Posted inGuest BlogState BarTexas Lawyers' Assistance ProgramTLAP

Stories of Recovery: A ‘real alcoholic’

By Guest Blogger on

Editor’s note: This post, which has been updated, was originally published on June 15, 2015, as the 12th story in the Texas Lawyers’ Assistance Program’s Stories of Recovery blog series, featuring attorneys in their own words. TLAP offers confidential assistance for lawyers, law students, and judges with substance abuse or mental health issues. Call TLAP at 1-800-343-8527 (TLAP) or find more information at tlaphelps.org.

I guess what astounds me the most about my personal struggle with alcohol is that despite growing up with alcoholism all around me (my dad has been in recovery for over 30 years), my impression of a “real alcoholic” was the type Hollywood often portrays: A person, residing under a bridge, with the entire contents of their belongings in a shopping cart. Never did it cross my mind that a “real alcoholic” could live in West Austin, run a successful business, and drive a Jaguar. Well, guess what? They can, and they do.
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Posted inNewsVeterans

Free legal clinic for veterans in Tomball

By Eric Quitugua on

Veterans can receive free legal advice at a clinic hosted by the Houston Northwest Bar Association, the Montgomery County Bar Association, and the Houston Bar Foundation’s Veterans Legal Initiative on Saturday, January 26.

The clinic will offer veterans and spouses of deceased veterans advice and counsel from volunteer attorneys in any area of law, including family law, wills and probate, consumer law, real estate and tax law, and disability and veterans benefits. Those who qualify for legal aid and are in need of ongoing legal representation may be assigned a pro bono attorney to take their case.

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Posted inAbout The BarNewsState BarTexas Young Lawyers Association

Longley: Board votes on chief disciplinary counsel, TYLA election issue

By Guest Blogger on

Editor’s Note: State Bar of Texas President Joe K. Longley sent the following message to members on Friday.

The State Bar of Texas Board of Directors met today in Austin. Highlights from the meeting are provided below.

Seana Willing

New chief disciplinary counsel named
The board voted unanimously to consent to the Commission for Lawyer Discipline’s selection of Seana Willing as the new chief disciplinary counsel. She will replace Linda Acevedo, who is retiring this month after 33 years of service to the State Bar and 10 years as chief disciplinary counsel. For the past two years, Ms. Willing has been executive director of the Texas Ethics Commission. She previously served the State Commission on Judicial Conduct for 18 years, including 14 years as executive director. She will now lead the Office of Chief Disciplinary Counsel, which administers the state’s attorney discipline system and represents the commission in disciplinary litigation. Continue Reading

Posted inNews

Houston attorney collecting baby supplies for Operation Homefront

By Eric Quitugua on

The Law Office of David A. Fernandez is hosting a donation drive for Operation Homefront’s Star-Spangled Babies program from mid-January to the end of March. The program provides military families with early education tips, a support system, and baby supplies when finances are tight or a service member is deployed.

The firm is in need of learning and development toys 0-12 months, gyms, jumpers, soothers or sound machines, baby monitors, baby carriers/wraps, teethers, rattlers, stroller toys, push and pull toys, size 2 diapers, wipes, diaper cream, lotion, baby shampoo, onesies, blankets, and towels. Donated items can be dropped off at 2190 N. Loop West, Ste. 133, Houston 77018.

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Posted inAbout The BarNewsPeopleState Bar

Seana Willing selected as new chief disciplinary counsel

By Amy Starnes on

The State Bar of Texas Board of Directors voted unanimously Friday to consent to the Commission for Lawyer Discipline’s selection of Seana Willing as the new chief disciplinary counsel.

Willing served the State Commission on Judicial Conduct for 18 years —14 of those as executive director of the commission. For the past two years, Willing has been executive director of the Texas Ethics Commission.

“We believe that Ms. Willing’s demonstrated commitment to service and to ethics in government and the legal profession make her an excellent choice to lead us in our mission to serve the Texas attorney community and the public,” Noelle Reed, chair of the Commission for Lawyer Discipline, said.

Willing replaces Linda Acevedo who is retiring after 33 years of service to the State Bar. Acevedo served 10 years as chief disciplinary counsel.

Click here to read the full news release on Ms. Willing’s selection.

Posted inAbout The BarCLECriminal LawFamily LawLaw Practice Management

Sign up now for free solo, small firm CLE

By Amy Starnes on

 

1/15/19 UPDATE: This event will be live streamed. Register for the webcast here.

Registration is underway for the free CLE “Updates for Solo Practitioners and Small Firms.”

The CLE features updates and current issues facing general practitioners. It will include updates on criminal law, law practice management, family law, business succession planning, and State Bar of Texas happenings. The CLE will run from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, January 16 at the Texas Law Center, 1414 Colorado St. in Austin.

Earn 2.5 hours of free MCLE credit. Register for the live event here.

 

Posted inNews

Newest Travis County and 3rd Court of Appeals judiciary sworn in

By Eric Quitugua on

Investitures were held for the newest judges in Travis County and the state’s 3rd Court of Appeals.

Justices Thomas Baker, Chari Kelly, Edward Smith, and Gisela Triana were sworn in to the 3rd Court of Appeals on January 7 at the Austin Central Library’s Special Event Center.

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Posted inGavel AwardsNews

Entries sought for 2019 Texas Gavel Awards

By Amy Starnes on

The State Bar of Texas Public Affairs Committee announced it is seeking submissions for the 2019 Texas Gavel Awards, which honor outstanding journalism that fosters public understanding of the legal system.

Entries published or broadcast during the 2018 calendar year will be accepted for print, broadcast, and online categories until 5 p.m. March 29. There is no entry fee.

The awards will be presented at the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas’ annual conference in September. For more details about the Texas Gavel Awards, read the full news release.

Click here to read the 2018 winning entries.

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