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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HOLIDAY CHEER IS coming to Bandista, the Four Seasons hotel’s swanky speakeasy, in the form of a fun collab with Nashville bar Four Walls.
The 20-seat Bandista will be decked out in holiday décor on Dec. 4 and 5 as unique concoctions are mixed by the bartenders from Four Walls — which was recently named to the prestigious Esquire's Best Bars in America list — benefitting Camp H-Town.
Don’t let the ingredient list scare you — you’ll find chickpeas, red bell pepper and chives on the menu. These are serious boozy cocktails. The cleverly named Misplaced Memories features gin, Crème de Cacao, pistachio, lime and egg white. On the spicy side is the gin-based Queen’s Gambit with red bell pepper, rosemary, ginger, coconut, jalapeño and garlic. And where do those chickpeas come in? The Hollywood Babylon, mixed with tequila, horchata, saffron, honey, lime, grapefruit, pineapple and chickpeas.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with Bandista for our first Houston pop-up,” says Mickey Stevenson, Lead Bartender at Four Walls. “It is an honor to partner with a team that shares our commitment to craftsmanship and creativity, and we can’t wait to share highlights from our new menu with their guests.”
Four Walls is located inside The Joseph hotel in Nashville and is inspired by the music city and owner’s Italian-American heritage — think a chic western vibe.
The event’s beneficiary, Camp H-Town, offers an urban camp experience at the Four Seasons for children and siblings touched by cancer.
Reservations at Bandista are available from 5pm-midnight and cocktails are priced at $30 each.
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This Weekend: Explore the Secret Warehouse of One of Houston’s Most Sought-After Restaurant Designers
Carla Gomez
Nov. 7, 2024
You’ve eaten at Nancy’s Hustle, Tiny Champions, Better Luck Tomorrow, Milton’s and Lee’s Den. Now, you can explore the private warehouse of the design firm that created those spaces!
Garnish Design is opening its 5,000-square-foot warehouse collection to the public for one weekend only, Nov. 9-10. Expect to discover everything from and to antiques to ironwork from the collection and curations of the in-demand firm. Plus, own a piece of Houston restaurant history with memorabilia from some of the city’s most beloved eateries, such as Alice Blue, Eau Tour and Local Foods.
While there, take advantage of bevs from Marfa Spirit Co, 8th Wonder Brewery and Cruiser Coffee and bites from Boo’s Burgers while perusing the expansive collection of barware, custom and vintage chairs, light fixtures, vintage cookware globes and maps.
Founded in 2020, Garnish Design is well known in Houston’s hospitality industry for bringing to life the design for beloved concepts. With more than 20 years of experience, Garnish Design owner Brittany Vaughan has always had a passion for creating bespoke spaces at the intersection of traditional craftsmanship and modern design.
Visitors must RSVP to receive the address to the warehouse.
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