Gray Reed

Back in April, the FTC issued a final rule that would have made most non-compete agreements unenforceable later this year. On Wednesday, Texas Federal District Court Judge Ada Brown issued a preliminary injunction preventing the FTC rule from becoming effective as to the plaintiffs and intervenors until the lawsuit concerning the FTC’s authority to make such a rule is resolved. This Gray Reed Legal Alert explains what’s next for the potentially game-changing rule: https://lnkd.in/ghk8aM8X

“July 4th is a day to celebrate our independence while also reflecting on the sacrifices made by the men and women who have fought for our freedoms. My time in the military has given me a greater appreciation for our independence after serving in places where people don’t enjoy the same level of freedom.” – Anthony Box, Gray Reed Partner and Army veteran. Tony had a varied career in the Army, having served on Active Duty and in the Reserves for over 20 years. He started his career as an enlisted soldier while in college, then became an Armor officer commanding a group of M1A1 battle tanks in Iraq, and later transitioned to the JAG Corp where he provided legal counsel to the Army, commanders and soldiers – both domestically and abroad. Tony is a graduate of Army Airborne, Air Assault, Armor & JAG basic courses, as well as the JAG advanced course. Now at Gray Reed, Tony represents businesses and high-net-worth individuals in all types of civil and criminal tax controversies, white-collar defense cases, regulatory investigations and enforcement actions, and compliance matters. Gray Reed salutes the men and women who protect our freedom, and wishes you a happy and safe July 4th!

Thank you to Houston RIMS for inviting Gray Reed insurance attorneys Darin Brooks and Brian Waters to speak about indemnity and insurance in commercial contracts last week.

Our summer associates at Gray Reed enjoyed an unforgettable baseball season, cheering on the Houston Astros and Texas Rangers. They are bonding, working hard and experiencing the life of a Gray Reed attorney. Stay tuned as we showcase more of their journey in our summer program.

Today, Gray Reed and Gray Reed Advisory Services join the nationwide celebration of Juneteenth. We honor the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and recognize the resilience and achievements of the Black community. At Gray Reed, we prioritize diversity, equality and inclusion. Juneteenth reminds us of the progress we've made and the ongoing work ahead.

"Reflecting on my 22 years of parenthood, I find striking parallels between being a father and a lawyer. Starting my legal career before becoming a father, I found that traits like responsibility and accountability, crucial in advising clients and working with colleagues, were further strengthened through parenthood. Secondly, my practice has evolved increasingly to include mentoring other attorneys, especially at Gray Reed where I have an amazing team that is made up of younger colleagues. I have been able to draw on lessons from fatherhood, including the opportunity to learn from them and their unique perspectives to in turn provide the most effective advice for their growth. The grace and patience learned as a father resonate in my role as a mentor, enriching my interactions with others in both realms." - Gray Reed Insurance Practice Group Leader Darin Brooks who is a dad to three sons, ages 22, 20 and 18. Today, we honor and celebrate the devoted fathers and father figures who play such a vital role in our lives. Happy Father's Day to all of you!

Subcontractors and suppliers routinely sign lengthy contracts and master agreements without closely reading the terms and conditions to get deals done quickly. In this article, which was published in Build Houston magazine, Gray Reed construction law attorneys Julia Bobbitt and Patrick Kelly discuss five key clauses every subcontractor and supplier should be aware of.

In case you missed our recent webinar on the Texas Data Privacy and Security Act, which becomes effective on July 1, 2024, here is a recording. Our speakers include Chris Davis, Gray Reed's Government Investigations & Compliance Practice Group Partner, and Lynn Rohland, Principal for Gray Reed Advisory's Cybersecurity and Data Privacy capabilities. The webinar provided a primer on the requirements of the new privacy law, how it may affect your business or organization, and a few leading practices to help demonstrate compliance with these impending mandates. https://lnkd.in/gA7YrfX4

The Supreme Court of Texas case of Occidental Permian v. Citation 2002 Investment offers insights into interpreting complex conveyance instruments with multiple granting clauses and other provisions. This high-stakes case highlights the importance of precise drafting and holistic interpretation when navigating conveyance intricacies. Learn more on the Energy & the Law blog.

Our summer associates have been diligently working both in and out of the office, building strong bonds and experiencing the Gray Reed Way. In Houston, they enjoyed a vibrant fiesta hosted by Partner Jonathan Hyman and his wife, complete with a lively mariachi band. We also celebrated National Donut Day with some delightful treats and participated in an engaging cooking class in Dallas. Here's a glimpse of June as a summer associate at Gray Reed.