ANNUAL RUSTY DUNCAN SEMINAR | JUNE
The Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association is proud to announce its Annual Rusty Duncan Advanced Criminal Law Course. Named for the late Honorable M.P. “Rusty” Duncan III of the Court of Criminal Appeals, this course is designed to cover state law and scholarly topics as well as cases from the past year that impact your practice today.
Honorable M. P. “Rusty” Duncan III
Maurice Palmer “Rusty” Duncan III, Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, was born on January 6, 1945, in Decatur, Texas, to Maurice Palmer Duncan Jr. and Alvorita Badger. He graduated from Jesse H. Jones High School in Houston in 1963 and attended Stephen F. Austin State University, where he received a BS in English in 1967. He received a master’s degree in English from the University of North Texas in 1980. While working on his degree, he was also an adjunct professor of English. He obtained his law degree from South Texas College of Law in 1971 and was a member of the Order of the Lytae, an honorary association recognizing students with outstanding academic achievement.
As an attorney, Duncan was a member of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences and served as chairman of the State Bar’s Committee on the Study of the Insanity Defense in Texas during 1982–83. He was also co-chairman of the State Bar’s Penal Code and Criminal Procedure Committee from 1982 to 1984 and was a member of the Senate Committee on the Development of a Criminal Code of Evidence during 1983–84. Duncan was an active criminal trial lawyer trying cases and a member of the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association until he was elected to the Court of Criminal Appeals.
Duncan was also a faculty member for the New York University Forensic Symposium and was editor of Voice for the Defense, published by the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, from 1984 until he took the bench in 1987. In 1986, Duncan ran for the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. He was the only candidate board certified as a criminal law expert. On November 4, 1986, he won his campaign and took his oath of office on January 1, 1987. While serving on the Court, Duncan also taught English at St. Edward’s University.
After serving only three years, Judge Duncan was killed in an automobile accident on February 28, 1990. He was driving to his father’s funeral. He was buried in the Texas State Cemetery.
Welcome to the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association's
Volunteer Resource Guide
If you're fueled by a desire to make a positive impact on the organization and are enthusiastic about giving back, you've come to the perfect spot. This guide provides a window into volunteer opportunities and committees where you can truly contribute to our mission for justice. Join us as we work together to uphold the principles of fairness and equality. Your journey as a TCDLA volunteer begins right here.
How to Get Involved:
�� Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Associations Board Opportunities: Apply for the TCDLA Board to collaboratively shape our future!
Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Educational Institute Board Opportunities & Foundation: Learn more about our foundation and how to Make a Difference!
�� Speaking Opportunities: Learn about our Speaker Opportunities and Trainer of Trainers Program.
�� Article in Monthly Magazine: Share your legal expertise and get published in the Voice for the Defense.
Law School Outreach: Law students, join us to get involved and engage with experienced professionals, gaining practical insights and valuable connections to enrich your educational journey and contribute to the pursuit of justice.
Committees Opportunities: Explore our diverse range of over 39 committees and become a valuable member of our organization.
TCDLA Board Opportunities
Ready to take the lead in shaping TCDLA's future? Whether it's you or someone you know, now is the time to step up and serve a dynamic three-year term, addressing the needs of TCDLA's members in your district.
Application for TCDLA Board
Any member of TCDLA in good standing who desires to submit an application to serve on the TCDLA Board of Directors should fill out the form (above) or call the home office for a copy and email it to mschank@tcdla.com or fax it to 512-469-9107 before 5:00 PM on November 2nd.
The TCDLA Board is comprised of 100 members and meets quarterly. The Board consists of the President, 6 officers, as well as 53 elected Directors and 40 Past Presidents. Meet our TCDLA Board!
The nominations committee will convene during the December board meeting to consider applications for nominating new board members. TCDLA Bylaws, Art. IX § 2: “Prior to January 31st of each year, the President-Elect shall appoint a Nominations Committee consisting of one member from each of the Association’s membership areas and all officers. The Nominations Committee shall meet, and the members present shall select its nominee(s) for those positions in the Association which are open for election or reelection.
Visit www.tcdla.com/Board Membership for detailed information.
TCDLEI Board Opportunities
Serve up to 2-3 year terms as a TCDLEI Board Member. Do you have strong money management skills? Are you interested in fundraising? Join us NOW and help support the next generation of criminal defense lawyers. Meet our TCDLEI Board!
Application for TCDLEI Board
TCDLEI Foundation
Join our efforts to support TCDLEI and our fundraising initiatives. Your assistance can help us raise critical funds to support our mission and make a lasting impact in our organization. Your generous contribution to the TCDLEI can be applied in several ways to fund a variety of legal and educational services for our membership.
Why Your Contribution Matters:
Empower the Next Generation: Your generous assistance helps us provide critical scholarships for attorneys, allowing them to advance their legal careers and enrich the legal community.
Tax-Deductible Contributions: Your donations are tax-deductible, offering you valuable benefits while making a meaningful difference.
Make an Impact Today: Visit the TCDLA Shop and purchase a shirt or apparel, with all proceeds dedicated to scholarships for attorneys. Your choice can shape the future and make a lasting difference.
Ready to be a part of our mission? Visit www.tcdla.com/donate and support our cause. Join us in shaping the future of legal education and empowering the legal professionals of tomorrow.
Speaking Opportunities
Join our team of knowledgeable and talented speakers who are helping us achieve our ongoing mission of delivering top-notch seminars to attorneys statewide. Your expertise can make a real difference. Become a TCDLA speaker today and illuminate the path to legal excellence!
Explore compelling topics that resonate with your interests and expertise:
Mental Health for Attorneys & Clients:
Explore the crucial intersection of mental well-being within the legal profession, addressing the unique challenges faced by both attorneys and clients. Join us in fostering a supportive environment and actively contributing to the ongoing dialogue about mental health. Your involvement can make a meaningful impact on the well-being of our legal community join us in this important conversation!
Financial Sharing:
Uncover the complexities of financial dynamics in the legal realm, sharing insights, strategies, and best practices for navigating the financial landscape. Your expertise can play a pivotal role in empowering fellow professionals to achieve financial success. Join the conversation and contribute to the financial well-being of our legal community!
Trainer for Trainers Program:
The Trainer for Trainers Program focuses on topics of adult learning principles, presentation styles, speaker expectations, and materials. It is intended to prepare lawyers to make presentations on legal topics throughout the state of Texas. This event takes place in July, sign up today!
Online Resource Page:
Didn't make it to the program? No problem! TCDLA Members have the exclusive privilege of accessing valuable content on the Trainer for Trainers online resource page, available in the members-only section of the TCDLA website. Equip yourself with the tools and training necessary to become a confident and impactful speaker.
• Trainer for Trainers Course Videos Topics Include:
• Writing a Paper: Timeliness, Importance, and Impact
• Powerful Speakers with an Important Message
• Learning Styles: Using the Skills We Have as Lawyers to Reach Others
• Speaker Expectations: The Minimum Levels of Expectation
• Plus Additional Resources:
If you are interested in any of the above speaking opportunities, please contact Melissa Schank at mschank@tcdla.com for more information.
Article in Monthly Magazine
Ample Space:
Discover the opportunity to showcase your insights and make your mark in the legal community. Dive into the pages of the Voice for the Defense, the exclusive statewide magazine crafted specifically for defense lawyers.
Why Write an article?
Publication Prestige: See your name in print and gain recognition for your expertise.
Articles can range from 500 to 2,500 words, giving you the freedom to delve deep into your subject matter.
Share Your Voice:
Contribute to the conversation, enlighten your peers, and advocate for justice through your words.
How to Submit Your Work:
Ready to join the ranks of published authors? Send your submissions to voice@tcdla.com and let your legal expertise shine. Your words have the power to influence, educate, and inspire. Make a difference – write for the Voice for the Defense!
See our helpful links below!
Click here to read the Guidelines for Writing Voice Articles. Writing an Article Resource - PowerPoint Writing an Article Resource - Paper Voice Committee & Questions
Law School Outreach
If you’re a law school student looking to get involved in opportunities:
Would you like to plan an event at your school?
TCDLA is excited to sponsor presentations on a variety of different topics at your law school. We can customize the subject matter with an experienced speaker to meet students’ needs. Additionally, TCDLA will provide lunch or dinner during these presentations. If you are interested in setting up a program please complete this form Law School Student Event Request or if you have any questions please contact Kierra Preston at kpreston@tcdla.com.
Want to be a published author?
Students interested in publishing can submit articles for the online edition of our well-known and respected law journal. Please visit tcdla.com for guidelines.
TCDLA also offers an opportunity for law students to get deeper into the practice of criminal defense than courses in criminal law of criminal procedure will take them. Volunteers will assist in updating any one of 10 publications and 10 cheat sheets currently published by the organization. Students/volunteers would work under the supervision of the Curriculum Director and be credited on the cover of any publication they contribute to.
Law School Students Committee
For further inquiries or to connect with the Law School Students Committee, reach out to Anne More Burnham, Chair, at aburnham@stmarytx.edu or call (210) 281-4355 (P). Explore the full committee list to discover additional points of contact and involvement opportunities. Full Committee List
TCDLA President Trip
Join us for a special retreat hosted by the current TCDLA President. This exclusive event offers a mix of educational and social opportunities for all TCDLA members. Whether you prefer focusing on Continuing Legal Education (CLE) sessions or adding a few social gatherings to your agenda, the choice is yours.
The TCDLA President is thrilled to extend this invitation to you, encouraging your participation in this enriching experience. This retreat is designed not only to provide valuable educational insights but also to foster connections with influential leaders. Throughout the event, you can engage in a range of educational activities and partake in various social events. We eagerly anticipate your presence, as we have come together for what promises to be an unforgettable experience.
Keep an eye out for all upcoming events and socials at tcdla.com.
Members Trip
Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to combine learning, socializing, and relaxation. Reserve your spot now for a memorable Members Retreat on South Padre Island!
Including:
• CLE: Engage in enriching Continuing Legal Education sessions, enhancing your professional skills and knowledge.
• Family-friendly socials: Connect with fellow members during relaxed and enjoyable social events, creating lasting bonds in a friendly atmosphere.
• TCDLA/TCDLEI/CDLP Orientation:
Attend the TCDLA Board Orientation in South Padre. The program is designed to assist our incoming TCDLA board members with information about TCDLA, TCDLEI, CDLP, and how the boards/committees can work efficiently together. At the same time, you will be able to network with new members, speakers, and colleagues in attendance.
Members Social
TCDLA's Member Socials create a welcoming space for our esteemed members, their families, and friends to gather and relax in the company of their legal peers. These events provide a delightful break from the demands of a busy work schedule, allowing everyone to forge personal connections beyond the courtroom. Whether it's cheering for our favorite teams in hockey, basketball, and football, or indulging in the rich experience of exploring the details of winemaking at charming wineries, our socials offer a diverse range of activities to cater to various interests. TCDLA recognizes the significance of nurturing a sense of community outside professional realms, and our Member Socials are designed to foster lasting connections and strengthen the bonds among our valued members and their loved ones.
Have a creative idea for a Member Social? Or have any questions, feel free to reach out to our Membership Committee Co-Chairs.
Committees Opportunities
Join one of our 39 dedicated committees to make a direct impact on our organization. Each committee serves a unique purpose, aligning with your passion and expertise. Explore the diverse committees below and discover upcoming openings. Review committee descriptions and missions, then complete the form below to select your preferred committees for service. Click Here to Get Involved: Committee Interest Form
Affiliate Committee
The Affiliate Criminal Defense Bar Committee seeks to promote the establishment of local county and/or city criminal defense bar associations in order to promote the mission of TCDLA at the grass roots level. This committee will also advise and assist members who seek to form and/or strengthen their organizations by providing pro forma by-laws and organization materials. Additionally, this committee will work with the Criminal Defense Lawyers Project Committee to coordinate criminal law seminars held in all areas of the state in conjunction with TCDLA affiliates which are seeking to stimulate growth of the local organizations and thereby growth to TCDLA. The Committee will advise the officers and staff of TCDLA on methods to establish clear lines of communication between TCDLA and local affiliate organizations in order to insure that the state organization is cognizant and responsive to the concerns of the local membership. If you need to update contact information, please email mduarte@tcdla.com.
Amicus Committee
TCDLA's Amicus Curiae Brief Committee aims to provide amicus assistance in both state and federal courts in cases that present issues of importance to criminal defendants, criminal defense lawyers, and the criminal justice system as a whole, in a manner consistent with TCDLA's fundamental purpose of protecting and ensuring the individual rights guaranteed by the Texas and Federal Constitutions in criminal cases. It is the Committee's goal to maintain and enhance the positive impact of TCDLA on the criminal justice system at both the State and national level.
Awards
TCDLA's Awards Committee is entrusted to determining those individuals who deserve to be honored by TCDLA as to four specific awards: (1) the Hall of Fame; (2) the Percy Foreman Lawyer of the Year; (3) the Charles D. Butts Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year; and (4) the Rodney Ellis Award. The Awards Committee is comprised of a cross-section of TCDLA members from each district and the Committee's decisions as to the recipients of the second through fourth awards identified above are final. However, the Committee can only recommend to the Executive Committee the potential inductees into the Hall of Fame. Upon submission to the Executive Committee, the Executive Committee submits the final recommended inductees to the entire Board of Directors for a vote.
Budget & Financial Development
- Appointed by TCDLA President
By-Laws Committee
To continually study the bylaws to ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of the organization while maintaining the integrity thereof.
Cannabis Committee
“To promote excellence in Cannabis defense through legislative, education, and information presented to our membership in pursuit of the Texas Constitution.”
Capital Assistance Committee
"The TCDLA Capital Assistance Committee exists to ensure no member of this organization will ever face a capital trial, appeal, habeas, or execution alone. We stand with you, with expert and willing lawyers able to help with planning, motions, briefing, and with steadfast support for your work. You are not alone."
Client Mental Health Committee
In responding to the disproportionate involvement of individuals with mental illness or intellectual disability in the criminal justice system, our goal is to collect and disseminate information to enable lawyers to provide superior legal representation for accused persons within this population.
Corrections and Parole Committee
Monitor the policies, procedures, legislation, court decisions and activities related to Texas prisons and parole; report to TCDLA members and executive staff on new developments in those areas; and advise the executive staff when the Committee believes significant issues related to prison or parole call for formal resolutions, legislation, comments on proposed legislation, or other comments in the name of TCDLA.
Criminal Defense Lawyers Project Committee
– Appointed by TCDLA President
The Mission of CDLP over the coming year is to incorporate more participatory training into its programs in place of lecture-based training as a more effective teaching method for lawyers.
Crimmigration Committee
The TCDLA Crimmigration Committee supports defense counsel in Texas in the diligent and knowledgeable representation of noncitizen clients. The committee provides guidance and information on changes in caselaw and procedures that impact non-citizens in the criminal justice system. The committee is composed of individuals dedicated to high quality representation of non-citizen clients.
Diversity, Justice & Inclusion Committee
To celebrate, educate, activate and address issues that affect minorities, and underrepresented communities.
DWI Resource Committee
Promoting excellence in ALR and DWI defense through legislation, education, and informed representation pursuant to the U.S. and Texas Constitutions.
Ethics Committee
To help each member strive to honestly conduct himself or herself in the practice of law, discharge the lawyer's duty to his or her client to the best of the lawyer's ability, and always zealously and ethically represent the citizen accused, our committee will strive to advise members on how to comply with all state, federal, and local laws, regulations, and rules while attempting to assure the accused receives a fair and impartial trial with the fewest consequences. We will have an ethics hotline for members to call if need arises for answering general questions about what a lawyer should do in a questionable area. If you're presented with an ethical dilemma, don't look for answers on social media Facebook, for instance or even on the TCDLA listserve. Don't hang your dirty laundry out for all to see. Call the Ethics Committee hotline, at (512) 646-2734, and leave a message or email ethics@tcdla.com. They'll get right back to you.
Federal Assistance
To accumulate and disseminate to the membership information on current issues and strategies in the trial and appeal of a Federal criminal case. To act as a liaison to the Federal Judiciary on issues relating to the trial and appeal of a Federal criminal case. To consult and plan specialized continuing legal education for the Federal criminal practitioner.
Health & Wellness Committee
This Committee's purpose and mission is to help empower our members to live their best lives. We strive to accomplish this through two primary subcommittees - Health and Assistance. The newly formed Health Committee focuses on being proactive, by bringing to the forefront the need for attorneys to take care of themselves through self-care and mindfulness, while the established Assistance Committee aims to aid those who are struggling with drug or alcohol use or abuse, and/or mental health issues. The Health Committee offers education through articles, webinars, seminars, and presentations, while the Assistance Committee is available in times of need as a contact point for crisis counseling, referrals and peer assistance. The Committee works closely with the Texas Lawyers Assistance Program of the State Bar of Texas, and confidentiality is strictly upheld. Please always feel welcome to reach out if you are in need of help. Health + Assistance = Wellness. We're stronger together and deserve to be well!
Indigent Client Defense Committee
Raise quality of representation through mentorship, training and resources.
Judicial Conduct Committee
Insuring the fair administration of Justice by observing and monitoring the conduct of the Judiciary, and assisting members on request when necessary and appropriate
Juvenile Justice Committee
The TCDLA Juvenile Justice Committee supports juvenile defense counsel in Texas through quality education programs focused on best practices and resources to assist attorneys in their effort to provide competent, zealous, and diligent representation to juvenile clients. The committee also advocates for legislative and policy changes to promote juvenile justice. The committee is composed of individuals dedicated to quality representation of juveniles.
Law School Students Committee
The Mission of the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association as it relates to law schools is to familiarize students with the responsibilities which come with representing citizens accused of crimes, to make them aware of the resources available to criminal defense practitioners and to introduce them to the fellowship and camaraderie shared by those who stand between the government and the individual accused of a crime.
Legislative Committee
To provide representation and a voice on behalf of TCDLA before the Texas Legislature in order to address legislative matters that impact criminal law in Texas and curtail the liberties of citizens. https://wrm.capitol.texas.gov/home. You may email your legislative team at legislative@tcdla.com at any time.
Listserv Committee
The TCDLA Listserver Committee will strive to offer the membership of TCDLA a listserver that is functional for the members uses and purposes, which may include: (1) formats that are user friendly and functional; (2) archiving of past posts for future research; (3) a high signal to noise ratio through the minimization of unnecessary chatter; (4) the ability for members to send and receive attachments -- without arbitrary size limitations that are insufficient to make the listserver robust; (5) a clear set of rules and guidelines that are evenly and consistently enforced in ways that do not needlessly embarrass members publicly; (6) moderators that can and will help to achieve the goals of the listserver; (7) an off-list mechanism for members to make suggestions and air complaints about the listserver; (8) a program to increase the number and ratio of members who use and contribute to the listserver; (9) assurance in the security of the listserver so that only TCDLA members and those whose presence will benefit members are part of the listserver; and (10) such other items as are beneficial to the goals of the listserver.
Long-Range Planning Committee
Managed Assigned Counsel Committee
In the pursuit of excellence in criminal defense, our goals are to foster solidarity among managed assigned counsel panel attorneys, and promote better working relationships between managed assigned counsel, public defenders, and the private bar.
Media Committee
To facilitate TCDLA messaging to local, state and national media.
Membership Committee
To promote the growth of TCDLA's membership and retain existing members through outreach, programs, and benefits.
Memo Bank Committee
To monitor on a regular basis the TCDLA List Serve and glean from it the "best of the best" memos of general interest to the membership, to assign to such memos an easily understood title, and to forward them to the TCDLA website for preservation and effortless retrieval by the members of this GREAT organization.
New Lawyers Committee
The mission of the TCDLA New Lawyers' Committee is to advance the professional education and welfare of new lawyers, to involve new lawyers in serving the community, to promote fellowship among the members, to serve as a forum for the exchange of ideas while focusing on the specific needs of lawyers who are new to criminal defense practice, and to promote the goals and values of the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association.
Nexus Committee
The Nexus Committee is to brainstorm to increase TCDLA seminar revenue, attendance, and quality. The committee will review attendee evaluations and surveys to make suggestions for genre/topics, destination venues, format, etc. The new ideas will assist officers and staff for planning 2-3 years out.
Nominations Committee
- Appointed by TCDLA Incoming President
The Nominations Committee's mission is to identify, recruit, and select for inclusion in one or more slates, at the following year's Annual Meeting: A TCDLA Officer, renewing Directors of the Board, and a sufficient number of new Directors to fill all open Board positions.
Prosecutorial Conduct Committee
Public Defender Committee
In the pursuit of excellence in criminal defense, our goals are to foster solidarity among public defenders, including managed assigned counsel, and promote better working relationships between public defenders and the private bar.
Rural Practice Committee
To identify and help find the means to solve the problems unique to practicing criminal law in rural Texas.
Social Media Committee
To promote TCDLA’s cause through social media platforms. The Committee utilizes social media to provide TCDLA members and non-members with greater access to current TCDLA news and events. Our efforts will keep the public and our members up to date on all things TCDLA.
Strike Force Committee
Strike force is here to protect the defense function by assisting attorneys under attack for their role defending the accused.
Technology Committee
Our mission is to facilitate the effective and efficient use of technology for the benefit of TCDLA members, officers, and staff.
Transcript Database Committee
To provide members access to transcripts of specialized witnesses that help educate, elevate and master trial tactics.
Veterans Committee
The Veterans Assistance Committee is comprised of current and former military members and people interested in military and veterans law issues. Our mission is to be a resource for TCDLA members who represent servicemembers or veterans. Reach out to us if you have any questions about the military criminal justice system (courts-martial), administrative separations, or issues unique to those who serve. Our annual event is the day-long Veterans Justice Clinic in February, with presentations on PTSD/TBI, VA issues, how Veterans Treatment Courts work in Texas, and more.
Women’s Caucus Committee
The purpose of the Women's Caucus is to provide a forum for leadership, members, committees and groups within TCDLA to address women and men in the association interested in promoting women leaders, and addressing women's issues important to lawyers and clients. In addition, the Women's Caucus will vigorously support TCDLA and affiliated groups' missions and initiatives as it is informed about them and will provide information about and facilitate participation in these missions and initiatives to persons who attend the Caucus meetings. Also, the Women's Caucus will network within TCDLA to become better acquainted with talented members, leaders, speakers and authors within the Association to make the information about our members more accessible to persons leading TCDLA and planning its work.
Your voice matters!
Scan the QR code to choose the committees you wish to join and complete the online form.
Take the Next Step…
Thank you for exploring the opportunities available with the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association. We hope this brochure has provided valuable insight into the various ways you can get involved and contribute to our mission of advocating for justice.
Now that you've learned about the diverse avenues for participation, it's time to take the next step toward making a difference:
�� Apply for a Board Position
�� Speak Up
�� Write an article
�� Join a committee
Don't hesitate to explore all the avenues available to you within TCDLA. Whether you're interested in speaking engagements, committee involvement, or contributing articles, there's a place for you to thrive and make a difference.
