| GableGotwals is pleased to announce that Nathan H. Atkins has joined the Oklahoma City office as a Shareholder.

Nathan’s experience includes advising corporate clients regarding private market mergers & acquisitions, commercial finance, joint ventures, securities, investor relations, and general corporate governance. Prior to joining the Firm, Nathan practiced at major international law firms headquartered in New York and Silicon Valley, where he advised private equity and venture capital sponsors and investors in connection with fundraising, operational, and wide-ranging transactional matters. He has also served as in-house general counsel to a global investment firm and SEC registered investment adviser.

“We are excited to expand our transactional capabilities in Oklahoma City with the addition of Nathan,” said Nick Merkley, Managing Shareholder of GableGotwals’ Oklahoma City office. “His national practice and in-house experience offer important perspectives for our clients as they look to us not only as a legal provider but also as a strategic business advisor.”

About GableGotwals
GableGotwals® is a full-service law firm with 100 attorneys and more than 70 other business professionals in Oklahoma and Texas. We represent a diversified client base across the nation, and our connections and reach are global. Fortune 500 corporations, privately owned companies, entrepreneurs, foundations, and individuals entrust us every day with the stewardship and strategic management of their legal challenges.

September 8, 2025 | GableGotwals is pleased to announce that Timothy T. (Tim) Jones and Ethan T. Mock have joined the Firm’s Tulsa office as Of Counsel.

Tim Jones has practiced at the forefront of environmental law for more than 30 years – in both industry and government. His experience offers him unique perspectives and enables him to understand environmental issues from every standpoint – having worked as counsel to companies in the food, oil and gas, transportation, manufacturing, and energy sectors, as well as from the perspective of the regulators. Prior to joining the Firm, Tim served as Senior Assistant General Counsel and Assistant Secretary at HF Sinclair, an oil and gas company based in Texas, as well as Senior Counsel to Tyson Foods, one of the country’s largest agribusinesses based in Arkansas. Earlier in his career, Tim worked at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in both regional and headquarters offices, handling complex enforcement litigation and regulatory matters. He also served as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Arkansas, where he conducted criminal and civil case preparation and investigations.

“We are thrilled to welcome Tim to the Firm,” said Tim Sowecke, Co-chair of GableGotwals’ Environmental and Natural Resources Law Practice. “Tim’s background is exceptional. He combines high-level regulatory and litigation experience from his time at the Department of Justice and as Regional Counsel at EPA Region 6 with deep in-house leadership at Fortune 500 companies. His arrival represents a strategic investment in the continued growth of our top-notch national environmental practice and enhances our ability to provide clients across industries with practical, business-focused solutions to complex regulatory and litigation challenges.”

Ethan Mock has experience in oil and gas lease processing and title examination, administrative appeals, and tribal and federal regulatory compliance. Prior to joining the Firm, Ethan worked for the Eastern Oklahoma Regional Office of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, where he supervised oil and gas leasing operations across the region, including new lease approvals, assignments, and permitting. He oversaw compliance with federal regulations and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and communicated directly with the Bureau of Land Management, Office of Natural Resources Revenue, and the Bureau of Trust Fund Administration on regulatory and royalty matters. He also drafted administrative appeal decisions related to oil and gas leasing and surface and subsurface use issues.

“For more than 80 years, GableGotwals attorneys have been advising clients on oil and gas title examination. I am looking forward to collaborating with Ethan as he joins our Title Examination Group. His extensive energy background provides much-needed support for our thriving practice,” said E. Talitha Ebrite, Chair of the Firm’s Title Examination – Oil & Gas Practice.

About GableGotwals
GableGotwals® is a full-service law firm with 100 attorneys and more than 70 other business professionals in Oklahoma and Texas. We represent a diversified client base across the nation, and our connections and reach are global. Fortune 500 corporations, privately owned companies, entrepreneurs, foundations, and individuals entrust us every day with the stewardship and strategic management of their legal challenges.

GableGotwals is ranked Band 1 in Environment by Chambers USA, 2025. Our environmental team includes attorneys with advanced degrees and former energy company executives, combining technical expertise with seasoned litigation and former corporate counsel experience. For more information, click here.

GableGotwals title attorneys work closely with our energy and production company clients in all phases of oil and gas title examination in the state of Oklahoma. From fast-paced due diligence review of key properties in asset purchase or financing transactions, to the rendering of formal drilling opinions, and ultimately the issuance of highly detailed division order title opinions. For more information, click here.

June 9, 2025 | GableGotwals is pleased to announce that Jeni Stallings has joined the Tulsa office as a transactional Associate.

Jeni’s experience includes advising clients on a wide range of corporate transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, and other complex business arrangements involving energy, natural resources, and manufacturing. She has worked on matters related to mineral sourcing, corporate acquisitions, and project development, including coordination with American Indian tribes and tribal lands.

Prior to joining the Firm, Jeni worked at an AmLaw 200 firm and the United States Department of Justice. She served as a Law and Policy Intern in the Environmental and Natural Resources Division of the United States Department of Justice and held a fellowship in public law and policy in Washington, D.C. Her work included legislative analysis, support for land acquisition applications, and legal research under the Indian Child Welfare Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, and the Freedom of Information Act.

“We are excited to have Jeni join GableGotwals’ corporate practice. Her experience in transactional and Native American law is a great addition to the team,” said Tom Hutchison, Co-chair of the Firm’s Business Practice Group.

Jeni earned her J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law, where she served as Notes Editor for the Virginia Environmental Law Journal. She received a B.A. from Dartmouth College and currently serves on the Dartmouth College Native American Alumni Association Board of Directors. She is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation.

She is admitted to practice in Colorado and the District of Columbia, and her admission in Oklahoma is pending.

About GableGotwals

GableGotwals® is a full-service law firm with nearly 100 attorneys and more than 70 other business professionals in Oklahoma and Texas. We represent a diversified client base across the nation, and our connections and reach are global. Fortune 500 corporations, privately owned companies, entrepreneurs, foundations, and individuals entrust us every day with the stewardship and strategic management of their legal challenges.

June 2, 2025 | GableGotwals is pleased to announce that Jason Seay has joined the Tulsa office as Of Counsel. He has extensive experience advising clients on healthcare regulatory compliance, data privacy and security, artificial intelligence governance, and broader regulatory matters.

Prior to joining the Firm, Jason held in-house legal and compliance leadership roles at companies including GeneDx, a global genetics and diagnostics company, and DaVita, a leading healthcare provider. He also served as Associate General Counsel for a regional health system in Alaska and represented state agencies as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Oklahoma. He has additional private practice experience in healthcare law, civil litigation, and administrative law.

“Jason brings valuable experience in HIPAA compliance, breach response, data governance, and AI implementation, which will be a great addition to our Healthcare and Cybersecurity and Data Privacy teams,” said Trent Shores, Managing Shareholder of GableGotwals’ Tulsa office. “His background in both the public and private sectors strengthens our ability to support our clients across a range of industries.”

Jason earned his J.D. from the University of Tulsa College of Law, where he completed the Health Law Certificate, received a CALI Award in Philosophy of Law, and was a member of the Board of Advocates. He received his B.A. in Philosophy from the University of Oklahoma.

He is a Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP/US) and is licensed to practice in Oklahoma and Alaska.

About GableGotwals

GableGotwals® is a full-service law firm with nearly 100 attorneys and more than 70 other business professionals in Oklahoma and Texas. We represent a diversified client base across the nation, and our connections and reach are global. Fortune 500 corporations, privately owned companies, entrepreneurs, foundations, and individuals entrust us every day with the stewardship and strategic management of their legal challenges.

HOUSTON, TX — June 6, 2025 | GableGotwals is pleased to announce that Winfred T. (“Win”) Colbert has joined the Firm as Of Counsel in its Houston office, bringing with him a distinguished career in environmental and natural resources law. With extensive experience advising public and private sector clients on complex environmental, health, and safety (EHS) matters, Win enhances the Firm’s capabilities in regulatory compliance, enforcement defense, and strategic environmental counseling across key industries.

He joins GableGotwals’ Chambers and Partners Band 1-ranked Environmental and Natural Resources Practice, alongside Lloyd Landreth, Tim Sowecke, and Tyler Self.

Win’s practice spans a wide range of issues, including permitting, litigation strategy, crisis response, and government relations, particularly in sectors such as energy, utilities, chemical manufacturing, and transportation. He has successfully represented clients in high-stakes matters involving the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, RCRA, and Superfund laws before the EPA, state environmental agencies, and in federal court.

“Win and I have collaborated, and occasionally been on opposing sides, on environmental and regulatory matters for many years ― building a deep mutual respect through our professional interactions. His broad expertise and proven leadership in both the public and private sectors make him a strong complement to our team,” said Lloyd Landreth, Co-chair of the Firm’s Environmental Law Practice. “His ability to navigate complex regulatory frameworks and craft effective strategies for compliance and risk management will be a great benefit for our clients.”

Prior to joining GableGotwals, Win served as Senior Assistant City Attorney for the City of Houston. In that role, he advised the Mayor’s Office and several city departments, including the Airport System, Public Works, Health, and Solid Waste, on environmental, regulatory, and legislative issues. He also served as a liaison with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).

He received his J.D. from Columbia University Law School and his B.A. in Political Science from Yale University.

About GableGotwals

GableGotwals® is a full-service law firm with nearly 100 attorneys and more than 70 other business professionals in Oklahoma and Texas. We represent a diversified client base across the nation, and our connections and reach are global. Fortune 500 corporations, privately owned companies, entrepreneurs, foundations, and individuals entrust us every day with the stewardship and strategic management of their legal challenges.

May 5, 2025 | GableGotwals is pleased to announce that Mark Nawfal has joined the Houston office as Of Counsel, where his practice will focus on mergers and acquisitions, taxation, and energy law.

Mark has more than 15 years of international legal experience advising multinational companies, private equity funds, and partnerships on a wide range of corporate and transactional matters. He represents clients in domestic and cross-border mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, leveraged buyouts, restructurings, corporate governance, inbound and outbound tax planning, tax efficient restructuring, foreign investment matters, energy infrastructure projects, and the negotiation of complex commercial contracts. Mark also counsels clients on U.S. compliance and anti-corruption laws.

Prior to joining the Firm, Mark practiced at law firms in Houston, New York, and the Middle East.

“We are excited to welcome Mark to GableGotwals as we continue to expand our Houston office. His extensive international experience in mergers and acquisitions, taxation, compliance, and anti-corruption enhances our ability to serve clients across various industries. Mark’s addition reflects our ongoing commitment to strategically growing our presence in Texas and delivering excellent legal services to our clients,” said John Dale, CEO of GableGotwals.

Mark earned his J.D. from Northeastern University School of Law, holds an LL.M. in Global Energy from The University of Texas at Austin School of Law, and an LL.M. in Taxation with a Certificate in International Taxation from Georgetown University Law Center. He received his B.A. in Economics and International Relations from Tufts University. Mark is admitted to practice in Texas, New York, and Florida.

About GableGotwals

GableGotwals® is a full-service law firm with nearly 100 attorneys and more than 70 other business professionals in Oklahoma and Texas. We represent a diversified client base across the nation, and our connections and reach are global. Fortune 500 corporations, privately owned companies, entrepreneurs, foundations, and individuals entrust us every day with the stewardship and strategic management of their legal challenges.

April 23, 2025 | By: Jeffrey T. Haughey

The recent flurry of activity regarding tariffs and the resultant market volatility should have public companies reviewing and analyzing their risk factors and MD&A sections in the preparation of their upcoming 10-Q filings for the first quarter. In addition, they should also be prepared to answer questions on these subjects (to the extent possible) during their earnings calls on their quarterly results.

Risk Factors
Companies should be reviewing the Risk Factors section in their last 10-K filing to determine whether any of them should be updated or if a new Risk Factor would be appropriate to include because of the ongoing tariff restructuring and the market volatility that has accompanied such actions. Some of the possible areas that could trigger the need to update one or more Risk Factors include:

• The magnitude of business subject to tariffs (both domestic and foreign) on the company’s own goods or goods used in producing those goods
• The impact that tariffs could have on the company’s supply chain
• The company’s ability to raise the prices on its goods in response to the imposed tariffs and the resulting impact on the demand for its goods if it does raise the prices on its goods
• Whether the company would incur unrecoverable costs in trying to limit the effect of the tariffs
• The impact on future capital expenditures, acquisitions etc.
• The possibility of an economic slowdown or recession, which may reduce demand for the company’s goods, limit its availability to the capital markets, increase the cost of capital due to increased interest rates, lower its equity valuation or adversely affect foreign currencies (companies may wish to revisit their “recession” risks from 2008-2009)

In reviewing their risk factors, companies should also be on the lookout for “hypothetical” risks that are no longer hypothetical. In Huddleston v Herman & MacLean, 640 F.2d 534, 544 (5th Cir. 1981), the Fifth Circuit admonished that “[t]o warn that the untoward may occur when the event is contingent is prudent; to caution that it is only possible for the unfavorable events to happen when they have already occurred is deceit.”

MD&A
Here, too, companies should analyze the impact of tariffs and market volatility on their results and liquidity, particularly if they need to delay or abandon planned capital expenditures or acquisitions or if the company’s access to capital becomes more expensive or limited.

Companies are obligated to address in the MD&A “known trends or uncertainties that have had or that are reasonably likely to have a material favorable or unfavorable impact on net sales or revenues or income from continuing operations” and “known trends or any known demands, commitments, events or uncertainties that will result in or that are reasonably likely to result in the registrant’s liquidity increasing or decreasing in any material way.” Unfortunately, this is made more difficult since the tariff situation is so uncertain at this time, and if there is an economic slowdown, recoveries can take days or years depending on the circumstances.

Companies should bear in mind that in addition to the consequences of the current tariff/market upheaval, if they cannot conclude that the possibility of much higher tariffs taking effect in 90 days from “Liberation Day” is not reasonably likely to occur, then such a known trend or uncertainty would also need to be discussed if the consequences of such higher tariffs would be material to their results or liquidity.

In the past, some companies have tried to support their stock price by initiating a share repurchase program. Companies should be satisfied that they have ample liquidity to do so and that they are not in possession of material, nonpublic information at the time of such purchases. It would be safer if the company had previously adopted a Rule 10b5-1 plan when it is not in possession of material, nonpublic information.

Earnings Calls
While executives may wish to answer questions on these topics generally by saying that they are “closely monitoring” the situation, they may be better served by having answers and plans to such questions, if possible, to show that the company is staying abreast of the circumstances. As always, companies need to ensure that the entire communications team is providing consistent messages. If the situation continues to be volatile, it may be appropriate, under Regulation FD, to avoid reaffirming earnings guidance after an earnings call in subsequent private calls with analysts.

For questions regarding the impact of tariffs and market volatility on risk factors, MD&A, and earnings calls, please contact your GableGotwals attorney or a member of our Corporate & Securities Group.

Jeffrey T. Haughey
918-595-4837
jhaughey@gablelaw.com

This article is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not contain legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. The information provided should not be taken as an indication of future legal results; any information provided should not be acted upon without consulting legal counsel.