The Honorable John Frank “Jack” Onion Jr., former presiding judge of the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals who died in September at 93, was one of the longest serving, prolific, and consequential judges in the history of the state of Texas. But “honorable” was not just Judge Onion’s title. It captured his character, his work, … Continue Reading
Lawyers across the nation can provide pro bono assistance to North Carolinians in the wake of Hurricane Florence thanks to a recent order of the North Carolina Supreme Court. After Hurricane Harvey several hundred out-of-state lawyers volunteered their services to residents of this state. ABA President Bob Carlson reminds lawyers that ABA Free Legal Answers, an online … Continue Reading
The Texas Bar Journal Board of Editors received a 2018 Luminary Award for excellence in authored articles from the National Association of Bar Executives Communications Section Workshop, held last week in Omaha, Nebraska. Each year the workshop brings together bar associations from across the country to network, learn about new industry trends, and recognize their … Continue Reading
By now, you have heard there is a shortage of court reporters or felt the pinch of not having a reporter when you need one. The Texas Court Reporters Association, or TCRA, has suggestions to help lawyers have a greater likelihood of having a reporter when they need one. Court reporters are vital to the … Continue Reading
It was a simpler time. When I was a kid in the 1940s and ’50s, growing up in the Oak Cliff section of Dallas, the best part of the week was Saturday. With my 25-cent allowance closely clutched, I stood in a rowdy line at the old Beckley Theater to see the latest B-Western or … Continue Reading
Limited time to read the October issue of the Texas Bar Journal? Our editorial staff’s picks have you covered. Check out our must-reads for in-depth articles exploring cybersecurity, data privacy issues, and more. And don’t forget to catch up on the latest Movers and Shakers, Memorials, and Disciplinary Actions.… Continue Reading
The State Bar of Texas’ Membership Department was informed in September of the deaths of these members. We join the officers and directors of the State Bar in expressing our deepest sympathy.… Continue Reading
The Galveston County Bar Association and the Houston Bar Foundation’s Veterans Legal Initiative are sponsoring a free legal clinic for veterans on Saturday, October 6, from 9 a.m. to noon. Veterans and spouses of deceased attorneys can receive one-on-one advice and counsel from volunteer attorneys in family law, wills and probate, consumer law, real estate … Continue Reading
Editor’s note: State Bar of Texas President Joe K. Longley sent the following message to members on Friday. Dear Member, The State Bar of Texas Board of Directors and its Executive Committee held meetings today in Austin. I’m writing to update you on some of the major developments from the meetings. Committee Review Subcommittee Formed … Continue Reading
The State Bar of Texas Board of Directors voted unanimously September 28 to approve Jeanne Cezanne “Cezy” Collins of El Paso and Larry P. McDougal Sr. of Richmond as candidates for 2019-2020 president-elect. Collins and McDougal will appear on the ballot in April 2019 along with any certified petition candidates. There are currently no additional … Continue Reading
The State Bar of Texas Board of Directors on Friday presented attorney Shannon H. Ratliff with a resolution honoring him for his service to the bar and the people of Texas and the United States and his overall commitment to the legal profession. Ratliff is a shareholder in Davis, Gerald and Cremer in Austin. He has been a … Continue Reading
A new Texas Young Lawyers Association project plans to put more books in children’s hands. Bookshelves in Courtrooms is promoting literacy by stocking shelves in courthouses across Texas with books for children of all ages. The program, TYLA Board Director Kaylan Dunn hopes, will help kids who may be going through a tough time. “The project’s … Continue Reading
State Bar of Texas President Joe K. Longley and SBOT Public Affairs Committee Chair Rudy England welcomed journalists from around the state as winners of Texas Gavel Awards. The Texas Gavel Awards recognize excellence in journalism that fosters public understanding of the legal system; educates the public about the rule of law, the legal profession, … Continue Reading
It’s no secret that the Texas legal community provides pro bono services, helping those in need. But while attorneys across the state may want to offer their assistance, they may not always have the time or necessary skills to do so. That’s where Hours for a Cause steps in. The website encourages lawyers to pledge … Continue Reading
The Texas Brand Bank of Dallas and the Austin Capital Bank have joined the Texas Access to Justice Foundation’s, or TAJF, Prime Partner Bank program. The program brings together more banks and credit unions to add to available funding to the Interest on Lawyers’ Trust Accounts, or IOLTA, which helps aid low-income Texans facing civil … Continue Reading
The Texas Bar Private Insurance Exchange will discuss health insurance options for 2019 and offer free lunch to all attendees at upcoming meetings in Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio. Texas Member Benefits, Inc. has launched a new exclusive plan on the exchange that allows small and large firms to pool their risk as one … Continue Reading
The Dallas Bar Association’s Diversity Summit will promote diversity and inclusion in the Dallas community on Friday, Sept. 21, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Pavilion at the Belo Mansion, 2101 Ross Ave., Dallas 75201. The legal community, students, and public are invited to attend to give input and suggestions on how to … Continue Reading
The Mexican-American Bar Association of Texas Foundation held its 13th annual scholarship luncheon that benefits Hispanic law students attending one of the three Houston-based law schools on Wednesday, August 22 at the Doubletree Hotel in downtown Houston. The scholarships were awarded to law students who best exemplify leadership, commitment, justice, and equality within the Hispanic … Continue Reading
Check out or editorial staff’s picks for the September issue of the Texas Bar Journal. And don’t forget to catch up on the latest Movers and Shakers, Memorials, and Disciplinary Actions.… Continue Reading
The mission of the State Bar of Texas Professionalism Committee is to increase professionalism and improve the development of new lawyers. The committee was revitalized in 2012 by State Bar President Buck Files, and it has striven to accomplish its mission by tackling four key subjects: mentoring, promoting professionalism through CLE and different events, providing … Continue Reading
The Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas will award its prestigious James Madison Award to First Amendment attorney Laura Lee Prather. Prather is a board member and past-president of the FOI Foundation of Texas. She is a partner in the litigation section of Haynes and Boone LLP in Austin. The James Madison Award has been … Continue Reading
The Houston Bar Foundation and Houston Volunteer Lawyers will hold four free legal clinics for people impacted by Hurricane Harvey. The clinics, which take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, August 18, mark the one-year anniversary of the storm and will provide one-on-one legal advice on related issues. Volunteer attorneys from Houston … Continue Reading
