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.
William Brewer Comments in Bloomberg Law Article, Calls on Insurers to Challenge No Surprises Act's Constitutionality
May 19, 2026 – Bloomberg Law reports today that a series of lawsuits involving the federal No Surprises Act is increasing pressure on Congress and the Trump Administration to revisit the arbitration system – including how it operates and how courts review disputed awards.
Recent appellate matters involving major insurers continue to test the scope of judicial review under the statute. Insurers allege that certain providers improperly obtained arbitration awards through ineligible Medicare and Medicaid claims. The cases also center on allegations that out-of-network claims were routed through in-network practices.
Providers prevail in approximately 88% of disputes, according to data cited in the article, while providers separately contend that insurers routinely delay or fail to pay arbitration awards. Awards can reach up to 17 times insurers’ median in-network reimbursement rates, while the volume of provider-disputed claims continues to rise.
William A. Brewer III, partner at Brewer, Attorneys & Counselors, tells Bloomberg Law that insurers should challenge the law's constitutionality rather than appeal adverse rulings. Brewer argues that the No Surprises Act’s “fundamental flaw” lies in compelling arbitration between parties that did not voluntarily agree to waive their First Amendment right to sue.
“Insurers have got to go back and replot their assault on this,” Brewer said, “and stop appealing after they lost.”
Read more: Bloomberg Law: Frustration in Surprise Billing Cases Ups Pressure for Overhaul
HBCU National Speech and Debate Organization Adopts Brewer Foundation’s IPPF Curriculum to Advance Civil Discourse and Research Skills
Dallas, Texas — May 15, 2026 — The Brewer Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Brewer, Attorneys & Counselors, announces a landmark partnership with the HBCU National Speech and Debate Organization (HBCU NSDO) to integrate the International Public Policy Forum’s (IPPF) curriculum into HBCU debate programs nationwide.
Founded in 2001 by the Brewer Foundation and now jointly administered by New York University (NYU), IPPF is the only global debate tournament that challenges high school teams to compete through rigorous written and oral debate. The program is designed to strengthen students’ critical thinking, research, and advocacy skills.
Under the partnership, the IPPF curriculum will serve as a foundational resource for novice debaters across the HBCU National Speech and Debate Organization, a network of over twenty-five HBCUs including Howard University and Texas Southern University. The curriculum emphasizes research, writing, and argumentation skills essential for high-level civil discourse and competitive debate. It will also be used in HBCU-hosted summer camps, helping introduce high school students to IPPF and the broader world of competitive debate.
“This partnership represents an important step in providing our students with world-class resources to refine their advocacy skills,” said Sean Allen, Director of Tennessee State University Debate and Chair of the HBCU National Speech and Debate Organization. “Adopting the IPPF curriculum ensures our novice debaters build the research and writing foundations necessary for civil discourse, while our summer camps will introduce Black high school students to opportunities to compete globally through IPPF.”
The IPPF curriculum challenges students to engage deeply with complex public policy issues through both written essays and oral arguments. Its adoption by the HBCU NSDO reflects a shared commitment to intellectual leadership and academic excellence.
“At the Brewer Foundation, we believe civil, evidence-based discourse is a cornerstone of democracy,” said William A. Brewer III, Chairman of the Brewer Foundation. “We are proud to partner with the HBCU National Speech and Debate Organization to bring IPPF to a new generation of scholars who will help shape our civic and professional institutions.”
Expanding the curriculum into HBCU-led summer camps is also intended to increase representation in IPPF and strengthen the educational pipeline for students from underrepresented communities.
“By aligning the IPPF curriculum with the mission of HBCUs, we are strengthening pathways for students to become tomorrow’s business and civic leaders,” said Ian Shaw, President of the Brewer Foundation. “This collaboration is a key part of our work to advance education equity and ensure high-potential students have the tools to succeed in higher education and beyond.”
View the IPPF Curriculum here: IPPF in the Classroom
Learn more about the IPPF here: International Public Policy Forum | Global Dialogue
Nashville Business Journal Reports on Lawsuit Against AJ Capital Affiliate Following Closure of Roosevelt Island Hotel
May 13, 2026 – The Nashville Business Journal reports that Cornell University and ACRES Capital have filed separate lawsuits against an affiliate of AJ Capital Partners following the November 2025 closure of the Graduate by Hilton Roosevelt Island.
Graduate Roosevelt Island Owner LLC entered a 65-year ground lease with Cornell in 2018 to develop and operate the 224-room hotel on Cornell Tech’s campus. The property opened in 2021 and later secured a $76.5 million loan from ACRES in 2022.
According to court filings, ACRES declared a default under the loan agreement in September 2025, alleging the borrower failed to maintain required balances in its debt service reserve account. The hotel ceased operations on November 25, 2025.
ACRES then sued the AJ Capital affiliate that guaranteed the loan pursuant to a Recourse Guaranty, Graduate Hotels Real Estate Fund III, LP Roosevelt Island Owner LLC in New York County Supreme Court, seeking approximately $79.27 million in outstanding principal, accrued and unpaid interest, late charges, and attorneys’ fees.
On April 29, Cornell separately sued the borrower – Cornell’s former tenant – for eviction and for more than $1 million in unpaid rent and lost event revenue. The university’s lawsuit alleges that the hotel closure violated the ground lease agreement and caused substantial harm to the university, its campus operations, and related event activity.
Brewer, Attorneys & Counselors partners – William A. Brewer III and Jason Snyder – represent ACRES in the litigation, the Nashville Business Journal writes.
Capital One Donates 30 Laptops to Equip Brewer Foundation's Graduating Seniors for College
Dallas, TX – May 12, 2026 – This fall, every graduate of the Brewer Foundation’s Future Leaders Program (FLP) Class of ‘26 will arrive on campus equipped with the one tool modern higher education assumes: a personal laptop. Thanks to Capital One, the program’s 25th graduating class will receive 30 laptops – one for each high-achieving graduate from the Dallas Independent School District.
The donation fills a gap many first-generation college students face: reliable access to technology. From essay writing to accessing coursework and collaborating with peers, laptops are central to everyday academic work. By providing one to each graduate, Capital One removes an obstacle for these students as they transition to top universities across the country.
"This is a game-changing gift for our students," said William A. Brewer III, chairman of the Brewer Foundation. “Capital One is not just donating technology – they are providing an essential tool our scholars need to excel from day one on their college campuses.” "We are grateful to the entire Capital One team for their partnership and their deep commitment to our Future Leaders,” said Brewer. “Their investment ensures that the promise of the FLP – to prepare students for success in college and beyond – is fulfilled in the most tangible way possible."
Founded in 2001, the Future Leaders Program is the flagship academic and leadership program of the Brewer Foundation, the philanthropic affiliate of Brewer, Attorneys & Counselors. FLP serves more than 200 students, ages 12–18, from urban communities within the Dallas Independent School District (DISD) at no cost. Through year-round academic courses, leadership training, and exposure to a wide range of cultural programs, FLP helps prepare its “future leaders” for college and beyond.
“This donation is a tangible expression of Capital One's deep commitment to building vibrant, opportunity-rich communities,” Sanjiv Yajnik, President of Financial Services at Capital One, said. “By equipping every graduating Future Leader with a personal laptop, we are providing more than a tool—we are investing in their future success, removing a critical barrier to entry, and empowering the next generation of innovators as they begin their educational career pathways.”
Andrella Thomas, Senior Manager of Social Innovations, commented on the partnership. "At Capital One, we are committed to investing in the communities we serve and creating pathways to socioeconomic opportunity. The Brewer Foundation's Future Leaders Program has a remarkable, proven track record of changing lives. We are proud to support these impressive young leaders and are confident that providing them with this technology will empower them to achieve great things in their academic and professional careers."
About the Brewer Foundation
The Brewer Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Brewer, Attorneys & Counselors. The Foundation empowers students through education equity, mentorship, and global debate. It breaks barriers, amplifies voices, and champions the art of advocacy for lasting change. A 501(c)(3) private foundation, the Brewer Foundation supports a range of community initiatives, with a special emphasis on developing, overseeing, and funding education programs, including the Brewer Foundation Future Leaders Program (FLP) and the Brewer Foundation/New York University International Public Policy Forum (IPPF).