Citing Benny Agosto Jr.’s role in promoting education in the Hispanic community, fighting bigotry, and encouraging diversity in the legal profession, the Anti-Defamation League recently awarded the Houston lawyer with an ADL Civil Rights Medal. Agosto, a partner in Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Sorrels, Agosto & Friend in Houston, was one of six recipients to accept … Continue Reading
The Houston-based organization Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse has received a $13,611 grant from the Texas Bar Foundation in support of its Legal Advocacy Project. AVDA’s legal services include six attorney and paralegal teams, as well as legal client advocates who work to support victims of domestic abuse. For more information on Aid to … Continue Reading
To comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008, lawyers provide auxiliary services, such as a sign language interpreter, to ensure effective communication with clients with disabilities. For some attorneys, the costs of such aids can add up quickly. To help lawyers better serve their clients and to make legal services more … Continue Reading
Last month, Shamoil T. Shipchandler, a partner in the Dallas office of Bracewell & Giuliani, received the Secretary of Homeland Security’s Meritorious Service Award (Silver Medal) for his role in exposing an illegal visa fraud operation. Shipchandler, at the time a federal prosecutor, led a team of agents and support staff from the Department of … Continue Reading
By Stuart D. Colburn This month marks the 25th anniversary of the Texas Lawyer’s Creed, so it seems fitting to take a moment or two to pause and reflect on what it means to be an attorney—how we work, interact with colleagues and clients, and uphold the rule of law. In a profession as honorable … Continue Reading
An assortment of legal professionals and organizations were awarded during Texas Appleseed’s annual Good Apple Dinner, which took place on Nov. 20 in Austin. The organization gave former Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Wallace B. Jefferson the J. Chrys Dougherty Good Apple Award while George Brothers Kincaid & Horton received the Pro Bono Leadership Award. … Continue Reading
In the days since President Barack Obama announced his decision to take executive action on certain immigration policies, there will likely be an increase in scams targeting those who are interested in avoiding deportation under the new plan. According to an article in the Austin American-Statesman on Monday, Mexican authorities and Austin-area attorneys are warning … Continue Reading
The Texas Access to Justice Commission, in conjunction with the General Counsel Forum, raised $71,026 for civil legal aid during the 3rd Annual Charity Golf Classic held Thursday in San Antonio.… Continue Reading
The Houston Bar Association, Houston Bar Foundation, and Houston Bar Association Auxiliary hosted the 65th Harvest Celebration on Monday, Nov. 17, raising over $668,000 for pro bono efforts. More than 1,000 Houston Bar Association members and guests attended the event, which honored area law firms, corporate legal departments, and individuals who are providing pro bono … Continue Reading
By James Boanerges When I was attending Lamar High School in Houston, a lawyer and an accountant came to campus one day to address the student body. The first speaker, famous criminal defense attorney Percy Foreman, made a huge impression with his booming voice and engaging smile. The accountant, a mild-mannered, nondescript fellow, simply could … Continue Reading
On the morning of Nov. 17, the State Bar of Texas will congratulate and administer the oath of office to more than 1,000 new attorneys at the New Lawyer Induction Ceremony, held at the Frank Erwin Center in Austin. If you are a newly licensed attorney or a proud family member or friend attending the … Continue Reading
A year after graduating from law school, Navy Reservist David R. Olivas was deployed to Afghanistan, where he spent time in Mazar-e-Sharif, Balkh, Kunduz, and Bagram. His tour of duty ended on Jan. 5, 2014, and the 35-year-old currently resides in Flower Mound, practicing criminal law as a Dallas County assistant district attorney. Tell us … Continue Reading
In 2013, the United Kingdom’s HM Courts and Tribunals Service made thousands of World War I soldiers’ wills available to the public. The documents have since been viewed more than 1 million times, and more than 10,000 copies of wills have been ordered. This project is meant to provide insight into UK WWI heroes for … Continue Reading
To provide legal assistance to veterans and in honor of Veterans Day on Tuesday, this week has been deemed Texas Veterans Legal Aid Week, which consists of a multi-organization pro bono initiative coordinated by the Texas Access to Justice Foundation. Through Friday, veterans can access civil legal services at clinics and workshops held and staffed … Continue Reading
There are more than 6,500 youth in Texas waiting to be adopted. On Nov. 6, 2014, 44 children—with ages ranging from one to 17 years—were welcomed into “forever families” during Austin Adoption Day at the Gardner Betts Juvenile Justice Center. To celebrate the occasion, attendees were treated to a day of games, giveaways, and performances … Continue Reading
The 2015 Law-Related Education Conference will be held Jan. 30-31, 2015, at the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin. The focus of the conference will be on the journey to achieve civil rights from the beginning of our nation to the present.… Continue Reading
A free legal clinic for veterans is scheduled for Nov. 8 at the Galveston VA Outpatient Clinic, 3828 Avenue N. Any veteran, or spouse of a deceased veteran, is welcome to attend and receive advice and counsel from a volunteer attorney in any area of the law—including family, consumer, wills and probate, real estate and … Continue Reading
We explore e-filing, from tips on how to make the process easier to one county’s experience during its digital document transition. Plus: Reaching your full potential, meeting the new deans at four Texas law schools, and honoring our veterans. Go to the Texas Bar Journal to read the entire issue. … Continue Reading
