Plaintiffs to Press First Amendment Challenge to New York's Even-Year Election Law
June 29, 2026 – A federal court cleared the way for the New York Republican State Committee, along with the Republican committees of Nassau and Suffolk counties, to move forward with their constitutional challenge to New York's Even-Year Election Law, granting leave to file a Second Amended Complaint in New York Republican State Committee v. New York State Board of Elections.
Also granted leave to move forward are several political candidates from four counties.
In today's order, Judge Gary R. Brown did not reach the merits of plaintiffs' central claim: that the Even-Year Election Law violates the First Amendment rights of candidates and political committees. The court granted leave to name the individual commissioners of the New York State Board of Elections as defendants in the Second Amended Complaint. Judge Brown dismissed claims against Gov. Kathy Hochul, the State of New York, and the New York State Board of Elections on jurisdictional grounds.
The First Amendment claim can now move forward against those commissioners. Plaintiffs commend the court's swift handling of the threshold issues.
"This decision clears the way for us to focus on the heart of the case," said William A. Brewer III, partner at Brewer, Attorneys & Counselors and lead counsel for the plaintiffs. "The court resolves a set of preliminary questions and gives us a clear path forward. We intend to take it, and we are confident in the strength of our First Amendment challenge."
The Legal 500 Recognizes Brewer, Attorneys & Counselors Among Top Boutique Firms for Commercial Disputes
June 15, 2026—Brewer, Attorneys & Counselors was selected to The Legal 500'sCommercial Disputes - Boutique Firms list for the first time.
As described by The Legal 500, the Firm is “praised for its ‘vast and varied experience’ in commercial disputes,” with William A. Brewer III, Josh Harris, and William A. Brewer IVreceiving special recognition.
Notably, William Brewer III was also named a Leading Partner in the category, described by The Legal 500 as "The strongest partners in their field… and endorsed by peers and clients alike."
The Firm was recognized in the Commercial Disputes - Boutique Firms category following an extensive ranking process based on peer and client feedback.
Clients praised the Firm’s capabilities, with one noting Brewer professionals provide "the knowledge and horsepower needed to handle all aspects of your legal needs.”
Law 360 Reports on New Storefront Director, Commitment to National Expansion
June 8, 2026 – Law 360 reports today that Efrain Vera rejoined the Brewer firm to lead community advocacy efforts at Brewer Storefront, the pro bono arm of the litigation boutique. As reported, Vera will oversee all aspects of the Storefront, which advocates for individuals, businesses, and institutions that lack access to sophisticated legal representation.
Vera's connection to the firm runs deep – he first joined as a teen participant in the Brewer Foundation Future Leaders Program before returning as a Dallas-based associate after law school. His career since included tenures at Reed Smith LLP and McGuireWoods LLP, as well as service on the City of Dallas License and Permit Appeal Board.
"One of the things Bill Brewer and I have often discussed is the power of a bar card," Vera said. "I'm happy to be at a place that uses that power for all the right reasons."
Partner William A. Brewer III noted that a key priority for the Storefront is expanding its national footprint, building on the firm's legacy of advocacy – including its landmark representation of wheelchair athletes securing the right to compete in the New York City Marathon.
"Having Efrain back with us is a perfect example of that commitment in action," Brewer said, "from our Future Leaders Program to his education, to his time as an associate, and now returning to stand at the forefront of the fight for justice."
Vera said he is returning to Brewer for many reasons — “but chief among them is to advance the firm's mission of helping communities in need.” He added, “The firm has a rich legacy of giving back. We want to expand that commitment, engage new stakeholders, and help more people and communities in need. There are no limits to our advocacy or the people we can help."
To read more: Brewer Taps Former Associate To Lead Its Pro Bono Group - Law360 Pulse
William A. Brewer III Writes for Texas Lawyer on Shakespeare's "Kill All the Lawyers" Line – and What It Really Means
June 8, 2026 – In a Texas Lawyer commentary, partner William A. Brewer III revisits one of William Shakespeare’s most enduring lines: "The first thing we do, let's kill all the lawyers."
The line, spoken by Dick the Butcher in Henry VI, Part II, is often cited to poke fun at the legal profession – but – as Brewer points out – Shakespeare meant the opposite. Properly understood, the remark is a recognition of the indispensable role lawyers play in preserving accountability, upholding the rule of law, and checking the ambitions of power.
Using Shakespeare's famous line as his frame, Brewer explores a broader question: Why do judges and lawyers so often become targets during periods of political and institutional strain? Drawing on both historical and contemporary examples, he argues that efforts to weaken the rule of law often begin by targeting those charged with defending it: lawyers.
Brewer writes, “Properly understood, this line is not an attack on lawyers – but a compliment – because every revolutionary knows the first step in successfully consolidating power is to undermine the rule of law with the rule of one man.”
Later, he observes, “Power rarely dismantles the law outright. More often, it inches closer to it – almost imperceptibly – in hopes the law adjusts in response.”
Ultimately, Brewer argues that lawyers become targets not because they are expendable, but because they insist that those imbued with political “power” answer to something beyond themselves. “One does not propose to ‘kill all the lawyers’ because they are expendable, but because lawyers are inconvenient to those who prefer power to go unexamined and unchecked.”
Read more here: https://www.law.com/texaslawyer/2026/06/08/the-inconvenience-of-lawyers/
Texas Lawbook Reports Brewer Storefront Names Efrain Vera as Director
June 7, 2026 – The Texas Lawbook reports today that Brewer Storefront named experienced litigator and community advocate Efrain Vera as its Executive Director . The Storefront is the community impact advocacy arm of Brewer, Attorneys & Counselors.
Mr. Vera will oversee all aspects of the Storefront, advocating for a broad range of individuals, businesses and institutions in need. He aims to expand the footprint of the operation nationally. The Storefront has been called a “pro bono powerhouse” by the ABA Journal.
As reported, this marks the return of Mr. Vera to the Brewer team. He previously worked as an associate in the firm’s Dallas office and is an alumnus of the Foundation’s Future Leaders Program, an academic and leadership development program that benefits students from the Dallas Independent School District. Most recently, Mr. Vera was an associate with Reed Smith.
“Often, the key to protecting our freedoms is ensuring that those freedoms are protected for everyone – especially those who may be marginalized by political power. In the Storefront, we use our skill sets as advocates on those matters which have broad community impact." said Storefront partner William A. Brewer III.
“We are thrilled that Efrain is returning to the Firm. Efrain was with us as a teenager in our Future Leaders Program, as a young man pursuing his advanced education, and as an associate in our firm,” Brewer continued. “Now he’s back – in the Storefront – and at the forefront of the fight for freedom.”
Founded in 1995, the Storefront handles cases covering a broad range of public matters relating to discrimination and harassment, human rights, and voting rights, among others.
“I am returning to Brewer for many reasons – but chief among them is to advance the firm’s mission of helping communities in need,” says Mr. Vera. “As someone previously involved in the firm, the Future Leaders Program, and the Storefront’s public advocacy, I’ve had a front-row seat to Brewer and the causes in which it believes. The firm’s future is even brighter than its legacy.”
Mr. Vera plans to expand the firm’s involvement in voting rights, building on its record of achievement across North Texas.
The Storefront successfully resolved Voting Rights Act cases with the Lewisville Independent School District in 2023, Richardson Independent School District in January 2019, the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District in 2015, and the Grand Prairie Independent School District in 2014. All districts now utilize reformed voting systems.
The Storefront also secured trial victories in Voting Rights Act cases against the Irving Independent School District in 2014, the City of Farmers Branch in 2012, and the City of Irving in 2009. Those lawsuits paved the way for the formation of new voting systems and the election of minority candidates.
Mr. Vera holds a bachelor’s degree from New York University, and a juris doctor from Albany Law School. He volunteers with the C3 Latino Young Professionals organization, a nonprofit that promotes networking and economic opportunity for future generations.
Read more: P.S. — Former Reed Smith Counsel Efrain Vera Named Director of Brewer Storefront - The Texas Lawbook
Miami Herald Reports on Lawsuit: Soho v. Two Roads Development; Controversy Arises in Connection with Bahamas Luxury Project
June 5, 2026 – The Miami Herald reports that Soho Development has filed an amended complaint against Two Roads Development following allegations that the company betrayed its benefactor cut Soho out of a $300 million Four Seasons-branded luxury residential development on Paradise Island in the Bahamas.
In the filings, Soho alleges that Two Roads breached an obligation to Soho by pursuing the development with another firm. The lawsuit claims that Two Roads began working on the project with Access Industries, the owner of the beachfront parcel, without obtaining Soho’s consent.
“Soho entrusted Two Roads with a lucrative opportunity in reliance on Two Roads’ promises — not to circumvent Soho,” said William A. Brewer III, partner at Brewer, Attorneys & Counselors and lead counsel to Soho.
The amended complaint, filed in New York Supreme Court, accuses Two Roads of breach of a non-circumvention agreement. Soho is seeking more than $30 million in damages, claiming the South Florida developer has the potential to earn over $50 million from the project. The suit was initially filed in July 2025, roughly six months into the Paradise Island project.
Will Brewer IV and Josh Harris Named to 2026 Lawdragon 500 X- The Next Generation List
New York partner Will Brewer IV and Dallas partner Josh Harris were named to 2026 Lawdragon 500 X – The Next Generation List.
As described by Lawdragon, “These lawyers have made their mark in fewer than 15 years in practice, with entire careers ahead of them to be the change they want to see in the world.”
Founded in 2005, Lawdragon is a leading digital media company producing the best lawyer guides and content in the legal industry. Its industry-leading guides recognize the most effective lawyers and legal professionals in a wide variety of industries and areas, with news-focused content that is followed by industry leaders.
To review the full list of honorees, visit The 2026 Lawdragon 500 X – The Next Generation | Lawdragon
William Brewer III Named as Finalist for D Magazine Leadership Excellence Award
Firm Partner William A. Brewer III was named a finalist for D Magazine’s 2026 Leadership Excellence Awards in the Community Impact Leader of the Year Category.
As described by D CEO, “The program recognizes executives distinguished not only by business results, but by intentional leadership, strong cultures, ethical decision-making, and long-term impact.”
Brewer is one of six finalists recognized in the Community Impact Leader category. Finalists were selected after multiple judging sessions by D CEO’s editors.
The winners will be revealed at an awards celebration in September.
View the finalists here.