Haynes and Boone, LLP

Haynes and Boone is one of the largest and fastest-growing law firms in the U.S. Our firm believes that the world of business belongs to companies keen to compete, quick to adapt, eager to listen and learn and resolved to continually challenge themselves. We measure ourselves by the same standards. Our teamwork culture, our willingness to change quickly to meet the demands of the marketplace and our drive to be the best have been the key factors behind our success. We have grown from a handful of lawyers in 1970 to more than 500 lawyers today, have added more than 35 practice specialties, have expanded to ten offices worldwide and have become a national leader in the use of technology to deliver legal services. Our reputation in the business world has likewise grown.

We serve a diverse group of clients in a wide array of domestic and global business transactions and litigation matters. Our client base reflects virtually every business industry and includes more than 100 Fortune 500 companies, many major foreign companies and large financial institutions.

We have long served our clients' global business activities by building cross-border practice capabilities, strategically adding international legal expertise and establishing working relationships with leading law firms throughout the world. Haynes and Boone lawyers are fluent in 14 foreign languages. Our Mexico City office, opened in 1994, has grown to be one of the three largest in Mexico among U.S. law firms, and our Moscow office was opened in 2005. Our global reach has included more than 100 foreign countries where we assisted clients in cross-border matters ranging from acquisitions and financings to dispute resolution.

Congressional Climate: Estate Tax Rates, Short-Term GRATs, and FLP Discounts
July 2, 2009
While we still have not seen a serious proposal to make major changes to the federal estate tax exemption and rates, pending proposals would prohibit short-term grantor retained annuity trusts ("GRATs") and reduce or eliminate certain valuation discounts on transfers of minority interests...

Foreign Account Holders and Persons with Authority over Foreign Accounts -- BEWARE! The June 30th U.S. Filing Deadline May Apply to You
Kenneth K. Bezozo, Vicki L. Martin-Odette, Brandon S. Jones, July 2, 2009
Pursuant to the Bank Secrecy Act, certain U.S. persons are required to disclose information related to foreign financial accounts in which or over which they maintain an interest or some level of control. This information is disclosed by filing Form TD F 90-22.1, Report of Foreign Bank and...

Important Update About the June 30, 2009 FBAR Deadline
Kenneth K. Bezozo, Vicki L. Martin-Odette, Brandon S. Jones, Taylor H. Wilson, Charles F. Plenge, July 2, 2009
An important issue has been raised regarding whether FBARs relating to the 2008 calendar year must be mailed by June 30 or received by the Treasury Department by June 30.