PRESIDENT'S PAGE
SCOTT LINDSEY 2024-2025 TCBA President
“LISTEN
TO LEARN”
I’m honored to serve as the 104th President of the Tarrant County Bar Association. I want to give a special thank you to Lu Pham, our immediate past-president. I learned a great deal from Lu this year and will try to apply some of his impressive leadership skills to make them my own. I and the other members of the Board of Directors will work hard to carry our organization forward in a way that serves you, our members, and to leave our association better than we found it.
The Tarrant County Bar Association is the best in Texas and is a shining light for other bar associations across the country. Our staff, led by Kayla Dailey, is talented, hardworking, and dedicated to making the TCBA better for each of you. Just this year, the TCBA won the Award of Merit as the best overall bar in Division III, the Star of Achievement award for the Mentor Monday series (Thank you Steve Laird!), the Best Series of Substantive Law Articles award for the Snippets by Judge Bob McCoy and Judge Carey Walker, and the Outstanding Partnership award for the Holiday Party’s relationship with Justin’s Place.
With so many outstanding things happening in and for our bar association, how can we possibly improve? That is a tall task for sure, though I hope we can all reflect this year on our interactions with one another and the example we are setting for our clients, the public, and future generations of lawyers. Technology has unquestionably improved our professional lives in countless ways, but do we still interact in a way that advances our clients’ causes toward a reasonable resolution? Or do we sometimes make it worse while claiming zealous advocacy? I know I’m sometimes guilty of letting my words go too far for the sake of advocacy.
On the other hand, what stands out about our good relationships with other lawyers? Whether opposing counsel, co-counsel, or others with whom we volunteer, what about those interactions make them positive? What helps us remember to disagree without being disagreeable? For me, humanizing the other lawyer leads to more positive interactions and the best relationships are usually those where I take the time to listen and to learn about the other person. This could mean learning about the lawyer’s family, where she grew up, or what interests him outside the office. Or it could be listening to learn rather than listening to respond.
This year as president, I hope to explore the how and the
why of what positive relationships among lawyers, to learn what has changed, and to strive for better interactions moving forward. To that end, a big part of improving the future is understanding who and what came before. So, this year’s TCBA events will include opportunities to learn about the incredible lawyers who forged what it means to be “a Tarrant County lawyer,” to interact in positive and beneficial ways with our peers, and to take the time to understand one another.
We have several great events already in the works. First, I am excited to announce that we have created the Tarrant County Legal Legends, a Hall of Fame of sorts for Tarrant County lawyers. I asked the Hon. John Cayce to form and lead a committee to develop the stringent standards for potential future inductees. Tarrant County Legal Legends will be reserved for only the very best of us, and I look forward to seeing the criteria that John and his committee develop. In that regard, I am equally excited to announce that the first two inductees will be the Hon. L Clifford Davis and Kleber Miller, both of whom will celebrate their 100th birthdays this year. None are more deserving than Judge Davis and Mr. Miller. Both exceed any standard of excellence there is and live by a code to which we should all subscribe.
Also this year, Mark Daniel and Steve Maxwell are organizing a Masters of Law event for October. Our members will be treated to a day of Tarrant County lawyers about seventy-five and older who will speak about their careers, their ethics, and what it means to them to be a Tarrant County lawyer. I hope you will join me there to listen, learn, and laugh with these masters of our profession. We will of course have our usual opportunities to network with our peers, but keep an eye out for other events where our members can interact, understand, and learn from one another.
In closing, our membership elected an outstanding executive committee. Marvina Robinson (President-Elect), John Brookman (Vice-President), and Caroline Harrison (TreasurerSecretary) care about each of you, our association, and our profession, and I will lean on them all this year. You are in good hands with our executive committee and all of our board members and volunteers.
Thank you again for the privilege to serve as President. Please call (or e-mail if you must) as I look forward to hearing from you. g
Members of the 2024-2025
100 Club
*List Reflected Below is as of July 15, 2024
Adams, Lynch & Loftin, P.C
Albert, Neely & Kuhlmann, LLP
Anderson & Cummings, LLP
Anderson & Riddle, LLP
Baker Monroe, PLLC
Barlow Garsek & Simon, LLP
Bonds Ellis Eppich Schafer Jones, LLP
City Attorney’s Office-City of Fort Worth
Curnutt & Hafer, L.L.P.
Decker Jones, P.C.
Dismuke & Waters, P.C.
Freeman Mills P.C.
Friedman, Suder & Cooke, P.C.
Gardner, Smith & Vaughan, PLLC
Harris, Finley & Bogle, P.C.
Harrison Steck, P.C.
Haynes and Boone, LLP
Holland Johns & Penny LLP
Jackson Walker LLP
Kelly Hart & Hallman LLP
Killen & Dennis, PC
KoonsFuller, P.C.
Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP
Lively & Associates, PLLC
McDonald Sanders, P.C
Naman, Howell, Smith & Lee, PLLC
Nelson Bumgardner Conroy PC
Noteboom - The Law Firm
Padfield & Stout, LLP
Pham Harrison, LLP
Phelps Dunbar LLP
Pope, Hardwicke, Christie, Schell, Kelly & Taplett, L.L.P.
Robbins Travis PLLC
Ross & Matthews P.C.
Second Court Of Appeals
Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney’s Office Taylor, Olson, Adkins, Sralla & Elam, LLP
The Blum Firm, P.C.
The Colaneri Firm, P.C.
Underwood Law Firm, PLLC
Varghese Summersett PLLC
Watson, Caraway, Midkiff & Luningham, LLP
Whitaker Chalk Swindle & Schwartz PLLC
Whitley Penn, LLP
Wick Phillips
Winstead PC
To be eligible for the 100 Club, any law firm, government agency, law school, or corporate legal department with four or more members must attain 100% TCBA membership compliance for the 2024–2025 bar year. This qualifies them for the “100 Club.” The firms/organizations listed above have already paid their membership dues and qualify for 100 Club membership for
the new bar year. Any firm/organization that qualifies in the future will have its name published in every issue of the Bar Bulletin for this bar year. TCBA takes pride in the participation of these law firms and other groups. The new bar year began on July 1. If you have not paid your renewal invoice, please contact Kristin Anglin at kristin@tarrantbar.org. g
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR A Message from the
KAYLA DAILEY
We had another wonderful programming year, with a few standouts being recognized by the State Bar of Texas. At the Annual Meeting this year, the Tarrant County Bar Association was recognized with many awards. The TCBA Board, Committees, Sections, and Staff work together to bring the best programming and benefits of membership to our community, and it is an honor for the State Bar to acknowledge these achievements.
Mentor Monday won the Star of Achievement – an award recognizing outstanding member service projects by local bar associations. Mentor Monday and its founder Steve Laird have won many awards this year, so it was no surprise for it to be recognized in this way. Thank you again to Steve and all the mentors from this year who shared their wisdom and war stories. If you have not joined us for a Mentor Monday yet, the event is held typically once a month at the TCBA with free lunch and 1.0 hours of ethics CLE.
If you don’t always read the Snippets on page 12 of this issue, then you are missing out. Judge Bob McCoy has been contributing to the Bulletin for over 26 years and Judge Carey Walker joined him about 7 years ago. This award-winning articles series once again won “Best Series of Substantive Articles.” Judge Walker joined us at the award ceremony; Judge McCoy would have been able to attend if the event was held anywhere other than Dallas.
Our holiday party received the “Outstanding Partnership Award” for our collaboration with Justin’s Place, a local nonprofit serving single mothers in the Stop 6 Neighborhood. For the past two years, the TCBA has held a tree decorating competition between sections, committees, and TCBA members. Then those that attend the holiday party are encouraged to bring a toy as their admission. After the holiday party, the trees and the toys are donated to Justin’s Place to make the holiday season a bit easier for a few families. This unique program will continue this year and we hope that you’ll join in the tradition with your favorite section and challenge reigning champs – the Tortfeasors!
Finally, the TCBA once again received the highest honor a Bar can receive – the Award of Merit. This award is an overall award for a local bar association's programming
and projects, and each Bar Association competes against Associations of similar sizes (900-5,000 members). Prior to winning last year, we had not won this award since 2015!
I am so thankful to be part of the Tarrant County Bar team, and I am looking forward to another great year of bringing together lawyers, judges, and the legal community. g
Trees donated to Justin’s Place as part of our holiday party tradition, bringing festive cheer and support to families in the Stop 6 Neighborhood.
Tarrant County Bar Association shines at the State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting, winning the prestigious Award of Merit, along with accolades for the Mentor Monday Seminar Series, Outstanding Partnership with local nonprofit Justin’s Place, and the Bar Bulletin’s Snippets series.
YLA SNAPSHOT
ELIZABETH HASLAM 2023-2024 TCYLA President
As I reflect on the past year with TCYLA, I am filled with sincere gratitude for the young lawyers who have served on the board this year, the wonderful staff at TCBA, and all of our generous supporters. This has been a year marked by growth, service, and a collective commitment to our community and profession, which would not have been possible without your help. My sincerest thanks to Joseph Austin (Kelly Hart) and Emily Steppick (Wick Phillips) for their efforts in planning and coordinating CLEs and events these past few years. As I pass the baton to our incoming president, Ola Campbell, I have every confidence TCYLA will continue to flourish and remain a valuable resource for our local young lawyers.
The Mental Health Initiative was a cornerstone of our efforts this year. Working with TLAP and licensed counselors, we introduced a series of CLEs to provide resources and strategies to help navigate the unique challenges and pressures facing young attorneys today.
TCYLA’s August CLE was a webinar and the second installment of our Mental Health Initiative. Stephanie Burchell, PhD, LMFT, PCC, covered ‘Sleep & Stress.’ Be on the lookout for the on-demand version coming soon. We appreciate everyone who participated in this valuable session.
I could not be more excited to announce the TCYLA board for 2024–2025. I am eager to see what they accomplish together and will be here to support them as Immediate Past President. g
2024–2025 OFFICERS
2024–2025 DIRECTORS
Ola Campbell President
John Easter President-Elect
Paul Farmer Secretary/Treasurer
Marissa Matthews Marylynn Smitherman
Sara Vargas Riley Waters
Desiree Malone Kelsey Linendoll
Dominic Alves Scott Edmonds
Erika Flores
Michael Galyen
Stefan Garcia
Emily Ledford
TARRANT COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION COMMITTEES
The Tarrant County Bar Association has several committees that hold a variety of events throughout the year. If you are interested in joining a committee, please contact the committee chair of your choice, or contact Kayla Dailey at 817.338.4092 or kayla@tarrantbar.org for more information.
Bench Bar Conference
Co-Chair: Seth McCloskey
TLaw Offices of Laird & McCloskey
817.531.3000
mccloskey@texlawyers.com
Brown Bag Seminars
Co-Chair: Jim Kiser Anderson & Riddle, LLP
817.334.0059
jkiser@andersonriddle.com
Brown Bag Seminars
Co-Chair: Whitney Vaughan
Gardner Smith & Vaughan, PLLC
817.737.4000 whitney@gsvlawyers.com
Editorial/Bar Bulletin Editors
Chair: Judge Bob McCoy
County Criminal Court #3
817.884.2595
rmccoy@tarrantcounty.com
Diversity
Chair: Nikki Chriesman-Green
Global Atlantic Financial Company
817.457.7778
nikki.green@gafg.com
Fee Arbitration
Chair: John Brookman
Brookman Arbitration & Mediation
817.725.7070
john@brookmanlawfirm.com
Holiday Parties
Chair: Shannon Pritchard SSP Family Law shannon@sspfamilylaw.com
Judicial Polls
Chair: Greg Jackson
Law Firm of Roger Rocky Walton
817.429.4299
gjackson@rockywalton.com
Community Service
Chair: Spencer Mainka Pham Harrison, LLP
817.632.6312 smainka@phamharrison.com
Court Staff Appreciation
Chair: Michele Rayburn Mayer LLP
214.379.6900 mrayburn@mayerllp.com
Election
Chair: Jennifer Litke Blaies & Hightower, LLP
817.334.0800
jenniferlitke@bhilaw.com
LegalLine
Chair: Cynthia Maragoudakis
The Law Office Of Cynthia Kent Maragoudakis, PLLC
817.329.9939
cynthiak@maragoudakis-law.com
Lawyer Referral & Information Service
Chair: Dwayne Smith
Gardner Smith & Vaughan, PLLC
817.737.4000
dwayne@gardnersmithhill.com
Membership
Chair: Antoinette Bone
The Law Office of Antoinette Bone, PLLC 817.462.5454
antoinette@abonelaw.com
People’s Law School
Chair: Julie Sladek
MHMR Tarrant County julia.sladek@mhmrtc.org
Professionalism Award
Chair: Regina Vasquez-Espinosa
Phelps Dunbar LLP
817.386.1159
regina.vasquez@phelps.com
Silver Gavel Award
Chair: Judge Mark Pittman
United State Courthouse
817.850.6656
Texas Lawyers for Texas Veterans
Chair: John Corbin
Law Office of John J. Corbin 817.332.5414
jjcorbin@sbcglobal.net
Mentorship Program
Chair: Lyndsay Newell Cantey Hanger LLP
817.877.2872
lnewell@canteyhanger.com
Wellness
Chair: Pia Lederman
The Office of the Federal Public Defender - NDTX
817.978.2753
pia_lederman@fd.org
Women in the Law Luncheon
Strategic Planning
Co-Chair: Joe Cleveland
Brackett & Ellis, P.C. 817.339.2454 jcleveland@belaw.com
Co-Chair: Kara McHorse
Second Court of Appeals 817.718.1306
kara.mchorse@txcourts.gov
Strategic Planning
Co-Chair: Bill Ray
Law Office of William H. “Bill” Ray, P.C. 817.698.9090 bill@billraylawyer.com
Tarrant County Volunteer Attorney Services
Co-Chair: Josh Ross Cantey Hanger LLP
817.877.2800 jross@canteyhanger.com
Women in the Law Luncheon
Co-Chair: Chelsea Casiano Forney Corporation
972.458.6134
chelsea.casiano@forneycorp.com
Tarrant County Volunteer Attorney Services
Co-Chair: Susan Davis
Law Offices of Jason Smith 817.334.0880 susand@letsgotocourt.com
Contact sarah@tarrantbar.org for more details.
Snippets
Civil and Criminal
Co-Editor Judge Carey Walker, County Criminal Court No. 2
by Judge Bob McCoy g County Criminal Court No. 3
ASK JUDGE BOB
Judge Bob, what is a right of first refusal?
Right of first refusal [ROFR], also known as a preemptive or preferential right, empowers its holder with a preferential right to purchase the subject property on the same terms offered by or to a bona fide purchase. Generally, an ROFR requires the grantor to notify the holder of its intent to sell and offer the property to the holder on the same terms and conditions offered by a third party prior to a sale. Mr. W Fireworks v. NRZ Investment Group, 677 S.W.3d 11, 23 (Tex.App.—El Paso 2023).
THE PACK’S MONTHLY PARAPROSDAKIAN
(a figure of speech in which the latter part of a sentence or phrase is surprising or unexpected; frequently humorous)
Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.
THE PACK’S QUOTE OF THE MONTH
You ask of my Companions. Hills—Sir—and the Sundown— and a Dog—large as myself, that my Father bought me—they are better than Beings—because they know—but do not tell… Emily Dickinson, letter to Colonel T.W. Higginson, 1892
WHAT’S NEW IN ANIMAL LAW?
HB 598 amends Chapter 42 of the Texas Penal Code by adding Section 42.107, which makes it a crime for a person previously convicted of animal cruelty to possess a non-livestock animal (i.e., companion animals such as a cat or a dog) for a period of five years after conviction. HB 598 also enhances the penalty for repeat violations under Section 42.107 from a Class C misdemeanor to a Class B.
CRIMINAL ITEMS OF INTEREST
1.Ineffective Counsel
To prove that trial counsel rendered ineffective assistance, the defendant must show counsel’s performance was substandard; that is, counsel has made errors so grave that counsel did not function as guaranteed to the defendant under the Sixth Amendment, or in other words, that counsel’s assistance fell below an objective standard of reasonableness. Lopez v. State, 672 S.W.3d 915 (Tex.App.—Corpus Christi 2023).
2. Courtroom Decorum
“The courtroom in Anglo-American jurisprudence is more than a location with seats for a judge, jury, witnesses, defendant, prosecutor, defense counsel, and public observers; the setting that the courtroom provides is itself an important element in the constitutional conception of trial, contributing a dignity essential to ‘the integrity of the trial’ process.”Nixon v. State, 674 S.W.3d 384 (Tex.App.—San Antonio 2023).
3.
Illegal Sentence
“An illegal sentence is one that is not authorized by law; therefore, a sentence that is outside the range of punishment authorized by law is considered illegal.” Rodriguez v. State, 675 S.W.3d 54 (Tex.App.—San Antonio 2023).
4. Outcry
A child’s statement to the first adult in whom the child confides regarding sexual or physical abuse is known as the “outcry,” and the adult who testifies about the child’s outcry is known as the “outcry witness.” Bradshaw v. State, 675 S.W.3d 78 (Tex. App.—Waco 2023).
5. Attorneys’ Fees
For the purpose of assessing attorney’s fees, once an accused is found to be indigent, he is presumed to remain so throughout the proceedings absent proof of a material change in his circumstances. Briceno v. State, 675 S.W.3d 87 (Tex.App.— Waco 2023).
6. Probable Cause
Probable cause to search exists when reasonably trustworthy facts and circumstances within the knowledge of the officer on the scene would lead a man of reasonable prudence to believe that the instrumentality of a crime or evidence pertaining to a crime will be found. Isaac v. State, 675 S.W.3d 116 (Tex.App.— San Antonio 2023).
7. Expert Witness
Abigail, Mary, and Martha
Noah Elijah
The trial court must first decide whether the expert and the proposed testimony satisfy Rule 702 based on the rule’s three constituent parts regarding qualification, reliability, and relevance: “(1) The witness qualifies as an expert by reason of his knowledge, skill, experience, training, or education; (2) the subject matter of the testimony is an appropriate one for expert testimony; and (3) admitting the expert testimony will actually assist the fact-finder in deciding the case.” Trejo v. State, 683 S.W.3d 815 (Tex.App.—San Antonio 2023).
CIVIL ITEMS OF INTEREST
1. Premises Defect
“Whether a condition is a premise[s] defect or a special defect is a question of duty involving statutory interpretation and thus an issue of law for the court to decide.” In Re Gamble, 676 S.W.3d 760, 790 (Tex.App.—Fort Worth 2023).
2. Continuance
“When, as alleged here, the ground for a continuance is the withdrawal of counsel, the movant must show that the failure to be represented at trial was not due to her own fault or negligence.” Interest of R.R., 676 S.W. 3d 808, 817 (Tex.App.— Corpus Christi 2023).
3. The Texas
Uniform Electronic Transactions Act
The Texas Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (the Act) was enacted considering the increasing use of electronic contracts. … Once the parties have agreed to conduct business by electronic means, the party seeking to enforce the electronic signature must present evidence to establish the efficacy of the security procedures utilized in the transaction. … The party opposing enforcement of an electronic agreement may present evidence to undermine the security procedures utilized in the transaction by showing it “lack[ed] integrity or effectiveness.” Rush Truck Centers of Texas v. Mendoza, 676 S.W. 3d
821, 827 (Tex.App.—El Paso 2023).
4. Interest in Real Estate
“The law is clear that an interest in real estate cannot become a partnership asset unless the agreement concerning the property is in writing the same as any other contract concerning the sale of land.” Cromwell v. Anadarko E&P Onshore, LLC, 676 S.W.3d 860, 876 (Tex.App.—El Paso 2023).
5. Contract Interpretation
Our primary duty is to ascertain the intent of the parties from the four corners of the instrument. We use a holistic approach in determining the parties’ intent, and we therefore must examine the entire instrument seeking to harmonize and give effect to all its provisions such that no provision is rendered meaningless. Devon Energy Production Co. v. Enplat II, 677 S.W.3d 1,4 (Tex.App.—El Paso 2023).
6. Mineral Estate Rights
The mineral estate is comprised of five rights: “1) the right to develop, 2) the right to lease, 3) the right to receive bonus payments, 4) the right to receive delay rentals, and 5) the right to receive royalty payments.” Devon Energy Production Co. v. Enplat II, 677 S.W.3d 1,9 (Tex.App.—El Paso 2023).
QUOTE OF THE MONTH
Advice is seldom welcome; and those who want it the most always like it the least.
—Earl of Chesterfield
THE EDITOR’S NOTES FROM THE FARM – EIGHT SECONDS
Eight seconds seems forever in bull riding, but seems to go by instantly in bulldogging. g
. . . AND NOW A WORD FROM OUR SECTIONS
By Paul Leopold, KoonsFuller, P.C. Appellate Law Section Chair
Appellate Section Update: Goals, Events, and Leadership
The purpose of the Appellate Section is to study civil and criminal appellate practice in Tarrant County, as well as in other parts of Texas and the United States; to develop a forum for discussion of civil and criminal appellate practice among lawyers; to teach the lawyers, judges, and the public in Tarrant County about appellate practice and regulation through seminars and other methods; and to develop a forum at which appellate judges, both state and federal, may speak in Tarrant County.
I’m happy to say that the Appellate Section accomplishes its purpose well. We host multiple events every year, including a Brown Bag seminar in January, a spring luncheon, and a fall luncheon. We’ve also hosted Brain Breaks via Zoom, wherein appellate justices from the various Texas Courts of Appeals have provided valuable insight into practicing in their courts. Prior Brown Bags have featured federal judges, appellate justices from around Texas, including the Supreme Court of Texas, appellate court staff attorneys, and the chief deputy clerk of the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. One of our luncheons typically has the State Bar Appellate Section Chair speak. Additionally, the Appellate Section teams up with the Dallas Bar Association Appellate Section for a biennial appellate seminar. Past speakers have included Texas intermediate and Supreme Court justices, a former Texas Solicitor General, and renowned appellate attorneys from throughout Texas.
Our fall luncheon is slated to have Justice April Farris, who was just appointed to the new Fifteenth Court of Appeals. We’re planning that for December 3 at the City Club. And Bill Chriss, the current chair of the State Bar Appellate Section will speak to us at our spring luncheon. We are still in the planning stages for our January Brown Bag, but be ready for great speakers and a wealth of information.
In addition to the events the Appellate Section hosts, we also sponsor events involving the Courts of Appeals. We recently co-sponsored a Coffee with the Courts at the Fort Worth Court of Appeals and had a great turn out where practitioners could meet the justices and staff attorneys. And we help sponsor receptions for other courts when they come to Fort Worth for various events, like oral arguments. The Appellate Section similarly provides notice of all State Bar Appellate Section events going on in the area. We even get to decorate a Christmas tree for the TCBA annual holiday party that then gets donated to a family in need.
To help make all this happen, we have an amazing planning committee that consists of local appellate specialists that includes courts of appeals staff attorneys, big firm attorneys,
small-to-medium firm attorneys, solo practitioners, two past Chairs of the State Bar Appellate Section, a former Council Member of the State Bar Appellate Section, a current Council Member of the State Bar Litigation Section, and a Business District Court appointee for the Fort Worth region.
As part of the planning committee, the Appellate Section has three officers: Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary. Each bar year, the officers usually rotate up, so the Secretary becomes the Vice Chair, the Vice Chair becomes the Chair, the Chair returns to being a member of the planning committee, and a new Secretary is selected. The current officers are Paul Leopold as Chair, Kelly Knotts as Vice Chair, and Lili McEntire as Secretary.
Joining the Appellate Section costs only $25 for the year. For that low cost, members receive regular notice of events at both the local and statewide level, including speakers, section events, section-sponsored events, and State Bar Appellate Section events. Our committee meets regularly to plan the great events that the Appellate Section hosts so that relevant, up-to-date, and helpful information is provided to members of both the bench and bar. Please consider joining the Appellate Section so that you can be part of these great events and enhance your practice. g
By Tracy Card, Office Manager TCBA Sections Liaison
Starting Strong: The New Bar Year is Here!
Happy New Bar Year! July 1st has snuck up with a bang, and we’re already in full swing for the new bar year. Our calendars are quickly filling up with exciting events and opportunities. As we embark on this new term, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you for your active participation and hard work that made the past year so rewarding.
Stay tuned for more exciting developments within the sections, and be sure to take advantage of the opportunities that come your way. If you’re interested in helping your section officers with future planning, your support would be very greatly appreciated. Feel free to reach out to your section leaders or me directly. Looking forward to a fantastic year ahead! g
Meet the New Membership Director: Kristin Anglin!
Where are you from?
I grew up in Beaumont, Texas and moved to Fort Worth after graduating from college. Lamar University! GO CARDS!
What is your family like?
My daughter is an attorney in the area. (Aggie Law ’15) My family is very close and loves to spend time together. We keep our holidays/gatherings very chill and we all love to talk and laugh.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I love to read biographies, travel and organize all the things. I have a Jeep Wrangler JK that I have done most of the work on myself, adding a lift, driveshaft and other upgrades for offroading.
What is something you're looking forward to with the new position?
I’m looking forward to growing the TCBA membership and meeting the members.
Why the TCBA?
I’m glad to be part of the TCBA team because the Association is committed to helping others and making a difference in our community.
Interesting fact about me?
I’m an organizing ninja and I love to make things more efficient. I previously had a business where I would go in and organize the warehouses of businesses of all sizes locally and globally! g
TEXAS LAWYERS FOR TEXAS VETERANS
TARRANT COUNTY CHAPTER
By Sarah Hall Hoffman, Pro Bono Programs Director
2024 Pro Bono Award Spotlight
Haley is a 3L at the Texas A&M University School of Law interested in environmental and international law. She graduated from Oklahoma State University in 2022 with a degree in agricultural communications and a minor in Spanish. She has always been passionate about giving back to the community and providing help to those who cannot help themselves.
Haley was the TCBA Texas Lawyer for Texas Veterans intern in summer 2023. She enjoyed getting to see a variety of cases from all of the veterans who were helped by the program. She especially liked seeing the hope the program gave the veterans. She also enjoyed the opportunity to observe local attorneys’ commitment to the community during their consultations at the monthly veterans clinic. g
THANK YOU TO OUR VOLUNTEERS WHO ASSISTED WITH JUNE & JULY CLINICS
Brittany Allen-Brantley
Francine Bennett
Robert Boudreau
Scott Conyers
John Corbin
Chnequa Harrison
John Johnson
Samantha Kehl
Deborah Krane
Brenda Pfieff
Karon Rowden
August 16, 2024 September 20, 2024 October 18, 2024
f you are passionate about providing legal assistance to veterans in need and have creative solutions and ideas to share, consider joining the TLTV committee, which meets the third Wednesday of each month from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Welcome
New Members of the TCBA:
ATTORNEYS
Robyn Accipiter
Gordon Appleman
Lauren Beard
Adam Bowling
Garrett Bradshaw
Ericha Brown
Stefan Brumley
Alyse Burks
Nicole Carroll
Elizabeth Chermel Bones
Gregory Cole
Susan Coleman
Laura Cook
Nicholas Davis
John Delaney
Jennifer Drysdale
Jason Eady
Greg Eyster
Rashelle Fetty
Blake Garcia
Emily Garza
Sarah Ghaffari
Garett Godkin
Ryan Goins
Brittany Grady
Wade Griffin
Tyler Harden
Raleigh Hart
Chrystie Hilburn
Ed Huddleston
Roger Hurlbut
Isabelle Hutchinson
J.C. Johnson
Michael Kim
Matthew Kimn
M. Beth Krugler
Lola Lacrosse
Aaryn Lamb
Jack Larson
Lon Loveless
in the News LAWYERS ON THE MOVE &
Bourland Wall & Wenzel, P.C. would like to welcome the addition of two new associates to their team: Mariah J. Paulger and Julian Whitley.
Originally from Lubbock, Mariah Paulger graduated summa cum laude from Lubbock Christian University with a B.B.A. in Accounting in 2020. She then earned her J.D. from Texas Tech University School of Law, where she participated in the Low Income Taxpayer Clinic and served as Business Manager for the Estate Planning and Community Property Journal. Her practice will focus primarily on estate planning. She can be reached at 301 Commerce Street, Suite 2500, Fort Worth, Texas 76102, or at 817.877.1088.
Julian Whitley is a Rockwall County native with deep connections to the Fort Worth area. Mr. Whitley graduated magna cum laude from Texas Tech University School of Law in May of 2020, and has been practicing law since fall of that year. He is a litigator by training and focuses on complex commercial litigation, fiduciary litigation, real property litigation, and employment litigation. He can be reached at 301 Commerce Street Suite 2500, Fort Worth, Texas 76102, 817.877.1088.
Brackett & Ellis, P.C. is pleased to announce the recent addition of associate attorneys Zak Martinez and Marvin Morris.
Zak Martinez has over six years of experience as a litigator in both insurance and family law. Zak received his Juris Doctorate from Texas A&M University School of Law in 2017 and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree at Southern Methodist University. Zak’s practice is primarily focused on insurance law.
Marvin Morris is a proud veteran of the United States Navy and a graduate of UNT Dallas College of Law, where he received his Juris Doctorate. He also holds a master’s degree from the University of Maryland Global Campus and earned his Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Maryland at College Park. Marvin’s practice is primarily focused on insurance and employment law.
Patricia Burns was appointed to be the new Associate Judge of Tarrant County Probate Court No. 2 by Judge Brooke Allen. Patricia graduated from Texas Wesleyan University School of Law in 2000 and went on to be a partner at Decker Jones law firm where she practiced for over 17 years. Patricia brings over 24 years of experience in estates, probate, guardianship and mental health to the position.
Gary L. Nickelson , a distinguished Fort Worth family law attorney, was honored with the 2024 Dan Rugeley Price Memorial Award by the Texas Bar Foundation. This prestigious award, established in 1996 to celebrate the legacy of exceptional lawyer Dan Price, recognizes individuals who exemplify excellence in legal writing, research, and service. Nickelson, a partner at Goranson Bain Ausley with over 40 years of exclusive family law practice, has a distinguished career marked by leadership roles and numerous accolades, including the Dan Price Award (2003) and the Blackstone Award (2019). At the Texas Bar Foundation Annual Dinner on June 21, 2024, Nickelson was celebrated for his unwavering dedication to the practice of law and his community. In recognition of the honor, he designated a $1,000 donation to the University of Texas School of Law.
Henry B. “Hank” Paup, an attorney with Paup, Shutt, and Associates, P.C., was recently honored with the Outstanding 50 Year Lawyer Award at the Texas Bar Foundation
Annual Dinner on June 21, 2024. Hank began his career after graduating from Texas A&M University and Southern Methodist University School of Law. Over the past fifty years, he has built a reputation for excellence in estate planning, tax law, and asset protection. Known for his deep commitment to his clients and the legal profession, Hank’s recognition with this prestigious award celebrates his unwavering adherence to the highest principles of law and public service throughout his remarkable career. g
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LAWYERS ON THE MOVE & IN THE NEWS
If you are a TCBA member and would like to place an announcement in the Bar Bulletin, we would like to hear from you.
Please submit information by email to Elizabeth Banda, Communications Director, at elizabeth@tarrantbar.org.
MEMBERSHIP REPORT
By Kristin Anglin, Membership Director
It’s time to Renew your TCBA Membership!
The TCBA Bar year began on July 1 and we’re looking forward to seeing you at our upcoming events. Now is the perfect time to get involved with the TCBA by signing up for a committee. Check out the committee chair list on page 10, and email me to get involved. As a committee member, you’ll be able to use our website’s eCommunity feature, seeing up-
Maitlyn Lydahl
Nate Mallory
William McCoy
Erin McDaniel Roach
Lili McEntire
Kirsten McIntyre
Jay McKiever
David Mellina
Jacey Mizer
Skylar Moore
Stephen Norris
Mariah Paulger
Bryan Poole
Kasey Rachel
Brian Reeves
Laura Richardson
Timothy Rogers
Stephanie Sabelhaus
Shehzad Shaikh
Rebecca Stogner
Kristine Vitemb
Patricia Wachsmann
coming meetings, CLE opportunities, and group announcements.
If you have any questions about your renewal or need further assistance, you can reach me at kristin@tarrantbar.org. I’m so excited to get to know the TCBA membership! Thank you for your continued support of the TCBA! g
Julian Whitley
T. Maxine WoodsMcMillan
Kevin Yeh
ASSOCIATES
Susan Bowersox
Drew Chumley
Graciela Martinez
Dat Nguyen
Chris O'Shell
Carla Payne Yocum
LAW STUDENTS
Cheyenne Haley
Michael McRoy
Rachel Meyer
Rebekah Schulte
Tiffany Wen
LEGAL STAFF
Kate Daniel
Maria Salas-Edwards
Michele Schneidenbach
Justice Anne Gardner to Be Inducted into the Texas Appellate Hall of Fame
Justice Anne Gardner has been selected for induction into the Texas Appellate Hall of Fame. The ceremony will be held on Thursday, September 5, 2024, at noon during the Advanced Civil Appellate Seminar luncheon in Austin.
Below is the nomination letter that was submitted for Justice Gardner:
JUSTICE ANNE GARDNER (1942–2023)
Anne Gardner was, by any definition, a remarkable woman, both personally and professionally. She was a pioneer who broke glass ceilings, paved the way for other female lawyers, and was among the first to practice full-time as what we now call appellate specialists.
Justice Gardner grew up in Corpus Christi, Texas. She was a gifted student of ballet and enjoyed riding horses, which became a life-long passion for her. After high school, she enrolled in The University of Texas at Austin and was an exemplary student. She entered the UT School of Law in 1963, where she was an Associate Editor for the Texas Law Review and graduated with honors in 1966. She was one of only seven women in her graduating class of 371 students. After graduation, she took a job working at the Texas Bar Association writing the weekly advance sheets.
Anne relocated to Fort Worth in 1967 with her husband Terry Gardner. But in the late 1960s, it was difficult for women to find work as a lawyer. Though her scholastic record in law school was exemplary in all respects, she faced a gender barrier that proved difficult to overcome. Anne eventually secured a job as a Law Clerk with the Honorable Leo Brewster, U.S. District Judge, Northern District of Texas from 1967-1971. She then worked in various prominent Fort Worth law firms including 13 years as a partner at Simon, Peebles, Haskell, Gardner & Betty; a partner at McLean & Sanders for 4 years; and a senior partner from 1988–2000 with Shannon Gracey, Ratliff and Miller where she served as chairperson for that firm’s appellate section.
Few matched Justice Gardner’s impressive resume. She was board certified in Civil Appellate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in the first or second year the specialty was recognized, and she served on that Board’s Advisory Commission on Appellate Civil Law for 12 years (chairman 1993). She was appointed to and served on the Texas Supreme Court’s Advisory Committee from 1993 until 1998. Justice Gardner was the first woman president of the Tarrant County Bar Association in 1985 (after a term as Vice President and two separate terms as a Director). She served three terms as a director of the Texas Association of Defense Counsel. She was a Life Fellow of the Texas Bar College, an Emeritus Master of the Bench and founding member of the
Eldon Mahon Inn of Court, a member of the American Law Institute, and a member of the State Bar of Texas Pattern Jury Charge Committee on Intentional Torts and Negligence. Her appellate victories were numerous.1
On January 1, 2000, then-Governor George W. Bush appointed Anne to be a justice on the Second Court of Appeals. There she served the people of North Texas until her retirement in 2016. Justice Gardner loved hiring and training first-year law clerks, and she gave of her time to everyone at the Court. Justice Gardner was selected as the “Appellate Justice of the Year” for 2005 by the Texas Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates. In 2015, Justice Gardner was the recipient for one of the highest awards in Texas, the Samuel Pressara Outstanding Jurist Award. In 2016, she was presented with the Judicial Lifetime Achievement Award from the Judicial Section of the State Bar of Texas.
She was a standard-bearer for what all appellate justices and appellate practitioners should strive to be, blazing trails for women and appellate lawyers alike. Justice and equity
1Justice Gardner’s appellate wins (just those dating to 1980) include N.Y. Underwriters Ins. Co. v. Sanchez, 799 S.W.2d 677 (Tex. 1990); Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. v. Street, 754 S.W.2d 153 (Tex. 1988); Gulf Ins. Co. v. Bobo, 595 S.W.2d 847 (Tex. 1980); Tarrant Cnty. v. English, 989 S.W.2d 368 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 1998, pet. denied); State Farm Fire & Cas. Ins. Co. v. Vandiver, 970 S.W.2d 731 (Tex. App.—Waco 1998, no pet.); Mitchell Energy Corp. v. Bartlett, 958 S.W.2d 430 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 1997, pet. denied); State Farm Lloyds v. Kessler, 932 S.W.2d 732 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 1996, writ denied); MTrust Corp. N.A. v. LJH Corp., 837 S.W.2d 250 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 1992, writ denied); Tex. Am. Corp. v. Woodbridge JV, 809 S.W.2d 299 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 1991, writ denied); Nail v. Thompson, 806 S.W. 2d 599 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 1991, no pet.); Valero Trans. Co.v. Wagner & Brown, II, 787 S.W.2d 611 (Tex. App.—El Paso 1990, writ dism’d); Lowe v. Hollern, 784 S.W.2d 737 (Tex. App.—Dallas 1990, orig. proceeding); Armendarez v. Tarrant Cnty. Hosp. Dist., 781 S. W.2d 301 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 1989, writ denied); Irving v. Irving, 682 S.W.2d 718 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 1985, writ dism’d); Cearley v. Royal Globe Ins. Co., 632 S.W.2d 942 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 1982, no pet.); El-Habr v. Mtn. States Mut. Cas. Co., 626 S.W.2d 171 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 1981, writ ref’d n.r.e.); Brightwell v. Barlow, Gardner, Tucker & Garsek, 619 S.W.2d 249 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 1981, no pet.); Barnett v. Tarrant Cnty. Humane Soc., 608 S.W.2d 823 (Tex. App.—Waco 1980, no pet.); McNeill v. McDavid Ins. Agency, 594 S. W.2d 198 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 1980, no pet.).
were her guide in all things. Though small in stature, Justice
Anne Gardner was extraordinary in every way.
Anne Gardner had few true peers, and she unquestionably deserves induction into the Texas Appellate Hall of Fame.
Respectfully,
Scott Lindsey Boyd, Powers & Williamson
Christopher D. Collins Barlow, Garsek & Simon, LLP
Dwayne W. Smith Gardner, Smith & Vaughan, PLLC
Paul Leopold KoonsFuller, P.C.
Brian Restivo Restivo Legal, PLLC
Jim Kiser Anderson & Riddle, LLP
Keith Ogle
Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney’s Office
Joe Spence
Dallas County Criminal District Attorney’s Office
Who do you want to shout out and what did they do that was so spectacular?
Christy Jack and Letty Martinez, a dynamic, premiere criminal defense trial team at Varghese Summersett, recently obtained a NOT GUILTY verdict in district court. After just three hours of deliberation, jurors acquitted their client of super aggravated sexual assault of a child - a charge that carries a punishment range of 25 years to life without parole. Their relentless dedication and unwavering belief in their client’s innocence saw justice was served! g
MEET your board
Welcome to our "Get to Know Your TCBA Board" series! Each issue features board members answering five engaging questions about their practice, interests, and favorite activities. Discover more about the people who contribute to the success of our organization.
Featured Board Members
Robert Blankenship
TCBA Board Member / Term ends 2025
What kind of law do you practice?
I primarily practice Family, Wills & Probate.
What do you like to do with your spare time?
I enjoy absolutely anything outside such as hiking, parachuting, or SCUBA, or gardening. I also enjoy cooking (especially with things I grew in my garden), and brewing beer and wine.
What’s your favorite event?
I like the socials or any event where I get to meet other members in a relaxed environment.
Why are you a member of the TCBA?
I practice in Tarrant and the surrounding area. I cannot imagine not being a member. TCBA puts me in touch with members from the area and in several practice areas.
What summer Olympic sport is your favorite? Futbol (or Soccer if you prefer).
William “Bill” Ray
TCBA Board Member / Term ends 2025
What kind of law do you practice?
I practice Criminal Law.
What do you like to do with your spare time?
In my spare time, I like to fly small airplanes and spend time at my place in the country.
What’s your favorite event?
Favorite TCBA event would be the Bench Bar Conference.
Why are you a member of the TCBA?
I am a member of TCBA because it is the best association to promote connections with others in the legal community. It also promotes mentoring.
What summer Olympic sport is your favorite?
I like swimming events in the Olympics.
From left: Paul center: Robert (with his sons Paul and Robert) right: Robert
. . . AND NOW A WORD FROM OUR SECTIONS
WBy Alexis Craig, Freeman Mills PC Energy Law Section Chair
Bringing Energy Back to the Energy Section
e are so excited for the upcoming 2024–2025 term for the TCBA Energy Law Section. I am honored to be serving as the Section Chair this coming term. Mike Forni of Freeman Mills, PC is serving as the Vice Chair, Michael Malone of Harris, Finley & Bogle, P.C. is serving as Secretary, and Sarah Smith of Santoyo Wehmeyer P.C. will serve as Treasurer.
I would like to take some time to recognize our outgoing Chair for the 2023–2024 term, Graham Simms of Freeman Mills PC, for his leadership and service to the Section. Graham approached me last year about serving on the board with a vision that we could revitalize the Energy Law Section in our post-Covid era. Like most of us, our Section got out of the swing of gathering, and Graham was instrumental in getting this Section back in action. On behalf of the Section, I’d like to extend a huge thank you to Graham for his efforts.
The Section’s purposes are:
1. To improve the practice of energy law in Tarrant County through education and connections;
2. To offer networking opportunities for attorneys in Tarrant County within our industry;
3. To provide a forum in which energy law specialists may speak in our county; and
4. To give non-Section members a place to learn about leading topics in energy law.
The Section strives to meet every other month in-person for a luncheon at the Fort Worth Club and to hear a CLE presentation, and we also include a Spring and Fall Happy Hour event. Our Fall Happy Hour was on August 6, 2024, at Texas Live. We partnered with the Energy Law Section of the Dallas Bar Association for this event. We are thankful to all who came out and networked with energy lawyers from across the metroplex. Our next CLE presentation will be in October, so be on the lookout for announcements on the Tarrant County Bar Association website and TCBA News & Events email.
Over the last year, we were able to:
1. Return to hosting in-person attendance for our bi-monthly CLE luncheons by hosting Graham Simms of Freeman Mills PC to present a CLE presentation on ethics and multi-client representation in December 2023;
2. Co-Host a joint Happy Hour with the Fort Worth Association of Professional Landmen in March 2024 at Maple Branch Craft Brewery;
3. Organize a luncheon in February 2024 for speaker Conrad
Hester of Vartabedian, Hester and Haynes LLP to present a CLE course on Force Majeure and the Point Energy Partners Permian, LLC v MRC Permian Company, 669 S.W.3d 796 (Tex. 2023) case;
4. Organize a luncheon in April 2024 for speaker Professor James Coleman of SMU’s Dedman School of Law to present a CLE course on Carbon Capture and Storage Policy; and
5. Organize a luncheon in April 2024 for speaker Sarah Stogner of Stogner Legal to present a CLE course on her research and direct connection to Zombie Wells in West Texas and the legal impact and policies surrounding these wells.
We hope to continue these types of events from last year’s term for the 2024–2025 term. Our goals for this coming year are to increase membership in the section, continue to host CLE events that include hot topics within the energy sector, educate both Section and Non-Section members on topical events in energy law, and to create a space for members to network.
We truly appreciate everyone who has helped make our events possible, and we would love it if more attorneys would join us and attend our events. Your support and involvement are key to the success of the Section. If you have any desire to give a CLE presentation in the upcoming year, please feel free to reach out to Mike Forni, Michael Malone, Sarah Smith, or me, and we would love to make that happen!
Thanks again for your support of the Energy Law Section. We look forward to seeing y’all this year! g
KAREN BROWN
Appellate Court
Deputy Clerk
2nd Court of Appeals LEE ANN SWAN
TRACEY LAFFOON
Civil County Courts
Court Coordinator
96th District Court DANIEL BINA Family Courts Court Coordinator
Criminal County Court Court Coordinator
County Criminal Court No. 4
Child Protection Court 1 & 2 ELSHERIE MOORE
Federal/State Courts
Courtroom Deputy
U.S.
Join TCBA in honoring those who help to make the legal community of Tarrant County a great place to practice law by becoming a sponsor. Your sponsorship will assist in underwriting the food, beverages, and related expenses to host the reception. If you or your firm would like to be listed as a sponsor of this event, please contact Tracy Card at tracy@tarrantbar.org.
2023–2024 President Lu Pham recently honored award recipients at TCBA’s Membership Luncheon held on July 23 at City Club of Fort Worth. The President’s Awards recognize outstanding professionalism, legal accomplishments, and service to the Tarrant County Bar Association.
Ann Diamond
Judge Don Cosby
SEPTEMBER 6, 2024
Tarrant County Family Law Center
Second Floor Assembly Room
200 E. Weatherford Street Fort Worth, TX 76196
$65 TCBA Members | $90 Non-TCBA Members | $25 TCBA Member Paralegal/Staff Lunch will be provided.
11:30 a.m. CHECK-IN
12:00 p.m. CPS Case Law Update
Scott Edmonds, Edmonds Law Firm, PLLC
12:45 p.m. Support Services for Foster Children & Youth
Texas A&M University School of Law Foster Youth Program
1:15 p.m. Options for Older Youth
Emily Johnston, Texas Foster Youth Justice Project
2:00 p.m. BREAK
2:15 p.m. Drug Testing and Child Welfare: The Value and Limitations of Drug Testing
Marco Quesada, Division Administrator for Behavioral Health and Master Investigations Child Protective Investigations
3:00 p.m. Cook Children’s Care Team – Assessing Physical Abuse
Jayme Coffman MD, MPH, Medical Director C.A.R.E. Team Cook Children’s Medical Center
4:30 p.m. CPC Court Policies and Procedures
Judge John Eck, Child Protection Court 2
4:45 p.m. ADJOURN
Tarrant County Bar Association
LAWYER REFERRAL & INFORMATION SERVICE
The Lawyer Referral & Information Service (LRIS) is a service of the Tarrant County Bar Association that benefits both TCBA member attorneys and the public.
TCBA’s Lawyer Referral & Information Service is completely customizable for participating attorneys with:
LRIS averages more than more than 29 330 600
Time Frame: January 2023-March 2024 & calls each month
specialized practice areas from which to choose.
Lawyer Referral & Information Service News
Approved by the American Bar Association, LRIS allows member attorneys to receive client referrals and build their business, while helping callers quickly find an attorney in the area of law they need.
The program is intended to help individuals who are able to pay normal attorney fees but have difficulty finding legal representation due to lack of experience with the legal system, lack of information about needed services, or fear of costs. Membership costs range $150 - $200 annually. practice areas
The LRIS is pleased to announce that Jonathan Wharton has earned the title of Top Referral Attorney for TCBA's Lawyer Referral & Information Service for the period from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024! Wharton earned $40,000 through his dedicated participation in our program.
Why Join LRIS?
• Maximize Your Earnings: Like Jonathan, you can earn substantial rewards by offering quality referrals.
• Grow Your Practice: Connect with clients in need of your expertise and grow your client base.
• Build Your Reputation: Build valuable relationships and be recognized for your exceptional service.
For more details about joining LRIS, please visit www.tarrantbar.org/JoinLRIS or reach out to us at lris@tarrantbar.org.
Tarrant County Volunteer Attorney Services
Free Wills Clinic for Gatehouse Residents Sponsored by Kelly Hart
Tarrant County Volunteer Attorney Services (TVAS) partnered with The Gatehouse to offer a free wills clinic for their residents. Sponsored by Kelly Hart, the clinic featured attorneys and summer associates who drafted the necessary paperwork. g
Thank you to all the volunteers who supported The Gatehouse Wills Clinic
KELLY HART ATTORNEYS
Chad Arnette, Joseph Austin, Whitney Beckworth, Teddy Boschini, John Fronk, Ann Lopez, David Miles, Kylie Rahl, Mason Smith, Jeff Whitfield, Mallory Williams, Taylor Winn
KELLY HART SUMMER ASSOCIATES
Will Baskin, Robert Notari, Seth Paulger, Rob Noatari, Taylor Terry, Destiny Weeks
PARALEGALS
Susan Davis, Kathryn Moore, Julie Sherman
CLIENT TRAINING VIDEO
Karon Rowden and Amber Tilley
2024 Pro Bono Award Spotlight
Jenny Spencer is the Education and Training Coordinator with the Presbyterian Night Shelter’s day shelter, True Worth Place. She coordinates the service providers, educational classes, and events for the shelter, providing a variety of resources for anyone experiencing homelessness. Services include legal resources, food stamp applications, employment opportunities, computer classes, life skills classes, resume building, financial literacy, recovery support groups, college enrollment, etc. In addition to the practical needs, through Jenny’s love for the arts, she provides art classes, art therapy, a writing and poetry club, a book club, meditation, yoga, and many other enrichment activities Strong relationships with community partners allow her to fulfill those vital services for the shelter guests. In her personal life, Jenny enjoys spending time with her two sons and animals, her volunteer work as a Tarrant County Master Gardner, creating art through painting and drawing, hiking, and listening to music. g
Thank you to Kelly Hart for sponsoring
Retirement Recognitions Bruce L. Mansfield
What type of law did you practice?
Civil Trial and Litigation
What is one takeaway from your time as an attorney?
Bruce was thankful to be able to meet people from all walks of life, from various backgrounds, countries, cultures, and was able, through this work, to visit many of those places as well. He felt blessed by God to be in the profession for so long with great friends, partners, co-counsel, judiciary, and for
having the last ten years practicing with his son who followed him in the profession. Bruce enjoyed the 44 years of being a practicing attorney.
Where did you work and how long?
Mansfield & Mansfield PC
Mansfield & Barton
Auld, King, Stevenson, and Mansfield
How do you plan to spend your retirement?
Reading for leisure, game fishing, working on aquariums, and spending time with family. g
Are you or someone you know retiring?
Recognize a retiree: www.tarrantbar.org/retiree-recognition
LegalLine
LBy Sarah Hall Hoffman, Pro Bono Programs Director
Do you have 2 hours that you can commit on a Thursday night to assist those that need legal advice in your area of expertise?
egalLine needs attorneys in all areas of law. Thank you to all the attorneys who have volunteered in the last two months. If you want to know more about volunteering, email sarah@tarrantbar.org.
Feedback from LegalLine Participants
“The attorney was understanding and made me feel comfortable.”
“Thank you for your service, thank you for the attorney’s willingness to serve and assist, and thank you for providing timeslots and anonymous interaction to protect both parties. Thank you, the service is greatly appreciated.” g
Upcoming Volunteer Dates
Event Time: 5 PM–7 PM
August 8, 2024
August 25, 2024
September 12, 2024
September 26, 2024
Alexis Allen
Amy Allen
Brittany Allen-Brantley
John Barnes
Robert Blankenship
Ali Crocker
Julie Camacho
Ndidi Gbulie
Dustin G. Hoffman
Merrit Klapperich
Cynthia Maragoudakis
Angelia Megahan
David Pritchard
Neal Adams
Ed Bell
John Allen Chalk Albon Head
Hon. Maryellen Hicks Frank Jelinek David Keltner Kleber Miller
Hon. Terry Means Sharon Millians Gary Nickelson Santiago Salinas
Marshall Searcy Joe Shannon
Hon. Louis Sturns Hon. RH Wallace
Law and Disorder Courtroom Confessions
So what had happened was....
I was at a hearing on whether client needed a mental health commitment to the state hospital. As I questioned the doctor about his diagnosis, I suddenly felt something touching my sports coat. Without looking, and never interrupting my questions to the doctor, I realized the patient sitting next to me was picking the lint from my sports coat. A sideways glance at the Judge told me he was biting his lip to not laugh. g
So what had happened was....
I was a junior prosecutor on a court-martial. The victim of an alleged assault with a hammer was interviewed by the chief prosecutor a number of times. I inquired why the victim and the perpetrator were both friends after the incident. The prosecutor told me not to worry about it. Additionally, each time
he interviewed the victim, he told him what questions he would ask and then proceeded to answer them himself.
Well, when trial day came, the victim was cross-examined and asked whether there was a friendly altercation at the time of the incident. The defense counsel asked, “well, did you invite him to hit you?” The answer: “I guess I kinda did.” g
Have a bizarre story?
Submit your anonymous stories about strange or unexpected client behavior. It doesn’t have to be your client or a current case—just something memorable.
Share your story! www.tarrantbar.org/law-and-disorder
Judge Brent Carr Portrait Unveiling
This summer, attorneys enriched their Spanish legal expertise through immersive cultural experiences, including 16 hours of CLE and 3 hours of Ethics training. They engaged in role-plays with local lawyers and exploring the Tribunales de Justicia, Judicial College of Heredia, and the San Jose Bar College. The program featured dynamic interactions and translation support to facilitate the understanding of legal terms.
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Brian Daniel Poe
1980–2024
Brian Daniel Poe loved his LORD and Savior Jesus Christ above all else. He devoted his life to serving The LORD no matter the cost. Brian did not care what the world thought of him or his legacy, only Jesus. He honored Him through his deep, devoted love for and commitment to Elizabeth and their four beloved children, Olivia, Harvey, Caleb, and Truett. His goal in life was to serve and obey The LORD in every aspect of his life family, friends, church, community, and career. Brian was born on September 4, 1980, in Dallas, Texas, to James Daniel and Nancy Ann Rawlings Poe and raised in Kaufman, Texas. He was active in his church's youth group as well as sports during his school-age years before leaving for college. Brian graduated from Texas A&M University, where he was a member of the Corps of Cadets and met the love of his life, Elizabeth Ambrose. Following his graduation with a BBA in 2003, they were married and moved to Dallas where he attended SMU Dedman School of Law from which he graduated in 2007. Over the next ten years, Brian served as a Dallas County Assistant District Attorney and an Assistant United States Attorney in Dallas and Fort Worth, earning a reputation as a tough, aggressive, and innovative prosecutor. He established a successful private criminal defense practice in 2017. He always had the highest respect for his clients and saw them as created in God's image, often taking time to pray with them. Brian's work was regularly praised by his peers. He was named as a national Super Lawyer five years in a row as well as a Top Criminal Defense Attorney by Fort Worth Magazine and 360 West magazine. Brian also earned several service awards from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency and the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of the Inspector General. Brian was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed camping, fishing, hiking, hunting, and skiing. He delighted in passing along his love of nature to his family, especially his children. He attained the rank of Eagle Scout at the young age of 13. For the past two years, Brian served as the troop master for Trail Life Troop TX-1136, which brought him great joy. As a father, it was important for him to incorporate his love of God's creation with God's Word for their children. Brian enjoyed his church family and serving alongside his fellow brothers as a deacon and the Chairman of the Finance Committee at Christ Chapel Bible Church in Fort Worth. Together, Brian and Elizabeth served in various leadership roles in the church community. Brian's favorite Bible verse had always been, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." - Il Timothy 4:7
(ESV) As Brian ran into the arms of his Savior Jesus Christ on Monday, June 3, 2024, he heard Him say, "Well done, good and faithful servant." We rejoice that Brian is finally healed, cancer-free, and leaping for joy while singing praises to his Creator.
Those left to cherish Brian's memory are his wife of 20 years, Elizabeth; daughter Olivia; sons Harvey, Caleb, and Truett; parents James and Nancy Poe; parents-in-law Jody and Patti Ambrose; brother David Poe and wife Brandi; sister-inlaw Katherine Wolman and husband Whit; brothers-in-law J.D. and Drew Ambrose; nieces Emma and Madi Poe, Greer and Eloise Wolman; and extended Poe and Ambrose family members. g
Published by Dallas Morning News on June 9, 2024.
Janet Miller Denton
1961–2024
Janet Miller Denton, 62 years of age, passed away peacefully in the early morning of July 24th 2024, in the loving embrace of adoring family and friends, at her home in Hurst, Tarrant County, Texas. She was born December 14th, 1961 in San Bernardino, California. Janet was raised first in California, and then in Wichita Falls, Texas by her parents Liz Leverett Miller and Dr. Joseph R Miller. She was a loving and loyal daughter to both, while also maintaining a loving relationship with her "Biodad" Don Awtrey, of California. Her heart knew no boundaries.
Janet Denton, a graduate of UT Austin, and then Texas Tech Law School in 1987, was an accomplished family law attorney in Tarrant County, Texas, for 37 years. She established the first all female family law firm in Tarrant County. During the final years of her career, she served Tarrant County in Family Court Services and the Dispute Resolution Program. She was instrumental in bringing Collaborative Law to Tarrant County, with the belief that families could find a less traumatic way to resolve their issues, always looking towards the wellbeing and dignity of children and both of their parents.
Earlier in life, she was one of the top High School DECA leaders in the nation, in the area of Marketing and
Free Enterprise, recognized early in life for her hard work and dedication to serving others; an early harbinger of her amazing life of leadership and service. She also was a survivor of the devastating Tornado of 1979 in Wichita Falls, Texas. Among many awards and accolades too numerous to mention, in 2024, she was recognized by the Tarrant County Family Law Bar with the Eva Barnes’ Award a highly coveted recognition of leadership and uncommon contributions to Family Law.
Janet was the beloved daughter of Liz Leverett Miller and Dr. Joseph "Daddy Joe" Miller, wife of Steven H. Denton, mother of Daniel Joseph Denton, both of Hurst, Texas, and the cherished sister of Beth Miller Long, of Arlington, Texas, Dr. Daniel Miller and Sara Miller Wieck both of Wichita Falls Texas, and Andrew Miller and Dugan Miller of California. Janet was a devoted wife, mother, sister, daughter, and aunt, with many nieces and nephews in Texas, California, and New York. Janet was a mentor to many and a friend to legions. She was an inspiration to everyone whose life she touched:
If everyone around her was a brick, hard and edgy, Janet was the mortar that made us all a functional wall, strong and true.
Selfless to the end, Janet donated her earthly remains to the University of Texas Southwestern ALS Research Department. g
Published in Times Record on July 29, 2024.
Substantive Law Article for
Bulletin
The Bar Bulletin is a bi-monthly publication of the Tarrant County Bar Association.
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Your work will be fully attributed to you, the author.
Articles published in the Bar Bulletin do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Tarrant County Bar Association, its officers or the Board of Directors. Advertisements and feature articles should not be considered an endorsement of any service, product, program, seminar or event.
Member Benefits Vendor List
TCBA members may take advantage of discounts provided by the following vendors:
AMO Office Supply guarantees the lowest prices on office supplies for TCBA members, with next-day delivery and free shipping. Call 800.420.6421.
Falcon Document Solutions provides quick, efficient, and reliable process services, document scanning, printing, copying, electronic discovery, litigation displays, and trial boards. They are available 24/7 at 817.870.0330 or visit their website at www.falcondocs.com. TCBA members can enjoy discounts on their services.
Fort Worth JSB Co., Inc. offers a 10% discount for TCBA members on printed materials — business cards, letterhead, envelopes, business forms, brochures, flyers, and more. To receive a quote, call 817.577.0572.
Thomson Reuters Exclusive TCBA offer of 15% off new Westlaw subscriptions or upgrades to current subscriptions*, including our latest AI enhanced platform, Westlaw Edge. Please contact your local Account Executive, Ben Galloway, for more information: Ben.Galloway@TR.com. *Restrictions apply, please contact your AE for details.
For IT Help:
Juris Fabrilis provides members with discounted rates on web-based tools to assist in managing their law practices. For more information, call 817.481.1573 ext. 101.
For Shredding and Document Disposal:
Magic Shred is a secure shredding business that offers TCBA members a 10% discount to TCBA members. They provide on-site document shredding services. TCBA also organizes 4 free shredding events per year exclusively for its members. Members can bring up to five boxes for shredding free of charge. Call 940.783.6580 for details. g
County Bar Association
Calhoun Street Fort Worth, TX 76102-6504
If any of your contact information is incorrect, please submit the corrected information to the TCBA office at 817.338.4092, or email tcba@tarrantbar.org
your tickets at www.tarrantbar.org/zoo-tickets
reservation day or time is required.