Winter 2022 News: Schiffer Hicks Johnson

NEWS IN FOCUS

Winter 2022

SHJ Looks to the Future with Three Promotions

Persis Dean, an accomplished trial and arbitration lawyer with extensive experience representing clients in tort claims and commercial disputes, was promoted to partner. “We are so happy to welcome Persis to the partnership,” said partner Andy Hicks. “She combines exceptional legal expertise with top-tier client service skills and will help lead the firm to even greater success.” Matthew W. Davis and Brandon Winchester, two key players in the firm’s commercial litigation practice, were promoted to senior counsel.

News

Complete Victory in Arbitration Over Proprietary Medical Technology

A team led by partner Varant Yegparian was engaged to represent SynergenX, a nationwide provider of hormone-related therapies, in a dispute over proprietary medical technology appropriated by a competing startup. The arbitrator awarded SynergenX 100% of its claimed damages as well as fees and costs.

Texas Vineyards Achieve Significant Procedural Win in Chemical Drift Litigation

In June 2021, SHJ filed suit on behalf of 57 Texas High Plains vineyards seeking hundreds of millions of dollars in damages from Bayer-Monsanto and BASF for selling a defective seed system featuring a highly volatile weedkiller that moved off-target and crippled scores of vineyards. While Bayer-Monsanto and BASF removed the lawsuit to a federal multidistrict litigation pending in Missouri, a U.S. district judge announced in January 2022 that the case would be sent back to the Texas state court where it was originally filed.

Insights

Trial Firms Score Big With E-Discovery

SHJ utilizes state-of-the-art solutions to quickly process and review large blocks of data, streamline workflow, and store materials in-house for increased security. Senior counsel Matt Davis, who supervises those efforts, offers insight into why clients are increasingly choosing boutique trial firms over Big Law to meet their e-discovery needs.

On the Right Track: From BigLaw to Boutique

Partner Persis Dean joined the firm in 2015 after six years as in-house counsel for Exxon Mobil Corporation and three at Vinson & Elkins. She sat down with SHJ to discuss what it’s like to be a working parent in corporate law, her approach to mentoring, and the benefits of boutique firm life.

Evaluating Public Nuisance Claims in Opioid Cases Nationwide

The past year saw several attempts to apply new applications of the public nuisance doctrine to the opioid crisis, thanks to litigators seeking to expand the definition to areas outside traditional applications. Senior counsel Brandon Winchester reviews key developments in Oklahoma, Ohio, and California.

Careers

Diversity Fellowship Applications Due March 1

We are now accepting applications for the firm’s 2022 diversity fellowship, open to 1Ls from historically excluded backgrounds. Fellows will spend two weeks during the summer working closely with our legal team on substantive matters. The fellowship includes a $10,000 stipend as well as lodging in Houston.

New Parental Leave Policy

We’re proud to announce that we have implemented one of the most generous parental leave policies in the legal industry. Lawyers who are primary caregivers—regardless of gender—can take up to 16 weeks of paid parental leave following the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Secondary caregivers can take up to six weeks of paid parental leave. Time may be taken consecutively or spread out over a one-year period. We also offer “transition time” and flexible hours arrangements to all lawyers returning to work from parental leave.

Firm Signs Gender Fairness Commitment Statement

SHJ has pledged support of the Houston Bar Association’s Gender Fairness Commitment Statement, which reflects our firm’s dedication to advancing diversity and inclusion within the legal profession. More than one-third of our senior lawyers are women, far exceeding the Houston average of 19% (NALP) and the nationwide average of 22% (ABA).

Adam Dinnell Selected for Texas Bar Fellowship

Partner Adam Dinnell was elected to membership in the Fellows of the Texas Bar Foundation, an invitation extended to less than 1% of lawyers in the state each year. Nomination is based on outstanding contributions to the legal profession as well as a demonstrated commitment to the community.