State Bar of Texas Blog

New scam email targeting attorneys

Joanna Herzik — Mon, 20 May 2013 11:31:34 -0600

On May 20, the State Bar received a call and an email from an attorney in McKinney about a scam email that he received on May 18. He also reported that there are posts from lawyers in California and Florida stating they have received identical inquiries and attachments.

The full scam email and attachments are below:

Thank you for your prompt response. Am living in Japan and Tomio Walton (ex-husband) lives in McKinney, Texas. Due to the time difference (+13hrs EST) it is a little bit difficult to determine the best time to call you. Following our divorce, we agreed under a negotiated settlement agreement which is incorporated, merged into and made part of the court decree for a onetime cash settlement of $557,000.00 USD for Family support (this includes child support, alimony and medical support). To his credit, he has paid me $208,000.00 USD from a total of $557,000.00 but still owing $349.000.00 USD and the due time for completion of payment is over. Thus, I request your legal counsel and representation to enforce the final judgment thereby compelling him to remit the balance owed to me. He is aware of my intention to seek legal actions. Attached is a copy of the separation agreement, and Final Judgment and I will be pleased to provide further information on this case on request. I desire to retain your law firm, please forward your firm's retainer fee agreement so that we can proceed. Thank you and have a pleasant day.

Regards,

Rina Walton

Address: Fukuoka Sanwa Bldg. 3F, 3-19-21 Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka 810-0001

Attachment 1
Attachment 2
Attachment 3

Attorneys should be extra-vigilant for scams of this type. For detailed information on scams targeting attorneys, see this article by State Bar ethics attorney Ellen Pitluk, which previously ran in shorter form in the Texas Bar Journal.

Panel highlights problem of human trafficking

Lowell Brown — Fri, 10 May 2013 16:26:41 -0600

The audience at the Texas Young Lawyers Association’s “Slavery Out of the Shadows” event applauds as panelists are introduced. Pictured on the front row, from left, are panelists David Boatright of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, Dr. Lawrence Feldman of Miami-Dade County Public Schools, anti-human-trafficking attorney Beth Klein, Texas Assistant Attorney General Geoff Barr, and Terry Lord of WebSafety Inc.

Human trafficking is a major problem in Texas and throughout the United States, and fighting it requires people working together to identify victims and get them the help they need, panelists said Friday during an event at the Texas Supreme Court.

The recent case in Cleveland where three women were rescued after years of captivity is a dramatic reminder of the problem—and an example of how people can help, said Beth Klein, a Colorado-based, anti-human-trafficking attorney who appeared on the panel. An Ohio man helped save the women by breaking down a door to the house where they had been held.

“Because he took an action that was a little uncomfortable, we have three women (rescued) now who hadn’t seen the light of day in 10 years,” Klein said. “And that’s what I’m talking about. Every one of you has the opportunity to be a real hero.”

About 800,000 children go missing every year in the United States, including between 46,000 and 47,000 Texas children, said David Boatright, the executive director of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s Texas regional office. Of those Texas children, 80 percent are at risk of becoming a child sex-trafficking victim, he said.

“The numbers are astounding, and the risk is very, very high,” Boatright said.

The event, sponsored by the Texas Young Lawyers Association, included a showing of "Slavery Out of the Shadows,” a 30-minute film featuring stories of human-trafficking victims and the lawyers who prosecute the cases.

The audience included many people who helped create or appeared in the film, which is a public service project of the TLYA.

TYLA President C.E. Rhodes served as moderator of the panel, which also included Texas Assistant Attorney General Geoff Barr, who prosecutes human-trafficking cases; Dr. Lawrence Feldman, the vice chair of the Miami-Dade County Public Schools, which has started a human-trafficking awareness campaign; and Terry Lord, a retired U.S. Justice Department official who now works as senior vice president of WebSafety Inc.

For more information about human trafficking, or to watch the film, visit tyla.org.

Fresh off reform vote, Mongolian bar president visits North Texas legal mentors

Lowell Brown — Fri, 10 May 2013 13:19:01 -0600

The president of Mongolia’s top lawyers’ association was in Dallas-Fort Worth on Friday for meetings on how to improve the country’s bar and implement its newly adopted Bar Act.

Batsukh Dorjsuren, president of the Association of Mongolian Advocates, held private meetings with legal mentors including Judge Joe Spurlock II, a Texas Wesleyan University law professor who founded and directs the law school’s Asian Judicial Institute, which focuses on educating former communist nations about the rule of law and judicial independence.

Just weeks ago, Mongolia’s national legislature passed a Bar Act based largely on the 1939 act that created an integrated Texas bar, Spurlock said. The Mongolian bar now must write its bylaws and establish committees to carry out the reforms, and Batsukh came to Texas to see how the institute could help.

“This is a big step,” said Spurlock, who has been working with the country to develop an integrated bar system since the mid-1990s. “Now that they’ve got it, they don’t want to lose their momentum.”

The change means all lawyers, judges and prosecutors must be a member of the bar association to practice in Mongolia, Spurlock said. The bar also will begin administering lawyer testing, discipline, law school certification, and continuing legal education, he said.

“They are trying to transition from the nonintegrated bar to the integrated bar, and they’ll have a lot of issues on how to get all the lawyers under their umbrella as quickly as possible,” said Dallas attorney Matthew Toback, a cofounder of the Asian Judicial Institute who also met with the Mongolian bar president.

Batsukh previously visited Fort Worth in 2008 as part of the Asian Judicial Institute’s annual training session for Mongolian attorneys and public officials. The Texas Bar Foundation helped fund the institute with a $25,000 grant, which Spurlock called critical seed money.

Also that year, Batsukh and other Mongolian attorneys visited the State Bar of Texas and the Texas Supreme Court in Austin, where they received additional training and information.

“Today’s talk was very helpful,” Batsukh said through an interpreter Friday after meeting with Spurlock. “I’m looking forward to working in the future with this school and the Asian Judicial Institute and the Texas bar association. What we’re doing is very similar to the Texas bar association in its structure, and it was very nice to have the good information.”

Read more about the institute here. For more information on the Texas Bar Foundation, visit txbf.org.

Pictured, from left, are Batsukh, Spurlock, and Mongolian interpreter Baasanjar Baska.

Texas Center for Legal Ethics announces 2013 Pope Award honorees

Teri Rodriguez — Wed, 08 May 2013 09:20:00 -0600

Judge Patrick Higginbotham of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit and Dallas attorney Nina Cortell of Haynes and Boone are being honored as the 2013 recipients of the Chief Justice Jack Pope Professionalism Awards.

The Texas Center for Legal Ethics (TCLE) presents the awards annually to one judge and one attorney who personify the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in the field of law. The award is named after former Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Jack Pope, who was first to receive the honor in 2009.

The Pope Awards will be presented at the annual Texas Supreme Court Historical Society Dinner on June 14 in Austin. For more information, contact Bill Pugsley with the Supreme Court Historical Society at tschs@sbcglobal.net.

Read the full press release.

State Bar of Texas president-elect race headed for run-off; Brooker named president-elect of TYLA

Teri Rodriguez — Wed, 01 May 2013 08:25:50 -0600

There will be a run-off election for State Bar of Texas President-elect between Trey Apffel and Steve Fischer. Because a majority of votes was not received by any of the three candidates for president-elect, a run-off election will be held from May 9 through May 23. Rebekah Steely Brooker of Dallas is 2013-2014 president-elect of the Texas Young Lawyers Association (TYLA). Read more about the election results.

The TBJ May Issue

Patricia McConnico — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 15:47:35 -0600

Inside: C.E. Rhodes, Priscilla Camacho, Victor Villarreal, and Sam Houston on how they are getting the word out to students about the TYLA project What Do Lawyers Do? Plus: A look at social host liability in Texas, a new book by James L. Haley on the history of the Texas Supreme Court, a video that uses Brady V. Maryland to train law enforcement officers, and tips on how to wow if you land at a solo or small firm after law school. Go to the Texas Bar Journal to read the entire issue.

Champions of Justice Gala raises $338,000 for veterans

Teri Rodriguez — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 23:28:45 -0600

The Champions of Justice Gala benefiting veterans was held on Tuesday, April 23, at the AT&T Executive Education & Conference Center in Austin. Some of Texas’ most prominent lawyers, members of the Texas Supreme Court, members of the Texas Legislature, and State Bar of Texas leaders gathered for the special event. Texas Access to Justice Commission Chair, Harry Reasoner, thanked them for their continued support to expand access to justice for the underserved.

Guest speakers included Paul Melton, President of Board of Directors of the Department of Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars Foundation and Lt. Michael E. Thornton, U.S. Navy Seal (Ret.), Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient.

Lt. Thornton is the only Medal of Honor recipient in over a century to save the life of another Medal of Honor recipient. He reads the U.S. Constitution once a month to ensure he continues to understand its meaning. He thanked the State Bar of Texas and its members for leading the way nationwide to help veterans, and for helping to open the eyes of other state bars about what lawyers can do to help. Lt. Thornton noted how important this mission is to him, “Giving back to the greatest nation in the world that has given me everything in the world.”

Melton spoke about the debt we have to the men and women who are fighting for our country. "We are returning veterans at a faster pace than has been seen since 1945," Melton said. He referred to the people in attendance as the best in the Texas legal profession and emphasized that there is no higher calling than pro bono efforts on behalf of veterans.

The Emily C. Jones Lifetime Achievement award was presented to Stewart W. Gagnon of Fulbright & Jaworski in Houston for his years of pro bono work. Gagnon advocates for the most vulnerable Texans through the Houston Volunteer Lawyers program, veterans’ legal clinics, and legal helplines. Gagnon thanked the Access to Justice Commission for honoring those who rush to help those in need.

James C. “Jim” Harrington, executive director of the Texas Civil Rights Project in Austin, received the James B. Sales Boots on the Ground award for his singular contributions that have made an extraordinary impact. He has dedicated 40 years to legal service, working tirelessly for equal rights for migrant workers, the handicapped, children’s privacy, and battered women. Harrington said that his clients’ faith in the system gives him the faith to move forward — access to justice is a group effort and all of those in attendance are one community who believe in equal access to justice.

The awards were presented by Chief Justice Wallace Jefferson. Chief Jefferson acknowledged Chief Justice Jack Pope's 100th birthday last week, and noted that Chief Pope is responsible for inaugurating Texas IOLTA.

For more information, please visit www.texasatj.org.

Congratulations to the 2013 Law Day winners!

Teri Rodriguez — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 12:05:04 -0600

The State Bar of Texas and Texas Young Lawyers Association (TYLA) invited local bar associations and young lawyer affiliates to participate in the statewide Law Day contest. This year’s Law Day theme was Realizing the Dream: Equality for All. Contest winners will be recognized on Wednesday, May 1, 2013 at the Texas Law Center. The State Bar of Texas and TYLA will host the luncheon and present the awards to the winners. View this year's contest winners [PDF].

Texas House Honors Justice Pope on His 100th Birthday

Ty Meighan — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 10:28:48 -0600

Retired Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Jack Pope, the longest living state chief justice in U.S. history, was honored Thursday by the Texas House of Representatives on his 100th birthday. State Rep. Dan Branch, who was a law clerk for Pope in 1983-84, introduced him at the ceremony and sponsored a resolution celebrating Pope’s life and career.

Other jurists, including current and former members of the Texas Supreme Court and Court of Criminal Appeals, also attended the afternoon ceremony. Chief Justice Wallace B. Jefferson spoke at the event, calling Pope “a remarkable jurist and an even more remarkable man.”

Jefferson and Texas Supreme Court Justice Nathan Hecht read numerous letters congratulating Pope on his 100th birthday, including from President Barack Obama, former U.S. presidents, and Retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor.

Pope spoke briefly at the event, thanking those in attendance for honoring him.

Pope began his 38-year career as a Texas jurist in 1946 when he was appointed to a district court bench in Nueces County at the age of 33. In 1950, voters elected him to serve on the San Antonio Court of Civil Appeals. Pope was elected to the Texas Supreme Court in 1964, where he served as a justice and then chief justice, until he retired in 1985.

During his career, Pope had numerous noteworthy accomplishments, including the establishment of formal judicial education for Texas judges, a judicial ethics code, state water rights, and reforming and simplifying how cases are pleaded and tried.

State Bar of Texas, ABA, Lone Star Legal Aid and Local Bar Associations Stand Ready to Assist Texans Impacted by the Disaster in West, Texas

Joanna Herzik — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 11:54:26 -0600

The State Bar of Texas has established a disaster legal hotline – 800.504.7030 – to assist people with basic legal questions following the devastating plant explosion in West, Texas.

The hotline – answered in English and Spanish by Lone Star Legal Aid – is intended to help low-income persons affected by the disaster with such issues as replacing lost documents, insurance questions, landlord-tenant issues, and consumer protection issues such as price-gouging and avoiding contractor scams in the rebuilding process. Residents can call and leave a message any time. People who qualify for assistance will be matched with Texas lawyers who have volunteered to provide free, limited legal help.

A partnership between the State Bar of Texas, Texas Young Lawyers Association, American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division, Lone Star Legal Aid, local bar associations, and other legal services providers throughout Texas is making a range of assistance available.

Additional resources are available at www.texasbar.com/disasterresponse and www.texaslawhelp.org.

The State Bar of Texas reminds the public that solicitation of a potential legal case is a crime unless the lawyer has a family relationship with you or you have been a client of the lawyer in the past or are currently a client. Solicitation of you is also a crime if perpetrated by a non-lawyer employee or representative of the lawyer, unless the previous conditions exist. Please report any prohibited contacts by lawyers or their representatives, whether in person, telephone or otherwise, to your local law enforcement authority or the State Bar of Texas at 877.953.5535.

Attorneys who want to volunteer to help may visit our Disaster Relief and Attorney Resources page.

Cindy Tisdale of Granbury elected State Bar of Texas board chair

Teri Rodriguez — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 07:10:45 -0600

Attorney Cindy Tisdale of Granbury was elected Chair of the Board of Directors of the State Bar of Texas. She will take office during the State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting to be held June 20-21 in Dallas, and will serve as chair until June 2014. Read the official press release.

TAJF grant application deadline for legal aid to veterans extended to May 1

Guest Blogger — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 14:22:35 -0600

The Texas Access to Justice Foundation (TAJF) has extended the application due date until May 1, 2013 for proposals to fund legal aid programs that provide civil legal services for low-income Texas veterans. Proceeds from the Champions of Justice Gala for Veterans have been designated to fund these grants.

These funds are to address the increased demand for legal services at a time when many veterans are returning from the war in Afghanistan. Selected applicants will help increase, support and deliver free civil legal services that help low-income Texas veterans with many critical civil legal services in matters such as family law, employment, housing, consumer, bankruptcy and probate as well as including filing claims for compensation or pensions from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Legal assistance is also needed for representing veterans in filing claims for indigent veterans suffering from service-connected disabilities. The scope of work to be funded can also help family members of living or deceased veterans apply for VA benefits.

Grant applications will be submitted online through the TAJF web grants online system which will require applicants who are not existing grantees to register and once approved, complete the online application and submit it by the due date of Wednesday May 1, 2013 at 5:00 pm. You can access the online grants system by going to grants.tajf.org. For more information, contact Jonathan Vickery at jvickery@teajf.org or 1-800-252-3401 ext. 110

Random Profile: Mary Grace Ruden, Houston

Joanna Herzik — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 08:39:15 -0600

For Random Profiles, we randomly pick one of our 93,000-plus attorneys and do a Q&A. We've found that every Texas lawyer has an interesting story. Will yours be next?

Areas of practice: I joined the Harris County Public Defender’s Office in March 2011. Prior to joining the office, I was in private practice where I represented clients accused of misdemeanors and felonies in state and federal courts. While in private practice, I also orchestrated mock trials and shadow juries for major white collar crime litigation.

Latest pursuit: Currently I am in the Mental Health Division of the Harris County Public Defender’s Office. The Mental Health Division is designed to provide specialized defense services to mentally ill defendants, with attorneys supported by social workers who connect defendants with mental health services in addition to representing them.

Education: I received my J.D. from the University of Houston Law Center in 2000, and my B.A. from Southwestern University in 1997.

Bet you didn’t know: I was one of the first students at Southwestern University to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies (a relatively new discipline at the time). Prior to entering law school I worked at the Houston Zoo on the Attwater’s prairie chicken captive breeding program as part of the National Recovery Plan. The prairie chicken is a critically endangered subspecies of prairie grouse that was once very common on the coastal prairies of eastern Texas, including what is today the Houston metropolitan area. The Houston Zoo is the coordinator of the captive breeding programs for the Attwater’s Prairie Chicken National Recovery Plan, overseen by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Mentors/heroes: I had the honor of learning the practice of criminal law and spending the first ten years of that practice working along-side Michael Ramsey, George Tyson, and Chip Lewis. I learned more in that time than I have in any other setting, and I value my friendship with each of them.

The part of my job I do best is: Listening. It can sometimes take a back seat in a litigator’s world, but I think listening is the most powerful tool we have in our arsenal in this business.

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing attorneys today? I would like to address that specifically as to the challenges for a criminal defense attorney and talk about the concept of holistic defense. Holistic defense combines legal advocacy with a broader recognition that for most poor people arrested and charged with a crime, the criminal case is not the only issue with which they struggle. In my cases, the person’s mental health must be addressed and considered. In other kinds of cases, people are so concerned about medical care, housing, government benefits, and other services that their actual case may be way down on the list of things keeping them up at night. To be truly effective advocates for our clients, we must broaden the scope of our work to include both the collateral consequences of criminal justice involvement as well as the underlying issues, both legal and non-legal, that have played a part in driving our clients into the criminal justice system in the first place. This is a concept that I have come to embrace and the words I use to describe it are borrowed from the Center for Holistic Defense, a project of the Bronx Defenders.

When you are not practicing law, what do you like to do? My husband and I have a six year old son and twin two year olds. They keep us busy and they are our greatest joy.

Mary Grace works at the Harris County Public Defender's Office.

You can also view Mary Grace's TexasBar.com profile.

Prizes
It's not every day that you're randomly picked from among 93,000 peers. To commemorate, randomly-profiled attorneys receive a TexasBar.com t-shirt.

Update Your Online Profile
Have you updated your attorney profile lately? Go to My Bar Page on TexasBar.com, log in, and click "Update My Profile." While you’re at it, click “My Directory Options” and add a photo, law firm link, and Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and blog accounts – all for free.

Opinions and statements expressed in these profiles are those of their subjects - not the State Bar of Texas.

The TBJ April Issue

Patricia McConnico — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 09:57:37 -0600

Inside: State Bar president-elect candidates Trey Apffel of League City, Steve Fischer of Rockport, and Larry W. Hicks of El Paso talk about the issues facing the legal profession, ethics, and the next generation of lawyers. Plus: A comprehensive look at the oil and gas industry in Texas, Supreme Court of Texas Chief Justice Wallace B. Jefferson on the state of the judiciary, a Q&A with TYLA president-elect candidates Rebekah Steely Brooker of Dallas and Alfonso Cabañas of San Antonio, and tips on dealing with the electronic media. Go to the Texas Bar Journal to read the entire issue.

Random Profile: Tracy M. Sorensen, Hunstville

Teri Rodriguez — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 09:45:31 -0600

For Random Profiles, we randomly pick one of our 93,000-plus attorneys and do a Q&A. We've found that every Texas lawyer has an interesting story. Will yours be next?

Best thing about being a lawyer: Making an impact in people’s lives hopefully making a difference, and not having to be at my desk all day long.

If you could be anyone else for a day, who would it be? Condoleezza Rice.

Culinary talent: I’ve never caught the kitchen on fire.

If you weren't an attorney, what profession do you think you would be in? Accounting or human resources.

Family: husband, Clint, and son, Cody (4).

Areas of practice: Criminal defense and family law.

Education: (BBA) Sam Houston State University; (JD) South Texas College of Law.

What has changed the most technologically or practice-wise since you have been licensed? The economy has changed so much that we have had to learn how to do more with less.

Most important career lesson: If you are always the most prepared person in the courtroom you will usually prevail.

Favorite saying/quote: "It is what it is."

Pet peeve: Disorganization.

Favorite TV program: Next Iron Chef.

The last movie I saw: Brave.

Favorite food: Mac 'n Cheese.

Favorite restaurant: Abuelos in Austin.

Hobbies: Spending time with family, skeet shooting.

If I had more time, I would: Take a day off.

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing attorneys today? The economy.

How do you think the practice will change in the next 15 years? I think the practice and court proceedings will continue to become more automated.

Community Involvement: Treasurer, Walker County Bar Association Defense Attorney Representative, Walker County Bail Bond Board County Chair, Republican Party of Walker County President, Walker County Republican Women Board Member and Secretary, Tri-County Services Treasurer, Dodge Volunteer Fire Department Member, Walker County Child Fatality Review Board Member, SHSU Department of Nursing Advisory Council.

Tracy has a private law practice in Huntsville, The Law Office of Tracy M. Sorensen.

You can also view Tracy's TexasBar.com profile.

Prizes
It's not every day that you're randomly picked from among 93,000 peers. To commemorate, randomly-profiled attorneys receive a TexasBar.com t-shirt.

Opinions and statements expressed in these profiles are those of their subjects - not the State Bar of Texas.

2013 Certification Application Filing Deadline Extended

Ty Meighan — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 09:14:04 -0600

The Texas Board of Legal Specialization is accepting certification applications for 2013 filing period. This year’s filing deadline is April 19, 2013.

Visit www.tbls.org for specific requirements for each of 21 specialty areas, and begin the application process at the “Get Certified” section of the website. The Attorney Online Application allows applicants to securely store, retrieve, and edit their application information at any time.

For more information, email tbls@tbls.org or call 1-855-277-TBLS.

2013 State Bar Election: Candidates Forum live webcast on March 28

Teri Rodriguez — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 13:04:27 -0600

Register now for a free live webcast, We the Candidates Forum, scheduled for Thursday, March 28, from 3:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. This year's candidates: Trey Apffel of League City, Steve Fischer of Rockport, and Larry W. Hicks of El Paso, will discuss issues facing the Texas legal profession, their visions for the future of the State Bar of Texas, and their experience and leadership styles.

If you register for the webcast but cannot view it on the scheduled date, it will be archived and available within approximately 3 business days from the broadcast date. When ready, it will be under the "Your Purchases" section located on the homepage of TexasBarCLE.com and available for viewing until April 30.

The program will also be available in the "Free Online Class" section located on the homepage of TexasBarCLE.com within 3 business days of the broadcast for viewing until April 30. There is no MCLE credit for this webcast.

Election ballots will be distributed electronically and via mail on April 1, and State Bar of Texas members have until April 30 at 5:00 p.m. CST to cast ballots. View more information about the candidates and the election.

Texarkana Young Lawyers Association presents mock trial to local area high school students

Teri Rodriguez — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 14:26:40 -0600

Members of the Mock Trial Team in front of the federal courthouse
in Texarkana.

On March 4, 2013, a crowd of spectators had the opportunity to watch mock trial proceedings of a civil suit at the federal courthouse. The mock trial was performed by Baylor Law School's American Association for Justice Mock Trial Team.

Local lawyers, high school teachers and an administrator, members of the community, courthouse staff, and 60 high school students were in attendance. The students represented Pleasant Grove High School, Texas High School, Liberty-Eylau High School, and Arkansas High School.

The presiding judge was Magistrate Judge Barry Bryant. A panel of judges and lawyers was at hand to deliver feedback: Chief Justice Josh Morriss, Justice Jack Carter, Justice Bailey Moseley, Judge Donald Dowd, Troy Hornsby, and Jason Horton. The day before the mock trial, the team had the opportunity to perform a practice session before Judge Ralph Burgess.

Texarkana attorney Justin B. Smith, who was in attendance, said the event was very successful. "The courtroom was packed with high school students, the Baylor team performed exceedingly well, and the panel of judges and lawyers gave great feedback."

Smith encourages other local affiliates to coordinate similar presentations. "High school students can get a lot out of it, and it puts the legal profession and young lawyers in a great light."

Accepting nominations - Fairy Davenport Rutland Award

Teri Rodriguez — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 07:25:38 -0600

The State Bar of Texas Child Abuse and Neglect Committee is now accepting nominations for the Fairy Davenport Rutland Award for Distinguished Service to Children and Families. Candidates must have made a substantial contribution to the field of advocacy for abused and neglected children. Only practicing attorneys are eligible (private or government); judges and members of the Child Abuse and Neglect Committee are ineligible.

Nominations should include a one-page explanation of the nominee’s qualifications, the nominee’s address and phone number, and a statement advising whether the nominator will permit publication of his name as the nominator of the nominee in print media. The deadline for nominations is April 8. You can submit nominations to Fernando Guerrero, committee coordinator, via fax (512) 427-4328; or mail State Bar of Texas, P.O. Box 12487, Austin 78711-2487.

Call for nominations - Jack Pope Professionalism Award

Teri Rodriguez — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 08:19:26 -0600

The Texas Center for Legal Ethics is now accepting nominations for the fifth annual Chief Justice Jack Pope Professionalism Awards. One award each will be presented to an appellate judge and an appellate lawyer who epitomize the highest level of professionalism and integrity. Active and retired lawyers and judges are eligible. Awards will be presented during the Texas Supreme Court Historical Society Dinner in June.

Nominations should include a one-page explanation of the nominee’s qualifications as well as a biography or C.V. The deadline for nominations is April 1. You can submit nominations by email to jonathan.smaby@texasbar.com; via fax to (512) 427- 4125; or via mail to Texas Center for Legal Ethics, 1414 Colorado, 4th Floor, Austin 78701.