William P. Geise

Experience

Distribution and Franchise

• Represented motor vehicle manufacturer in federal district court to enforce contractual right of first refusal in connection with the sale of multiple dealerships, obtaining favorable declaratory relief and establishing industry-changing precedent following affirmation by the Fourth Circuit.
• Represented a motor vehicle manufacturer in state court action to enforce terms of a settlement agreement, achieving a declaratory judgment regarding manufacturer’s right to terminate dealer’s franchise agreement.
• Represented a motor vehicle distributor in protest with franchised dealer regarding the termination of the dealer’s franchise based on unauthorized changes to the ownership and control of the dealership, resulting in a favorable settlement.
• Represented a motor vehicle distributor in protest with franchised dealer regarding the relocation of a competing dealer, resulting in a favorable settlement.
• Defended a motor vehicle manufacturer in federal district court against dealer’s claims of unfair discrimination, achieving dismissal of all claims following appeal to the Seventh Circuit.
• Defended motor vehicle manufacturer against claims by Texas administrative agency that manufacturer was operating without required licenses, leading to the withdrawal of claims prior to hearing.
• Assisted multiple new motor vehicle manufactures in establishing their businesses in the United States, including assistance with licensing, facility requirements, sales and service obligations, and the creation of a franchised dealer network.
• Regularly assist clients in drafting and negotiating dealer agreements, licensing agreements, service contracts, and other agreements related to the client’s business operations and distribution network.
• Regularly counsel clients regarding regulatory compliance issues under state and federal laws throughout the country and assist clients in the development of long-terms solutions and processes to ensure future compliance in disputes with franchised dealers.

Commercial Litigation

• Defended an oil field services and equipment provider against tortious interference and trade secret claims asserted by competing services provider, resulting in a favorable settlement.
• Defended a recreational vehicle manufacturer against claims of unfair trade practices and claims under state lemon laws, resulting in favorable judgment after a full administrative hearing.
• Defended a marine products manufacturer against claims of unfair trade practices and fraud in state court.
• Defended Texas-based steel producers and distributors in federal court against claims of conspiracy to boycott.
• Defended upstream natural gas production company owners in Texas state court against claims of fraud, breaches of contractual and fiduciary duties, and shareholder oppression. 
• Defended a New York-based clothing distributor against claims of breach of contract and warranty.
• Represented more than a dozen commercial property owners in Texas state court in a tax appraisal contest.

White Collar and Investigations

• Conducted interviews, drafted reports and researched potential liability for various infractions in the investigation of a healthcare company for embezzlement, fraud and Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) violations in China.
• Defended the owners of charter school service businesses in a D.C. court against accusations of related party transactions and fraud.
• Researched issues related to the investigation of potential FCPA violations in Guinea, India, Bangladesh and Russia.
• Investigated related party transactions and fraud in a Houston-based construction business.

Memberships

• Houston Bar Association
• Houston Young Lawyers Association 

Community

• Houston Urban Debate League: Young Professionals Counsel

• Houston Young Lawyers Association's Adopt-an-Angel Program: Firm Coordinator

Pro Bono

• Represented a grandmother seeking custody of her granddaughters after the death of their mother.
• Prosecuted misdemeanor offenses for the City of Houston.

• Performs estate planning and drafts wills for veterans and elderly low-income clients.