On July 6, 2023, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas issued a decision in Restaurant Law Center, et al. v. U.S. Dep’t of Labor that affirmed the validity of a recently promulgated Department of Labor, or DOL, final rule designed to regulate when employers are entitled to take a tip credit to satisfy a portion of tipped employees’ wages. The final rule, issued on October 29, 2021, and known as the “Dual Jobs” or “80-20-30” rule, imposes new burdens that lawyers advising employers whose operations include tipped employees should be aware of to ensure their practices comply with the rule.
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TBLS now accepting certification applications
The Texas Board of Legal Specialization is now accepting online board certification applications for 2024. You can find the specific requirements for each of the 27 specialty areas in the “Apply” section of www.tbls.org.
Certification applications must be submitted by April 8, 2024; the exam is on September 30 and October 1, 2024, in Austin. If you have questions about the TBLS Board Certification program, please contact TBLS at 1-833-413-0253 or send an e-mail to tbls@tbls.org.
Sponsored Content: The Top Technology Tools for Law Firms in 2024
From the rise of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools to cloud-based options that allow lawyers to operate more efficiently while working remotely, many firms are adopting more technology right now. However, it can be challenging to keep up with the latest options to find the tools that best fit your firm’s needs.
In this post, we’ll go over some of the top tools your firm should consider in 2024 for law firm success.
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Houston Bar Foundation receives $500,000 grant from CenterPoint Energy
The Houston Bar Foundation, or HBF, has received a $500,000 grant from CenterPoint Energy to provide pro se litigant assistance to thousands of Harris County residents, according to a press release.
“CenterPoint Energy takes its responsibility to be a good corporate citizen seriously,” CenterPoint Energy Executive Vice President and General Counsel Monica Karuturi said in a press release. “We recognize the significant need to support self-represented litigants and are honored to provide this grant, which will help give people hope that justice will always be served.”
The charitable arm of the Houston Bar Association, the HBF will partner with Houston Volunteer Lawyers to work with other local community stakeholders on two initial implementation phases. The HBF selected Houston Volunteer Lawyers to lead the beginning implementation of this grant because it is one of the largest providers of pro bono legal services in Texas, according to a press release.
Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program hosts free legal clinics in March
The Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program, an initiative of the Dallas Bar Association, Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas, and local lawyers, is hosting free virtual and in-person legal clinics for eligible Dallas County residents throughout March. Continue Reading
Cyberattack: It Can Happen to Your Law Practice
Cybersecurity is an important concern not only for the safety of data, but also for the protection of people. In many ways, with the internet of things and the proliferation of breaches and exploitation, cyber threats are at the forefront of what attorneys, as advisers, employees, and business owners, face. The technology we attorneys now have at our fingertips allows us to more quickly integrate and innovate, network and share ideas more easily, and save money. Our digital capacity enables us to do amazing things, but it also makes us, our law practices, and our clients vulnerable. According to Martin Banks’ “Five Laws of Cybersecurity,” everything is vulnerable. Put another way, if there is a vulnerability it will be exploited, and that is a problem when your job is to protect people or your law practice/organization. Lapses in cybersecurity can subject attorneys and their organizations to civil liability.
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Dallas Bar Association hosts e-clinics in March
Volunteer attorneys will be available to answer legal questions on Wednesdays in March through the Dallas Bar Association’s LegalLine E-Clinic. The clinics, which run from 4 to 8 p.m., are free of cost.
A volunteer attorney will call a participant for up to 15 minutes of legal advice. No attorney-client relationship will be established. Individuals may receive referrals to local, legal, or social service agencies.
Calls from the clinic will remain anonymous. Participants should expect a call from an unknown number labeled “No Caller ID” or something similar. To participate, an online form is available at tinyurl.com/DBALegalLine. Registration for e-clinics closes at noon on the Tuesday prior.
Clinics are scheduled for March 6, March 13, March 20, and March 27.
For more information, go to dallasbar.org/?pg=LawyerReferralService.
Sponsored Content: Exploring Ways Attorneys Can Save Time Through General Aviation
There are countless ways to take on the skies in aviation. Whether traveling to meet with colleagues and clients or working on a case in another city, general aviation can help take you there while saving you time.
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Register now for State Bar of Texas virtual candidate forum
State Bar of Texas president-elect candidates Denise Scofield and Santos Vargas will participate in a live, virtual candidate forum from noon to 1 p.m. CDT on March 26.
This is your chance to submit questions to the candidates and hear about their platforms during a lively discussion moderated by State Bar of Texas Podcast host Rocky Dhir.
Registration is required. Register for this free event by clicking here.
Submit questions for the candidates in advance by email to webmaster@texasbar.com or during the forum by using the Zoom Q&A feature. If submitting questions by email, please use the subject line “Questions for the Candidates.”
For more information on the election, go to texasbar.com/elections.
The candidate forum is not approved for CLE credit.
Sponsored Content: Business Travel in Texas: Why You Should Consider Chartering a Private Aircraft
In the immense landscape of Texas, there is a need for efficient and flexible travel solutions, especially for business professionals. While traditional travel has its place, chartering an aircraft offers many advantages that can enhance productivity and the overall experience of business travel across the state. Here’s why it is worth it for legal professionals in Texas to consider chartering a private aircraft.
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