State Bar of Texas Podcast - Legal Talk Network

Landman versus Reality: A Real Look at Oil, Power & Property in Texas

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 07 Aug 2025 11:00:04 +0000

How do Texas mineral rights and the laws governing oil, gas, and other natural resources truly function? The recent TV series “Landman” offers a dramatic portrayal of the politics and power dynamics of the West Texas oilfields, but what is the actual reality? Rocky Dhir discusses the oil industry’s portrayal on the show with attorney J. Byron (Trace) Burton, III. They examine the laws governing Texas’ natural resources and their impacts on both oil companies and landowners.

Byron (Trace) Burton, III is a Partner at Uhl Fitzsimons and Immediate Past Chair of the State Bar of Texas’ Oil, Gas, and Energy Resources Section.

Counseling the Counsel: The Emotional Reality of Legal Work

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 11:00:26 +0000

Lawyers often face relentless exposure to stress and trauma, whether navigating emotionally charged areas of the law, handling high-stakes matters, or confronting a host of other pressures inherent to the profession. On top of this, they must also address the emotional toll legal issues may take on their clients. Few attorneys are equipped with the tools to manage this alone, but there are counselors, support programs, and resources available to help. Rocky Dhir talks with Alicia Freeman of the Texas Lawyers’ Assistance Program (TLAP) about navigating emotional distress (both for attorneys and clients) and accessing needed support. They discuss how to appropriately engage with clients’ emotional needs, set healthy boundaries, and provide necessary resources.

Contact TLAP:

1-800-343-8527

tlaphelps.org

Alicia Freeman is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling and a bachelor’s in political science. She is a TLAP Clinical Professional for Texas Lawyers’ Assistance Program at the State Bar of Texas, the owner of Freeman Counseling and Consulting LLC, and co-host for the “My Therapist Needs a Therapist” podcast.

Inside the State Bar: A Presidential Perspective

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 11:00:56 +0000

What exactly does your state bar president do, anyway? A very presidential trio joins Rocky Dhir for today’s conversation examining this leadership role and its many responsibilities. Rocky welcomes Past-President Cindy Tisdale, current President Steve Benesh, and President-Elect Santos Vargas to learn more about their efforts for fellow lawyers and their desire to address unmet needs in the profession throughout the state.

Later, they dig into the history of the State Bar of Texas, explain the current structure and operation of the organization as a whole, and share how Texas legal professionals can get more involved in Bar programs.

Revisiting Texas’ Mental Health Court Programs

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 15 May 2025 11:00:42 +0000

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re revisiting this powerful conversation about how Texas courts are addressing mental health challenges through reform and rehabilitation.

Should our criminal courts exist to punish or reform those who have broken the law? Rocky Dhir talks with Judge Brent Carr about his years of service in the Tarrant County Mental Health Court and the broader efforts across Texas to support people with mental illness in the justice system. They explore programs tackling issues from sex trafficking to drug offenses, veterans’ cases, and more.

Cleared for Takeoff: Navigating Aviation Law in 2025

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 03 Apr 2025 11:00:07 +0000

The skies above us have a legal framework all their own, but many attorneys have limited knowledge of this expansive area of the law. Can your neighbor fly his drone into your yard? What’s the difference in legal responsibilities between private aviators and commercial airlines? How is AI impacting flight and flight training? Rocky Dhir welcomes Kent Krause to discuss the basics of aviation law and dig into its evolving issues and changes.

Later, 2025 began with a succession of tragic and unsettling airline incidents. Should we be concerned about this disproportionately large number of accidents in air travel? Rocky and Kent discuss the details of these events and examine the laws, safety frameworks, and failures that came into play.

Kent Krause is a partner at Craddock Davis & Krause, LLP, in Dallas, TX.

Why Your Legal Arguments Fail (And How to Fix Them) with Jefferson Fisher

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 12:00:20 +0000

We can probably all think of a moment (or many) when we struggled with natural, constructive communication with those around us. But, how do we learn from those difficult and/or awkward moments and successfully convey our views? Rocky Dhir talks with Jefferson Fisher about his tips for becoming a more effective verbal communicator. Jefferson shares advice for legal professionals to help them foster authentic relationships with both peers and clients. Later, they discuss communication techniques for handling yourself well in the midst of arguments or other stressful situations.

Jefferson Fisher is a Texas board certified trial lawyer, author, keynote speaker, and argument expert.

You may pre-order Jefferson’s new book: The Next Conversation here.

Revisit the Top 10 Appellate Mistakes in Trial Courts

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 12:00:09 +0000

Familiarize yourself with the most common errors that can jeopardize an appeal. In this special rebroadcast, Rocky Dhir sits down with Elana Einhorn and Melissa Lorber, authors of the article Help Us Help You: Top 10 Appellate Mistakes in the Trial Courts. Elana and Melissa offer a breakdown of the article and provide insight on their top tips for success in trial court.

Elana Einhorn practices appellate law at Butler Snow. She is an adjunct professor at the University of Texas School of Law and a former Supreme Court of Texas staff attorney.

Melissa Lorber practices appellate law at Butler Snow. She is board certified in civil appellate law and represents businesses in both trial and appellate litigation across state and federal courts.

Breaking Barriers: The 100-Year Legacy of Women on the Texas Supreme Court

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 09 Jan 2025 12:00:38 +0000

Texas can be proud to say that it was the first state to have an all-woman high court in the United States, but how exactly did this moment in history come about? Rocky Dhir welcomes Judge Jennifer Walker Elrod and Sharon Sandle to learn about this period in Texas history and the surprising series of events that led to the appointment of female judges. They go into detail about the challenges faced by these legal trailblazers—Nellie Robertson of Granbury, Edith Wilmans of Dallas, and Hortense Sparks Ward of Houston—and also discuss notable women’s issues of the era and highlight several other female legal pioneers.

Judge Jennifer Walker Elrod is Chief Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit with Chambers in Houston, Texas.

Sharon Sandle is Executive Director of the Texas Supreme Court Historical Society and Director of the Law Practice Resources Division at the State Bar of Texas.

A Justice’s Legacy: A Conversation with Chief Justice Nathan Hecht

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 05 Dec 2024 12:00:34 +0000

Chief Justice Nathan L. Hecht is the longest serving member in the history of the Supreme Court of Texas and the longest tenured Texas judge in active service. As he nears his well-deserved retirement, Rocky Dhir welcomes Chief Justice Hecht to the podcast to learn about his many years in service to the Texas legal system. They discuss his career path, the behind-the-scenes work judges do within courts, his efforts to improve access to justice, his advice for lawyers, and much more.

Nathan L. Hecht is the 27th Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Texas. He has been elected to the Court seven times, first in 1988 as a Justice and then in 2014 and 2020 as Chief Justice.

Pharma Fallout: How Harrington v. Purdue Pharma Will Impact Bankruptcy Law

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 07 Nov 2024 12:00:07 +0000

In the wake of the incredible harm caused by the opioid crisis, the outcome of the Purdue Pharma case argued in the United States Supreme Court garnered national attention. What impacts might this case have in bankruptcy court proceedings in the future? To unpack the details and gain understanding of the bankruptcy issues at play, Rocky Dhir talks with attorneys Elias Yazbeck and Michael Wombacher. They discuss the backstory of Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family, the journey of the case through the courts, and insights into the reasoning behind the Supreme Court’s decision, with a particular focus on the conflict over nonconsensual third-party releases.

Learn more about the case here: 23-124 Harrington v. Purdue Pharma L.P. (06/27/24)

Elias M. Yazbeck is an associate attorney in the Houston office of McGinnis Lochridge, LLP.

Michael Wombacher is an associate attorney at McDermott Will & Emery in Dallas, Texas.

Michael represented the Committee of Unsecured Creditors in the Robertshaw case: Case number: 8:23-bk-80004 – Ebix, Inc. – Texas Northern Bankruptcy Court.

How to Navigate Legal Mistakes with Integrity and Transparency

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 03 Oct 2024 11:00:29 +0000

At the 2024 State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting, Scott C. Skelton’s session on the ethical handling of mistakes in legal practice was immensely helpful to attendees. Rocky Dhir welcomes Scott to the podcast to discuss his session and get more details on this important topic. If you think you’ve committed malpractice, what should you do? Scott shares experiences from his own career and explains how honesty, transparency, and graciousness in legal practice can help attorneys move forward from mistakes with integrity.

Scott C. Skelton is a founding member of Skelton Slusher Barnhill Watkins Wells.

What Really Happens After a Trial: Taking A Closer Look at Post-Conviction Law with Professor Lee Kovarsky

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 05 Sep 2024 11:00:22 +0000

There is no way to truly prepare a client for life following a criminal conviction, and the aftermath of a defendant’s guilty verdict can be incredibly complex. Rocky Dhir welcomes Professor Lee Kovarsky to learn from his wealth of expertise on post-conviction law, mitigation investigations, capital defense teams, and more. They discuss nuances in this area of the law to help attorneys understand processes and needs for clients navigating this segment of our justice system.

Lee Kovarsky is the Bryant Smith Chair in Law and the Co-Director of the Capital Punishment Center at the University of Texas School of Law.

The Untold Stories of Attorney Clarence Darrow

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 01 Aug 2024 11:00:59 +0000

Lawyers long considered the legendary Clarence Darrow to be an attorney to emulate, but closer examination of his career shows a condemnable pattern of unethical tactics and empty courtroom arguments. To debunk the popular culture myths surrounding Darrow, Rocky Dhir welcomes author and attorney Mike Farris to discuss the facts in his book, Blowhard: Windbaggery and the Wretched Ethics of Clarence Darrow. Mike shares details from his research that uncover evidence of jury bribing, intimidating witnesses, and other unprincipled conduct throughout Darrow’s career in a time where ethics rules failed to hold him accountable.

Mike Farris is a writer and retired entertainment attorney in Dallas, Texas.

Breaking the Stress Cycle: Tips for Becoming a Happier, Healthier Lawyer

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 11 Jul 2024 11:00:53 +0000

Many segments of the legal profession operate as adversarial systems at their core, with colleagues becoming combatants as they fight for their clients and handle difficult situations day in and day out. Not every practice area has this same intensity, but the ongoing stresses of legal work can detract from an attorney’s wellbeing in any area of the law. The profession is committed to continuing to destigmatize mental health and substance abuse struggles to support lawyers in need. Rocky Dhir welcomes Michelle Fontenot to talk about the many resources available to legal professionals through the Texas Lawyers’ Assistance Program. If you, a friend, or a loved one is in need of help, contact TLAP or explore its many resources at www.tlaphelps.org.

Michelle Fontenot is Director of the Texas Lawyers’ Assistance Program.

Keynote Speaker Judge Irma Carrillo Ramirez (State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2024)

Ally Kvidt — Tue, 09 Jul 2024 15:00:34 +0000

Rocky Dhir welcomes Judge Irma Carrillo Ramirez to discuss highlights from her keynote address and her passion for improving representation within the legal world. Rocky gets the details on Judge Ramirez’s landmark “firsts” as a Latina with a notably successful legal career. She talks about her childhood as a daughter of immigrants, her journey as a lawyer, and her nomination and confirmation as a judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals.

IP Law: Black Mirror Perspectives: Ethical Questions Arising from Technology, Innovation, and Social Media (State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2024)

Ally Kvidt — Mon, 08 Jul 2024 15:00:51 +0000

What can we learn about law from a sci-fi TV show? Rocky Dhir welcomes Leela Madan, Hope Shimabuku, and Catherine Rifai to talk about Netflix’s “Black Mirror” and the potential ethical implications of AI-fueled technology in the real world. Many now question how the rapid developments of AI tech should be regulated and held accountable. The group explores ethical rules and existing laws that could apply to different scenarios—both real and imagined.

Rap on Trial (State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2024)

Ally Kvidt — Fri, 05 Jul 2024 15:00:45 +0000

Should rap lyrics as evidence be allowed in criminal prosecutions? Rocky Dhir talks with Chad Baruch about his session titled, “Hip Hop on Trial: Texas Courts Confront the Use of Rap Lyrics in Criminal Prosecutions” for the Appellate and Civil Liberties & Civil Rights Sections. Rocky and Chad discuss the intersection of art and the law, highlight several cases involving the use of song lyrics or videos, and discuss trial tactics for attorneys working on a case involving rap music.

Leadership Vision for 2024-25 (State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2024)

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 04 Jul 2024 15:00:56 +0000

Incoming Bar President Steve Benesh and TYLA President Hisham Masri join Rocky Dhir to discuss their leadership priorities and plans for the coming year. Steve shares his interest in standardizing court filings, supporting and working with TLAP to initiate a Docket Assistance Program, continuing former President Tisdale’s initiatives regarding artificial intelligence, and improving the State Bar website. Later, Hisham shares what’s in store for TYLA, including efforts for community engagement, encouraging upcoming generations of lawyers, and more!

Keynote Speaker David Grenardo (State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2024)

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 03 Jul 2024 15:00:49 +0000

Civility is one of the cornerstones of the practice of law, ensuring an efficient justice system and improving the lives of both legal professionals and clients. Rocky Dhir welcomes David Grenardo to hear highlights from his keynote address on the landscape of civility in law. David discusses the benefits of civility rules in encouraging restraint and cooperation, as well as debunking myths surrounding mandatory civility rules in place in several states throughout the country.

NYU’s Civil Jury Project (State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2024)

Ally Kvidt — Tue, 02 Jul 2024 15:00:23 +0000

Data shows that jury trials are declining rapidly, but what is causing this tendency? Rocky Dhir hosts Judge Mark Drummond to learn more about the factors involved in this decrease and what it may indicate about our legal system. Rocky and Judge Drummond discuss the history of civil juries, current trends, and developing innovations. Learn more about the work of the Civil Jury Project here: civiljuryproject.law.nyu.edu.

Remembering Hernandez v. Texas (State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2024)

Ally Kvidt — Mon, 01 Jul 2024 11:00:46 +0000

The 1954 case Hernandez v. Texas was the first and only Mexican-American civil rights case heard and decided by the United States Supreme Court. In 1951, a criminal case that arose from a bar fight and murder exposed a larger, widespread problem: the systematic exclusion of Mexican-American jurors from service. Rocky Dhir talks with Justice Gina Benavides, Chief Justice Dori Contreras, and Chris Pineda about how this case led to a landmark civil rights decision that gave all nationalities equal protection under the 14th Amendment of the Constitution.

Managing the Client Relationship – Family Law (State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2024)

Ally Kvidt — Fri, 28 Jun 2024 15:00:39 +0000

Emotions can run high in family law cases, but creating realistic expectations can help your client effectively navigate the ups and downs of their legal issue. Rocky Dhir welcomes Britney Harrison to discuss her session on client relationships at the Annual Meeting. Britney explains her processes with clients and offers insights for dealing with common assumptions and ensuring ethical practices in this very nuanced area of the law.

What’s the Spread? Legislating Sports Betting & Fantasy Sports in TX (State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2024)

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 27 Jun 2024 15:00:13 +0000

Currently, all sports betting in Texas is illegal, despite the fact that many people believe there is a gray area around app-based betting. In reality, Texas does not yet allow for sports betting, but potential legislation might legalize this type of gambling and change the state’s approach to this issue. Rocky Dhir talks with presenters Kevin Vela and Blake Hart to learn more about what regulations currently exist and what may change in the near future.

Navigating Texas Business Courts (State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2024)

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 26 Jun 2024 15:00:02 +0000

Both the governor and legislature of Texas have hoped to drive more business to Texas, but previously, businesses have expressed concerns over the potential for difficulties in navigating courts across Texas’s 254 counties. Now, a centralized system of business courts will open September 1, 2024, to serve businesses in the most populous areas of the state. Judge Emily Miskel and Marcy Hogan Greer talk with Rocky Dhir in detail about how these courts will operate and what businesses and attorneys should expect.

Judge Emily Miskel has served as judge of the 470th district court of Collin County, Texas, since the court was created in 2015.

Marcy Hogan Greer is the managing partner of Alexander Dubose & Jefferson LLP, a nationally recognized appellate boutique firm.

Keynote Speaker Camille Vasquez (State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2024)

Ally Kvidt — Tue, 25 Jun 2024 15:00:24 +0000

Camille Vasquez joins Rocky Dhir to talk about her path to becoming a lawyer and what led to her involvement in the highly publicized defamation trial between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard. Camille offers insights into her experiences during the Depp v. Heard case and highlights the importance of crafting a powerful story during cross-examination to help bring justice for your clients at trial.

The Intricacies of AI Policy and Governance (State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2024)

Ally Kvidt — Mon, 24 Jun 2024 15:00:09 +0000

Lawyers have been getting into ethical hot water over both the use and misuse of AI, failing in their duties of competence, diligence, and more, so where do we go from here? Rocky Dhir talks with Justice John Browning and Judge Roy Ferguson to learn the latest guidance on AI issues and to remind lawyers of their ethical obligations. They discuss AI’s revolutionary impacts in the legal profession and what to expect as it continues to evolve.

Justice John G. Browning has been a litigator in Texas and Oklahoma for over 35 years, including as a partner in several national law firms.

Judge Roy Ferguson (2013-present) presides over a five-county court of general jurisdiction covering roughly 20,000 square miles and over 20% of the U.S.-Mexico border.

Smokeball Bill: The Free Perk for Texas Lawyers

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 21:00:02 +0000

Who says the best things in life aren’t free?! The State Bar of Texas partnered up with Smokeball to offer a free trust accounting and billing software platform called Smokeball Bill. If you’re a Texas lawyer, this perk is available to you at no additional charge because of your state bar membership. Tune into this episode to learn more about what it does and how to access it.

What Texas Attorneys Need to Know About Vacation Letters, Artificial Intelligence, Mental Health & This Year’s Annual Meeting

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 06 Jun 2024 20:30:06 +0000

The State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting is just around the corner, happening June 20-21 in Dallas! With this meeting comes a change of leadership for the Bar, but great progress has been made in the past year under current president Cindy Tisdale’s guidance. Rocky Dhir talks with Cindy about her year as president, discussing her dedication to lawyer mental health initiatives (including a new member benefit with BetterHelp), the Bar’s Taskforce for Responsible AI in the Law (TRAIL), and progress made toward improving the process for lawyer vacation letters in Texas.

Later, Rocky shifts gears to talk with Trey Apffel about what to expect from Annual Meeting 2024’s diverse programming schedule and networking opportunities. Learn more about events, speakers, registration, and more on the State Bar of Texas website.

Cindy Tisdale is President of the State Bar of Texas and an attorney in Granbury, Texas, where she dedicates her practice to family law.

E.A. “Trey” Apffel III is Executive Director of the State Bar of Texas.

Texas’ Mental Health Court Programs

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 02 May 2024 11:00:21 +0000

Should our criminal courts exist to punish or reform those who have broken the law? Every case is unique, but in those involving mental health, a rehabilitative approach may be beneficial. Rocky Dhir talks with Judge Brent Carr about his long years of service in the Tarrant County Mental Health Court, which had the overarching goal of improving outcomes for people with mental illness impacted by Texas’ justice system. They discuss the efforts of the Texas Judicial Commission on Mental Health, the Specialty Courts Advisory Counsel, and the programs that address mental health issues in many areas of the law, including cases involving sex trafficking, drug offenders, family law matters, veterans, and more.

State Bar of Texas 2024-25 President-elect Candidate Forum

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 11:00:03 +0000

The State Bar of Texas Board of Directors approved the nominations of Denise Scofield, of Houston, and Santos Vargas, of San Antonio, as president-elect candidates at its meeting on September 30, 2023. Texas lawyers will vote for the president-elect and district directors from April 1 to April 30. The winner will serve as president-elect from June 2024 to June 2025 and as president from June 2025 to June 2026. For more information, go to texasbar.com/elections.

[The content for this episode was recorded as a live webcast video on March 26, 2024, at the Texas Law Center in Austin, TX.]

Rules Vote 2024: 12 Proposed Changes to the Texas Disciplinary Rules

Ally Kvidt — Tue, 12 Mar 2024 14:30:45 +0000

Since its inception in 2017, the Committee on Disciplinary Rules and Referenda has been charged with the examination of Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct and Rules of Disciplinary Procedure to determine rule adequacy and necessary changes. After extensive evaluation of existing rules, the committee proposed 12 new rules between 2021 and 2023 which Texas attorneys will now have the opportunity to vote on from April 1-30, 2024.

Rocky Dhir talks with committee members Lewis Kinard (Chair), Judge Phyllis Martinez Gonzalez, and Scott Brumley, and former member Claude Ducloux about the proposed rules to help Texas legal professionals gain a better understanding of the purpose and implications of the suggested changes. For more information, including links to background information on each rule proposal, go to texasbar.com/rulesvote.

Demystifying the Texas Data Privacy and Security Act

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 12:00:50 +0000

The Texas legislature recently enacted the Texas Data Privacy and Security Act, which goes into effect on July 1, 2024. Lawyers have an urgent need to understand this new legislation and its coming impacts on their practice and clients. Rocky Dhir talks with Shawn Tuma, a widely recognized expert in cybersecurity and data privacy law, to help Texas attorneys understand the elements of this act and best practices in security for compliance with new regulations.

Shawn Tuma is a partner at Spencer Fane LLP in Cyber Risk Management, Cyber Incident Response, and Cyber Security, Hacking and Data Breach Litigation.

AI and the Practice of Law: Insights for Attorneys and Paralegals

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 11 Jan 2024 19:50:52 +0000

AI has been around for a very long time, but 2023 was its renaissance, with ChatGPT and other AI technologies suddenly speeding forward with exponential growth. Attorneys and paralegals should be focused on learning and adapting to this quickly evolving technology to ensure competence in a world where AI is taking greater precedence. Rocky Dhir talks with paralegal Megan Goor-Peters and attorney Joshua Weaver about responsible AI use and its current impacts in legal practice. They address common concerns and discuss the hopeful merging of human and AI elements for greater efficiency and success in the future of our justice system.

Megan Goor-Peters is a senior paralegal and property manager at Brender Law Firm in Fort Worth. Goor-Peters is the current State Bar of Texas Paralegal Division liaison to the Texas Bar College and a member of the State Bar Task Force for Responsible AI in The Law.

Joshua Weaver is Director of the Texas Opportunity & Justice Incubator (TOJI), a flagship program of the State Bar of Texas focused on supporting attorneys as they build sustainable solo practices serving low-income and modest-income communities.

Year in Review — Texas Real Estate Law Changes in 2023

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 28 Dec 2023 12:00:57 +0000

There were a number of real estate cases in 2023, but only a few were notable enough to be of importance to all practitioners in this area of the law. Rocky Dhir welcomes Roland Love to discuss his article highlighting prominent 2023 real estate decisions in the December edition of the Texas Bar Journal. Roland gives an overview of these cases and their implications, covering PNC Mortgage v. Howard, Lennar Homes of Texas Land and Construction, Ltd. v. Whitely, Mitchell v. MAP Resources, Inc., and the rather humorous Pecos County Appraisal District v. Iraan-Sheffield ISD.

Read Roland’s full article here: Real Estate Law Year in Review

Roland Love is the 2022 recipient of the State Bar of Texas Real Estate, Probate, and Trust Law Section Lifetime Achievement Award in Real Estate and the Texas Bar College Patrick A. Nester Award for Outstanding Achievement in CLE.

Mentors Make All the Difference

Ally Kvidt — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 11:00:37 +0000

Mentorships can be very impactful in the lives of attorneys, leading to better lawyering and stronger law firms. As a profession, there is so much we can do to develop and encourage mentorships, and the October Texas Bar Journal examines this subject in detail. Rocky Dhir welcomes article authors Nikki Chargois-Allen, Denise Paul, and Regan Boyce to discuss their thoughts on mentor-mentee relationships and setting up mentoring programs for young lawyers.

For real-life perspectives from a mentor-mentee pair, check out Nikki and Denise’s article: In Their Own Words: How To Be a Good Mentor and A Good Mentee.

And, for more on ways to create mentoring programs, read Regan’s article: Set For Success: How To Set Up a Firm Mentoring Program for Young Attorneys

Nikki Chargois-Allen is a partner with the law firm of Davidson, Troilo, Ream & Garza in San Antonio.

Denise Paul is regional legal counsel to Jungheinrich, one of the world’s largest suppliers of industrial trucks.

Regan Boyce is a partner in Chamblee Ryan in Dallas.

Examining New Laws from the 88th Texas Legislature

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 07 Sep 2023 11:00:26 +0000

A new set of laws has just been enacted by the 88th Texas Legislature, and the September 2023 edition of the Texas Bar Journal is chock full of informative articles on these changes. To look at some of these laws in greater detail, Rocky Dhir welcomes Kristal Thomson and Jerry Bullard to discuss their articles on the areas of family law and civil litigation/appellate law, respectively. Tune in to keep ahead of the latest updates! Kristal explains what did and didn’t change for the Texas Family Code and other updates for family lawyers, and Jerry offers pertinent information for civil trial and appellate practitioners.

Kristal C. Thomson is a partner in the family law practice group of the firm Langley & Banack in San Antonio.

Jerry D. Bullard is a shareholder in the Grapevine firm of Adams, Lynch & Loftin.

Help Us Help You: Top 10 Appellate Mistakes in the Trial Courts

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 10 Aug 2023 18:30:57 +0000

Keeping an appellate perspective in mind as you prepare for a trial can do a lot to keep your case on track and avoid future headaches. Rocky Dhir talks with Elana Einhorn and Melissa Lorber, authors of the article, Help Us Help You: Top 10 Appellate Mistakes in the Trial Courts, which appeared in the July/August Texas Bar Journal. Elana and Melissa give an overview of the article and share their top tips for success in trial court.

Elana Einhorn practices appellate law at Enoch Kever. She is an adjunct professor at the University of Texas School of Law and a former Supreme Court of Texas staff attorney.

Melissa Lorber is a founding member of Enoch Kever and is certified in civil appellate law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

New Leadership: Cindy Tisdale and Laura Pratt (State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2023)

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 13 Jul 2023 11:00:53 +0000

State Bar President Cindy Tisdale and Texas Young Lawyers Association President Laura Pratt were sworn in at the annual meeting in Austin this June. Rocky Dhir sits down with both to discuss their plans for their presidencies in the coming year. Cindy shares her intention to study AI, focus on civility, and continue to develop more wellness tools for Texas attorneys. Laura discusses TYLA’s focus on public service, her plans to improve and update previous TYLA projects, and her developing website devoted to helping young people with everyday “adulting” topics.

Cindy Tisdale is a board certified family law attorney and 2023-24 President of the State Bar of Texas.

Laura Pratt is a commercial litigator at Sprouse Shrader Smith PLLC and 2023-24 President of TYLA.

Keynote Speaker William Barr (State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2023)

Ally Kvidt — Fri, 07 Jul 2023 17:00:44 +0000

Tune in as Rocky Dhir talks with William Barr about his personal life, stories from his stints as Attorney General, and thoughts on the future of our nation. Mr. Barr opens up about his family and career and shares advice for others as they navigate both personal and professional life choices. They also discuss Mr. Barr’s recently published book, One Damn Thing After Another: Memoirs of an Attorney General.

William Pelham Barr is an American attorney who served as the 77th and 85th United States attorney general in the administrations of Presidents George H. W. Bush and Donald Trump.

The Daytripper’s Chet Garner at the State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2023

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 06 Jul 2023 21:00:31 +0000

Rocky Dhir welcomes Daytripper host Chet Garner to chat about his many explorations of the great state of Texas. Chet visits towns of all shapes and sizes to find the beauty and adventure in every location. Tune in for their conversation highlighting the impressive diversity, history, nature, and community Texas has to offer.

Chet Garner is the creator, executive producer, writer, and host of The Daytripper, a Texas travel show on PBS.

Post-Pandemic Court Proceedings (State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2023)

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 15:30:22 +0000

Pandemic-era legal proceedings taught Texas lawyers and judges that alternative methods can be extremely effective in a variety of court processes. And now that we have entered into the post-pandemic era, these tech-fueled advancements are still front and center in Texas courts. Judge Roy Ferguson, Megan LaVoie, Michelle Casady, and Jennifer Doan discuss their session on what legal professionals need to know to incorporate the latest options for court proceedings into their practice.

Roy Ferguson is a judge of the Texas 394th District Court, presiding over the largest judicial district in the state of Texas.

Megan LaVoie serves as the Administrative Director for the Texas Office of Court Administration and Executive Director of the Texas Judicial Council.

Michelle Casady is a reporter at The Texas Lawbook.

Jennifer Haltom Doan is a founding partner with Haltom & Doan, a boutique trial and appellate firm located in Texarkana, TX-AR.

Radical Ways to Improve Law Firm Culture (State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2023)

Ally Kvidt — Tue, 04 Jul 2023 11:00:24 +0000

Culture can make or break your law firm, and it is absolutely essential to nurture a positive, supportive environment to truly have a successful firm. Senior law firm leaders Holly Draper, Hannah Hembree Bell, Brian Hall, and John Meredith discuss their session from the annual meeting focused on ways to improve your law firm culture. They share experiences from their firms and emphasize the importance of developing vision and values, being flexible enough to recognize changing needs, and striving to live out and support your cultural vision at all levels of your organization.

Holly Draper is CEO and managing partner at The Draper Law Firm and host of the Texas Family Law Insiders podcast.

Hannah Bell is the founding attorney of Hembree Bell Law Firm, where she specializes in family law, divorce, and estate planning.

Brian A. Hall is a member of Traverse Legal, PLC and the managing partner of its Austin, Texas office.

John Meredith is the Chief Operating Officer for Chamberlain Hrdlicka law firms with offices in Atlanta, Houston, Philadelphia and San Antonio

Understanding Professional Sports Leagues’ Personal Conduct Policies and Disciplinary Processes (State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2023)

Ally Kvidt — Mon, 03 Jul 2023 23:00:08 +0000

The way athletes conduct themselves has the potential to majorly impact them, their team, and their sport as a whole. With such high stakes and the added influence of social media, personal conduct policies are in place to help maintain the integrity of professional sports leagues. Rocky Dhir talks to Kelli Masters, Daniel Hare, and Brian Michael Cooper about how these policies are created and the discipline processes that provide accountability and continued quality within a sports league.

Kelli Masters is an attorney, an NFL sports agent and Founder and President of KMM Sports, a full-service sports management company with offices in New York, Los Angeles and her hometown of Oklahoma City.

Daniel Hare is the founder and president of Varsity Search, a legal recruiting company dedicated to building great teams by bringing together lawyers and law firms.

Brian Michael Cooper is an accomplished sports executive, currently holding the positions of President & Chief Operating Officer at the American Flag Football League.

Bench Bar Breakfast (State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2023)

Ally Kvidt — Mon, 03 Jul 2023 14:45:33 +0000

Rocky Dhir chats with Bench Bar Breakfast speakers Justice Debra Lehrmann and Timothy Berg about the mission and efforts of the Uniform Law Commission. They explain what the ULC does, the processes of projects undertaken by the commission, and how their acts provide consistency while still promoting the autonomy of the states.

Justice Debra Lehrmann is the Senior Justice on the Supreme Court of Texas.

Timothy Berg is General Counsel at Fennemore Craig, P.C.

From the Bench: Effective Advocacy (State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2023)

Ally Kvidt — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 15:30:19 +0000

Harnessing the power of technology with competence and confidence is now a top consideration for lawyers as they advocate for their clients. How should this look in your legal practice? Rocky Dhir talks with judges Amy Clark Meachum, Jessica Mangrum, and Martin Hoffman about the latest tech-based factors for effective advocacy in Texas courts. They discuss virtual and in-person platforms and share tips for lawyers on how to keep up with current courtroom technologies.

Amy Clark Meachum is a judge of the Texas 201st District Court.

Jessica Mangrum is a seasoned judge presiding over the Texas 200th District Court.

Martin Hoffman is an esteemed judge serving on the Texas 68th District Court in Dallas County.

The Future is Now: 1st Gen Lawyers Speak on Their Issues, Challenges, and Hopes (State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2023)

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 29 Jun 2023 17:30:22 +0000

As a group, first generation law students and lawyers tend to encounter common issues. Saumya Kuriakose, Nadda Rungruangphol, and Alysia Huskey give highlights from their panel focused on the experiences of first generation lawyers. They each share what led them into the law, discuss the unique challenges they faced, and offer insights on how law schools and firms can support first gen attorneys.

Saumya Kuriakose is an Attorney at The Pettit Law Firm in Dallas, Texas.

Nadda Rungruangphol is a Staff Attorney at the Texas State Securities Board in Austin, Texas.

Alysia Huskey is a licensed attorney with The State Bar of Texas and works as an Assistant District Attorney in Kaufman County, Texas.

ChatGPT: Benign Title, Revolutionary Development (State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2023)

Ally Kvidt — Wed, 28 Jun 2023 16:50:06 +0000

AI has been helping lawyers for many years, but new tools powered by ChatGPT have even more exciting possibilities for the future of legal practice. Korin Munsterman discusses recent developments in legal AI tools and how they are already helping lawyers improve and streamline their practices. Korin also outlines what attorneys need to know about current ethics and privacy concerns surrounding generative AI.

Korin Munsterman is a Professor of Practice and the director of the Legal Education Technology program at UNT Dallas College of Law.

Blueprint for Building Sustainable, Systematic Solutions for an Effective DEI Workplace (State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2023)

Ally Kvidt — Tue, 27 Jun 2023 17:30:05 +0000

Diversity, equity, and inclusion should be central to your law firm’s mission, but how do you go about building a welcoming workplace? John G. Browning gives tips from his session at the State Bar of Texas’ Annual Meeting on effective DEI solutions for law firms. He discusses historical challenges surrounding this issue and the education, training, and resources available to help your firm become a welcoming place for all.

John G. Browning is a partner at Spencer Fane and a former Justice on Texas’ Fifth District Court of Appeals in Dallas.

Keeping Pace: Creating a (More) Modern Mindset (State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2023)

Ally Kvidt — Mon, 26 Jun 2023 22:45:38 +0000

Tune in for highlights from the State Bar of Texas’ Annual Meeting! During the conference, Laurence Colletti talked with presenter Dyane O’Leary about her session on how a modern mindset helps lawyers stay current with best practices and evolving legal technology. Dyane shares tips for maximizing efficiency through tech-powered practice management and gives insights on where to start if you’re looking to expand your knowledge of modern legal trends.

Dyane O’Leary is an Associate Professor of Legal Writing and the Director of Legal Innovation & Technology Concentration at Suffolk University Law School.

Sneak Peeks for the State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2023

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 01 Jun 2023 11:00:57 +0000

Rocky Dhir welcomes Laura Gibson and Trey Apffel to hear all about what to expect at the June 22 & 23 State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2023. They talk through the “CLE on steroids” programs, making the most of your conference experience, and later highlight each of the scheduled keynote speakers. What can lawyers learn from a filmmaker? Tune in for insights on Daytripper creator Chet Garner’s session centered around his exploration of the great state of Texas. Rocky, Laura and Trey also discuss the drama surrounding controversial speaker Attorney General William Barr.

Laura Gibson was the 2022/23 President of the State Bar of Texas and is a member of Dentons’ Litigation and Dispute Resolution practice and the Managing Partner of the Houston office.

E.A. “Trey” Apffel III became executive director of the State Bar of Texas in December 2017.

Demystifying Cryptocurrency for Lawyers

Ally Kvidt — Thu, 04 May 2023 11:00:33 +0000

Ever since cryptocurrency made its debut, many have repeatedly questioned its validity. Is it legal tender? A scam? Well, in today’s digital ether, both exist en masse, and lawyers need to understand how to recognize the real thing and how it fits into our current legal framework. Rocky Dhir welcomes Nelson Ebaugh to chat about his article in the Texas Bar Journal, Texas Cryptocurrency Jurisprudence.

Nelson Ebaugh is an attorney in Houston. He has an LL.M. in securities and financial regulation and is certified in criminal appellate law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

State Bar of Texas 2023-24 President-Elect Candidate Forum

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 06 Apr 2023 11:00:08 +0000

On March 10, Rocky Dhir welcomed president-elect candidates Jerry Alexander and Steve Benesh to give Texas attorneys the opportunity to learn about their campaigns and particular goals for the presidency. They discussed their career accomplishments and past service to the legal community, touched on the importance of maintaining the self-regulation of the State Bar, shared ideas for streamlining the attorney grievance process, and much more. Rocky also asked the candidates questions submitted both before and during the forum.

Learn more about the candidates.

Current Law for Cross-Examination in Student Sexual Misconduct Hearings

Legal Talk Network — Mon, 06 Mar 2023 17:45:26 +0000

How do institutions of higher education handle allegations of student-on-student sexual misconduct? Sean Flammer joins Rocky Dhir to talk through this legal process as outlined in his article in the March edition of the Texas Bar Journal. Sean explains how new Title IX regulations beginning in August 2020 have affected cross-examination requirements in misconduct hearings and what concerns around due process that have arisen in the wake of these changes. Sean offers insights on how the current system works and whether it effectively balances the needs and rights of complainants and respondents.

Sean Flammer specializes in Title IX, student affairs disputes, employment issues, constitutional litigation, and general litigation.

Estate Planning and Probate for Same-Sex Couples

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 02 Feb 2023 12:00:53 +0000

The legal community is, at times, either uninformed or ill-equipped for dealing with the unique needs of LGBTQ+ clientele. Rocky Dhir welcomes Liz Brenner to discuss her article in the February 2023 edition of the Texas Bar Journal and the evolving legal issues faced by those in the LGBTQ+ community. Liz explains the impacts of the 2015 Supreme Court decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, which required states to extend equal access to marriage to same-sex couples, and also dives into the specifics of estate planning and probate law for these couples and their families.

Elizabeth Brenner is an attorney with Burns Anderson Jury & Brenner in Austin, where she practices probate and trust litigation, probate administration, and guardianship law.

Highlights from the State Bar of Texas’ 2022 Year in Review

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 05 Jan 2023 12:00:16 +0000

Each December, the Texas Bar Journal features the year’s developments in the profession through a series of articles written by Texas legal experts. Rocky Dhir talks with three of 2022’s authors to learn more about new case law and trends in their areas of the law. Emily Black shares insights from antitrust and business litigation, Shawn Tuma gives an update on rapidly-evolving requirements in cybersecurity and data privacy, and Roland Love gives an overview of new laws and court-issued opinions related to real estate law.

Emily Westridge Black is a partner in the Austin office of Shearman & Sterling, where she specializes in complex commercial litigation and white-collar defense.

Shawn Tuma is a partner at Spencer Fane LLP in Cyber Risk Management, Cyber Incident Response, and Cyber Security, Hacking and Data Breach Litigation.

Roland Love is vice president of business alliances & field operations at Independence Title in Dallas, TX.

What The Rest of Us Need to Know About Bankruptcy Practice

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 01 Dec 2022 19:00:10 +0000

Even though bankruptcy touches so many areas of the law, many attorneys outside bankruptcy practice lack an adequate understanding of how it all works. Rocky Dhir brings on experts Catherine Curtis and Robert Vanhemelrijck to get an overview of what all lawyers should know about this area of legal practice. They discuss different types of bankruptcy, outline filing and court processes, and share pro tips for things to look out for when working with clients in bankruptcy proceedings.

Catherine Curtis is an Associate Attorney at Wick Phillips, where she represents clients in a broad range of insolvency and bankruptcy matters.

J. Robert Vanhemelrijck is the founding and managing partner of Vanhemelrijck Law Offices, LP in San Antonio, Texas.

The Lisa Torry Smith Act: New Stop and Yield Law for Texas Drivers

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 03 Nov 2022 11:00:51 +0000

On an October morning in 2017, Lisa Torry Smith was walking her son to school when they were struck by a car while in a crosswalk. Lisa died at the scene, her son was badly injured, and the driver was only ticketed for the incident. Lisa’s family fought for change after this tragic event, seeking real consequences for negligent driving and greater driver awareness and care across the state. Brian Middleton, now District Attorney in Fort Bend County, Texas, drafted the Lisa Torry Smith Act, which was passed into law in June of 2021. Tune in with State Bar of Texas podcast host Rocky Dhir as he talks with Brian about the implications of this new law and its aim to create accountability for driver negligence in crosswalks.

Read Brian Middleton’s article in the Texas Bar Journal: The New Stop and Yield Law: The Death of Lisa Torry Smith

Fully Acknowledging Human Damages with Randy Sorrels

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 06 Oct 2022 11:01:21 +0000

A surprising shift has swept through Texas courts since COVID-19, likely traceable to the public’s collective new awareness of suffering due to pandemic-era hardships. In recent months, there has seemed to be a marked change in jurors’ thoughts on awarding non-economic damages, resulting in larger damages verdicts in many courts. To discuss this phenomenon, Rocky Dhir talks with Randy Sorrels about his article, Fully Acknowledging Human Damages, which appeared in the October issue of the Texas Bar Journal.

Randy Sorrels is a partner at Sorrels Law in Houston, Texas, and holds board certifications from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and the National Board of Trial Advocacy, including: Personal Injury Trial Law, Civil Trial Law, and Civil Trial Advocacy.

Sustainable Law: The Texas Opportunity & Justice Incubator’s Efforts to Close the Justice Gap

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 11:00:53 +0000

An individual’s use of the justice system shouldn’t solely be based on a cost-benefit analysis, but for many, it is just that. With such a major hurdle in access to justice, a retooling of legal practice is needed to make justice affordable for all. Rocky Dhir talks with Joshua Weaver about the innovative ways the Texas Opportunity & Justice Incubator helps lawyers offer high-quality services to low and modest income people.

Joshua Weaver is director of the Texas Opportunity & Justice Incubator (TOJI), a flagship program of the State Bar of Texas focused on supporting attorneys as they build sustainable solo practices serving low-income and modest-income communities.

Keri Blakinger’s Insights into Mass Incarceration

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 04 Aug 2022 10:59:59 +0000

As a follow-up to her panel discussion at the State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2022, Keri Blakinger joins Rocky Dhir to share more of her personal story and her perspectives on prisons in the United States. She discusses her incarceration experience, her passion for public records, and her newly released memoir, “Corrections in Ink.”

Keri Blakinger is a Texas-based journalist and the author of the “Corrections in Ink,” a memoir tracing her path from figure skating to heroin addiction to prison and, finally, to life as an investigative reporter covering mass incarceration.

SpaceX and the Future of Aerospace Law

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 07 Jul 2022 11:01:38 +0000

Space innovation is ramping up in Brownsville, Texas. The city experienced rapid change in the past decade after SpaceX set up operations, and many lawyers are excited to have a front row seat to a new era of space exploration and the innovations arising in aerospace law as a result. Rocky Dhir chats with Brownsville attorneys Victor Flores and Will Trevino about their recent articles in the Texas Bar Journal and their thoughts on new developments in space law, cybersecurity concerns, and the role of lawyers in shaping future space endeavors.

Check out their articles in the Texas Bar Journal:

Building a New Highway From Texas to Mars by Victor Flores

Space Hackers by Will Trevino

Victor A. Flores serves on the Texas City Attorneys Association Board of Directors, is the past president of the Texas Young Lawyers Association, and is the city attorney for the city of Brownsville.

Guillermo “Will” S. Trevino is a member of the State Bar of Texas Computer and Technology Section and serves as a member of its council. He is a deputy city attorney for the city of Brownsville.

From Derogation to Reclamation: The Power Of Reclaiming ‘Racist’ Slurs with Simon Tam

Legal Talk Network — Tue, 14 Jun 2022 01:00:29 +0000

Should We Be Able to Reclaim a Racist Slur – as a Registered Trademark? In this special State Bar of Texas podcast, host Rocky Dihr welcomes Simon Tam, a musician, author, activist, and entrepreneur, whose efforts to trademark his band name “The Slants” prompted a nearly 10-year long legal battle that eventually wound up in the U.S. Supreme Court. Rocky and Simon discuss:

The Power of Reclaiming Culturally Controversial and Derogatory Terms
What it’s like to bring a Lawsuit Before the U.S. Supreme Court
The State of Free Speech
The Landmark Supreme Court Ruling in Tam’s Favor
The Relationship between Arts and Activism, and How to Create Positive Change with Lasting Impacts

Simon Tam is the the founder and bassist of “The Slants”, the world’s first and only all-Asian American dance rock band. Simon is also an author, activist, TEDx speaker and podcaster, who is passionate about changing the world with relentless optimism and compassion.

SCOTUS Update with Susanna Rychlak Allen (State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2022)

Legal Talk Network — Mon, 13 Jun 2022 23:16:39 +0000

As the United States Supreme Court (SCOTUS) quickly approaches the final weeks of the term, it has yet to cast its opinion on a handful of crucial issues that linger on the minds of many Americans. Abortion, gun rights, immigration and the environment are just a few of the key issues in play. Trial Associate Susanna Rychlak Allen gives us an update on what we can expect from SCOTUS in its last leg of a highly controversial term and how things might look going forward.

Susanna Rychlak Allen is a trial associate with Yetter Coleman, LLP. Susanna’s practice focuses on complex commercial litigation and includes experience representing clients in a variety of sectors, including technology, energy, and transportation, among others.

Astroworld’s Legal Fallout (State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2022)

Legal Talk Network — Mon, 13 Jun 2022 21:00:40 +0000

What Are the Legal Implications of the Astroworld Aftermath? In November 2021, a fatal crowd crush occurred during the first night of the 2021 Astroworld Festival that resulted in the deaths of ten people, plus hundreds of serious injuries. Could this Catastrophe have been Prevented?

Litigation attorneys, Saba Syed, Brent Turman and Barrett Robin join host, Laurence Colletti in this special episode to discuss:

Both the Plaintiffs’ and Defendants’ sides of the argument
Who Can Be Held Legally Responsible for Damages Suffered?
Will There Be Criminal Charges Filed?
And What Could the Event’s Settlement Entail?

Session Topic: Astroworld Aftermath: Litigation and Its Impact on the Live Events Industry

Saba Syed is a Partner and Litigation Attorney at Bell Nunnally & Martin LLP.

Brent Turman is also a Partner and Litigation Attorney at Bell Nunnally & Martin LLP.

Barrett Robin Trial Attorney at Hamilton Wingo, LLP.

Our Court System in a Post-COVID World (State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2022)

Legal Talk Network — Mon, 13 Jun 2022 20:51:25 +0000

When the COVID-19 pandemic surged in early 2020, it forced courthouses across the country to close their doors. For the nation’s legal system, that meant reimagining how to administer justice. It pushed technology to the forefront, and forced courts and lawyers to break with tradition and innovate in new ways. These new courtroom innovations may forever change the litigation landscape and practice of law going forward. Host Rocky Dihr, sits down with Chief Justice Tracy Christopher, Judge Emily Miskel, and Tom Leatherbury to discuss how the pandemic brought some welcome innovations to the justice process, but also several new challenges.

Hon. Tracy Christopher was elected Chief Justice of the 14th Court of Appeals in November 2020. She first joined the Court when she was appointed as a Justice in December 2009.
Judge Emily Miskel has served as judge of the 470th district court of Collin County, Texas, since the court was created in 2015.
Tom Leatherbury is an appellate lawyer with Vinson & Elkins, LLP. Mr. Leatherbury boasts forty years of experience in state and federal appeals and trials.

Legal Storytelling and Legal Writing with Corban Addison (State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2022)

Legal Talk Network — Mon, 13 Jun 2022 19:00:35 +0000

Successful lawyers are successful storytellers. Special guest Corban Addision joins the podcast to discuss his most recent legal thriller “Wastelands”; and how lawyers can leverage the power of storytelling in their legal writing and client advocacy initiatives.

The book “Wastelands” tells the extraordinary, true story of how a rural, North Carolina community stood up against one of the world’s most powerful meatpacking companies polluting their communities – and won.

Corban Addison is an attorney, activist, bestselling author, speaker and world traveler. He brings attention to human rights crises around the world through his thought-provoking books and legal publishings.

Tips for New Lawyers in the Realm of Family Law (State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2022)

Legal Talk Network — Mon, 13 Jun 2022 11:05:17 +0000

Thinking of entering family law? In this panel focused on helping young lawyers understand the nuances of practicing in this area of the law, listeners get varied perspectives from both judges and attorneys. Rocky Dhir chats with Judge Janice Berg, Judge Gloria López, and attorneys Jacob Cohen and Alicia Palmer about their experiences in family law practice and their favorite tidbits of wisdom from their panel – including their takes on:

Trusting that your legal education really has prepared you for what you’re doing (Really!)
Tactfully disagreeing with a judge
Setting appropriate client boundaries
And much more

The Honorable Janice Berg is a judge in the 247th Family District Court in Harris County, Texas.

The Honorable Gloria E. López is a judge in the 308th Family District Court in Harris County, Texas.

Jacob Cohen is an associate attorney at The Rainwater Firm in Houston, Texas.

Alicia Palmer is an associate attorney at Kelly L. Fritsch, PC, in Houston, Texas.

The New World of Addressing Sexual Harassment in the Workplace (State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2022)

Legal Talk Network — Sat, 11 Jun 2022 13:00:17 +0000

Recent amendments to Texas labor codes are making it far easier for workers to pursue a sexual harassment claim. Annual Meeting presenters Lea Ream and Karen Fitzgerald join podcast host Rocky Dhir to discuss the implications of these changes for Texas employers and what best practices should be followed to properly respond to and investigate harassment claims. Additionally, they elaborate on increased provisions for employees and offer insights on how victims of sexual harassment in the workplace should go about filing a claim.

Lea A. Ream is a shareholder at Davidson Troilo Ream & Garza PC and maintains a civil litigation practice centered on commercial and employment matters.

Karen Fitzgerald is the owner at Fitzgerald Law, PLLC, and is board certified in labor and employment law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

Presidential Goals with Laura Gibson and Michael Ritter (State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2022)

Legal Talk Network — Sat, 11 Jun 2022 12:00:11 +0000

The 2022-2023 State Bar year marks a new chapter as Texas lawyers emerge from the pandemic and a sense of normalcy returns. Rocky Dhir talks with soon-to-be State Bar and TYLA presidents Laura Gibson and Michael Ritter about their plans for the coming year, particularly involving attorney succession planning, mental health and wellness, public education on legal processes, and much more.

Laura Gibson is a member of Dentons’ Litigation and Dispute Resolution practice and the Managing Partner of the Houston office and State Bar of Texas 2022-23 president-elect.

Michael J. Ritter is senior counsel at Schmoyer Reinhard LLP and TYLA 2022-23 president-elect.

The Newest New Things in Employment Law (State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2022)

Legal Talk Network — Fri, 10 Jun 2022 20:00:19 +0000

The last two years have brought a variety of game-changers to employment law, in large part due to pandemic-era effects on employee/employer relationships. Host Rocky Dhir talks with Tony Campiti and Lawrence Morales about their Annual Meeting presentation on the latest trends and changes in employment law and what Texas lawyers, employers, and employees need to know.

Tony Campiti is a partner and labor and employment attorney in the litigation section at the Holland & Knight, LLP, Dallas office, representing management exclusively in client counseling and litigation.

Lawrence Morales is a partner at The Morales Law Firm, PC, and a certified specialist in Labor and Employment law by the State Bar of Texas, Board of Legal Specialization.

Dealmaking Drama in Name, Image, and Likeness (State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2022)

Legal Talk Network — Fri, 10 Jun 2022 19:30:48 +0000

The Fair Pay to Play Act has brought forth a whole slew of changes, questions, and (if we’re honest) confusion to the world of college sports. Laurence Coletti chats with Jeremy Evans about the details of the Act, which now allows college athletes to secure endorsements and sponsorships without losing scholarship eligibility. Jeremy talks about the pros and cons of athletes’ new control over marketing their names, images, and likenesses and discusses some of the legal and ethical issues that have arisen since the Fair Pay to Play Act became effective in 2021.

Jeremy M. Evans is the chief entrepreneur officer (CEO), founder & managing attorney at California Sports Lawyer.

Keynote Speaker Chris Shepherd (State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2022)

Legal Talk Network — Fri, 10 Jun 2022 19:00:09 +0000

This year’s keynote speaker offers a whole new perspective on work, life, mental health, and cross-industry cooperation. Restaurateur Chris Shepherd chats with Rocky Dhir about the challenges of the hospitality industry and how the Southern Smoke Foundation works to provide support for those in crisis.

Chris Shepherd is founding director and honorary chairman of Southern Smoke Foundation.

A Crisis Is Coming (Oh, Believe It). Are You Prepared? (State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2022)

Legal Talk Network — Fri, 10 Jun 2022 18:30:12 +0000

Every attorney dreads the day a crisis erupts. Because it will. But there are “good ways” and “bad ways” to prepare and react. Pretending it will never happen to you is the “bad way.”

Speakers David Margulies and Bradley Adams are experts in crisis management and communication and spoke at the State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting on what they’ve learned and how attorneys work with public relations teams both before and after a crisis erupts.

Don’t hide, but speak only to the facts you know are facts
Social media influencers and mainstream media outlets are part of life. How do you respond, react, and reach out?
Is it OK to empathize, sympathize, and even (gasp) apologize?

Hear how to accept a crisis could hit you and understand how early preparation and planning can help.

Gen Z’s Impacts in Legal (State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2022)

Legal Talk Network — Fri, 10 Jun 2022 18:00:08 +0000

Generation Z are the new up-and-comers in the legal world. What can we expect from them as they begin contributing to legal processes? From the Annual Meeting, Laurence Coletti talks with conference speakers Laura Graham and Jason Bloom, whose sessions focused on different aspects of Gen Z’s entrance into the legal system. Laura shares highlights from Gen Z: What Kind of Colleagues Will They Be?, delving into this peer group’s unique approach to the profession; and Jason recaps Jury Decision-Making and the Gen Z Juror, explaining how generational perspectives affect trial outcomes.

Laura Graham is a professor of legal writing and director of legal analysis, writing, and research at Wake Forest University School of Law.

Jason Bloom, the founder and President of Bloom Strategic Consulting, Inc., has been a jury consultant for over 20 years

What to Expect at the In-Person State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 02 Jun 2022 11:01:31 +0000

After two years of hosting an entirely virtual event, the State Bar of Texas will be returning to an in-person Annual Meeting for 2022! Rocky Dhir talks with Bar president Sylvia Borunda Firth and executive director Trey Apffel about how this year’s conference will be run, taking into consideration all current CDC guidelines. They also chat about the exciting professional and social offerings for 2022 attendees.

Sylvia Borunda Firth is a solo practitioner in El Paso and president of the State Bar of Texas.

E.A. “Trey” Apffel III is executive director of the State Bar of Texas.

Demystifying Board Certification for Texas Lawyers

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 12 May 2022 11:00:41 +0000

Why bother to become a board certified attorney? As it turns out, there are tons of advantages for your legal practice. The State Bar of Texas Podcast host Rocky Dhir welcomes Leo Figueroa to discuss the process of board certification and debunk common misconceptions.

Leo Figueroa is executive director of the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

Special thanks to our sponsor, LawPay.

2022 President-Elect Candidate Forum: Part 1

Legal Talk Network — Fri, 01 Apr 2022 12:00:57 +0000

Time to meet your candidates! On March 10, Joe Escobedo and Cindy Tisdale participated in a live, virtual forum hosted by Rocky Dhir. Get to know Joe and Cindy as they share their priorities for the State Bar of Texas and answer audience questions.

Joe Escobedo is a partner at Escobedo & Cardenas, LLP, in Edinburg, Texas, where he devotes his practice to tort litigation and mediations.

Cindy Tisdale is a small firm attorney in Granbury, Texas, where she dedicates her practice to family law. She is also Of Counsel with Lynch, Chappell & Alsup in Midland.

Special thanks to our sponsor, LawPay.

Women and The Law: Perspectives From Women Deans of Texas Law Schools

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 03 Mar 2022 12:30:04 +0000

Women play a vital role in the legal profession, and their leadership should be encouraged and supported as we move into the future. State Bar of Texas podcast host Rocky Dhir talks with four deans of Texas law schools, Joan R.M. Bullock, Jennifer Collins, Felecia Epps, and Patricia Roberts, about their perspectives on women and the law. They discuss changing dynamics in work-life balance, overcoming bias, and how unique viewpoints from women in law enrich the legal profession.

Joan R.M. Bullock is Dean of Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall School of Law.

Jennifer M. Collins is the Judge James Noel Dean and Professor of Law at Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law.

Felecia Epps is Dean at the University of North Texas College of Law in Dallas.

Patricia Roberts is Dean of Saint Mary’s University School of Law in San Antonio.

Special thanks to our sponsor, LawPay.

Employment Law Implications for Remote Work

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 03 Feb 2022 15:00:52 +0000

The pandemic made many employers realize that they actually can do business with a remote staff, but there are still many issues to untangle as remote and/or hybrid work continues. To help attorneys understand the nuances of employment law for these new work situations, Rocky Dhir welcomes business and employment trial lawyer Trang Tran. They discuss how today’s common work situations interact with current laws and offer advice for protecting both employers and employees.

Trang Tran is a trial lawyer who has been serving individuals and businesses for over 20 years.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Clio and LawPay.

What 2021 Meant for Texas Appellate Law

Legal Talk Network — Thu, 06 Jan 2022 15:00:56 +0000

Happy New Year! To ring in 2022, host Rocky Dhir welcomes Warren W. Harris and Kirsten Castañeda to look back at 2021 appellate law happenings and explore the lessons to be learned. Warren and Kirsten discuss topics from their recent appellate law articles for the Texas Bar Journal and offer guidance for attorneys on current issues.

Warren W. Harris is a partner in Bracewell in Houston, where he heads the firm’s Appellate Practice Group.

Kirsten Castañeda is an attorney with Alexander Dobose Jefferson LLC.