Lawyers Can Be Cool — Especially Lauren Varnado and Energy Experts at Michelman & Robinson!
May. 31, 2023
Lauren Varnado
Law firms aren’t typically associated with cool, but then again, Michelman & Robinson, LLP is no ordinary law firm. Fact is, M&R is different, special and, yes, cool. Especially the lawyers in its Houston office, which is the hub of the firm’s robust energy practice.
It’s a Gas
Lauren Varnado is M&R’s Houston Office Managing Partner. Having graced the pages of Vanity Fair, Vogue and People, Lauren sets the tone in Houston, not just for the firm’s vibe, but for its efforts in the oil and gas space.
Unlike the work of most other players in the legal marketplace, M&R’s efforts—and that of Lauren and her Houston-based team—are informed by a nuanced understanding of the energy sector. This insight not only allows Lauren and the firm to effectively address clients’ immediate legal concerns, but also enables them to identify broader business issues that can positively impact the bottom lines of the companies they represent.
What’s cool is that they do so as part of a new generation of lawyers—a fearless group that’s disrupting a typically buttoned-up, male-dominated profession and turning the practice of law on its head by leaning into relatability, accessibility and, above all else, humanity—this on top of the fact that M&R Houston knows oil and gas better than just about anyone else.
Differentiators
Some of the adjectives that best describe Lauren and her crew in Houston are modern, candid, practical, influential and whip-smart. Together, they deliver premier client service that truly sets them apart. What else distinguishes M&R Houston from other firms (including those similar in size and reach) are the long-standing relationships it has with clients—relationships founded upon absolute trust and an expectation of excellence that informs the way they operate in courtrooms, at closing tables and beyond.
From Soup to Nuts
Energy isn’t the only industry that M&R attorneys are immersed in. They’re sought after by those in the advertising & digital media, banking & financial services, hospitality, insurance, music & entertainment, retail & apparel and technology spaces, too. M&R offers these clients a full suite of services, including top-tier work in commercial, class action, and cross-border litigation, as well as bankruptcy & restructuring, corporate & securities, cybersecurity & privacy, employment, insurance, intellectual property, real estate and regulatory law. Without fail, they do so in a collaborative way, keeping clients involved throughout every case and transaction, which eliminates surprises and ensures that expectations are met, if not exceeded, time and again.
As Cool as Can Be
M&R’s seven offices (Los Angeles, Irvine, San Francisco, Dallas, Chicago, New York and, of course, Houston) have been built upon a foundation of exceptional people—women and men of differing backgrounds, cultures, ethnicities and orientations all working toward a common goal: client success. The firm’s focus on diversity and inclusion (it’s been named a “Top 100 Firms for Minority Attorneys”), along with its industry expertise and culture that emphasizes professional development and fun, make M&R a law firm that's the arbiter of cool.
Lauren Varnado manages the Houston office of Michelman & Robinson, LLP. A sought-after, award-winning litigator and head of the firm’s energy practice, Lauren can be contacted at lvardado@mrllp.com or (713) 422-2121.
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The shiny new Dr. Jack Express electric locomotive
JUST IN TIME for a long weekend — and a teeny reprieve from triple-digit temps — Hermann Park Conservancy has announced it will offer free train rides from Aug. 31-Sept. 6 to celebrate a pair of new locomotives.
For the first time, the historic Hermann Park Railroad has an electric train — make that two! “The introduction of the electric trains to the Park represents a leap forward in our commitment to environmental stewardship and visitor experience,” said Conservancy president and CEO Cara Lambright. “We are deeply grateful to ExxonMobil and the McGovern Foundation for their generous support, which not only preserves but elevates the Hermann Park Railroad as a premier attraction for visitors of all ages.”
Each of the major donors named a train: The ExxonMobil Express and the Dr. Jack Express, modeled after 1863 C.P. Hunting locomotives, begin servicing passengers tomorrow, Aug. 31. Dr. Jack is a tip of the hat to John P. McGovern, one of the park's biggest stewards; the train that began service in 2008 is also named the Dr. Jack Express.
The scenic railroad loop at Hermann Park has been a popular attraction for almost 70 years, and brings in an estimated $1.2 million each year, with funds going right back into park maintenance and improvements.
The Hermann Park Railroad has been a beloved Houston attraction for nearly 70 years. Since the Conservancy took over its operations in March 2008, more than 5 million riders have experienced a scenic loop around the Park. In addition to providing a unique visitor experience in the Park, Railroad operations bring in more than $1.2 million annually to support the Conservancy’s mission to maintain and improve Hermann Park. The new Commons, with an epic playground, splashpad and carousel, is a must-see — so hop on a train asap!
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August Is Over — But Your Chance to Enjoy HRW Is Not! Restaurant Weeks Extended Through Sept. 30
Aug. 29, 2024
Refreshing bites at Bloom & Bee; the famous French onion soup at Artisans (photo by Shane Dante)
THIS SUMMER HAS been uniquely brutal for the hospitality industry, with devastating losses from the derecho and Beryl. But a bright spot for many has been Houston Restaurant Weeks, the annual August event that gives foodies and restaurants alike a jolt of energy.
For just the third time in its 20-plus-year history, HRW has been extended to Sept. 30, giving Houstonians an extra four weeks to taste and toast at many of the city's finest and most fun establishments. The two previous times the event was extended were in 2017 after Hurricane Harvey, and in 2020 during Covid, proving that HRW is committed to helping the industry recover from financial hardships via generating increased traffic.
“We decided to continue HRW this year due to the many requests we had from participating restaurants,” said Katie Stone, President of the Cleverley Stone Foundation, which puts on the event, noting that they are proud to provide "a way for restaurants, staff and others that were impacted by financial distress after this summer to recoup."
HRW will continue through the end of September with a reduced donation amount to the Houston Food Bank. Instead of $3, $5 or $7 donations per lunch or dinner served, a flat $1 per meal will be donated.
"Diners can show how much they stand behind the hospitality industry," said Stone. "It's heartwarming seeing how our city comes together to 'Dine Out & Do Good' every August!”
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