Pulman, Cappuccio & Pullen in the News
The San Antonio Bar Foundation is pleased to announce its 2024 class of 20 newly elected Fellows, Jan. 11, 2024
Selection as a Foundation Fellow is by nomination only and restricted to members of the San Antonio Bar Association (SABA). Fellows must demonstrate professional achievement, an exemplary reputation and commitment to the legal community. Each year’s class is limited to no more than one third of one percent of SABA members and subject to confirmation by the Foundation Board of Trustees. [read more]
Fraud claims mount against San Antonio investment adviser Brooklynn Willy, her firm and others, Oct. 23, 2023.
Lawsuits are starting to pile up against San Antonio investment adviser and financial radio show host Brooklynn Chandler Willy and others over an investment scheme — involving the purchase of bad debt — that allegedly has begun to unravel.[read more]
30th edition of The Best Lawyers in America, August 2023
Pulman, Cappuccio & Pullen, LLP is pleased to announce that three of its partners have been recognized in the 30th edition of The Best Lawyers in America, which recognizes the top 5% of legal talent in private practice throughout the United States. Randall A. Pulman has been recognized in the areas of Commercial Litigation and Insurance Law. Elliott S. Cappuccio has been recognized in the areas of Commercial Litigation and Bankruptcy Litigation. Leslie Hyman has been recognized in the area of Antitrust Law.
Mysa storystudio on Meet the Attorney Taking on the Predatory Brokerage Industry - Feb. 16, 2023
Shari Pulman talks about how predatory stock brokers and financial advisors scam their customers, especially seniors. [read more]
Scene in SA magazine names 2022 Rising Stars
Pulman, Cappuccio, and Pullen, LLP attorney Anna McFarlane was named a Scene in SA Magazine Rising Star for 2022. [read more]
Randy Pulman, Elliott Cappuccio, and leslie Hyman Recognized as Texas Super Lawyers, October 2021
Pulman, Cappuccio & Pullen, LLP is proud to congratulate Randy Pulman, Elliott Cappuccio and Leslie Hyman for being recognized again in 2021 as Texas Super Lawyers in the area of Business Litigation. Published annually by Thomson Reuters, Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The selection process includes independent research, peer nominations, and peer evaluations of lawyers in more than 70 practice areas. Of those nominated, only 5% of the total lawyers in the jurisdiction can be selected for inclusion.
Katy Vidales and sallye Vorpahl Recognized as Top San Antonio Paralegals, October 2021
Pulman, Cappuccio & Pullen, LLP is proud to congratulate Katy Vidales and Sallye Vorpahl for being recognized in Scene in S.A. Magazine’s First Annual Survey of Top San Antonio Paralegals 2021. The top paralegals were determined based on a peer review process involving other paralegals and practicing lawyers throughout Bexar County, Texas.
"Malicious Peer Review' Destroyed Doc's Career, He Says" Alicia Gallegos, May 05, 2021
Cardiothoracic surgeon J. Marvin Smith III, MD, had always thrived on a busy practice schedule, often performing 20 to 30 surgeries a week. A practicing surgeon for more than 40 years, Smith says he had no plans to slow down anytime soon. But Smith says his career was derailed when leaders at Methodist Healthcare System of San Antonio initiated a sudden peer review proceeding against him. [read more]
BYRon LeFlore, Jr. joins Pulman, Cappuccio & Pullen, LLP as Partner
Well-known in San Antonio’s business and legal community, LeFlore has served as lead counsel for mergers and acquisitions, private offerings and public issuances, complex commercial matters, financings, and international transactions. [read more]
BYRON LeFLORE, JR. JOINS PULMAN, CAPPUCCIO & PULLEN, LLP AS PARTNER — April 22, 2021
(San Antonio, TX, April 22, 2021) — Pulman, Cappuccio & Pullen, LLP announced today that
Byron L. LeFlore, Jr. has joined the firm as Partner. Well-known in San Antonio’s business and legal community [read more]
Impact of the CARES Act on Chapter 13 Debtors — February 2021
by: Catherine Stone Curtis - Pullman, Cappuccio & Pullen, LLP [read more]
A Bigger Risk Than GameStop? Beware the Ponzi Scheme Next Door — February 5, 2021
Experts have seen an increase in the frauds, many of which are preying on investors who feel they lost out on the market gains of the last few years. [read more]
Message sent to old email address triggers legal fight between San Antonio company and ex-executive — February 3, 2021
A message inadvertently sent to an old email address has set off a legal battle between a San Antonio publicly traded company and a former executive. [read more]
San Antonio doctor accuses Methodist Healthcare of 'destroying' his career — JANUARY 15, 2021
Over a nearly 50-year career as a cardiothoracic surgeon, J. Marvin Smith III earned a reputation as the go-to guy for complex heart surgeries in San Antonio. [read more]
San Antonio Business Journal, Book of Lists. 2020-2021: Law Firms with Women Partners (#7), Litigation Law Firms (#8).
Landlords take San Antonio Tenants to Court over Rent During the Pandemic — Sep. 5, 2020
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema stopped paying rent for its Park North Shopping Center location after it went dark in mid-March. But its landlord isn’t accepting the pandemic as an excuse. [read more]
How Thomas J. Henry’s mixed up in fight over San Antonio oilfield services company — Jul. 15, 2020
Flamboyant San Antonio personal injury attorney Thomas J. Henry has been involved in his share of lawsuits, often touting in ubiquitous advertisements the multimillion-dollar awards his firm has won for clients. [read more]
Randy Pulman: Pulman, Cappuccio & Pullen — July 10, 2020
Born and bred in San Antonio, Randy Pulman is a mover and shaker in both his professional and personal life. Randy has built a law firm and mentored many young lawyers - instilling in everyone around him the values of excellence, integrity and compassion. [read more]
Scene in SA magazine names 8 attorneys from Pulman, Cappuccio & Pullen, LLP "Best Lawyers of 2020"
The 16th annual survey recognizes 8 attorneys including Elliott Cappuccio, Leslie Hyman, Thomas Rice, James Scott Cheslock, Sydnee Rae Garcia, Eric A. Pullen, Ryan C. Reed, and Randall A. Pulman. Click here to download the entire list.
Scene in SA magazine names 2020 Rising Stars
Scene in SA Magazine published its Rising Stars list for 2020. Pulman, Cappuccio, and Pullen, LLP attorneys include Sydnee Garcia, Matthew McGowan, and Adrian Coronado. Click here for more information.
GrayStreet is buying San Antonio’s former Lone Star Brewery complex — May 1, 2020
A local developer is buying the former Lone Star Brewery complex in a last-minute deal reached days before the property was set to be sold to one of the current owner’s lenders.
The sale was set to close Friday, meeting a deadline stipulated in court orders and providing bankrupt Lone Star with the funds to pay off BridgeInvest, a Miami lender to which it owes more than $12 million. Had the purchase fallen through, the court was scheduled to hold a hearing Monday to approve a sale to BridgeInvest. [read more]
Sale to San Antonio Developer Latest Twist in Lone Star Brewery Saga—April 30, 2020
A bankruptcy judge has authorized the sale of the Lone Star Brewery complex south of downtown to a local developer for $14.45 million. The deal between the brewery’s owners, Lone Star Brewery Development, and GrayStreet Acquisitions, a subsidiary of the development company GrayStreet Partners, will close on Friday.
“We’re looking forward to acquiring it tomorrow and writing a new chapter for the Lone Star Brewery,” said Kevin Covey, GrayStreet’s managing partner. [read more]
GrayStreet wants to buy former Lone Star Brewery complex — April 23, 2020
The owner of the former Lone Star Brewery complex has a buyer lined up, but it’s unclear whether a deal will be completed by a May 1 deadline.
Lone Star filed for bankruptcy protection in January, stopping a foreclosure auction of the complex at 500 and 600 Lone Star Blvd. It is trying to sell the property for at least $13.5 million. [read more]
Coronavirus pandemic boosts liquor sales, but it may not save Gabriel’s owners from losing control of business — March 27, 2020 | Patrick Danner
The coronavirus pandemic has goosed sales at bankrupt San Antonio retailer Gabriel’s Liquor, but that may not save its family owners from losing control of the business. The closing of local bars and restaurants also has contributed to the increase. Gabriel’s major lender and other creditors, though, want a bankruptcy judge to appoint a Chapter 11 trustee to take over management of the liquor store chain from the politically connected Gabriel family. [read more]
San Antonio bankruptcies expected to rise with coronavirus - March 17, 2020 | Patrick Danner
"We expect there's going to be a number of small businesses, that when this shakes out, are going to need help just to keep it going until the storm passes," bankruptcy lawyer Randall Pulman said Tuesday. [read more]
Watch out, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers, It just got a lot easier to get sued – February 2020
Before Friday, criminal-defense lawyers had little reason to fear legal-malpractice claims. This has changed. [read more]
Elliott Cappuccio Achieves Board Certification in Civil Practice Law by The National Board of Trial Advocacy - November 2019
PC&P and the National Board of Trial Advocacy (“NBTA”) are pleased to announce that Elliott Cappuccio has successfully achieved Board Certification as a Civil Practice advocate. The elaborate screening of credentials that all NBTA board certified attorneys must successfully complete includes: demonstration of substantial trial experience, submission of judicial and peer references to attest to their competency, attendance of continuing legal education courses, submission of legal writing documents, proof of good standing, and passing of an examination.
Board certification is the highest, most stringent, and most reliable honor an attorney can achieve. Board certifications are the only distinctions awarded by non-profit organizations. The NBTA as well as all board certifying organizations are committed to safeguarding the public’s ability to choose a good attorney. Approximately three percent of American lawyers are board certified, and Mr. Cappuccio is a member of a very select group who has taken the time to prove competence in a specialty area and earn board certification by the NBTA.
Gabriel’s Liquor, Don’s & Ben’s stumble into bankruptcy – October 1, 2019
Financial troubles caused by stiffer competition from big-box wine and spirits retailers have pushed the San Antonio operators of Gabriel’s Liquor and Don’s & Ben’s Liquor into bankruptcy. [read more]
SPECIAL REPORT: Gender Parity in SA Corporate Leadership — Law Firms
San Antonio's legal profession has made progress toward gender equity, but it remains male dominated, a review of the largest locally based law firms shows. While there are notable women in some of the highest ranks of local law firms, 18 of the largest locally based firms that the Business Journal evaluated are still predominantly run by men.
According to Shari Pulman, “At my law firm, we work very hard and deal with very complex commercial litigation, but we also pride ourselves on being family friendly. That whole perspective has changed in the 33 years I’ve practiced. There’s more of an eye toward work-life balance.” [read more]
Cotter heirs battle over San Antonio real estate tycoon’s estate – September 24, 2019 | Patrick Danner
While the late real estate tycoon James F. Cotter may be resting in peace, tensions are running high over the multimillion-dollar estate he left behind. Val Cotter also accuses the administrator of shorting him more than $5 million in distributions from the estate. He wants a Bexar County Probate Court judge to remove San Antonio attorney Marcus Rogers as administrator and order him to give up the commissions and fees he’s been paid. [read more]
Elliott Cappuccio SELECTED BY PEERS FOR INCLUSION IN Best Lawyers® in America for Second year in a row
Best Lawyers®, the only purely peer-review™ guide to the legal profession, announced the 2020 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America on August 15, 2019.
Lawyers named to The Best Lawyers in America© publication were recognized by their peers in the legal industry for their professional excellence in 146 practice areas. For the 2020 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America, 8.3 million votes were analyzed, which resulted in the inclusion of more than 62,000 lawyers, or approximately 5% of lawyers in private practice in the United States. [read more]
The firm is pleased to announce Sydnee Garcia’s re-election to the Board of Directors of the San Antonio Chapter of the Federal Bar Association for the 2019-2020 term. The Federal Bar Association aims to strengthen the federal legal system and administration of justice by serving the interests and the needs of the federal practitioner, judiciary and the public they serve.
Elliott Cappuccio named one of America’s Top 100 Civil Defense Litigators for Southern Texas in 2019
Elliott Cappuccio has been named one of America’s Top 100 Civil Defense Litigators for Southern Texas in 2019. Candidates for membership are identified through third-party research or peer nominations by other elite attorneys in the community. Once a candidate is identified, they are screened through a broad array of criteria and data including (but not limited to) the attorney’s lifetime legal achievements, professional experience, significant case results and/or defense verdicts, peer reputation, client satisfaction, other notable honors, media notoriety, and community impact, among other factors.
Pulman Cappuccio & Pullen Congratulates Sydnee Garcia, Adrian Coronado, and Matthew McGowan on being recognized by their peers as 2019 Rising Star Attorneys in Scene in San Antonio Magazine
Congratulations to our Rising Star lawyers.
The firm is pleased to announce Sydnee Garcia’s election to the Board of Directors of the San Antonio Federal Bar Association. The Federal Bar Association aims to strengthen the federal legal system and administration of justice by serving the interests and the needs of the federal practitioner, judiciary and the public they serve.
Elliott Cappuccio SELECTED BY PEERS FOR INCLUSION IN Best Lawyers® in America
December 2018
Pulman, Cappuccio & Pullen is pleased to announce that Elliott S. Cappuccio has been selected by his peers for inclusion among the Best Lawyers by BL Rankings in America. Since it was first published in 1983, Best Lawyers is regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence. The list of Best Lawyers in America is compiled based on an exhaustive peer-review evaluation. For the 2019 Edition of the Best Lawyers in America, over 7 million votes were analyzed. Lawyers are not required or allowed to pay a fee to be listed. Therefore, inclusion among the Best Lawyers in America is considered a singular honor for the profession, and it has been referred to as the most respected referral list of attorneys in practice today.
Former Career Point College owner settles fraud allegations
October 12, 2018 by Patrick Danner
The owner of now-shuttered Career Point College has settled allegations that he and the school’s parent company pocketed millions in improper payments — some of it to support his lifestyle — from federal student aid programs.
Rising Star Lawyers: SA Scene’s 2018 list
March 20, 2018 by Editor
San Antonio’s senior attorneys (15 years or more experience practicing law), recently nominated junior attorneys with 10 or fewer years in practice for our 2018 Rising Stars feature. We are pleased to list this year’s Rising Stars representing firms and private practices in myriad specializations from across the area.
Congratulations to all our 2018 Rising Stars!
12 Steps to Recovery: Post-Judgment Collection in Texas
By Leslie Hyman, Ryan Reed, and Sarah Donahue
Jan-Feb '18
San Antonio Lawyer
The big day has come, leaving you with overjoyed clients and universal adulation, but the inevitable hangover sets in after your celebration. How do you turn your judgment into cash? Collecting the spoils of victory can be just as challenging as the underlying litigation, if not more so. After all, the losing party is not likely to suddenly become friendly and cooperative after getting slapped with an unpleasant judgment.
The collection process can be fraught with the aggravation of overlapping code provisions and rules, not to mention an evasive judgment debtor. But once you have a template and a to-do list, it is only a matter of working your way through the twelve steps to recovery. With preparation, diligence, and a bit of luck, you might recover on your judgment.
Leslie Sara Hyman, et al., Antitrust and Consumer Protection, 3 SMU Ann. Tex. Surv. 15 (2017)
https://scholar.smu.edu/smuatxs/vol3/iss1/3
Sour grapes? Santikos sues former San Antonio vendor in phone hacking case
June 21, 2016 Updated: June 21, 2016 4:45pm
Santikos Theaters Inc. is suing CBS Telephone & Data after the former vendor allegedly sought revenge for a canceled contract by hacking into the movie house’s computerized phone system and playing a message to callers saying the number was disconnected.
Recent Grad Places in American Planning Association Writing Contest
October 29, 2015
Matthew McGowan ’15 placed second in the American Planning Association’s (APA) Planning and Law Division’s 32nd Annual Smith-Babcock-Williams Student Writing Competition. McGowan was recognized for his paper “Location, Location, Mis-Locations: How Local Land-use Restrictions Are Dulling Halfway Houses’ Criminal Rehabilitation Potential.” He originally wrote the paper for Texas A&M School of Law’s Sentencing Law and Policy seminar this past February.
The Statute, the Constitution, the Caselaw, and the Appellate Lawyer as Sleuth
Leslie Hyman, 2015
The Texas Commission on Human Rights Act, like the federal employment statutes on which it was modeled, provides for an award of “attorneys’ fees as part of costs” for a successful plaintiff. In Texas, while entitlement to attorneys’ fees is a question for the court, the amount of reasonable and necessary attorneys’ fees is typically a question of fact for a jury to decide. The dramatic question addressed in this practice note is whether the Texas legislature’s adoption of the phrase “as part of costs” from the federal statute reflects an intention to adopt the federal procedure for determining attorneys’ fees as well.