Charisma Ricksy Nguepdo named first African American editor in chief of Houston Law Review

By Adam Faderewski on January 15, 2021

Charisma Ricksy Nguepdo, a 2L at the University of Houston Law Center, has been named the Houston Law Review’s editor in chief. She is the first African American to hold that position.

“I recognize that my election as the first Black editor-in-chief means that I have now opened a door for other students of color to dream a little bigger,” Nguepdo said in a press release. “My hope is that through my hard work on behalf of the Houston Law Review, students who may have otherwise doubted their ability to join the Law Review will think twice about what is possible for them.”

Posted inCLE Ethics News State Bar

Register now for 2021 rules vote public forum webinars, free CLE

By Lowell Brown on January 13, 2021

2021 Rules Vote Texas lawyers are being called upon to exercise their right of self-governance by voting on proposed amendments to the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct and Texas Rules of Disciplinary Procedure. Voting will take place from February 2 to March 4 by paper and electronic ballot.

The remaining public forums for the 2021 rules vote will take place via webinar on the following dates:

January 14, 2021 (1 p.m. CST) – Register now
January 26, 2021 (1 p.m. CST) – Register now
February 9, 2021 (1 p.m. CST) – Register now

Each event will include a one-hour CLE presentation on the proposed disciplinary rule amendments (approved for one hour of MCLE ethics credit) featuring members of the Committee on Disciplinary Rules and Referenda, followed by a live forum where attendees can ask questions and provide comments regarding the proposed amendments. Continue Reading

Posted inSponsored Content

South Texas College of Law Houston names Darcy Douglas as vice president of advancement and alumni engagement

By Adam Faderewski on January 11, 2021

South Texas College of Law Houston has named Darcy Douglas as vice president of advancement and alumni engagement.

Douglas, a 2007 alumna of the law school, most recently served as director of philanthropy at Texas Children’s Hospital.

Posted inNews People

In Memoriam – November and December 2020

By Adam Faderewski on January 8, 2021

The State Bar of Texas’ Membership Department was informed in November and December 2020 of the deaths of these members. We join the officers and directors of the State Bar in expressing our deepest sympathy.

Posted inLocal Bars News People

Judge Tonya Parker to receive Dallas Bar Association Martin Luther King Jr. Justice Award

By Adam Faderewski on January 5, 2021

Judge Tonya Parker, of the 116th District Court in Dallas, will receive the 2021 Martin Luther King Jr. Justice Award from the Dallas Bar Association.

Parker will receive the award during the 28th Martin Luther King Jr. Luncheon at noon January 18 via Zoom. The event is open to the public.

Posted inCoronavirus Government Judiciary Legislature News State Bar Texas Supreme Court TLAP

State Bar COVID-19 response and other updates

By Amy Starnes on January 5, 2021

Editor’s Note: The following message was sent to all members on January 5.

Dear Member,

This message includes updated information related to the COVID-19 pandemic and other State Bar of Texas information. We hope this message finds you and your loved ones safe and healthy.

Supreme Court of Texas Emergency Orders

The Texas Supreme Court recently issued two emergency orders related to the COVID-19 pandemic and evictions in Texas. The 31st Emergency Order renews the Texas Eviction Diversion Program, a statewide housing-assistance program designed to help tenants behind on rent avoid evictions. Learn more about the program at txcourts.gov/eviction-diversion.

The court’s 32nd Emergency Order extends deadlines for eviction procedures to reflect recent actions taken by Congress to continue certain eviction protections afforded in the CARES Act. Continue Reading

Posted inLaw Schools News People

Genora K. Boykins elected as South Texas College of Law Houston Board of Directors chair-elect

By Adam Faderewski on January 5, 2021

Genora K. Boykins, a 1985 alumna of South Texas College of Law Houston, was elected chair-elect for the law school’s board of directors. She is the first woman and African American to hold this position at the law school.

Boykins has served on the South Texas College of Law Houston Board of Directors since March 2012. She will serve a five-year term as board chair.

Posted inGuest Blog State Bar Texas Lawyers' Assistance Program TLAP

Stories of Recovery: My Happy New Year

By Guest Blogger on January 5, 2021

Editor’s note: TLAP offers confidential assistance for lawyers, law students, and judges with substance use or mental health issues. Call or text TLAP at 1-800-343-8527 (TLAP) or find more information at tlaphelps.org.

I remember a number of years having terrible experiences with New Year’s Eve and drinking too much, doing something that was humiliating or that caused a problem in my marriage and then swearing I’d quit drinking for the new year.

As a lawyer, I had the idea that working hard and playing hard was expected and understandable, and the stresses of practicing law would always guide me back to the bar or at least to the bottle within a few days. I always felt so ashamed of myself for the failure to keep my resolution. I actually hated myself for not putting those I loved before my desire to get relief from drinking. I couldn’t see at the time that I was actually powerless to quit on my own. I needed help.
Continue Reading

Posted inCoronavirus Courts News Texas Supreme Court

Emergency order extends eviction-diversion program deadlines

By Staff on December 22, 2020

Editor’s Note: The Texas Supreme Court issued the following advisory on December 22.

In an emergency order posted Tuesday, the Texas Supreme Court has extended deadlines for procedures for tenants and landlords under a statewide housing-assistance program intended to avoid evictions for tenants behind on rent.

The Texas Eviction Diversion Program, announced in October, is supported by Gov. Greg Abbott’s commitment of federal money for landlords to provide an eviction alternative. Eligibility for rental assistance under the program will be administered by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs.