Newsmakers: Week of March 16, 2020

Coats Rose announced the addition of Lisa L. Pittman to the firm’s Austin office. Pittman’s pioneering work in the cannabis business industry in Texas has earned her the title, “The First Lady of Texas Cannabis Law.” Her practice is focused on hemp and cannabis business planning and compliance, as well as commercial litigation. Pittman is also licensed in Colorado, where she spent the last couple of years gaining experience in a legalized market, working on projects in multiple states in this capacity. Coats Rose launched its multidisciplinary cannabis business law practice last year, after hemp was legalized in Texas. Pittman will co-chair the group along with Andrea Steel, director in the firm’s Houston office. The addition of Pittman to the group strengthens its reach, as she brings experience from across the supply chain in multiple jurisdictions, as well as a loyal following. “I am thrilled to join Coats Rose, where I will be able to fully service my clients with the assistance of multiple experts in their field, as every area of traditional law practice is implicated in the cannabis industry,” said Pittman in a statement by the firm. “While my location in Austin grants me valuable access to the Capitol and the agencies governing Texas hemp, practicing at a well-respected firm with multiple offices will also be a convenient resource for my clients, and I look forward to combining forces with Andrea Steel, who is just as committed to moving the ball forward on these cutting edge issues as I am.” “We are ecstatic to have Lisa join in leading our cannabis business law practice,” said Steel in a statement. “Lisa has been a motivation and inspiration to me since I first considered expanding my practice into this area years ago. To work hand in hand leading the way with another trailblazer who is also a woman and a mother, especially in a new industry still in its infancy, is not to be taken lightly. Lisa is a true leader, and joining forces allows us to achieve our shared goals more effectively and with greater resources.” “Together, we have significant relationships among the experts and leaders in industry, government, and the legal profession,” continued Steel. “In collaboration with attorneys in the group and within our firm, we are able to serve as the legal resource that clients need as they navigate the hemp market in Texas.”

New Partner at Dallas Office

Robert Flowers recently joined Stinson LLP’s Dallas office as a partner, expanding the firm’s banking and financial services practice to Texas. Flowers represents commercial banks, holding companies and other financial institutions in mergers and acquisitions, strategic planning, employee benefits and employee stock ownership (ESOP) matters. Notably, Flowers represented the first de novo bank to file an application in the Dallas-Fort Worth market since 2008, with the filing of an application in December 2019. He also leverages his experience to support clients in the design, implementation and administration of non-qualified retirement and compensation arrangements, including Code section 409A, and has advised on ERISA matters, tax and corporate law requirements and the impact of M&A transactions on employee compensation. “Stinson’s strong banking practice and breadth of experience really appealed to me, as did the firm’s values of client service and community engagement,” said Flowers in a statement by the firm. “I’m excited to be here and to engage with clients, attorneys and staff from across Stinson’s national footprint and beyond.” “We’re excited that Robert joined us at Stinson because of the corporate, securities and M&A experience he can provide to our clients in Dallas and nationally,” said Dallas managing partner Paul Lackey in a statement by the firm. “He’s a fantastic addition and highly skilled in corporate and regulatory banking transactions as well as employee benefits matters.”

Two Join Houston Firm’s Labor and Employment Practice as Partners