NewsWire

Polygamist's Prosecution Proper Response To Investigation
Texas child-abuse investigators were roundly criticized for the removal of hundreds of children from a West Texas polygamist sect last year. One of those early critics, Family Law attorney Betsy Branch of Dallas-based McCurley Orsinger McCurley Nelson & Downing, says that while the state's initial response went too far, the subsequent misdemeanor and felony charges are a proper outcome of the investigation. The first criminal trial began Monday against Yearning For Zion sect member Raymond Jessop for the offense of sexual assault of a child. "The Supreme Court of Texas agreed that the state went too far with the wholesale removal of children from their parents at this compound, but at the same time, the action by Child Protective Services exposed evidence of very serious sexual offenses against some of the sect's teenage girls." To interview Ms. Branch, contact Bruce Vincent at 800-559-4534 or bruce@androvett.com.

Women Warned of Dangers Associated With Popular Birth Control Pills
Women taking the popular birth control medication "Yaz" should consider speaking with their doctors about alternatives, says Dallas attorney Angel Reyes of Reyes Bartolomei Browne. While most oral contraceptives carry a risk of blood clots, stroke or heart attack, studies show that women taking Yaz suffer such side effects in much greater proportion than do those taking more traditional birth control pills. "Women have the right to know the truth about Yaz," Reyes says. "Bayer marketed these pills to women in a way that the FDA says minimized the risks associated with the drug. Women need to understand those risks and make decisions based on the best information." Yaz is the top-selling oral contraceptive in the U.S., including 2008 worldwide sales of $1.8 billion. To interview Mr. Reyes about the dangers associated with Yaz, contact Mark Annick at 800-559-4534 or mark@androvett.com.

Carried Interest Partners May Be Facing Rising Tax Rates
There appears to be growing support in Washington for increasing tax rates on the "carried interest" structure that is common to many hedge fund and other money fund arrangements. However, the current proposed legislation may apply to all forms of carried interest, regardless of context. Generally this income is taxed at the lower capital gains rate rather than as ordinary income, but proposed changes would more than double that rate - and raise an estimated $24 billion in revenue during the next decade. "This far-reaching concept is being viewed as a way to create tax equity and fund other federal economic initiatives," says Roger Aksamit of Thompson & Knight. "Partnerships need to seriously explore their options for incentive compensation and even consider converting to corporate structures." To interview Mr. Aksamit on this and other tax issues contact Barry Pound at 800-559-4534 or barry@androvett.com.

North Texas Hospitality Leaders Converge in Dallas
A capacity crowd of hospitality leaders will gather Thursday, Nov. 5 at the Four Seasons Resort in Las Colinas for the 2009 Dallas Hotel Conference. Presented by Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP, along with Aimbridge Hospitality and Alvarez & Marsal Real Estate Advisory Services, the conference will bring together owners, operators and investors to discuss innovative ways to drive new business to the market and leverage existing relationships. "The hospitality industry has experienced significant setbacks over the past year due to the down global economy," says Cliff Risman, leader of Gardere's Hospitality Industry Team. "This conference will bring together a group of leaders with unique perspectives of what the actual impact has been for properties across the U.S. and around the world and where we go from here." To interview Mr. Risman, contact Bruce Vincent at 800-559-4534 or bruce@androvett.com.

New Lecture Series Focuses on Latin American Business
The energy industries of Latin America are rapidly evolving, prompting the World Affairs Council of Houston and Thompson & Knight to launch an ongoing series of presentations on the region's changing regulations, politics and economics. For the initial Nov. 5 program, Enrique Sira, a director with the influential advisory firm IHS CERA, will discuss the ongoing transformation of the Mexican energy industry. "Many of these countries are experiencing a decline in oil and gas production due to a lack of capital investment and other restrictions," says Thompson & Knight partner Jose Valera. "Mr. Sira will focus on pending regulatory changes in Mexico and the future of its energy industry." The second program is scheduled for Jan. 19, 2010, featuring the Chief Economist for Latin America at the World Bank, Augusto de la Torre. For more information, contact Barry Pound at 800-559-4534 or barry@androvett.com.

Former U.S. Supreme Court Clerk Joins The Lanier Law Firm
Continuing the growth of its flagship Houston office, The Lanier Law Firm has added appellate lawyer and former U.S. Supreme Court Clerk Jack L. White. A West Point graduate who served five years as an Army officer, White recently completed a prestigious term as a law clerk for U.S. Supreme Court Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. "Jack is a superb attorney, and his experiences at the U.S. Supreme Court and serving our country in the military will benefit our firm and everyone we represent," says firm founder Mark Lanier. In addition to his appellate expertise, White also provides clients with state and federal court experience in securities claims, white collar matters, bankruptcies and real estate disputes. To interview Mr. White, contact Bruce Vincent at 800-559-4534 or bruce@androvett.com.