Dore Law - August 2019

Dore Law - August 2019

THE D or É R eport

AUGUST 2019

NEW NAME, SAME QUALITY SERVICE Doré Law Group Is Now Doré Rothberg McKay

August is a month for fresh starts and new beginnings. Kids are busy filling shopping bags with school supplies in preparation for another school year, and a green crop of freshmen is heading off to college for the first time. It’s fitting, then, that I have some big news to share in this month’s newsletter. After careful consideration, we’ve decided to change our firm’s name from Doré Law Group to Doré Rothberg McKay. It’s a fresh start in name only, and we will continue to offer the same selection of top-quality legal services under our new banner. The name change recognizes the growth of our law firm to include multiple shareholders. I felt it was about time Lisa Rothberg, our liens and transactions director, and Zach McKay, our litigation and bankruptcy director, were recognized for their vital contributions to the firm and got to experience the pride of having their names on the wall. I’ve felt that pride every day since establishing my law practice 30 years ago, and few feelings exceed it. Lisa joined Doré Rothberg McKay in 2012 after earning her law degree from South Texas College of Law and gaining admission to practice law in Texas. She’s an invaluable member of our team and specializes in oil, gas, and mineral interests; accounts receivable and liens; and real estate. She’s a member of the State Bar of Texas, the Houston Bar Association, the Houston Young Lawyers Association,

and the American Bar Association and has worked hard on our behalf for seven years now. Our clients praise her as a professional who offers “excellent help, patience, and kindness.” Zach started working with the firm a year after Lisa, and he came to Doré Rothberg McKay from a bankruptcy firm that specialized in representing Chapter 7 and 11 bankruptcy trustees. His personal “I felt it was about time Lisa Rothberg, our liens and transactions director, and Zach McKay, our litigation and bankruptcy director, got to experience the pride of having their names on the wall.” focus areas include bankruptcy and business restructuring; bankruptcy litigation; preference defense; creditors’ rights; lien rights; property and real estate; distressed assets; energy, power, and natural resources; oil and gas; civil litigation; and contracts. Since starting with Doré Rothberg McKay, Zach has represented oil and gas service company creditors in over 80 oil industry Chapter 7, complex Chapter 11, and Chapter 15 insolvencies. His clients included some of the largest oil and gas service companies in the world, and he represented people in 10 states and three countries.

law firm, our new website will highlight the areas where we lead the market, including representing the oilfield services industry, filing and enforcing mineral liens, and defending bankruptcy creditors. Our 20-person staff, which includes 12 attorneys, is excited for our updated name and web address. We remain the largest firm in the Houston Energy Corridor, and, if you’re seeking legal counsel in any of our areas of expertise, reach out to us today. As our slogan says, when it comes to the law, we’re “strictly business.”

-Carl Doré, Jr.

Be on the lookout for the launch of a brand-new website. While we are the same

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‘FIERCE CONVERSATIONS’

Learn How to Get Your Message Across company, a relationship, or a life, any single conversation can.” By having the communication skills necessary to create lasting bonds, handle strong emotions, and overcome barriers, you’ll be prepared when crucial conversations present themselves. Those who tend to judge a book by its cover may make the mistake of associating the word “fierce” with “aggressive.” However, as a master of meaningful communication, Scott has found that it’s important not to force emotions one way or the other. As she observes, “If your behavior contradicts your values, your body knows.” Instead of relying on fake bravado or false modesty, the author argues it’s better that the bravery be genuine. Breaking down those social barriers to be authentic in our conversations takes true ferocity. Scott does more than simply explain why frank and honest communication is important; she gives readers the tools to get there. Having spent years as a business coach, and now as the head of a firm that trains CEOs around the globe, Scott is well-versed in the art of teaching exercises. “Fierce Conversations” is brimming with action items, tactics, and tailor-made examples of how to communicate in every situation, from board meetings to parenting. If you’re someone who likes concrete guides over vague concepts, this book will pleasantly surprise you.

So often, we talk to our friends, coworkers, and loved ones without actually saying anything. We’ll beat around the bush on important subjects or hesitate to bring up sensitive matters. Global business coach and best-selling author Susan Scott has set out to change that. In her book “Fierce Conversations,” Scott argues that the key to get more out of our personal and professional relationships is to learn to lower our barriers and convey our message honestly.

“Fierce Conversations” is one of those works born out of a simple idea with big implications. As the author explains it, “While no single conversation is guaranteed to change the trajectory of a career, a

OIL & GAS BANKRUPTCY TRACKER 2019 - DORÉ ROTHBERG MCKAY

(limited to Debtor Liabilities > $10MM)

FILING DATE DEBTOR NAME

COURT Nevada

CHAPTER REPORTED LIABILITIES

2/3/2019 2/4/2019 2/14/2019 2/14/2019 2/28/2019 3/31/2019 4/1/2019 4/14/2019 4/15/2019 4/19/2019 5/8/2019 5/8/2019 5/10/2019 5/10/2019 5/15/2019 5/16/2019 5/22/2019 5/22/2019 5/22/2019 5/24/2019 5/28/2019 6/3/2019 6/3/2019 6/3/2019 6/18/2019 6/24/2019 7/1/2019 7/1/2019

Dc Solar Solutions

11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 7 7 7 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11

$1 billion to $10 billion $500 million to $1 billion $50 million to $100 million $50 million to $100 million $100 million to $500 million $1 billion to $10 billion $500 million to $1 billion $1 billion to $10 billion $10 million to $50 million $10 million to $50 million $1 billion to $10 billion $500 million to $1 billion $10 million to $50 million $100 million to $500 million $10 million to $50 million $100 million to $500 million Originally filed in Germany $50 million to $100 million $500 million to $1 billion $10 million to $50 million $50 million to $100 million $100 million to $500 million $1 billion to $10 billion $50 million to $100 million Involuntary Involuntary

Arsenal Energy Holdings

Delaware Delaware Delaware

BBPC LLC

1515-GEEnergy Holding Weatherly Oil & Gas

Texas - Southern Texas - Southern

Vanguard/Eagle Rock/Escambia Southcross/FL Rich Gas/T2 EF

Delaware

Jones Energy/Nosley

Texas - Southern

Integrity Directional Services

Oklahoma - Western

Fram Americas

Colorado

Boulder Energy Solutions

Oklahoma - Western

Triangle Petroleum Cordero Oil and Gas

Delaware Delaware

Falcon V

Louisiana - Middle

EdgeMarc/EM Energy

Delaware Delaware Delaware

Hilltop Energy

Elk Petroleum/Resolute

NCI New Capital

Florida - Southern

15

PWR Oil & Gas General Partners

Delaware

White Star Petroleum White Star Petroleum International Energy

Oklahoma - Western

Delaware

Oklahoma - Northern Oklahoma - Northern

AusTex Oil O’Benco IV

Texas - Eastern Texas - Southern

Legacy Reserves/Pinnacle Gas/ Dew Gathering

HDR Holding/Schramm Weatherford International

Delaware

Texas-Southern

11 7

$1 billion to $10 billion

Apex Energy

Montana

Involuntary

A full list of 2019 oil and gas bankruptcies, including expanded information, is available upon request to the Doré Law Group P.C. The full list has 151 business entities as of July 8, 2019.

WHY SHOULD YOU HIRE AN INTERN? It’s a Win-Win Situation

Our firm regularly hires law students from the Houston area as summer law clerks, or “para-lawyers.” Our goal is to give them the full experience of being a lawyer by letting them do the same work our lawyers do — drafting motions, preparing wills, reviewing contracts, filing liens, doing legal research, and getting necessary information from clients in order to figure out next steps. The reason we hire interns is twofold. First, we want to prepare students for the career path they’ve chosen and help them pick an area of law to practice. Second, our law firm profits from employing interns; in exchange for providing students good summer jobs, Doré Law can charge our clients for the work they perform. While there is a lot of supervision required with interns early on, they soon learn to handle the work. It’s a win-win situation, and we think it’s fun to have a few young, motivated faces in the office. No matter the industry, students are always looking for a chance to experience the “real” business world. Some schools require internships, and almost every student seeks summer employment to earn a few dollars.

interns, I urge you to map out the potential benefits. For example, during a recent summer program, our two intern law clerks were responsible for more than $60,000 in incremental billings. One of them is now a senior associate in the firm, and she credits her success to the summer she spent as an intern. It’s good business to hire interns, and it’s good for them, too. To quote this summer’s crop, “The attorneys do everything in their power to help us and refuse to accept anything less than our best. While not every day provides a lightbulb moment of sudden inspiration, every day at Doré Rothberg McKay means one day closer to our dream of doing what these attorneys do. We’ll be there soon.”

Many companies never think to hire interns. Some decide internships are more trouble than they’re worth. If you want to consider hiring

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ROASTED CORN SALSA

Inspired by Bon Appétit

Corn is plentiful during the summer months, and this easy-to-make salsa is sure to be a hit at your next get-together.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 medium ears of corn, shucked • 1 jalapeño or Fresno chile, seeded and thinly sliced • 1/2 red onion, diced • 1 large tomato, cored, seeded, and finely chopped

• 1/4 bunch cilantro leaves, sliced • Juice of 1 lime • Kosher salt, to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Heat a cast-iron skillet to high. Char corn, turning occasionally, for 10–14 minutes until kernels begin to blacken in spots. 2. Using a sharp knife, remove corn kernels from cobs and transfer to a large mixing bowl. 3. With a wooden spoon or potato masher, gently crush corn to release starch and juices. 4. Add jalapeño, onion, tomato, and cilantro. Mix to combine.

AUGUST BACK CHILDREN CHILLY

COOL END FALL LEAVES

SCHOOL SUMMER SUPPLIES TEACHERS

5. Top with lime juice and season with salt. 6. Serve alongside your favorite tortilla chips.

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17171 PARK ROW, SUITE 160 HOUSTON, TEXAS 77084 281.829.1555 INSIDE

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Doré Law Group Is Now Doré Rothberg McKay

Make Yourself Heard With ‘Fierce Conversations’ Oil & Gas Bankruptcy Tracker 2019

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Why Should You Hire an Intern? Roasted Corn Salsa

Hosting a Company Picnic

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE SUMMER AND HOST A GREAT COMPANY PICNIC

Are you tired of watching perfect summer days pass your office by from the wrong side of the window? Instead of leaving work to enjoy the weather, bring your company outside! A company picnic is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the warm weather and foster team camaraderie through awards, team-building exercises and, of course, good food. Putting on a slam-bang company picnic is no easy feat, but if you start with these three fundamentals, you’ll be well on your way to pulling off an event the whole company will remember for years to come. PICNIC THEME The first step to organizing a company picnic is to choose a theme your employees will be excited about. From a Hawaiian luau to a country western barbecue, the possibilities are endless. To generate more hype at the office, you can hand out fun invitations that go along with the theme, like lei necklaces or custom sunglasses. At the actual picnic, the theme should influence your setup, team-building exercises, activities, and food and drink. PICNIC LOCATION Large public parks can easily accommodate big groups, but if you’re in a pinch, you can also use your company campus. If you have enough in your budget, you can rent a venue nearby that works with your theme. Make sure your location has enough seating for

everyone and keep track of the weather reports for that day if you’re grilling outside. PICNIC FOOD/ DRINK Let’s not forget the most important part of a good company picnic — the food! First, you need to consider what type of picnic will go

best with your theme. Will this picnic be a potluck, or will the food be catered? Will alcohol be allowed at the picnic? If so, will the company provide it, or will it be BYOB? When in doubt, just choose the realistic option for your budget and remember to stick with your theme. Ultimately, the purpose of your company picnic is to give your employees opportunities to bond outside the office and celebrate one another through awards and team building. Follow the above tips and your company picnic will go off without a hitch!

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