SHJ Welcomes New First-Year Class |
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(L-R Adam Greiner, Kelly Swanson, Jessica Goodman) |
This fall, we're excited to welcome three first-year associates:
Jessica Goodman, a University of Virginia School of Law graduate, previously served as a judicial intern to the Honorable William D. Matthewman in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. She will focus on complex commercial and civil litigation, drawing on her experience in healthcare and construction disputes, mass tort and product liability claims, and corporate governance.
Adam Greiner, a recent graduate of the University of Texas School of Law, returns to SHJ after completing the firm’s 2021 summer associate program. He brings experience in mass tort litigation, product liability claims, and commercial disputes in the energy sector.
Kelly Swanson, another 2021 summer program alum, is a graduate of Tulane Law School. Prior to completing her J.D., she was a reporter for Global Investigations Review, where she covered government agency and internal corporate investigations. She holds an M.A. in Journalism from Stanford University.
“We are so pleased to add Jessica, Adam, and Kelly to the team as we continue to grow,” said managing partner Andy Hicks. “They are exceptional lawyers who bring immediate value to our clients.”
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SHJ Featured at Upcoming Texas Energy Law Conference |
We’re proud to serve as a sponsor for the Institute for Energy Law’s (IEL) 21st Annual Energy Litigation Conference on November 9, 2022, in Houston. Andy Hicks will moderate a panel on the litigation implications of rising commodity prices. The event brings together in-house and private practice energy litigators to discuss trends in the field, recent notable case law, and ways to improve practice.
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SHJ Earns 2022 Chambers Ranking |
Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business announced that SHJ had been ranked as a leading law firm in the Texas Litigation: General Commercial practice area for 2022. Less than 1 percent of U.S. law firms receive this important distinction. The ranking includes quotes from clients who laud SHJ’s “responsiveness, client-centered work ethic, and outstanding results.”
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Complete Trial Victory Over International Fitness Company |
SHJ represented a Houston client who filed suit against SoulCycle after developing rhabdomyolysis (a life-threatening medical condition that occurs when damaged muscle tissue releases its proteins into the bloodstream) several days after her first SoulCycle spin class. The case went to trial, where partners Logan Johnson and Varant Yegparian crafted a compelling narrative that unraveled SoulCycle’s defense. Our client was awarded 100% of her claimed damages, a seven-figure amount, along with all recoverable fees and costs.
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Causation Issues in PFAS Litigation: Where Did the “Forever” Chemical Come From? |
Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS, have been called “the mother of toxic torts” and the “next asbestos.” Partner Adam Dinnell and associate Bryan Zubay consider the future of PFAS litigation and, specifically, how parties might attempt to prove or defeat causation.
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Delaware Law Update: Implied Covenant of Good Faith and Fair Dealing in Delaware |
Under Delaware law, the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing—intended to ensure that parties deal honestly and fairly with each other when addressing gaps in an agreement—attaches to every contract by operation of law. Andy Hicks and associate James Keefe explain when the doctrine can and can’t be used, drawing on several recent cases for context.
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The Importance of “Plain and Unambiguous Language” When Eliminating Fiduciary Duties |
The Delaware Limited Liability Company Act allows for the fiduciary duties of a member to be expanded, restricted, or eliminated by provisions in the operating agreement of an LLC. If drafters intend to eliminate fiduciary duties, however, this intent must be plain and unambiguous. Andy Hicks and James Keefe discuss a recent ruling in Delaware’s Chancery Court that illuminates the necessity of this “plain and unambiguous” requirement. |
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How Do JOA Exculpatory Clauses Work Under Texas Law? |
The Joint Operating Agreement (JOA) is often the key contract between parties that have a shared interest in oil and gas exploration, development, and production in a designated area. One of the most contested provisions of any JOA is the exculpatory clause, which can dramatically alter the degree to which an operator can or cannot be held liable under certain facts. In a two-part series, our lawyers break down the fundamentals and outline the implications of a recent benchmark court decision.
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Two Partners Honored by Benchmark Litigation |
SHJ is pleased to announce that Adam Schiffer and Adam Dinnell have been recognized in Benchmark Litigation’s 2023 rankings as a Litigation Star and a Future Litigation Star, respectively. According to Benchmark, the lawyers named to these annual lists are "highly regarded by their peers and possess a strong case record." Winners were selected based on a rigorous research process that included peer reviews, client feedback, and assessment of key cases.
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Life as a Litigation Boutique Lawyer: A Q&A With Associate Dan Scime |
Daniel J. Scime joined SHJ in May after working as an associate in Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom’s Chicago office. Four months into his tenure, he sat down with us to discuss his goals, expectations, and how he’s settling in.
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Schiffer Hicks Johnson PLLC
700 Louisiana Street, #2650
Houston, TX 77002
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