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When companies get into trouble, it’s common practice for the government to call on independent third parties to help clean up the mess. Companies under investigation by the Department of Justice (“DOJ”) often agree to have a court-appointed monitor as part of a Deferred Prosecution Agreement or Non-Prosecution Agreement. The monitor — generally a former…
As schools across the country struggle to help students keep up with their studies during the pandemic, a New York-based nonprofit is having a moment — one that has the real potential to become a movement. “We see a world in which the basic paradigm flips and schools have new capabilities to meet the unique…
A new sheriff is in town — and that means the potential for big changes ahead for white-collar criminal enforcement in terms of specific areas of focus and volume of investigations. White-collar probes are expected to rise now that President Biden is in the White House, reversing a trend that saw the prosecution of white-collar…
Aided by terms of art and a long history of precedent, parties entering an oil and gas lease can generally choose from common, time-tested clauses to serve their needs.
V&E Energy Update
As one of the top former prosecutors in the country, Zachary Terwilliger has an intimate understanding of how to get clients out of the government’s crosshairs. He’ll counsel companies on how to avoid problems before they start; help clients identify existing problems and determine whether remediation is necessary; and zealously represent clients who are the…
It was a moment that many had been anticipating for years, yet the latest crop of V&E partners didn’t fete their promotions with parties and champagne. Instead they fielded congratulatory phone calls, took part in virtual coffee breaks and held small celebrations at home with their families. But pandemic-related complications notwithstanding, the new partners —…
It was cause for celebration for Vinson & Elkins partners Matt Stammel and Jim Thompson. On July 1, 2020, after a six-day trial, Judge Marvin Isgur of the Southern District of Texas Bankruptcy Court handed a complete victory to V&E client Gavilan Resources. Judge Isgur even took the unusual step of reading his lengthy opinion…
What might happen if China or Russia attacked the nation’s electricity grid? The answer to that question is at the heart of an executive order issued by President Trump on May 1. Foreign adversaries are increasingly looking for ways to exploit weaknesses in the country’s bulk-power system (“BPS”) – the large interconnected electrical system that…
It wasn’t just another day in court for Pat Mizell. On August 1, 2019, the V&E partner stood before U.S. District Judge Lee Yeakel in a courtroom in Austin, Texas. Attorneys Tony McDonald, Josh Hammer and Mark Pulliam had sued Mizell’s client, the State Bar of Texas, claiming it is unconstitutional for an attorney to…
Does five against two make for a fair fight? The respondents in a recent arbitration didn’t think so. Catic USA (“Catic”) is an aviation-focused California corporation owned by a Chinese parent company. After an arbitration panel handed an unfavorable opinion to Catic following a dispute with its investors, the corporation sought relief in court. The…
How do you win over a jury in a $100 million case centered on the world of natural gas pipelines? Just ask V&E partners Jim Thompson and Phillip Dye. Last summer, Thompson and Dye notched an impressive victory on behalf of longtime and significant V&E client Antero Resources in a contract dispute case against gas…