Careers

Diversity

With 17 offices, from New York to Los Angeles and Seattle to Orlando, we live and work in communities all over the U.S., collaborating across locations, disciplines and even borders. Our experienced, highly ranked lawyers serve businesses wherever they are and wherever they want to go.

Offices

About Us

Pages

Professionals

Thought leadership: blogs, podcasts, videos, publications, events and news

Insights

Services

Pro Bono

Am Law 100 firm with practices in Business, Digital Assets and Data Management, Intellectual Property, Labor & Employment, Litigation and Tax.

Home | BakerHostetler

Statement by BakerHostetler Chair Paul Schmidt on Passing of Partner David Rivkin, Jr.

Nationwide CTA Injunction Is Back in Effect. What Happens Now?

Alexander Reid Quoted About OpenAI in New York Times and Bloomberg’s ‘Money Stuff’ Newsletter

Robb Adkins, Rachel Ofori Publish Article on White-Collar Defense After Catastrophic Incidents

Will’s depth of experience in general commercial litigation provides an understanding of the potential issues facing businesses. He places high value on quality work and remaining goal-oriented in order to achieve the best results for&nbsp;clients, emphasizing communication and a comprehensive understanding of their&nbsp;particular needs and interests.

core/freeform

J.D., University of Houston Law Center, 2012, 

B.A., English, Sewanee: The University of the South, 2006

<ul>
<li><em>The Best Lawyers in America®</em>
<ul>
<li>“Ones to Watch” in Texas for Commercial Litigation (2021 to 2025)</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>


Houston

BakerHostetler Attorneys from Dallas, Houston Offices Selected for The Best Lawyers in America®

Texas Attorneys Earn Accolades from The Best Lawyers in America®

Hundreds of BakerHostetler Attorneys Honored as 2023 Best Lawyers, Ones to Watch and Lawyers of the Year

191 BakerHostetler Attorneys Named in 2022 “Best Lawyers” List; 10 Recognized as “Lawyer of the Year”

Commercial Litigation

Distribution and Franchise

Litigation

Industries

Automotive/Mobility

<h5>Distribution and Franchise</h5>
<ul>
<li>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.</li>
<li>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.</li>
<li>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.</li>
<li>Represented a motor vehicle distributor in protest with franchised dealer regarding the relocation of a competing dealer, resulting in a favorable settlement.</li>
<li>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.</li>
<li>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.</li>
<li>Assisted multiple new motor vehicle manufactures in establishing their businesses in the U.S., including assistance with licensing, facility requirements, sales and service obligations, and the creation of a franchised dealer network.</li>
<li>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.</li>
<li>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.</li>
</ul>
<h5>Commercial Litigation</h5>
<ul>
<li>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.</li>
<li>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.</li>
<li>Defended a marine products manufacturer against claims of unfair trade practices and fraud in state court.</li>
<li>Defended Texas-based steel producers and distributors in federal court against claims of conspiracy to boycott.</li>
<li>Defended upstream natural gas production company owners in Texas state court against claims of fraud, breaches of contractual and fiduciary duties, and shareholder oppression.</li>
<li>Defended a New York-based clothing distributor against claims of breach of contract and warranty.</li>
<li>Represented more than a dozen commercial property owners in Texas state court in a tax appraisal contest.</li>
</ul>
<h5>White Collar and Investigations</h5>
<ul>
<li>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.</li>
<li>Defended the owners of charter school service businesses in a D.C. court against accusations of related party transactions and fraud.</li>
<li>Researched issues related to the investigation of potential FCPA violations in Guinea, India, Bangladesh and Russia.</li>
<li>Investigated related party transactions and fraud in a Houston-based construction business.</li>
</ul>


William P. Geise

William P. Geise

Experience

Recognitions and Memberships

Insights and News

Prior Positions

Credentials

Languages

Community and Pro Bono

Areas of Focus

Industries

Services

Featured Insights