Dallas Bar Association
HEADNOTES October 2009 Volume 33 Number 10
Florentino Ramirez Selected for Professionalism Award by Vincent J. Allen
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escribed by his opponents as the “consummate professional,” it is no surprise that veteran Dallas attorney, Florentino “Tino” Ramirez. has been selected as the 11th recipient of the Morris Harrell Professionalism Award. The award will be presented Friday, November 6, at the Dallas Bar Association’s Annual Meeting at the Belo Mansion. The award is given annually to an attorney who “best exemplifies, by conduct and character, truly professional traits who others seek to emulate and who all in the bar admire…a lawyer who is well respected by his or her peers and makes them proud of the profession.” There is no question that Ramirez has demonstrated these traits throughout his 44-year career as an attorney. “Tino Ramirez truly exemplifies what it means to reach the pinnacle of a career through hard-work and a strong character,” said DBA President Christina Melton Crain. “Always a zealous advocate for his clients and a trusted counselor, he consistently reflects graciousness. Beyond merely being an example to follow, Mr. Ramirez understands the importance of mentoring and consciously strives to shares his insights with others.”
One of his frequent opponents in condemnation matters, Kenneth Wright, has the utmost respect for Ramirez and described him as a model attorney who is very courteous and thoroughly prepared for all of his cases. According to Wright, Ramirez is an old school attorney whose “word is his bond.” Ramirez is also revered by the tribunals in which he practices. He frequently represents the DISD in condemnation hearings. Charles Fiscus, a special commissioner who has presided over a number of these hearings, described Ramirez as an excellent attorney whose demeanor toward the tribunals, opposing parties and opposing counsel is a model of professionalism for others to follow. Recalling one hearing in particular, Fiscus believes that he would not have been able to finish the hearing if anyone besides Ramirez had been representing the DISD. The hearing was a difficult one because the parties opposing the DISD were not represented by counsel and disagreed among themselves as to the value of the subject property. Ramirez, undeterred by the repeated outbursts of the opposing parties during the hearing, presented his evidence in a very professional manner. Not only is Ramirez a model of professionalism both in the courtroom and out, but he strives to keep his clients involved in the legal process. He believes that attorneys should not only keep their clients informed, but should actively seek their input as well. Because most of Ramirez’s clients are from abroad, he has become adept at melding cultures together and helping his clients understand U.S. culture and SEE RAMIREZ, PAGE 13
DBA Announces New Editor of Headnotes
Focus Tort & Insurance Law
From Print to Web— What’s Next?
FTC Director of Policy Planning addresses DFW journalists & lawyers. by Jessica D. Smith
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or 25 years, the Dallas Bar Association has honored local news journalists for their excellence in legal reporting by presenting members of the media with the Stephen H. Philbin Award. In 1982, Stephen Philbin lost his battle with leukemia. He was a long-time member of the Dallas Bar Association and a partner with the firm of Locke, Purnell, Boren, Laney & Neely. At the time of his death, Mr. Philbin was a leading authority on media law in Texas. He advised major publications and broadcast companies on libel law, regulations and licensing of broadcast properties, and fair comment rulings. In honor of his contributions to media law in the Dallas area, an anonymous donor funds the annual Philbin Awards, with the DBA Media Relations Committee coordinating the event. Dozens of entries have been received for the 2009 competition, including TV news reports from the major network affiliates, as well as both print and on-line news and feature articles from the area’s large metro newspapers, magazines and suburban publications. The winners will be announced at the Stephen Philbin Awards Luncheon on Tuesday, Oct. 13, at the Pavilion at the Belo Mansion. Last year, approximately 50 journalists attended the luncheon, which is open to judges and lawyers, offering a unique opportunity to get acquainted the local news reporters. The keynote speaker for the awards luncheon this year will be Susan DeSanti, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission’s Director of Policy Planning, who will present a talk entitled “From Town Criers to Bloggers: How Will Journalism Survive the Internet Age?” With the news media and the practice of journalism in transition, the FTC has decided to present a series of workshops in 2009 SEE EXCELLENCE, PAGE 10
Appealing to the Public
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essica Smith has joined the Dallas Bar Association as the Association’s Communications/Media Director and as the Editor of Headnotes. Ms. Smith brings over 10 years of publishing experience to the DBA. She most recently served as Managing Editor of the Paint Horse Journal, a multiple award-winning publication of the American Paint Horse Association of Fort Worth. Ms. Smith managed the editorial and print production of four of the association’s publications, oversaw all editorial content, wrote monthly columns and feature articles, prepared press releases, marketing materials, e-newsletters and copy for the website. Prior to the American Paint Horse Association, Ms. Smith served as the Account Coordinator-Production at The Wall Street Journal and handled layout and production for not only The Wall Street Journal but also The Wall Street Journal Europe, The Asian Wall Street Journal and Barrons. She holds a B.S. in Journalism with a minor in Photography from Texas A&M University-Commerce.
More than 350 students from 11 DISD schools were at the Belo Mansion to participate in the DBA’s Appealing to the Public program with the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. The program strives to educate our community and students about the judicial system. Students had the rare chance to observe the Court in session. Present at the hearing were Judges (back row, left to right) Tom Price, Larry Meyers, Michael Keasler, (front row, left to right) Cathy Cochran, Barbara Hervey and presiding Judge Sharon Keller.
Inside 3 Lawyers Continue the Mentoring Tradition 10 Designating Responsible Third Parties 12 It’s Good to Be an ‘Innocent’ Seller in Texas