State Bar of Texas Podcast: Recent Episodes
Legal Talk Network
The State Bar of Texas Podcast is a monthly show featuring news and discussions relevant to the legal profession, from the latest industry trends and caselaw to practice tips and State Bar programs. Host Rocky Dhir, attorney and CEO of Dallas-based Atlas Legal Research, invites thought leaders and innovators to share their insight and knowledge on what matters to practitioners.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. Mentioned in this Episode: CoCounsel - Casetext Spellbook LegalSifter
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. Mentioned in this Episode: National Association for Law Placement
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 to advance justice and client advocacy.
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.
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.
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.
Session Topic: Courtroom Transparency - How the COVID-19 Pandemic Altered Court Accessibility and What Transparency Looks Like in a Post - COVID World
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.
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
Session Topic: What Every Young Lawyer Needs to Know about Family Law: Including a Perspective from the Bench
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Silvia 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.
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.
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. Register to join their next live forum on April 5! 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 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.
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.
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. Special thanks to our sponsor, Clio.
Every lawyer hopes to present themselves as poised and intelligent, but some struggle to put their best foot forward when engaging clients or fellow professionals online, especially in video communications. Elisabeth Steele is here to help! Host Rocky Dhir welcomes Elisabeth to walk lawyers through the elements of effective virtual presence and communication. She shares tips on: cultivating connection and authenticity for your audience; setting up a workspace that minimizes distractions; and, enhancing your credibility and authority in online interactions. Elisabeth Steele Hutchison is a faculty specialist at the University of Hawaii at Manoa Center for Teaching Excellence. She coaches attorneys, faculty, and remote leaders to communicate well on video. Special thanks to our sponsor, Clio.
Legal advertising has become more and more sophisticated in our tech-driven age, and the State Bar of Texas’ advertising review department is striving to become equally sophisticated in giving lawyers speedy, straightforward feedback on ad compliance. Rocky Dhir welcomes Gene Major to learn all about the department’s new advertising review portal, which is now available for all State Bar members. Gene Major is the attorney compliance division director and director of advertising review for the State Bar of Texas. Special thanks to our sponsor, Clio.
E-filing systems are quicker and more efficient, but there is certainly still room for human error, as was seen in a recent case heard by the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals at New Orleans— a lawyer who had agreed to use e-filing later missed a motion for summary judgment that landed in his spam folder, leading to his failure to respond to the motion in time and, ultimately, to the court tossing the lawsuit. What does all this have to do with Texas lawyers? Rocky Dhir welcomes D. Todd Smith to talk through the functions of automated certificates of service in the state and how this technology could prevent circumstances similar to those that led to the recent 5th Circuit case. D. Todd Smith is an attorney and civil appellate specialist at Butler Snow LLP. Special thanks to our sponsor, Clio.
We may not give much thought to how trademark laws affect our daily lives, but the Lanham Act has played a huge role in protecting us as consumers. How? Rocky Dhir welcomes intellectual property experts Joe Cleveland and Craig Stone to discuss the evolution of trademark law and its functions in our economy. They also honor Texas Congressman Fritz Lanham’s contributions to this area of the law and explain how his namesake Act has promoted trust and reliability in United States commerce and inspired other countries to model their laws after its statutes. Joe Cleveland is a director and shareholder at Brackett & Ellis, P.C., and has practiced in the area of commercial and intellectual property litigation for over 20 years. Craig Stone is Senior Counsel, Intellectual Property at Phillips 66 Company. Special thanks to our sponsor, Clio.
The Texas Bar Journal has been striving to make sure diverse voices are represented in its pages. State Bar of Texas podcast host Rocky Dhir talks with Angelica Hernandez, a current member of the editorial board, to learn how articles are selected for the Journal and how the unique perspectives of diverse authors benefit all Texas legal professionals. Angelica Hernandez is a partner at the law firm of Linebarger, Goggan, Blair & Sampson.
As newly sworn in president of the State Bar of Texas, Sylvia Borunda Firth discusses her goals for the coming year and her hopes for furthering diversity and inclusion for future generations of lawyers.
Judge Maricela Moore outlines the challenges of reopening Texas courthouses and what measures are being taken to ensure the safety of those involved.
Judge Emily Miskel discusses Texas’ approach to remote proceedings and explains why we may see permanent changes to courts, even after COVID restrictions are lifted throughout the state.
2021-22 president-elect candidates Sara Dysart and Laura Gibson chat with Rocky Dhir about their backgrounds, experience, and goals for the presidency.
Rocky Dhir talks with Rod Ponton and Judge Roy Ferguson about their viral “Cat Lawyer” experience.
Lewis Kinard and Claude Ducloux offer in-depth information on the proposed rule changes State Bar of Texas members will see on the 2021 ballot.
Penny Robe, the current course director for the State Bar of Texas’ law practice management CLEs, offers insights on succession planning for lawyers.
UNT Dallas professor Michael Maslanka offers insights into how COVID-era changes in legal practice and education have created new possibilities for the future of law.
Richard Pena and Terry Tottenham, both lawyers, veterans, and former presidents of the State Bar of Texas, discuss the great work done by the TLTV since its start ten years ago.
Kelli Fuqua unpacks the ADA considerations employers need to be mindful of as their employees continue to work in the midst of the pandemic.
Sharon Sandle unveils the State Bar’s new website dedicated to helping Texas legal professionals find the tools they need to practice law with ease.
Elizabeth Rogers shares highlights from her panel on privacy risks attorneys need to be aware of when using web-based tools for the practice of law.
New TYLA president Britney Harrison discusses her platform and new projects planned for the coming year.
Hannah Dyal shares insights from her Texas Bar Journal article, “Building a Disaster Plan for Your Law Practice.”
Host Rocky Dhir is joined by Paul Stafford to discuss the milestone anniversaries of the 15th and 19th amendments and their relationship to current events.
Reginald Hirsch and Ron Chichester discuss the State Bar of Texas’ plans for their first-ever virtual annual meeting.
Quentin Brogdon and Ron Hedges share insights on the legal challenges arising from driverless vehicle technologies.
David Slayton shares insights on how the Texas judiciary is navigating COVID-19 and what to expect as courts reopen.
Sylvia Borunda Firth and Pablo Almaguer share their backgrounds and what they hope to bring to the State Bar of Texas presidency.
Teresa Valderrama offers guidance for employers as they navigate challenges arising from the coronavirus crisis.
Anna Rol shares the many benefits of the Dallas Bar Association’s Transition to Law Practice Program.
Shawn Tuma, Warren Harris, and Beth Johnson discuss legal developments across 2019 in cyber law and data security, appellate practice, and family law respectively.
Amy Boardman Hunt and Gene Major offer lawyers pro perspectives on how to market your practice effectively AND responsibly.
Terry Bentley Hill and Chris Ritter share their passion for helping attorneys learn how to recognize depression and get help for those at risk for self-harm.
In this State Bar of Texas Podcast, TYLA leaders Victor Flores, Britney Harrison, and Sally Pretorius answer questions submitted at the State Bar of Texas new lawyers swearing-in ceremony.
394th Judicial District Judge Roy Ferguson discusses the unanticipated social changes that judges have to contend with after ascending to the bench.
Josh Team, president of Keller Williams, addresses how lawyers can play an integral role in helping companies keep pace with the rapid pace of tech innovation.
State Bar of Texas president Randy Sorrels and Houston Bar Association president Benny Agosto, Jr. share what to expect from their terms in office and why they both prioritize developing a more diverse bar.
Asha Rangappa discusses the history, current status, and a possible solution to our country’s problems with disinformation and “fake news”.
Wil Haygood, award winning author, explores his book, Showdown, to give listeners an in depth perspective about why he wrote it.
Amy Starnes, Hannah Allison, Jennifer Dunham, and Eric Quitugua recommend their favorite places to eat in Austin.
Tom Leatherbury and Ted Boutrous explore the ramifications of the phrase “fake news” and what can be done to restore confidence in the press.
Judge Audrey Moorehead shares tips from her presentation on how to ‘Get Paid and Have a Life’
Penny Robe of Robe Law Firm discusses the ethical ways to bringing on a contract lawyer, and how the ABA and Texas rules differ.
Larry Gibbs of Miller & Chevalier discusses the matter of America’s rising national debt and urges citizens to take interest and take action to address it.
Elliot Mayén and Brent Turman discuss attributes of Kanye West as a rapper, has to help lawyers in the courtroom.
David McCraw of the New York Times discusses the state of the free press, the impact of new tech on journalism, and the challenges we face in the future.
Judge Roy Ferguson of the Texas 394th Judicial District talks with host Rocky Dhir about the mistakes he sees lawyers make that put their clients’ recovery at great risk.
Lia Davis and Jake Monty share their thoughts on how lawyers can better serve a diverse client base.
Noah Zandan of Quantified Communications joins Laurence Colletti at the State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting to discuss how his company uses advanced data analytics to help people better convey their ideas and messages.
Host Rocky Dhir speaks with Andrew and Michelle to discuss the meaning of such a large, connected community, why it has succeeded, and some of the surprising things they’ve learned along the way.
Author, historian, and journalist Evan Thomas was afforded unprecedented access to the personal and professional life of a Supreme Court Justice to write his authoritative biography of the first woman to serve on the Supreme Court. In this episode, host Rocky Dhir talks to the New York Times bestselling author about what he learned writing First: Sandra Day O’Connor. Evan shares anecdotes and lessons learned from his deep dive into her work and private life.
Host Rocky Dhir welcomes State Bar President Joe Longley who, at the Bar’s upcoming annual meeting, will be one of the many honored for their 50 years of membership. Joe discusses the significance of this achievement and shares anecdotes from his long and colorful career. Also, joining Rocky is State Bar executive director Trey Apffel, who gives more information about what attendees can expect at this year’s annual meeting.
In this episode, host Rocky Dhir talks to Suzanne Anderson about her career as a trial attorney with the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). They discuss how the office investigates claims and the processes that lead to litigation. Suzanne gives examples of cases the EEOC has dealt with and gives her perspective on the current state of discrimination in the workplace.
Legal writing is difficult for some lawyers to navigate. Is there a shift away from archaic flourishes to plain language, or does it still have its place? In this episode, host Rocky Dhir talks to Wayne Schiess, author and legal writing professor. They discuss his most recent book, “Legal Writing Nerd: Be One,” and give tips on what lawyers can incorporate to better their writing skills.
Lawyers are storytellers, and the shift from legalese to prose may not be too far a leap for some. In this episode, host Rocky Dhir talks to Mike Farris about his career as an entertainment lawyer and book author. They discuss the inspiration behind his books and delve into Mike’s writing process. They also talk about the “Fifty Shades of Grey” Texas lawsuit in which Mike represented the plaintiff, which then led to a non-fiction book co-authored with his client.
Law schools should be a training ground for leaders, but are the concepts of leadership actually being taught? In this episode of the State Bar of Texas Podcast, host Rocky Dhir talks to Leah Teague, associate dean at Baylor University Law School, about how law schools need to revamp their programs to include leadership training for students.
Leah Teague is an associate dean at Baylor University Law School in Waco, TX
Special thanks to our sponsor, LawPay
What’s your New Year’s resolution? The State Bar of Texas Podcast is resolved to continue bringing lawyers quality content that will improve their lives and practices. In this episode, host Rocky Dhir looks back at some key moments from the podcast throughout 2018. Tune in for highlights from the wide array of fascinating guests and topics covered this year, including clips from episodes with Anthony Graves, Brian Cuban, the lawyers behind Twitter’s @ladylawyerdiary, and more!
Host Rocky Dhir and guest host Sally Pretorius talk to Kendyl Hanks and Kristen Vander-Plas, two of the cofounders of @LadyLawyerDiary on Twitter. They discuss how their Twitter account has become a forum for women in the legal industry. It is used for the discussion of issues, for encouragement and support, and for spotlighting women in the legal profession who are doing great things.
For a lot of law students, the goal is to end up in-house, but is it really as ideal as it seems? Host Rocky Dhir talks to William Kruse and Shruti Krishnan about their experiences as in-house counsels. They also share insights for those hoping to go in-house, from fully understanding your role to having a business-minded focus.
Many lawyers have a passion for pro bono work but few make it their life. Host Rocky Dhir talks to Kimi Jackson about the work she does for the South Texas Pro Bono Asylum Representation Project (ProBAR) which provides pro bono legal services to asylum seekers detained at the border. They discuss family separation and other immigration issues that isn't necessarily covered by the media and share how volunteers can get involved.
It’s one of the greatest honors a judge can receive during his career, to be named Tweeter Laureate. Host Rocky Dhir talks to Judge Don Willett about how he became the Tweeter Laureate of Texas and an example for other judges who want to use social media as a platform. He shares some tips for using social media and speaks to whether users are over-engaged. He also discusses the role judges should play in our judicial system and the importance of educating the masses about their government.
From the State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting, host Rocky Dhir talks to Frank Stevenson as he steps down from his role as immediate past president of the State Bar of Texas. They discuss what makes the State Bar of Texas a particularly strong bar association and what Frank’s plans are as he leaves bar leadership. They also talk about the Texas Opportunity & Justice Incubator, one of Frank’s projects that seeks to close the access to justice gap and meet the needs of both lawyers and clients.
The energy of the State Bar Annual Meeting 2018 continues in these next three episodes of the State Bar of Texas Podcast. Tune in for some of the most notable guests interviewed by Rocky Dhir on the conference floor including legal tech pro Craig Ball, new president of the Texas Young Lawyers Association Sally Pretorius, and 2016-17 State Bar of Texas President Frank Stevenson. These guests cover important topics like access to justice, young lawyer mentorship, and obtaining evidence in a digital age.
From the State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting, host Rocky Dhir talks to Sally Pretorius, the new president of the Texas Young Lawyers Association, about the projects she will be working on during her term. She plans to provide mentorship to women in law and young lawyers fresh out of law school, educate on healthy ways to handle stress, and create a K-12 program that talks about the rights and duties we have as Americans.
Our dependence on our mobile devices means they are significant forms of evidence that need to be preserved in case of a lawsuit. From the State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting, host Rocky Dhir talks to Craig Ball about the importance of evidence preservation for tablets and smart phones. They discuss the kinds of evidence these and similar devices can provide and the best methods of obtaining this data.
Rudy Metayer and Erich Burch, members of the State Bar of Texas Board of Directors, sit down with Rocky Dhir at the State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting to talk about bar initiatives. They go over the new investigation on transparency at the bar, addressing the fear regarding immigration bond hearings at the U.S. border, and ways the bar is helping lawyers struggling with mental illness and addiction. Stay tuned to hear about TLAP and TOJI, two programs directly targeted towards helping Texas lawyers.
Historical events have shaped culture and the law, and learning about them can make you a stronger and much more aware attorney. From the State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting, host Rocky Dhir talks to Doug Brinkley and Talmage Boston about what made 1968 a tumultuous year in American history and what lawyers can learn from this time period. They discuss the Vietnam war, the murders of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy, and the unexpectedly uniting aspects of the space race.
We may be biased but podcasts are a great tool for lawyers whether you’re looking for tips or need a little encouragement. From the State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting, host Rocky Dhir talks to John Strohmeyer and Teresa Waldrop about the benefits of podcasts and how you can effectively use them to improve your practice. They discuss some of the tips and tricks they’ve learned in their own listening and how they’ve found time to listen as busy lawyers.
Before technology is accepted and used within the legal industry, it faces periods of doubt and skepticism from nervous lawyers. From the State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting, host Rocky Dhir talks to Jason Smith about the different phases of a typical innovation cycle that new technology faces when it emerges into the legal industry. They also share why lawyers should aim to understand and embrace technology like artificial intelligence rather than fear it.
Technology has become so deeply embedded in our lives that we don’t even notice how much we rely on our phones, tablets, and computers, but how could technology like artificial intelligence (AI) affect the current job market? From the State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting, host Rocky Dhir talks to Ron Chichester How computers have become an integral part of our lives and what this means for the law of computers. They also discuss how lawyers should handle the quick advancement of AI and automation.
Lawyers know in general what paralegals are, but are you utilizing the full potential of your paralegal? From the State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting, host Rocky Dhir talks to Tiffany Haas and Johanna Schroeder about how paralegals can be invaluable to attorneys. They discuss how you can find the right paralegal for you, what paralegals are looking for in attorneys, and how you can retain good paralegals in your practice.
For those who think textbooks are too expensive or don't fit the course material well enough, the solution may be to create your own textbook. From the State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting, host Rocky Dhir talks to Matt Crockett about his experience writing his own textbook and how it has helped both him and his students. For lawyers who aren't professors, he also discusses how explaining his process and collecting textbooks in an easy-to-read format also helped him more effectively communicate with clients.
Social media is a great tool for lawyers but it also comes with its own set of cautionary tales. From the State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting, host Rocky Dhir talks to John Browning about the pitfalls of using social media and how lawyers can avoid them. They share social media horror stories and discuss what is actually safe for lawyers to post.
While it’s important for lawyers to be professional, it’s also important to have a sense of humor. From the State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting, host Rocky Dhir talks to lawyer and bon vivant Pamela Buchmeyer about the role of humor in the legal profession. They discuss her late father, Jerry Buchmeyer, and his column that has turned into her column featuring funny stories sent to her by lawyers.
If you want your LinkedIn profile to work for you, you can’t just upload your resume and hope for the best. A solid LinkedIn profile takes work. From the State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting, host Rocky Dhir talks to Donna Serdula about how she became the LinkedIn queen and how attorneys can use the platform to build their brand. Tune in for tips that will help you strengthen your LinkedIn profile.
Atticus Finch, the character from “To Kill A Mockingbird,” has influenced and inspired lawyers since the novel’s release in 1960. From the State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting, host Rocky Dhir talks to Joseph Crespino about his book, “Atticus Finch: The Biography,” and the time period that inspired it. They discuss Harper Lee’s background, her other novel “Go Set a Watchman,” and the complexity of looking back on a history we think is black and white.
Bryan Garner is a lawyer, a lexicographer, and an award-winning author of more than 20 books. He was also close friends with Justice Antonin Scalia, with whom he wrote two books: Making Your Case: The Art of Persuading Judges and Reading Law: The Interpretation of Legal Texts. Rocky Dhir interviews Garner about his path to becoming a lawyer and his infatuation with the minutia of legal writing. Garner also dives deep into stories of his close friendship with Justice Scalia and their collaboration.
Have you or someone you know been suffering from depression or addiction? Rocky Dhir is joined by Bree Buchanan and Brian Cuban to talk about addressing addiction and depression, how to recognize warning signs, and how to reach out to those in need of your support. Brian also discusses dealing with Body Dysmorphic Disorder and how we can encourage lawyers, law students, and judges to pick up the phone and ask for help. For the Texas Lawyers’ Assistance Program, call 1-800-343-8527 or go to tlaphelps.org.
After spending nearly two decades in prison—12 of those years on death row—for multiple homicides he didn’t commit, Anthony Graves was finally exonerated and released in 2010. Rocky Dhir talks to Graves about the details of the crime, his experience in the courtroom, and what should have been done differently, including properly informing the jury about their role and the case background. Does Graves think his case initiated positive change in the criminal justice system?
Welcome to this newly relaunched show, in which we traverse the law, legal trends and analysis, current events, and stories, and accounts that affect all of us, lawyers and non-lawyers alike. Host Rocky Dhir, attorney and CEO of Dallas-based Atlas Legal Research, will talk to thought leaders and innovators about their insight and knowledge on what matters to practitioners. Tune in to learn more about this explorative and engaging new legal podcast.