Attorneys and paralegals from across the state will meet in Dallas on Feb. 28 to discuss the past and future of the legal profession at the 32nd Annual Texas Forum.

The forum—an annual conclave of attorneys, educators, administrators, paralegals, and other professionals—will take place from 8:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Cityplace Conference Center, 2711 N. Haskell. The keynote presentation, “The Past and Future of the Legal Profession,” will feature a panel of professionals from the State Bar of Texas, the Texas Young Lawyers Association, the National Association of Legal Assistants, and the National Federation of Paralegal Associations.

 

Other highlights include:

  • Rowlett lawyer Chad Baruch will discuss one of the basic components of the legal field: research and writing in the digital age.
  • The attorney-paralegal team of Philip Vickers and Julie Sherman of Cantey Hanger in Fort Worth will discuss best practices and tips for e-filing.
  • Texas A&M University School of Law professor Neil Sobol will discuss best practices for effective electronic research.
  • Barbara Kirby, director of paralegal studies at Texas Wesleyan University, will discuss how the ethical relationship between the attorney and paralegal team has evolved over time, and the continuing pressure for paralegals to perform more substantive tasks with less supervision.
  • Lydia McBrayer, certified paralegal with Chappell & Alsup, PC, in Midland, will survey electronic technology in the modern legal office.
  • Jan McDaniel, certified paralegal with Chappell & Alsup, PC, in Midland, will provide a review of electronic timekeeping software, guidance on using electronic timekeeping, and tips on how to capture more billable minutes.

The forum will feature two tracks: an advanced track for attorneys/paralegals and an intermediate track for students and practicing paralegals. Registration ends Feb. 21 or once capacity is reached.

Registration ($30 for attorneys, $25 for paralegals, $20 for students) includes lunch. Attendees will earn five hours of continuing legal education credit, including one hour of ethics.

Download the registration form.