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January/February 2025
469-715-4558 · www.SulLeeLaw.com
Hello, and Happy New Year! My name is Spencer Young, and I’m honored to have the opportunity to use the first newsletter cover article of 2025 to share my story and tell you a bit about the paths that led me to become a senior associate attorney at Sul Lee Law Firm. First, I’ve always known I was going to be a lawyer. My father was a criminal defense attorney, and his work inspired me to follow my ambitions in the legal arena. In addition to being a 2019 graduate of the Texas Tech School of Law, I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in government from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Business Administration degree from Texas Tech Rawls College of Business. There are much easier ways to make a living, but I couldn’t imagine my life in another profession. I grew up with the philosophy that idle hands are the Devil’s tools, and I still don’t know how to be still. It’s probably one of my biggest flaws, but it’s also been one of my greatest advantages. Since I like to be in the middle of everything and keep busy, I spent my years as a student delving into as many activities as possible. While at Texas Tech, I served as president of the Student Bar Association and member of the Board of Barristers. I practiced in the pro bono Civil Practice Clinic and was an active member of the school’s incredible advocacy program. Additionally, my article “You Signed What With Whom? A Comparative Analysis of the Assignability of Covenants Not to Compete” was included in a volume of the Tech Law Business and Bankruptcy Journal. Throughout my career, I’ve been committed to exploring the best ways to apply my skills to ensure my clients’ success. That journey hasn’t always been smooth. While in high school and college, I worked at criminal defense attorneys’ offices. Although I firmly believe that everyone deserves their fair day in court — even if they commit the worst of crimes — the heavy emotional strain of that work was too much for me, so I decided to pursue alternative paths. After passing the Texas State Bar exam in 2019, I developed my professional From Crime to Commerce THE PATH TO THE PERFECT FIT
experiences by handling automotive liability, architectural/ engineering defense, basic construction, and medical malpractice cases before focusing on commercial litigation at Sul Lee Law Firm. While some of my previous law work involved dealing with insurance companies and other large corporations, my position at Sul Lee Law Firm allows me to work one-on-one with a diverse and fascinating clientele. I love the direct, personalized nature of these relationships and working to address anything small businesses encounter. I’m also intrigued that, in some cases, our clients based in Korea may forgo a financial settlement in exchange for a public apology from the defendant. Obviously, that mindset is a dramatic shift from some of the other litigation I’ve overseen over the years, and I find the culture surrounding this firm both refreshing and inspiring. When I’m not at the office, I enjoy working out, practicing jujitsu, hunting, hiking, tackling home improvement projects, and spending time with my 120-pound golden retriever, Mia. From my early days watching my father at work to my current role at Sul Lee Law Firm, I’ve dedicated myself to building expertise that puts clients first and gives them the security and justice they deserve. I can’t imagine doing anything else, and I look forward to working with my clients to build a bright future together.
-Spencer Young 469-715-4558 · 1
A MAJOR LEGAL MAKEOVER Inside Texas’s Transformative Business Courts
The world of Texas business law has changed dramatically.
On Sept. 1, the Texas Business Court and the Fifteenth Court of Appeals officially began operations, adding a new dimension to business-related legal disputes throughout the Lone Star State. Established by the Texas legislature after its June 2023 decision to adopt Chapter 25A of the Texas Government Code, the new courts aim to lessen the strain on civil district courts by assuming the burden of settling certain business-centric disputes. The Texas Business Court serves as a new trial court, while the Fifteenth Court of Appeals is an intermediate appellate court that focuses primarily on cases brought by or against the state or those that challenge the soundness of existing state laws. BUSINESS COURT BASICS The Texas Business Court focuses on commercial disputes in excess of $5 million. Cases heard by the Court include (but are not limited to) alleged violations of the Business Organizations Code and breach-of-duty claims against managers, owners, or other individuals with a controlling interest in a company. The Court may consider disputes over $10 million related to a non-bank loan transition or a potential violation of the Texas Finance Code or the Texas Business and Commercial Code. Foreclosure actions, civil cases against government entities, and cases involving personal injuries or estates are excluded from the Business Court’s jurisdiction.
How is the “Sexiest Man Alive” in 2010 also a genius businessman? Ryan Reynolds has appeared in countless movies and, even more recently, advertisements from his own business ventures. From gin brands to sports teams, Reynolds has made billion-dollar deals and has no plans of slowing down. If he wanted to, the actor wouldn’t need to get in front of the camera ever again! However, while his star power definitely has an impact on his marketing, it’s his strategy that gets people talking and buying. Reynolds co-founded his advertising agency, Maximum Effort, in 2018 and has been churning out some powerfully effective advertising. How? A little technique called “ fastvertising .” Reynolds’ Success With Fastvertising Fastvertising involves utilizing rapid-speed news outlets and social media platforms. To be successful with this type of marketing, you need to be quick on your feet, and we mean quick. Once something goes viral and becomes part of the cultural zeitgeist, it’s time to join the conversation and swiftly create an ad that plays into this trend. Reynolds has become an expert at fastvertising and showed everyone how it’s done when he released his Aviation Gin commercial. Do you remember that disastrous Peloton holiday commercial from 2019? The commercial had everyone talking — for all the wrong reasons, as many criticized the ad as sexist. The Peloton commercial featured an already thin woman receiving a Peloton exercise bike from her husband, encouraging her to lose weight. The woman then devotes herself to daily workouts and thanks her husband. It’s a scene seemingly pulled straight out of the 1950s! Business Lessons From Ryan Reynolds How to Keep Your Marketing Relevant in Record Time
FIFTEENTH COURT OF APPEALS FACTS The Fifteenth Court will have intermediate jurisdiction over various cases, including those involving Texas Business Court appeals, disputes against a state officer or university, and challenges to the Texas Attorney General regarding the constitutionality of certain laws. The Court will also hear the approximately 100 existing appeals filed in another court on or after Sept. 1, 2023.
With these critical changes to the court system likely raising questions and concerns from
business owners, we encourage you to contact us today to better understand how these revisions may impact your business and your existing or planned cases.
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Franchise Fundamentals A Road Map to Revenue and Results
Many entrepreneurs dream of franchising, and Sul Lee Law Firm is here to help them realize their ambitions. Whether you operate a restaurant or a senior care facility, expanding your business and reaching new markets is one of the most unmistakable signs of success. Our law firm has the expertise to assist both franchisors and franchisees in navigating and excelling in the growth of their enterprises. Expansive Vision Although most consumers envision fast- food staples like KFC and McDonald’s when they think of franchising, the model is essential to countless industries. Some of the most commonly franchised businesses include hotels and resorts, convenience stores, gyms and fitness centers, and automotive service/repair facilities. Franchising has also impacted the world of education, with the tutoring service Mathnasium and the Kumon chain of learning centers, just two of many popular examples. If executed properly, pursuing a path toward becoming a
franchisor or franchisee can provide the most ambitious members of the business world with seemingly endless possibilities for growth and profitability. Expert Guidance Although potentially lucrative, franchising demands significant attention to financial and logistical matters. Sul Lee Law Firm specializes in franchise law, assisting franchisors in developing and implementing strategies to negotiate sales, comply with applicable laws, address supply chain concerns, resolve franchise disagreements, and much more. Everyone looking to launch a new business venture deserves an opportunity to succeed. Our firm offers insights that give franchisees a solid footing to thrive. From working with clients to draft the best franchise agreements to advising them on how to sell when the time comes, our comprehensive services help franchisees successfully bridge the gap between an intriguing business idea and a fruitful venture poised for ongoing advancement.
Future Focus As with any business endeavor, franchises are subject to a constantly evolving regulatory landscape. Sul Lee Law Firm is committed to staying current on compliance requirements for state and federal laws — including the Federal Trade Commission’s Franchise Rule — to ensure a legally sound process for our clients. If you’re ready to move forward with your business aspirations or need guidance on maintaining the legal integrity of your existing operation, we welcome the opportunity to guide you toward your franchise’s brightest future.
WORD SEARCH
One-Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
INGREDIENTS
•
2 1/2 lbs skinless, bone-in chicken thighs
• • • • •
4 celery ribs, chopped
4 medium carrots, chopped
• • • • • •
1 tsp salt
2 bay leaves
1 tsp pepper 2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried thyme
3 cups uncooked egg noodles (about 8 oz) 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 large onion, chopped 3 garlic cloves, minced 10 cups chicken broth
• •
1 tbsp lemon juice
DIRECTIONS
1. Season chicken with salt and pepper. In an 8-quart stockpot over medium-high heat, add oil and chicken and cook until golden brown, 3–4 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside. 2. Add onion to drippings; cook over medium-high heat for 4–5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add broth and bring to a boil. Return chicken to pot. Add celery, carrots, bay leaves, and thyme. Reduce heat and cover; simmer until chicken is tender, 25–30 minutes. 3. Turn off heat. Remove chicken to a plate. Add noodles and let stand, covered, until noodles are tender, 20–22 minutes. 4. Shred chicken meat into bite-size pieces, and return to pot. Stir in parsley and lemon juice, and discard bay leaves.
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469-715-4558 · 3
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE A Journey Through Justice page 1 New Legal Lanes page 2 Ryan Reynolds’ Secret to Viral Marketing page 2 Is Your Franchise’s Future Foolproof? page 3 One-Pot Chicken Noodle Soup page 3
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Everyone was talking about the poorly made commercial all over the internet, with headlines pointing out the ridiculousness, one after the other. To ride the wave of frenzy this ad caused, Reynolds and his agency pushed out a sequel to the saga. Starring the same Peloton ad actress, Monica Ruiz, Reynolds’ commercial features the woman drinking martinis with her friends, obviously upset over her marriage. Of course, the martinis are made with Aviation Gin! Maximum Effort was able to conceptualize the ad’s plot, hire Ruiz, produce the video, and release it to the world in only 72 hours. As a result, the topic was still hot, and the gin commercial went viral. The “Deadpool” actor’s new ad garnered over 10 million views on X (formerly Twitter) and more than 6 million views on Aviation’s YouTube channel. It’s clear that the advertisement’s success directly led to his $610 million deal selling Aviation to Diageo. But Reynolds wasn’t done just yet. He teamed up with fellow actor Rob McElhenney to purchase a fifth-tier Welsh soccer team, Wrexham AFC, for $2.5 million. The sports team seemed a complete waste of time and money, but the two knew they could revive the forgotten team. Surprisingly, they did! Reynolds used his studio to create a docuseries highlighting the team’s history and the inspiring process of resurrecting the team. As a result, the team gained a massive following, countless sponsorship deals, and increased ticket sales.
The Essentials of Fastvertising Clearly, the key to succeeding at fastvertising is releasing content as quickly as possible. You need to be able to plan, produce, and release an on-topic commercial in less than three days. Any longer, and the trend loses its virality, and your ad loses its relevancy. But before you move at lightning speed, you need to actually be in the know. Follow trending hashtags, videos, news headlines, and whatever other new sensation hits the cultural scene. Once you spot something that everyone is talking about, it’s time to get started. It seems like we can all learn a few things from Ryan Reynolds!
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