Hopkins Selected to the National Conference of Bankruptcy Judges Next Generation Program

Katherine Hopkins has been selected to participate in the National Conference of Bankruptcy Judges (NCBJ) Next Generation (“NextGen”) program.

Alan Hegi Elected Chair of the American Railway Development Association’s Law Section

Alan Hegi recently was elected Chair of the Law Section of the American Railway Development Association (ARDA) for the 2019-2020 fiscal year.

Russell Cawyer Authors Blog on Paid Sick Leave Ordinances

Employers in Dallas and San Antonio must prepare for the implementation of the local paid sick leave laws that take effect August 1, 2019.

Henry Robinson Authors Article in the 2019 Employee Relations Law Journal

Henry Robinson penned an article, “How Employees May Minimize Current Fiduciary Risks under ERISA—Part II,” which was published in the Summer 2019 Employee Relations Law Journal.

James E.McClain Joins Kelly Hart

.James McClain joins Kelly Hart in the Fort Worth office’s Corporate and Securities section.J

Louis M. Phillips Featured Speaker at 13th Annual Texas Bankruptcy Bench Bar Conference

The 13th Annual Texas Bench Bar Conference provided current and informative advice on the issues most important to bankruptcy and insolvency practitioners.

Kelly Hart Partner David S. Morales Confirmed as United States District Judge for the Southern District of Texas

The United States Senate confirmed David S. Morales to a seat on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas.

Russell Cawyer Authors Blog on Arbitration Agreements of Interstate Truck Drivers

Transportation companies utilizing arbitration agreements should consider whether to implement and apply state law rather than the Federal Arbitration Act.

Loulan Pitre Featured Speaker at Second Annual Coastal Law in Louisiana Seminar

Loulan J. Pitre recently spoke on “Coastal Project Development—Public and Private” at the second annual Coastal Law in Louisiana seminar in New Orleans.

David W. Cook and Jody S. Sanders Earn Top Texas Rising Stars Honors

David Cook and Jody Sanders earned special recognition in the Texas Rising Stars 2019 Top 100 List.

Nineteen KH Attorneys Named Texas Rising Stars

Nineteen Kelly Hart attorneys have been selected as 2019 Texas Super Lawyers Rising Stars.

Katherine Hopkins Named St. Mary’s University School of Law 10 under 10 Honoree

St. Mary’s University School of Law has selected Katherine Hopkins as a 2019 10 Under 10 award recipient.

Taylor Spalla Featured Speaker at 2nd Annual Permian Basin Water In Energy Conference

Taylor Spalla recently spoke on the regulatory and legal panel of the 2nd Annual Permian Basin Water in Energy Conference (PBWIEC) in Midland, Texas, February 19–22, 2019.

Loulan Pitre Honored in Leadership in Law Hall of Fame; Rick Shelby Selected as 2019 Honoree

Loulan Pitre and Rick Shelby have been named to the New Orleans CityBusiness Leadership in Law class of 2019.

Russell Cawyer Authors Blog on the Legality of CBD Oil in Texas

The possession, use, or sale of CBD oil is a felony under state law—except for CBD oil that has a THC concentration of less than .5 percent and is prescribed for intractable seizures by a physician licensed and registered to prescribe the oil (and confirmed by a second physician).

Russell Cawyer Authors Blog on Transgender Title VII Case

In Wittmer v. Phillips 66 Company, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a trial court’s summary judgment in favor of an employer that had been sued for employment discrimination based on transgender status.

Alan Hegi and Michael McConnell Featured Speakers at American Railway Development Association Executive Forum

Alan Hegi and Michael McConnell recently spoke to the Executive Forum of the American Railway Development Association (ARDA) regarding issues and risks in tenant bankruptcy.

Louis Phillips Featured Speaker at the 14th Annual Bankruptcy, Insolvency, and Creditor Rights Retreat

The 14th Annual Bankruptcy, Insolvency, and Creditor Rights (BICR) Retreat will provide the most current and informative advice on the issues most important to bankruptcy and insolvency practitioners.

Kelly Hart Welcomes Meredith W. Knudsen

Meredith W. Knudsen joins the firm as an associate in the Litigation practice group.

Cheryl Leb Serves as Contributing Editor to Thomson Reuters Practical Law

Cheryl Leb authored the 2019 Right of Publicity Laws guide, an online resource produced by Thomson Reuters Practical Law, for Texas.

Kelly Hart Elects Five New Partners

Kelly Hart elected five new partners—Jonathan Cranz, Brian Garrett, Katherine Hopkins, Drew Neal, and Rick Shelby.

Kelly Hart Pitre Attorneys Named 2018 Top Lawyers by New Orleans Magazine

Lesli D. Harris and Aimee Hebert were selected by their peers for inclusion in New Orleans Magazine’s Top Lawyers list.

TCU Dedicates Expanded, Renovated Dee J. Kelly Alumni & Visitors Center

Texas Christian University held a dedication ceremony on December 7, 2018 to mark the completion of a major expansion and renovation of the Dee J. Kelly Alumni & Visitors Center.

Henry Robinson Authors Article in the Employee Relations Law Journal

Henry Robinson penned an article, “How Employers and Employees may Minimize Current Fiduciary Risks under ERISA,” to be published in the Spring 2019 Employee Relations Law Journal.

Sean Bryan Authors Column in Fort Worth Business Press

Sean Bryan authored an article addressing Qualified Opportunity Zones (QOZs) and the deferral of tax on capital gains that are invested in these QOZs.

Thirty-two Kelly Hart Attorneys Newly Selected Fellows of the Texas Bar Foundation

The Texas Bar Foundation has selected thirty-two Kelly Hart attorneys as Fellows of the Foundation. Fellows are selected for outstanding professional achievements and a demonstrated commitment to the improvement of the justice system throughout Texas.

Rachel Scarafia Appointed to South Louisiana Chapter of the Women’s Energy Network Board

Rachel Scarafia recently was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Women’s Energy Network (WEN) South Louisiana Chapter for a one year term.

Louis Phillips Featured Speaker at 24th Annual Bankruptcy Law Seminar

The 24^th Annual Bankruptcy Law Seminar was held on November 8 and 9, 2018 at LSU Law Center.

Kelly Hart Receives Top Tier Rankings in U.S. News – Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms”

Kelly Hart earned high rankings in the 2019 U.S. News – Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” rankings, including 4 national rankings and 26 first-tier metropolitan rankings.

Cheryl Leb Honored as a 2018 Great Woman of Texas

The Fort Worth Business Press selected Cheryl Leb as a 2018 Great Woman of Texas.

Kelly Hart Hosts Nonprofit Leaders Luncheon Series

Together with JPMorgan Chase Bank and Whitley Penn, Kelly Hart hosted the fourth in a series of Lunch and Learns for Nonprofit Professionals at McDavid Studio on September 25, 2018.

Anna Brandl Featured Speaker at the Executive Women’s Club of Midland Luncheon Series

Anna Brandl recently spoke to the Executive Women’s Club of Midland on the fundamentals of intellectual property.

Kelly Hart Welcomes Three New Associates to Fort Worth Office

Kelly Hart welcomes associates Bailey Blaies, Taylor Cummins, and Grant Moore to the Fort Worth office.

Kelly Hart Welcomes Sven Stricker to Austin Office

Sven Stricker joins Kelly Hart as an associate in the Austin office’s Litigation section.

Kelly Hart Welcomes Lesli D. Harris

Lesli D. Harris joins Kelly Hart as Of Counsel in the New Orleans Office’s IP and Litigation sections.

Darren Keyes Elected Fellow of the Construction Lawyers Society of America

The Construction Lawyers Society of America has elected Darren Keyes to its Fellowship.

Heidi Angel Featured Speaker at the Down Syndrome Partnership of North Texas Speaker Series

Heidi Angel is scheduled to speak at the Down Syndrome Partnership of North Texas (DSPNT) educational speaker series on special needs planning and guardianship.

Jack S. Wilson Joins Kelly Hart

Jack S. Wilson joins Kelly Hart as an associate in the Midland office’s Oil & Gas/Energy Section.

Twenty-eight Kelly Hart Attorneys Recognized on 2018 Texas Super Lawyers List

Texas Super Lawyers named twenty-eight Kelly Hart attorneys to the 2018 list.

The George Washington University Law School Celebrates Dee J. Kelly, Sr. with a Building in his Honor

The George Washington University Law School (GW Law) renamed the Law School Learning Center as the Dee J. Kelly Law Learning Center.

Loulan Pitre Elected Fellow of the Construction Lawyers Society of America

The Construction Lawyers Society of America has elected Loulan J. Pitre Jr., to its Fellowship.

Leslie Darby Named 2018 Top 50 Woman in Law by National Diversity Council

The National Diversity Council selected Leslie Darby as a Top 50 Woman in Law in the Dallas region.

Kelly Hart Welcomes Elizabeth Spencer Berthiaume

Elizabeth Spencer Berthiaume joins Kelly Hart as an associate in the Fort Worth office's Corporate & Securities Section.

Kelly Hart Welcomes Hillary Hunter

Hillary Hunter joins Kelly Hart as an associate in the Midland office’s Oil & Gas/Energy section.

Sharon Millians Elected to TCU AddRan College of Liberal Arts Board of Visitors Executive Committee

Sharon Millians recently was elected to the Executive Committee of the TCU AddRan College of Liberal Arts Board of Visitors for a two year term.

Russell Cawyer Authors Blog on San Antonio’s Paid Sick Leave Ordinance

In a 9-2 city council vote, San Antonio joined Austin to become the second city in Texas to require private employers to provide paid sick leave.

Russell Cawyer Authors Blog on Austin’s Sick Leave Ordinance

The Austin Court of Appeals has temporarily blocked implementation of Austin’s sick leave ordinance.

Forty-Three Kelly Hart Attorneys Named Among The Best Lawyers in America® 2019

The Best Lawyers in America^©has named 43 Kelly Hart attorneys to its Best Lawyers® list which is published annually in U.S. News & World Reports.

Kelly Hart Welcomes Jonathan I. Heathman

Jonathan Heathman joins Kelly Hart as an associate in the Fort Worth office’s Corporate & Securities Section.

Kelly Hart Represents Appliance Distributors of Louisiana in Sale to Ferguson Enterprises, Inc.

Kelly Hart represented Appliance Dealers of Louisiana (ADL) in its sale to national plumbing retailer Ferguson Enterprises, Inc.

Kelly Hart Represents Mustang Energy Services in Sale to Extreme Plastics

Kelly Hart represented Mustang Energy Services in its sale to private equity-backed competitor Extreme Plastics Plus (EPP).

Kelly Hart Welcomes Elizabeth A. Cuneo

Elizabeth Cuneo joins Kelly Hart as an associate in the Fort Worth office’s Litigation Section.

David Keltner Named 2018 Chief Justice Jack Pope Professionalism Award Recipient

The Texas Center for Legal Ethics has selected David Keltner to receive the 2018 Pope Award for Integrity and Professionalism.

Rachel Scarafia Selected for Institute of Energy Law Inaugural Leadership Class

The Institute of Energy Law (IEL) has chosen Rachel Scarafia to participate in its inaugural Leadership Class.

Kelly Hart Welcomes Daniel Lichtl

Daniel Lichtl joins Kelly Hart as a partner in the New Orleans Office’s Corporate and Securities Section.

Tom Hegi Featured Panelist at Business Series

Tom Hegi was a featured panelist for the Fort Worth Business Press Business for Breakfast Series event focused on the law.

Cheryl Leb Elected Chair of Tarrant County Bar Association Intellectual Property Law Section

Cheryl Leb recently was elected to serve as Chair of the Tarrant County Bar Association (TCBA) Intellectual Property Law Section for a one year term beginning in July of 2018.

Kelly Hart Attorneys Named 2018 Top Attorneys by 360 West Magazine

The July issue of 360 West magazine recognizes 84 Kelly Hart lawyers selected by their peers for inclusion in the Top Attorneys list.

Jane Jackson Authors Column in Louisiana Oil & Gas Association (“LOGA”) Industry Report

Jane Jackson authored an article addressing the recent uptick in lawsuits filed under Louisiana’s environmental citizen suit statute.

Kelly Hart Represents Circus Property and Three Ring Remainder in Real Estate Transaction

Peter Kopfinger recently represented Circus Property I, LLC and Three Ring Remainder I, LLC in the sale of seven restaurant properties.

Alan Hegi Elected Vice Chair of Law Section of the American Railway Development Association

At the annual American Railway Development Association (ARDA) meeting in New York, Alan Hegi was elected to serve as Vice Chair of the Law Section of the ARDA.

David Keltner Featured in Texas Lawbook Story

The Texas Lawbook interviewed David Keltner for its story on his receipt of the Tarrant County Bar Association’s Blackstone Award.

Christopher R. Wilkes Joins Kelly Hart

Christopher R. Wilkes joins Kelly Hart as an associate in the Fort Worth Office’s Corporate and Securities Section.

Kelly Hart Welcomes Robert H. Baker

Robert H. Baker joins Kelly Hart as an associate in the Austin office’s Corporate and Securities section.

David Keltner Featured in Fort Worth Business Press Story

Fort Worth Business Press interviewed David Keltner on receiving the Tarrant County Bar Association’s Blackstone Award.

Chambers USA 2018 Recognizes 5 Kelly Hart Attorneys

Chambers USA has ranked 5 Kelly Hart lawyers for excellence in its 2018 edition. Two of the Firm’s lawyers have achieved Band 1 rankings in their respective practice area.

Kelly Hart Welcomes Orest B. Dachniwsky

Orest B. Dachniwsky joins Kelly Hart as Senior Counsel in the Fort Worth Office’s Litigation Section.

David Morales Nominated to Serve as United States District Judge

President Donald Trump has announced his nomination of Kelly Hart & Hallman partner David S. Morales to serve as a District Judge on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas.

Aimee Hebert Featured in New Orleans CityBusiness Story

New Orleans CityBusiness interviewed Aimee Hebert on how and why mineral royalties came to be classified as “rent” under the state mineral code.

Katherine Hopkins and Clark Rucker Elected to Tarrant County Young Lawyers Association Board

Katherine Hopkins and Clark Rucker recently were elected to serve as Tarrant County Young Lawyers Association (TCYLA) President and Treasurer, respectively. Each was elected to a six-month term beginning March 2018.

Monica Jacobs Featured Speaker at Permian Basin Petroleum Association’s Water Committee Meeting

Monica Jacobs recently spoke on water rights at the Permian Basin Petroleum Association's Water Committee meeting.

Jane Jackson Featured Speaker at Louisiana State University Mineral Law Institute

Jane Jackson recently spoke on “Citizen Suits Under Environmental Statutes” at the LSU Mineral Law Institute.

Russell Cawyer Authors Blog on Employee Fiduciary Duties

In Texas, absent a valid non-compete agreement, an at-will employee generally is free to compete with the former employer so long as the employee does not take or use the company’s confidential information or trade secrets. A recent case from the El Paso Court of Appeals helps define what constitutes preparing to compete versus actively competing.

Louis Phillips Featured Speaker at the 13th Annual Bankruptcy, Insolvency, and Creditor Rights Educational/Social Retreat

The 13th Annual Bankruptcy, Insolvency, and Creditor Rights (IBCR) Educational Seminar will provide the most current and informative advice on the issues most important to bankruptcy and insolvency practitioners.

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