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Billie Ellis’ practice covers a broad spectrum of private equity, financial, commercial, and real estate transactions, including the acquisition, financing, development, and sale of all types of properties and companies. Prior to joining the firm in 2003, he was a Co-Founder and Managing Director of The Halifax Group, a $200 million private equity fund. Mr. Ellis was involved in all facets of Halifax, including the preparation of all fund documents, marketing to private and institutional investors, and acted as the de facto general counsel in the due diligence, purchase and sale, and other legal matters relative to Halifax portfolio companies. He has served on the boards of certain Halifax portfolio companies. Prior to founding Halifax, Mr. Ellis joined Kelly, Hart & Hallman in 1982, after spending three years with the Houston office of Vinson & Elkins. At Kelly Hart & Hallman, he built and chaired the Real Estate and Commercial Law Group. This was the largest practice group of the firm when he left to help start Halifax. At the firm, he was involved in the hiring and training of associates and partners, served on the firm’s Executive Committee, and maintained a full-time practice. An accomplished writer and presenter, Mr. Ellis has been educating students and colleagues for nearly two decades in private equity, finance, and real estate law. Mr. Ellis has been recognized as a Texas Super Lawyer by Texas Monthly Magazine, listed in Best Lawyers in America and is a member of several professional organizations, including the American College of Real Estate Lawyers. Education J.D., University of Houston Law Center, 1978 M.B.A., Southern Methodist University, 1977 Beta Gamma Sigma B.A., History, with high honors, The University of Texas at Austin, 1974 Phi Beta Kappa Phi Kappa Phi Phi Delta Phi Phi Alpha Theta Pi Sigma Alpha Bar Admissions Texas Representative Experience Representation of a client in connection with all facets of the acquisition, financing and construction of the largest biodiesel plant in the United States. Representation of a private energy developer as counsel in connection with an energy development project involving a $275 million dollar loan to fund a portfolio of three large Greenfield ethanol biofuel facilities. This representation is unique because it is the largest ethanol financing to date in the traditional project financing market and the first to ever use the portfolio approach. Representation of a mid-size coal company in all aspects of its acquisition, financing, regulatory, and operations of coal mines throughout the United States. Representation of numerous sellers, purchasers and developers of international real estate and private equity projects. Representation of a partnership that purchased the largest insolvent thrift in the U.S. This representation involved leading the legal team that structured, negotiated, and closed the transaction. Upon closing, Mr. Ellis represented the owners in all legal matters, including serving on the Legal Review Committee (LRC) of the new Good Bank. The LRC was responsible for restructuring the legal department of the institution and overseeing the hiring and monitoring of all law firms that represented the Good Bank. Representation of a $29 billion Bad Bank created for the private workout of U.S. government assets. Representation of a partnership that acquired $1.1 billion of assets. This was the first large bulk purchase of distressed mortgages from the RTC in partnership with GECC. Representation of a partnership that acquired $2.7 billion of initial assets. This involved a first impression public/partnership between U.S. government agencies and private investors/managers. Representation of a partnership that purchased Continental Airlines. Led the team that identified and handicapped the environmental liabilities associated with the purchase. Representation of a partnership that purchased, financed, refinanced, and sold a landmark New York hotel. Representation of lenders and owners of one of the largest and most acclaimed residential and commercial mixed use developments in the U.S. Representation of clients in acquiring and developing 140 acres of improved and unimproved land located near downtown Dallas. Representation of clients in connection with the design, construction, leasing, and management of several retail, cinema, and residential mixed use projects in downtown Fort Worth, Texas. Representation of a corporation in the development of one of the first Corporate Environmental Compliance Policies in the U.S. Representation of the owners and developers of numerous design and construction projects including a resort and hotel complex in Waikoloa, Hawaii; an office complex in Nashville, Tennessee; and the Biosphere II research project located outside Oracle, Arizona. Representation of a publicly traded oil and gas company, including the supervision of a bet the company litigation case and various other litigation matters in the Chancery Court in Delaware. Representation of several start-up companies from inception to maturity. Publications & Presentations Texts and Reference Books TEXAS TITLE INSURANCE (Second Edition) (Shepards/McGraw-Hill, Colorado Springs, Colorado) (1995) (295 pp.) A COMPLIANCE GUIDE TO LAND SALES MARKETING REGULATION (with Forms), 1992 A.B.A. Section of Real Property, Probate, and Trust Law (146 pp.) TEXAS REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS (Professional Education Systems, Inc., New York, New York) (1986) (364 pp.) TEXAS BASIC REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS (Professional Education Systems, Inc., New York, New York) (1985) (374 pp.) Law Review and Professional Journal Articles Law Review and Professional Journal Articles Get the Lead Paint Out Into the Open. The Practical Real Estate Lawyer September 1996 Get the Lead Paint Out Into the Open (Part 2) (with Forms). The Practical Real Estate Lawyer November 1996 ALI-ABA’s Practice Checklist Manual for Drafting Leases: Checklist, Forms, and Drafting Advice from The Practical Lawyer and The Practical Real Estate Lawyer. Part II, Everything You Need To Know About Insurance in Commercial Leases (with Forms and Glossary). American Law Institute, 1994. Co-authored with Steven A. Carey, Prorations: Watch Our for Real Estate Taxes Paid in Arrears. 8 Real Estate Finance Journal 11 (Spring 1993) Helping a Lender Develop an Environmental Risk Program. 8 The Practical Real Estate Lawyer 81 (July 1992) Civil and Criminal Forfeiture of Real Property and Other Assets. Real Estate Financing Newsletter, American Bar Association (March 1991); Real Property and Commercial Law Newsletters, Illinois State Bar Association (May 1991); and Northwestern University Drug-Related Property Forfeiture Program (May 1992) Negotiating and Drafting Confidentiality Agreements for Purchases (with Forms). 7 The Practical Real Estate Lawyer 47 (September 1991) What You Need to Know About Insurance in the Mortgagee/Mortgagor Relationship (with Forms). 5 Thepractical Real Estate Lawyer (September 1989) Everything You Need to Know About Insurance in Commercial Leases (with Forms). 5 The Practical Real Estate Lawyer 23 (July 1989) A Comprehensive Note Purchase Manual, (with Forms) (pts. 1&2), 3 The Practical Real Estate Lawyer 45, 49 (July & September 1987) Contracts as Commodities: Issues and Approaches in Regard to Commercial Real Estate ‘Earnest Money’ and ‘Option’ Contracts A Texas Lawyer’s Perspective. 16 St. Mary’s Law Journal 541 (1985) Preparing the Listing Agreement between Owner and Broker (with Form). 2 The Practical Real Estate Lawyer 51 (July 1986) The Agreement Between Owner and Architect: The Perspective of an Owner’s Lawyer. 15 Real Estate Law Journal 99 (Fall 1986) Amendments to Interstate Land Sales Full Disclosure Act. 8 Probate and Property 7 (Spring 1980) Selected Presentations to Professional Organizations Practical Implications Of A Seller's Representations And Warranties In A Highly Competitive Commercial Real Estate Transaction, American College of Real Estate Lawyers, (Fall 2006) The Nuts and Bolts of Purchasing a Real Estate Note: Issues, Approaches and Forms. Advanced Real Estate Law Course for the State Bar of Texas (July 2005) Lease Enforcement Remedies from the Landlord's Perspective. CLE International Conference, Negotiating Leases, Houston, Texas (September, 2004) Easy Street or Risky Business? Why Loan Participants Can’t Afford to be Passive Investors. ALI-ABA Banking and Commercial Lending Law Course of Study (May 1998) Negotiating and Documenting Real Estate Loan Transactions Commonly Negotiated Provisions (with Forms). ALI-ABA Banking Commercial Lending Law Course of Study (May 1997) Panelist: American College of Real Estate Lawyers, Construction Financing Issues. San Francisco, October 1996. Senior/Junior Creditor Agreements. ALI-ABA Banking and Commercial Lending Law Course of Study (March 1996) Managing Environmental Risks: The Establishment of Environmental Policies and Procedures. Kelly, Hart & Hallman Environmental Law Conference (November 1995) Owning, Developing, and Managing Real Property: The Necessity for an Environmental Risk Program. Advanced Real Estate Law Course for the State Bar of Texas (July 1995) History of RTC Pool Sales. American College of Real Estate Lawyers, Mid-Year Meeting, March 1995 (Real Estate in Capital Markets: the Refinancing of America), San Diego, California Negotiating an RTC Purchase and Sale Agreement. American College of Real Estate Lawyers, Mid-Year Meeting, March 1995 (Real Estate in Capital Markets: Refinancing of America), San Diego, California Mock Negotiation of the Purchase and Sale Agreement for Pooled Loans. American College of Real Estate Lawyers, Mid-Year Meeting, March 1995 (Real Estate in Capital Markets: Refinancing of America), San Diego, California Real Estate and Environmental Issues. Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, Environmental Symposium for Business, June 1994 Panelist: Discussions on Use of Mediation. Alternative Dispute Resolution Section of Tarrant County Bar Association, 1994 Drafting to Meet Your Clients’ Intent Common Law Pitfalls of Which Texas Real Estate Lawyers Must Be Aware. Advanced Real Estate Law Course for the State Bar of Texas (July 1993) Insurance and Insurance Provisions in Leases. Real Estate Law: Leases-In-Depth, Southern Methodist University School of Law (February 1993) Environmental Risk Management. Advanced Real Estate Drafting Course for the State Bar of Texas (July 1992) Waiver, Indemnification and Exculpatory Provisions in Commercial Leases. Real Estate Law: Leases in Depth, Southern Methodist University School of Law (February 1992) Confidentiality Agreements. Advanced Real Estate Drafting Course for the State Bar of Texas (January 1992) Civil and Criminal Forfeiture of Real Property and Other Assets. University of Texas Advanced Real Estate Law Course (May 1990) Exculpation and Indemnity Clauses. Mortgage Lending Institute (September 1989) Insurance and Real Estate Transactions: An Examination of Specific Issues, Coverages, and Contractual Provisions. Mortgage Lending Institute (September 1988); published as Insurance Issues in the Owner/Contractor Relationship (with Forms and Glossary). 5 The Practical Real Estate Lawyer 43 (November 1989) Purchasing Promissory Notes Secured by Real Estate: A Manual with Forms, Advanced Real Estate Law Course (Spring 1988) Regulation of Land Sales Marketing A Practical Approach. Advanced Real Estate Short Course (Summer 1987) and ABA Annual Meeting (Summer 1987) Negotiating and Preparing the Agreement Between Owner and Architect: Successful Representation of the Owner’s Interest. State Bar of Texas Advanced Real Estate Course (Spring 1987) Practical and Ethical Considerations in Dealing with Brokers. Advanced Real Estate Short Course (Summer 1986) Earnest Money and Option Contracts.Real Estate Transactions, The Fort Worth Real Estate & Commercial Law Council (Winter 1986) Selected Issues with Regard to Drafting ‘Earnest Money’ and ‘Option’ Contracts. State Bar of Texas Advanced Real Estate Course (Spring 1985) Marketing of Real Estate in Texas (State and Federal Considerations). State Bar of Texas Advanced Real Estate Course (Spring 1984) Title and Survey Examination. State Bar of Texas Institute (Fall 1983) Press Release Locke Lord Bissell & Liddell Attorneys Named Texas Super Lawyers 2007 in Texas Monthly Magazine 10/10/2007 Eight Locke Liddell & Sapp Attorneys Named in Who's Who Legal as Among Texas' Finest 9/17/2007 Locke Liddell & Sapp Attorneys Named Texas Super Lawyers 2006 In Texas Monthly Magazine 9/29/2006 Locke Liddell & Sapp Announces Addition of Renowned Partners to its Houston, Dallas Offices 7/9/2003 Professional History Partner in the law firm of Locke Liddell & Sapp Co-founder and Managing Director with The Halifax Group, 1999-2003 Partner with Kelly, Hart & Hallman LLP, 1984-1998 Associate with Kelly, Hart & Hallman LLP, 1982-1983 Associate with Vinson & Elkins LLP, 1978-1982 Professional Affiliations Member, American College of Real Estate Lawyers Listed in The Best Lawyers in America. Woodward/White, Inc. Listed as one of Texas' Super Lawyers in Real Estate by Texas Monthly Magazine Awarded Best Speaker Award for best-rated presentation for the 2005 Advanced Real Estate Course by State Bar of Texas CLE Member, College of the State Bar of Texas Member, Texas College of Real Estate Lawyers American Bar Association Chairman, Annual Meeting Program of the Committee on Continuing Legal Education and Developments (1988-1990) Chairman, Committee on Regulation of Land Sales (1986-1988) Section of Real Property, Probate and Trust Law (1981-present) State Bar of Texas Committee on Lawyers' Opinion Letter in Mortgage Loan Transactions (1984-1986) Real Estate Co-Editor, State Bar Newsletter on Real Estate, Probate and Trust Law (1983-1984) Section of Real Estate, Probate and Trust Law Listed in "Who's Who." Texas Environmental News (December 1994) Other Continuing Legal Education Planning Committee for State Bar of Texas Advanced Real Estate Law Course (1994) Moderator for Real Estate Document Preparation Institute Series (Ft. Worth) (Fall 1987) Planning Chairman for Advanced Real Estate Short Course (Summer 1985-1987) Planning Chairman for Fort Worth Real Estate and Commercial Law Counsel (Winter Seminar 1986) Presiding Co-Chairman for the Advanced Real Estate Law Course (Spring 1986) Chairman, Fort Worth Real Estate and Commercial Law Council (1983-1986) Planning Committee for Advanced Real Estate Law Course (Spring 1984, 1985) Community Leadership Member, Chiapas Project Board of Directors Board of Trustees of the Dallas Theater Center Chancellor’s Counsel, The University of Texas Kenyon College Parents Advisory Counsel (2000-Present) Academic Committee Affairs Chairman Former Advisor, Cox School of Business Private Equity Organization Former Board of Directors, Texas Boys' Choir Former Member of the Board of Directors, Fort Worth Academy Former Director, Texas Business Hall of Fame Directors Council, Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth (Member 2002-2004) Legal Services Committee for American Savings Bank (1988-1996) Legal Services Committee for New West Savings & Loan Association and American Real Estate Group (1988-1993) Adjunct Professor of Real Estate, University of St. Thomas, Cameron School of Business (1978-1981) American Land Title Associate and Lender's Counsel Group (1985-1998). |
