Cowles & Thompson, P.C.

We are pleased to be recognized again as a "Best Law Firm" for the 2025 list from Best Lawyers -- a result of the dedication of our attorneys and staff. https://lnkd.in/gtN7Htxd #gratitude #CowlesThompson #BestLawFirm

The latest #Bankruptcy Update from Bill Siegel: > Corporate bankruptcies hit their highest level since 2010 in Q1 2025. 188 companies filed for bankruptcy — up significantly from the 139 filed in Q1 2024, the highest it’s been since 254 companies filed for bankruptcy in Q1 of 2010, in the wake of the Great Recession financial crisis. https://lnkd.in/gRJ9z6Nd > Suppliers, vendors, and other unsecured creditors of bankrupt Forever 21 face huge losses under its current Ch 11 restructuring which envisions little if any recoveries on debts owed by the bankrupt fast-fashion retailer. Meanwhile creditors continue to investigate a January deal in which retailer JC Penney acquired Forever 21's parent, (SPARC Group) and the effect it had on Forever 21. https://lnkd.in/eS_2Zuk5 > Remember Publishers Clearing House? Well, the direct-to-consumer marketing company known for its Prize Patrol sweepstakes, filed for Ch 11 bankruptcy. Its goal is to continue its business of offering free-to-play entertainment and awarding prizes while restructuring its balance sheet and shedding costs from its legacy direct mail and e-commerce businesses. https://lnkd.in/eBGmAhqh > Royal Paper, maker of bath tissues, paper towels, and napkins sold at Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s and Kroger, filed for bankruptcy and has agreed to a deal to sell its business. The company listed assets and liabilities each of between $100 million and $500 million in its chapter 11 petition. https://lnkd.in/eBhzXRZE > US manufacturing slipped back to contraction territory in March due to tariff-related rise in materials costs, while the service sector outlook deteriorated. The S&P Global flash March factory index dropped nearly 3 points to 49.8 from the highest level since mid-2022. Figures below 50 indicate contraction. https://lnkd.in/dMAG5n3B > Wall Street lenders are postponing leveraged-finance deals as investors shy away from risky transactions while global markets have been shaken in the wake of President Trump’s sweeping tariffs. Many times, these leveraged loans are a lifeline for companies contemplating Chapter 11 bankruptcy. https://lnkd.in/eGPxDBAg #bankruptcy #landlords #retail

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals recently looked at a trade secret dispute in DeWolff v. Pethick -- where theft of trade secrets was alleged. https://lnkd.in/g83qjiqE #TradeSecret #IPlaw

Parental Alienation - Part 2: Claire E. James explains steps to address instances of parental alienation, both in and out of court, as well as in the event litigation is involved. https://lnkd.in/gcW6TNmD #FamilyLaw #ParentalAlienation #ChildCustody #Divorce

Texas law versus Delaware law, when it comes to fiduciary duties - and modifications thereof. Casey Erick explains a recent Texas decision in Primexx. https://lnkd.in/g5myfVmu #BusinessLaw #Partnership #FiduciaryDuty

Our offices will be closed today for Good Friday.

What Constitutes a Valid Will?  Do you need an Independent Executor?  Attorney Reagan Wish recently launched a 5-part series on "What Happens When You Die..." and various related scenarios, documents, and steps to take in advance. Here is part one: What Happens When You Die...With a VALID Will? https://lnkd.in/gQNgR2PY #EstateLaw #Probate

A recent Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals decision, involving a company's former employee and accusations of trade secret theft, reiterates the need to prove the existence of a trade secret -- first. Summary by Casey Erick https://lnkd.in/g83qjiqE #TradeSecret #IPlaw #AppellateLaw

The latest #Bankruptcy Update from Bill Siegel: > Forever 21 to shutter roughly 350 US stores after entering bankruptcy in March, the second time in six years. Many owners & analysts say it's an opportunity for stronger retailers that will pay higher rents & attract more shoppers. https://lnkd.in/eBJv2vdY >The Container Store Group’s CEO stepped down after the company emerged from bankruptcy having slashed about $88M long-term debt from its balance sheet & added a cash infusion end of January. It now has just over 100 stores & hopes to expand. https://lnkd.in/dUG6VbVk >Consumer confidence dimmed further in March as the Conference Board's monthly confidence index of current conditions fell to the lowest level in more than a decade, slipping to 92.9, a 7.2-pt decline & the fourth consecutive monthly contraction. The measure for future expectations told an even darker story, with the index tumbling 9.6 points to 65.2, the lowest reading in 12 years & well below the 80 level that is considered a signal for a recession ahead. https://lnkd.in/esPeHjmi >Pappas Restaurants prepares to acquire On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina and help the chain emerge from bankruptcy. https://lnkd.in/dm5WjEWn >Hooters filed for bankruptcy after changing consumer preferences left it unable to pay debts, The chain enters Ch. 11 with a plan to bring back its original founders while lenders put in extra money to fund the reorganization proceedings. https://lnkd.in/d6-3y_Zx >The Bar Louie pub chain filed for Ch. 11 bankruptcy, days after closing a number of locations in the Midwest & New Jersey. This is the chain’s second bankruptcy petition in five years. It previously filed in January 2020 after closing nearly 40 locations. https://lnkd.in/dKgnCbhZ >Chuck E. Cheese owner CEC Entertainment struggles to drum up demand for a $660M high-yield bond sale to refinance debt coming due next year. The banks leading the deal had not obtained sufficient orders from investors & were straining to price the bond ahead of deadline. https://lnkd.in/dTY5CKt2 >Per Epiq AACER, commercial Ch. 11 bankruptcy filings increased 20% in March 2025 (733 from 611). Total March commercial filings increased 10% (2,727 from 2,477). https://lnkd.in/d9u7y-9e #retail #landlords #economy

In early 2026, a new stock exchange will launch in Dallas -- the Texas Stock Exchange LLC (TXSE). Attorney Abby D. Merrill, Esq. looks at this potentially revolutionary change for the state of Texas, as it enters the trading market, up against the powerhouses of the renowned New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations (NASDAQ), among other smaller American stock exchanges. https://lnkd.in/gKy9uxJV #TXSE #TexasExchange