It's June in Houston, which means it is hot. And Behind the Lines is focusing on a hot topic this month: Immigration Law. In this final episode of the 2024-2025 Bar Year, we hear about trends in civil and criminal immigration law and have a special "Know Your Rights" segment that will be helpful to lawyers who are not immigration lawyers and need a bit of a refresher. 

(1) Criminal Immigration Law: A Discussion with the Federal Public Defender

Philip Gallagher, the Public Defender for the Southern District of Texas, talks about the trends he has been seeing with regard to criminal immigration law. (18.5 minutes)

(2) Yes, You Are Extraordinary: EB1-A Visas

Rinku Ray, Co-Founder of Ray & Fahys, PLLC, discusses the requirements for qualifying for an Extraordinary Ability (EB1-A) Visa, provides some basic information about applying for legal status in the US, and addresses the impact of current events on her clients. (27 minutes)

(3) Remember the Children: Children's Immigration Law Academy

Dalia Castillo-Granados is the director and co-founder of the Children’s Immigration Law Academy (CILA), a project of the American Bar Association (ABA) Commission on Immigration.  Dalia addresses current issues impacting immigrant children and discusses the ways CILA supports lawyers representing immigrant children, including providing resources and training for pro bono attorneys.  (18 minutes)

(4) You Have the Right To . . . : Immigrant Rights Primer 

Kate Gibson Kumar, a lawyer from the Beyond Borders Program with the Texas Civil Rights Project, discusses what rights immigrants have and provides some pointers on how they may assert them. (25 minutes)

Music by Studio3DMusic from Pixabay.

For full speaker bios, visit The Houston Lawyer (hba.org/thehoustonlawyer). To read The Houston Lawyer magazine, visit The Houston Lawyer_home. For more information about the Houston Bar Association, visit Houston Bar Association (hba.org).
*The views expressed in this episode do not necessarily reflect the views of The Houston Lawyer Editorial Board or the Houston Bar Association.

This episode covers the impact of the digital age on lawyers, the law, and society. There are pros and cons to our increasingly sophisticated cyber-world, and this episode covers  the dire consequences of bullying when it's taken online, how criminals use technology to stalk and harass victims, advantages of the continued trend towards online mediation, and legal considerations for online healthcare. We also have a fun "Off the Record" interview with Houston lawyer Adam Schiffer, guitarist for Twenty 24 Souls.  

Online Bullying

Cyberbullying in Texas Schools: Definitions, Remedies, and Concerning Trends

Dustin Rynders, Legal Director at Texas Civil Rights Project, discusses the laws and practicalities relating the cyberbullying in Texas and provides insight into potential future trends. (17.5 minutes)

Nationwide Cyberbullying: The Real-World Impact of a Viral Rumor

Monica Uddin, Partner at AZA, discusses an ongoing case in which she represents a young woman who was the victim of an online rumor that went viral. (14 minutes)

Online Crimes

Cybercrimes Against the Elderly: How to Protect the Elderly from Becoming Victims of Online Scams

Joseph Frank, chief prosecutor of the Elder Abuse section at the Harris County District Attorney's Office, discusses cybercrimes that target elderly victims and provides tips on how to protect elderly people from becoming victims of these types of crimes. (10.5 minutes)

Cybercrime Prosecution: CyberStalking, Revenge Porn, Online Impersonation, and Online Scams

Keith Houston, Chief Prosecutor in the Cybercrime Section of the Financial Crimes Division of the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, discusses revenge porn, cyberstalking, online impersonation, and the online financial scams that tend to go along with these types of crimes. (11 minutes)

Online Services

Cyber Mediation: Logistics, Advantages, and Trends 

Jessica Crutcher, Founder and Principal of Jessica Crutcher Law PLLC, discusses the logistics and benefits of cyber mediation and addresses why she believes it is here to stay. (10 minutes)

Cyber Healthcare and the Law

Interviewer: Anietie Akpan

Rachel Rose, Principal with Rachel V. Rose - Attorney at Law, PLLC, addresses legal issues at both the federal and state levels related to online healthcare, including compliance with privacy laws, confidentiality, security, billing, licensure requirements, carve outs for critical care, prescribing controlled substances, and consumer health data. Ms. Rose also discusses potential future trends in virtual healthcare, including the use of AI. (20 minutes)

Off the Record: When Law Rocks, Lawyers (and Charities) Thrive

Interviewer Nico Zulli

Behind-the-Lines Interviewer Nico Zulli interviews lawyer and guitarist Adam Schiffer (Brown Rudnick). Adam plays the guitar for Twenty 24 Souls, the band that won the 2025 Law Rocks competition in April 2025 here in Houston. They discuss the competition as well as the benefits of having a creative outlet. (5 minutes)

This episode is approved for 1.25 hours of Texas CLE credit for HBA members. See The Houston Lawyer Committee page on the HBA's website for more details. 

For full speaker bios, visit The Houston Lawyer (hba.org/thehoustonlawyer). To read The Houston Lawyer magazine, visit The Houston Lawyer_home. For more information about the Houston Bar Association, visit Houston Bar Association (hba.org).
*The views expressed in this episode do not necessarily reflect the views of The Houston Lawyer Editorial Board or the Houston Bar Association.

The Innovation and Expectations episode has knowledgeable guests addressing lithium supply legal issues, how AI is impacting our profession, expectations for attorney hiring, and new lawyer notes about how innovation may impact legal careers in the future. 

(1) A New Era of Legal Issues Associated with Lithium Extraction

Stephanie Noble of Vinson & Elkins LLP discusses the increased demand for lithium, what lithium extraction is, the many types of legal issues that are arising due to this increase in demand, and why it's an exciting time to be an energy lawyer. 

*New Lawyer Note: John Hinojosa (Winston & Strawn)* 

(2) Generative AI: Increasing Efficiency

Nelson Ebaugh of Nelson S. Ebaugh P.C. addresses common concerns about confidentiality and privileged communication, provides some guidance for addressing this concerns, advocates for the use of generative AI to increase the efficiency of and enhance your legal practice, and briefly addresses legal developments relating to AI. 

*New Lawyer Note: Caitlin Rogers (Winston & Strawn)*

(3) We're Hiring (Mostly): Trends in the Houston Legal Market Now and in the Near Future

Tim Reagan of ELR Legal Search discusses current and future trends in the attorney hiring market in Houston, addresses the potential impact of AI on the market, and provides sound advice for young lawyers and students who are trying to determine how they fit into the legal market and where they should direct their talents.  

*New Lawyer Note: Drew Pierce (Winston & Strawn)*

The first and second segments of this episode are approved for CLE for HBA members. See The Houston Lawyer page on the HBA's website for details. 

For full speaker bios, visit The Houston Lawyer (hba.org/thehoustonlawyer). To read The Houston Lawyer magazine, visit The Houston Lawyer_home. For more information about the Houston Bar Association, visit Houston Bar Association (hba.org).
*The views expressed in this episode do not necessarily reflect the views of The Houston Lawyer Editorial Board or the Houston Bar Association.

It is the “most wonderful time of the year,” and Behind the Lines is focusing on giving back. Section 6 of the Preamble to the Texas Rules of Disciplinary Conduct reminds us that “the provision of free legal services to those unable to pay reasonable fees is the moral obligation of each lawyer as well as the profession generally.” This episode focuses on some of the ways Houston lawyers have been taking that obligation seriously and giving back to people in the Houston area who need legal help. 

Segment One - Hon. David Hittner: "I Wouldn't Trade That One Trial"

Hon. David Hittner, Senior U.S. District Court Judge, discusses a criminal pro bono case he had as a young lawyer, including how he went about preparing for a criminal case as a civil lawyer. He also addresses how this pro bono case played a role in his confirmation hearing when he was appointed to the federal bench. The file for the case, Texas vs. Lockett, was recently formally dedicated for public exhibition at the Historic Documents Room at the Harris County Courthouse. 

Segment Two - Maryam Ghaffar: "My Client Felt So Validated"

Maryam Ghaffar, an associate at Beck Redden and the HYLA Pro Bono and Service Committee Chair, discusses a recent Hague Convention case in which she represented the mother of a two-year-old child whose father wanted the court to order that the child's habitual residence was in Ecuador, not the United States. Maryam was appointed to this pro bono case by the Court, and it was a very fast-paced case. 

Segment Three - Holiday Wellness Break: Finding the Joy
(BTL Interviewer Rinku Ray)

Melanie Bragg of Bragg Law PC, who is also the co-chair of HBA's Wellness Committee, author of "Defining Moments: Insights Into the Lawyer's Soul" and other books, and cheerful volunteer, leads listeners through a wellness exercise designed to help find joy and reduce stress during the holiday season. 

Segment Four - Amy Farish: "There's Always Support"

Amy Farish, a partner at Yetter Coleman who is also the firm's pro bono coordinator, discusses a lengthy immigration case she and her team handled and  encourages lawyers to try out pro bono service even if it's in an area outside of one's usual wheelhouse.

Segment Five - Andrew Lehmann (HVL): "The Legal Issue Was Actually Really Simple"
(BTL Interviewer Rachael Thompson)

Andrew Lehmann, who runs HVL's weekly Veterans clinics at Michael E. DeBakey VA Hospital, discusses the issues they typically see and how to volunteer, and he shares recent success stories from the clinic, including a tenant's rights case and Military Sexual Trauma claim. He notes that lawyers should not feel intimidated to volunteer at the clinic or even take a case because often the legal issues are simple and the Veterans just need someone to advocate for them using legal skills that almost every lawyer has. To volunteer, sign up at https://www.makejusticehappen.org/get-involved/legalline/.

Music by LudoSoundX from Pixabay.

For full speaker bios, visit The Houston Lawyer (hba.org/thehoustonlawyer). To read The Houston Lawyer magazine, visit The Houston Lawyer_home. For more information about the Houston Bar Association, visit Houston Bar Association (hba.org).
*The views expressed in this episode do not necessarily reflect the views of The Houston Lawyer Editorial Board or the Houston Bar Association.

In the special episode, Behind the Lines: The Houston Lawyer Podcast celebrates the 70th Anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in Brown v. Board of Education. Behind the Lines Interviewer Anietie Akpan talks with Houston School Law Legend Kelly Frels about the case and its impact here in Houston. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn about this very impactful case from a lawyer who was directly involved in desegregating Houston schools, and the Behind-the-Lines team is honored to be able to share this important history with our listeners. 

For full speaker bios, visit The Houston Lawyer (hba.org/thehoustonlawyer). To read The Houston Lawyer magazine, visit The Houston Lawyer_home. For more information about the Houston Bar Association, visit Houston Bar Association (hba.org).
*The views expressed in this episode do not necessarily reflect the views of The Houston Lawyer Editorial Board or the Houston Bar Association.

This episode covers the new Texas Business Court and then addresses the business of law, from starting your own law firm to branding to firm breakups.

“We’ve Only Just Begun”: Texas’s New Business Court
Natasha Breaux of Haynes Boone covers everything Texas Business Lawyers need to know about our new Business Court. 

“You Can Go Your Own Way”: Transitioning from BigLaw to Owning Your Own Practice
Michael Cancienne·or Jordan, Lynch & Cancienne discusses the transition from being a partner at a large international law firm to owning one's own firm, addressing both the challenging and rewarding aspects. 

“Pumped Up Kicks”: The Sneaker Lawyer’s On-Point Branding
Jonathan Jackson of J. Jackson Law Offices is known as the "Sneaker Lawyer." Jonathan talks about how he came up with this branding and why it's important for one's brand to be authentic. 

“Breaking Up Is Hard to Do”: But These Tips Will Help
Pete Patterson of Patterson P.C. covers practical legal issues that can arise when law partners break up, how to avoid these issues from the get go, and how to deal with them if they do arise to minimize any disruptions to serving your clients’ legal needs. 

For full speaker bios, visit The Houston Lawyer (hba.org/thehoustonlawyer). To read The Houston Lawyer magazine, visit The Houston Lawyer_home. For more information about the Houston Bar Association, visit Houston Bar Association (hba.org).
*The views expressed in this episode do not necessarily reflect the views of The Houston Lawyer Editorial Board or the Houston Bar Association.

In this episode, we escape the summer heat of Houston to explore out-of-the-box places and ways to practice law. Listeners will hear about combatting sex trafficking in Kenya, living in Puerto Vallarta while virtually practicing law in Houston, and engaging in immersive travel without interrupting service to one’s clients in Houston. 

Segment 1:
There’s No Place Like Home (in Kenya): Combatting Sex Trafficking in Africa

Anna Swanson, who is now practicing in Houston, completed her work last year as the Manager of Security, Investigations, and Law Enforcement Development at International Justice Mission’s (“IJM”) field office in Mombasa, Kenya. In that position, Anna worked with government officials and law enforcement entities in different countries to train officials to use equipment and online investigation tools essential to investigate tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children digital world of evidence so that the evidence they obtained would be admissible in court. Anna discusses the types of child trafficking crimes in Kenya and how the court system there deals with defendants accused of such crimes. She also addresses the importance of collaboration and partnerships in achieving international legal goals – in this case protecting children. She also goes into some of the complexities of digital evidence and how the IJM and its partners were able to educate investigators, prosecutors, and even courts in Kenya on its use.

Segment 2:
You Had Me at Hola! (in Puerto Vallarta): Practicing Law in Texas While Living Abroad

Nikita Lamar of Lamar Legal Group (https://www.lamarlegalgroup.com/about-6) joins us from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. She has an almost fully virtual law practice as a Houston lawyer living elsewhere. Nikita discusses why attorneys sometimes need to pivot, such as burnout. She also addresses the logistics of changing a firm's practice model to permit moving the practice out of the country, such as necessary changes to client engagement letters, and she talks about what lawyers moving abroad need to consider with regard to Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct 1.03 and 1.05. And, she touches on the importance of exploring Digital Nomad laws and tax implications of the locations you are considering and getting the advice of a tax professional before making a move. Nikita has started an online group called “Esquires Abroad” for lawyers who have virtual practices and live abroad (https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12974315).

Segment 3:
Adventure is Out There: Enjoying Geographic Freedom While Maintaining a Successful Law Practice

Arati Bhattacharya of AB Law (https://ab-firm.com/meet-the-team/) talks with new Behind-the-Lines interviewer Rinku Ray about how Arati structured her firm so that her family can engage in immersive travel experiences while she maintains a successful legal practice in Houston. Arati provides pointers and encouragement for lawyers who would like to take control of their lives and legal practices but may be afraid to do so.  

HBA members are eligible for 0.75 hr. CLE credit (0.25 ethics) for listening to the 1st 2 segments. See The Houston Lawyer Committee page on the HBA website for de

For full speaker bios, visit The Houston Lawyer (hba.org/thehoustonlawyer). To read The Houston Lawyer magazine, visit The Houston Lawyer_home. For more information about the Houston Bar Association, visit Houston Bar Association (hba.org).
*The views expressed in this episode do not necessarily reflect the views of The Houston Lawyer Editorial Board or the Houston Bar Association.

This episode corresponds with the Bill of Rights issue of The Houston Lawyer magazine.  It addresses several of the rights in the “bright constellation of rights,” including free speech, bearing arms, protection from unlawful search and seizure, and jury trials. Houston lawyers, academics, and a jury consultant tackle issues associated with these rights.

 Segments One and Two: Second Amendment

 Professor Josh Blackman of South Texas College of Law Houston and Professor Martin Levy of Thurgood Marshall School of Law provide different academic perspectives on the historical background of the Second Amendment and recent and upcoming cases that interpret the right and the history related to it. 

 Segment Three: First Amendment

 Randy Hiroshige of the Texas Civil Rights project discusses a case involving the First Amendment that is currently being played out in Houston: Food Not Bombs v. City of Houston. It is an ongoing case, and this interview provides the plaintiff’s perspective.  The City of Houston did not respond to a request for comment.  

BTL Interviewer Rachael Thompson is the interviewer on this segment.

Segment Four: Fourth Amendment

Laisha Harris, and Assistant Public Defender in the Felony Trial Division of the Harris County Public Defender’s Office, discusses how technology and artificial intelligence impact the rights secured by the Fourth Amendment. 

Segment Five: Jury Trial

 Dr. Samantha Holmes of Edge Litigation Consulting, LLC, provides insight into the right to a jury trial from a jury consultant, data scientist, and social psychologist’s perspective.  Dr. Holmes also provides some data from her ongoing research relating to the public’s perception of our judicial system. 

This is the final episode of Season Four of Behind the Lines: The Houston Lawyer Podcast. Thanks so much to our guests, the Editorial Board of The Houston Lawyer magazine, and the Houston Bar Association staff for their work and support throughout the season.  And congratulations to our outgoing Editor in Chief, Liz Malpass, and our incoming Editor in Chief, Andrew Pearce.  Talk to you soon – in Season Five! 

For full speaker bios, visit The Houston Lawyer (hba.org/thehoustonlawyer). To read The Houston Lawyer magazine, visit The Houston Lawyer_home. For more information about the Houston Bar Association, visit Houston Bar Association (hba.org).
*The views expressed in this episode do not necessarily reflect the views of The Houston Lawyer Editorial Board or the Houston Bar Association.

This special supplemental episode provides tips for businesses and homeowners whose homes or businesses were damaged during the May 16, 2024 storm in Houston. Thanks to guests Justin Ratley (Munsch Hardt) and Carey Worrell (Simple Law TX) for being willing to join us with very short notice to assist Houstonians who are dealing with the aftermath of this devastating weather event. 

For full speaker bios, visit The Houston Lawyer (hba.org/thehoustonlawyer). To read The Houston Lawyer magazine, visit The Houston Lawyer_home. For more information about the Houston Bar Association, visit Houston Bar Association (hba.org).
*The views expressed in this episode do not necessarily reflect the views of The Houston Lawyer Editorial Board or the Houston Bar Association.

This episode highlights Houston judges who go the extra mile to serve the lawyers who practice in their courts and the parties who rely on our justice system to be fair, impartial, and efficient. It is a companion to the Bench-Bar Relationship issue of The Houston Lawyer magazine.

Segment 1: Practice Tips from a Seasoned Federal Judge

Featuring the Hon. Gray H. Miller
Judge Miller provides practice tips based on his 18 years on the federal bench, including tips relating to civility and professionalism.  Most of his tips are applicable to both federal and state-court litigators, and all lawyers will appreciate his discussion of civility in the profession. 

Segment 2: Building a User-Friendly Court

Featuring the Hon. Andrew Edison
Judge Edison addresses various user-friendly court procedures that make litigating easier and more civil for both judges and lawyers.  He also talks about the order he issued over the holidays in 2023 that went viral.

Segment 3: Wellness Break: Run with a Judge

Featuring the Hon. Amparo Guerra and Joshua Upham
Justice Amparo Guerra and HBA Wellness Committee member Joshua Upham discuss the HBA/HYLA Run with a Judge events and the wellness benefits of getting outside and moving. You do not have to be a runner to participate in the Run with a Judge events.

Segment 4: Escaping Afghanistan, Finding a New Home, and Meeting a Helpful Judicial Mentor

Featuring the Hon. April Farris and the Hon. Narges Hafedzada
BTL Interviewer: Mark Yablon
Judge Narges Hafedzada was a judge in Afghanistan prior to the Taliban resuming control of the country. She was instrumental in helping other Afghan judges leave the country and find opportunities elsewhere. When she arrived in Texas, Justice April Farris was appointed to be her judicial mentor and has helped her to find her bearings here in the United States. Judge Hafedzada addresses the prior justice system in Afghanistan, how she was forced to leave her home country because she was a woman judge, and what she is doing now to try to establish a new career in the United States. Justice Farris talks about how mentoring Judge Hafedzada was a wonderful experience. Both lawyers and non-lawyers will be moved by Judge Hafedzada's journey.

Segment 5: Sharing and Seeking Knowledge About Justice Systems

Featuring the Hon. Ravi Sandill 
Judge Sandill discusses his trip to India as part of a delegation of U.S. judges. He talks about some of the differences between the justice systems of India and the United States, what he learned there that he thinks would be helpful to our system, and what he thinks the judges in India learned from the U.S. judges.  

For full speaker bios, visit The Houston Lawyer (hba.org/thehoustonlawyer). To read The Houston Lawyer magazine, visit The Houston Lawyer_home. For more information about the Houston Bar Association, visit Houston Bar Association (hba.org).
*The views expressed in this episode do not necessarily reflect the views of The Houston Lawyer Editorial Board or the Houston Bar Association.

This episode celebrates Black History Month and focuses on diversity in our profession, allyship, history, and change.

1. The Mosaic of Differences Among Us: Interview with Donna Davis, Director of the Benny Agosto Center for Diversity at STCL-Houston. Ms Davis addresses the importance of understanding the mosaic of differences among us not only in legal education but in practice as we deal with clients and colleagues from diverse backgrounds and different generations. She also provides practical tips for firms for meeting all of the expectations of their teams so that they can retain a diverse and productive workforce.

2. Strengthening the Law School Applicant Pool: Interview with Mariesha Keys, Director of UHLC's Pre-Law Pipeline Programs. Ms. Keys, who is interviewed by BTL-Interviewer Rachael Thompson, discusses the goals, logistics, and benefits of the UHLC Pre-Law Pipeline Programs, as well as why these programs are beneficial to first-generation students who are trying to navigate the law-school admission process. Ms. Keys also talks about  how members of the legal community can get involved in these important initiative.

3.  Navigating the Unique Challenges of an HBCU: Interview with Dean Crystal Ridgley, Associate Dean of Admission, TSU-TMSL. Dean Ridgley, who is interviewed by BTL-Interviewer Anietie Akpan, discusses TMSL's rich 70-year history as an accredited law school that has empowered the disenfranchised and underserved; she also talks about unique considerations in admissions as a HBCU, what's happening with legal education throughout the nation, and how the Houston legal community can assist with the school's effort to reinvest in pipeline and pathway programs.

4. Impact of Allyship: Brenda Adimora. Ms. Adimora addresses why it is important for allies to step up for and support lawyers of color, especially in the wake of policy changes related to DEI initiatives that are being made in the wake of Students for Fair Admission v. Harvard.

5. Soldiers in Houston: Race, History, and Change. Gary Alfred discusses the Houston Riot of 1917, how the Black soldiers involved were convicted without Due Process, and the recent overturning of these convictions.  He then discusses the Veteran’s Legal Initiative in Houston and other ways Houston lawyers can use our law training to help those less fortunate.

6. Impact of Allyship: Alvin Adjei. Mr. Adjei addresses how allyship has impacted his career and discusses why having leaders in the firm or agency who understand and support you is important.

7. BLSA in Houston: Finding a Community and Preparing for Practice. Featuring Malik Wilson (STCL), Jeremiah Sowell (TMSL), and Erica Wheeler (UHLC), all presidents of the BLSA chapters at their law schools. BTL-Interviewer Anietie Akpan talks with these students about what they are doing to foster a sense of community for Black students in their law schools.

8. HYLA Allyship Committee: Reading, Learning, Listening, and Acting as Allies. Featuring Lena Silva and Cassie Maneen, Co-Chairs of the Committee.  This discussion focuses on the purposes of the committee and also provides substantive information on civil rights cases and issues that have been discussed in the books they have read for Allyship Book Club.

For full speaker bios, visit The Houston Lawyer (hba.org/thehoustonlawyer). To read The Houston Lawyer magazine, visit The Houston Lawyer_home. For more information about the Houston Bar Association, visit Houston Bar Association (hba.org).
*The views expressed in this episode do not necessarily reflect the views of The Houston Lawyer Editorial Board or the Houston Bar Association.

Houston Lawyers have looked forward to receiving each new issue of the Houston Lawyer (THL) magazine for the past 60 years. This episode celebrates both the rich, engaging, and award-winning content from our authors and the lawyers and staff members who have been a part of this publication. 

1. A Conversation with 1974-75 EIC Jim Perdue: A Seasoned Storyteller and Trial Trailblazer

Jim Perdue of Perdue and Kidd is one of the earliest editors in chief of THL and a legal legend known for pioneering many modern evidentiary techniques who is often referred to as the "Father of Texas Courtroom Storytelling." He discusses his time as EIC and provides some great advice for younger lawyers.

2. Spotlight on Dustin Rynders, Award-Winning Author of "Supporting Adults with Disabilities to Avoid Unnecessary Guardianship" (Jan./Feb. 2018)

Interviewer: Rachael Thompson of Winston & Strawn

Dustin Rynders, the Director of the Criminal Legal Program at Texas Civil Rights Project, discusses the substance of his 2018 article about Texas’s law relating to adult guardianship and provides an update and practical examples such as the very-public Brittney Spears case. He also discusses his work with Texas Civil Rights Project and pro bono opportunities.

3. Thank You, Round One

4. A Conversation with 2011-12 EIC Tamara Stiner Toomer: A THL Trailblazer

Tamara Stiner Toomer of Johnsen Law is the first Black EIC of THL. She discusses her time as an editor and some of the important legal issues the bar journal covered in 2011-12. 

5. Spotlight on Leigh Ganchan, Award-Winning Author of "Immigration & Naturalization Service Worksite Enforcement Operations Re-Emerge as National Security Priority" (2003)

Interviewer: Anietie Akpan of Royal Vopak

Leigh Ganchan, a Shareholder at Ogletree Deakins, discusses her award-winning article from 2003, which covered shifting priorities on large workforce enforcement site operations post-9-11. She also provides an update on how the Government’s priorities have shifted in the twenty years since she wrote the article.

6. Thank You, Round Two.

7.   A Conversation with 2023-24 EIC Elizabeth Furlow Malpass: Our Current Leader

Elizabeth Malpass discusses how and why she got involved with the Editorial Board, the positions she has held, some of the articles she has worked on, what we can expect in future issues this year, and how YOU can get involved.

8.  Thank You, Round Three.

9. Working EIC Moms Making It Work: Not Superwoman, Not Perfect, But Everything Is Fine

Panelists:  Farrah Martinez, EIC 2017-18, Taunya Painter, EIC 2019-20, Brooksie Boutet, EIC 2022-23, Elizabeth Malpass, Current EIC

The women on this segment have all served as editors in chief of THL while also working as lawyers and being moms. They discuss the broad topics in "Working Moms Making It Work," a 2018 article that Anna Archer wrote for THL that is part of a series of articles that won an award from the State Bar. The women frankly discuss how they manage so many responsibilities, noting that nobody is actually Superwoman and it is okay to not be perfect. In fact, sometimes cupcakes from H-E-B are just fine. 

For full speaker bios, visit The Houston Lawyer (hba.org/thehoustonlawyer). To read The Houston Lawyer magazine, visit The Houston Lawyer_home. For more information about the Houston Bar Association, visit Houston Bar Association (hba.org).
*The views expressed in this episode do not necessarily reflect the views of The Houston Lawyer Editorial Board or the Houston Bar Association.

For full speaker bios, visit The Houston Lawyer (hba.org/thehoustonlawyer). To read The Houston Lawyer magazine, visit The Houston Lawyer_home. For more information about the Houston Bar Association, visit Houston Bar Association (hba.org).
*The views expressed in this episode do not necessarily reflect the views of The Houston Lawyer Editorial Board or the Houston Bar Association.

This is Part Two of a Two-Part episode entitled "Client-Centered Approach: Pathway to In-House, Protecting Your Client's Data, and Privilege Concerns." Part One was "Pathway to In-House," and this Part addresses "Privilege and Privacy." It also contains a wonderful wellness break featuring the Hon. George Hanks, Jr.

Part Two. Segment One.

Protecting Your Client's Data in the Age of AI

Featuring Laura L. Ferguson, Partner, Locke Lord LLP. Interviewed by Behind-the-Lines Interviewer Anietie Akpan.

Laura discusses cybersecurity, privacy, and data breaches. She addresses laws relating to these areas, how AI impacts these areas, and the related ethical obligations.  And, she gives advice regarding how companies - and law firm managers - can protect themselves from cybersecurity threats. 

Part Two. Segment Two.

Wellness Break: Traveling Runner: The Hon. George Hanks on Completing Marathons on Every Continent

Featuring the Hon. George C. Hanks, Jr., U.S. District Court Judge, Southern District of Texas, Houston Division

Hear about some of the amazing places Judge Hanks has traveled to run, why he believes running while traveling is the best way to experience new places, and how this type of break from the stressors of a career in law is beneficial. You will also learn a little bit about how the law protects the environment in Antarctica. 

Part Two. Segment Three.

Privilege Considerations: In-House Lawyers, Privilege Logs, and UT

Featuring Gail Foster, E-Discovery Attorney, and Carolyn Southerland, Senior Consultant at Construction Discovery Experts. 

Gail and Carolyn first provide a quick review of attorney/client privilege. They also discuss (1) some of the complexities that arise when an in-house lawyer is also involved in business matters, and (2) current issues, including the recent University of Texas case decided by the Texas Supreme Court. Finally, they also delve into a few best practices for privilege logs and document review teams. 

This episode is approved for 1 hour of Texas CLE credit, including 1/2 hour of ethics credit, for lawyers who are also members of the Houston Bar Association. 

For full speaker bios, visit The Houston Lawyer (hba.org/thehoustonlawyer). To read The Houston Lawyer magazine, visit The Houston Lawyer_home. For more information about the Houston Bar Association, visit Houston Bar Association (hba.org).
*The views expressed in this episode do not necessarily reflect the views of The Houston Lawyer Editorial Board or the Houston Bar Association.

This episode of Behind the Lines: The Houston Lawyer Podcast is a double feature. Part One features four in-house lawyers who address their paths to in-house. Part Two features lawyers discussing Privilege and Data Privacy as well as a wellness break with the Hon. George Hanks, Jr., who has run a full marathon on all seven continents. This is Part One.

Pathway to In-House: Spotlight on Four Accomplished In-House Lawyers

Featuring Dani Sanchez, Sr. Director ACG at Academy Sports + Outdoors, Fermeen Fazal, Sr. Counsel, Chevron, Americas Exploration and Production, Marissa Marquez, Managing Labor and Employment Counsel at Houston Methodist Hospital, and Carson Brown, Compliance Counsel at LyondellBassell. These lawyers discuss the career paths leading to their current in-house roles, point out how certain experiences in prior roles benefit them as in-house counsel, and provide tips for other lawyers who are interested in eventually going in-house. 

This half of the episode is approved for 1 hour of CLE credit for lawyers who are also members of the Houston Bar Association.  See the HBA's CLE webpage for more details. 

Don't miss Part Two to learn more about Data Privacy, Privilege, and Judge Hanks's marathons. 

For full speaker bios, visit The Houston Lawyer (hba.org/thehoustonlawyer). To read The Houston Lawyer magazine, visit The Houston Lawyer_home. For more information about the Houston Bar Association, visit Houston Bar Association (hba.org).
*The views expressed in this episode do not necessarily reflect the views of The Houston Lawyer Editorial Board or the Houston Bar Association.

This episode focuses on hot topics that lawyers who do not go to court handle. 

Segment One: The Future Is Here: Drafting Contracts with Artificial Intelligence (13 minutes)
Guest Professor Frank Fagan explains what AI or ChatGPT is and discusses its ability to draft contracts and how this technology is impacting transactional law practice now.

Segment Two: Real Estate Law - What's Trending? (18 minutes)
Guest Adam Weaver, real estate counsel at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw and Pittman, explains what types of issues he keeps up with for his clients and what is currently trending in real estate law, and he provides a couple of predictions for future trends. 

Segment Three: Young Transactional Lawyer Spotlight: What Do You Do and Why? (15 minutes)
Featuring Nancy Molina, Nnamdi Ezenwa, Franklin Shen, Morgan Moore, Joe Holloway, and Eddie Michel, who explain what they do on a daily basis and why they decided to pursue their practice areas. 

Segment Four: Wellness Break: The HBA's Focus on Wellness (12 minutes)
Maggie Martin, the HBA's Director of Marketing and Communications and Managing Editor of The Houston Lawyer magazine first shares how she has recently made fitness an important part of her day and then briefly discusses some of the wellness initiatives the HBA implemented during the 2022-2023 Bar Year. Then, Samantha Torres, who is a member of the HBA's Board of Directors, discusses her involvement with some of these initiatives, why she wanted to be involved, and how the HBA is hoping to continue to make wellness a priority in the coming bar year. 

Segment Five: Tips for Establishing Your Own Non-Court-Centered Law Firm (12 minutes)
Carey Worrell, founder of Simple Law TX, has made it her mission to not go to court, and she provides tips to lawyers who are interested in establishing their own firm but don't want to be in court every day. 

Segment Six: Ancillary Organization Spotlight: Dispute Resolution Center (10 minutes)
Behind-the-Lines Guest Interviewer Anietie Akpan interviews Kevin Jacobs, the 2022-2023 Chair of the Dispute Resolution Center (DRC), and Nick Hall, Director of the DRC, about the DRC's mission, the important services this organization provides to our community, and how to become involved as a volunteer mediator. 

For full speaker bios, visit The Houston Lawyer (hba.org/thehoustonlawyer). To read The Houston Lawyer magazine, visit The Houston Lawyer_home. For more information about the Houston Bar Association, visit Houston Bar Association (hba.org).
*The views expressed in this episode do not necessarily reflect the views of The Houston Lawyer Editorial Board or the Houston Bar Association.

This episode corresponds with the Criminal Law issue of The Houston Lawyer magazine and considers criminal law from different perspectives. It includes interviews with the current U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas (S.D.Tex.), a Harris County Judge who presides over one of the criminal specialty courts in Harris County, the CEO of a Houston nonprofit agency that provides criminal defense and services for those who cannot afford a lawyer, and a former U.S. Attorney for the S.D. Tex. who became a criminal defense attorney after his public service career. It also includes a wellness break about the wellness initiatives being offered at South Texas College of Law-Houston (STCL).

Segment One: Confronting Gang Violence in Houston
Featuring U.S. Attorney for the S.D. Tex., Mr. Alamdar Hamdani. 
First, from the prosecution perspective, Mr. Alamdar Hamdani, the new U.S. Attorney for the S.D. Tex. (https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdtx/meet-us-attorney), discusses how his office works with other agencies to combat gang violence in Houston.

Segment Two: Restoring Competency: The Harris County Competency Restoration Court
Featuring the Hon. Lori Chambers-Gray
Second, we hear from the Hon. Lori Chambers-Gray about how the Harris County Competency Restoration Court works with criminal defendants who are incompetent to stand trial.

Wellness Break: South Texas College of Law - Houston Ensures Students Have the Wellness Tools They Need for Learning and Practicing Law
Featuring Dean Michael Barry, Lyndsay Garmond-Duvernay (STCL Senior Director of Student Support), and Jazmine Rivera (STCL Student Support Specialist)
Dean Barry, along with key wellness staff members Ms. Lyndsay Garland-Durvernay and Ms. Jazmine Rivera, talk about how they are prioritizing wellness and teaching their students to advocate for themselves. See https://www.stcl.edu/student-academic-affairs/wellness/ for more about STCL's wellness initiatives.

Segment Three: Restoring Justice with a Holistic Approach to Criminal Defense
Featuring Drew Willey (Founder & CEO of Restorying Justice, https://www.restoringjustice.org/), Interviewed by Rachael Thompson (Associate, Winston & Strawn, and Podcast Committee Member)
Mr. Drew Willey speaks with guest interviewer Rachael Thompson about why there is a need for a holistic approach to criminal defense for those who cannot afford adequate representation and how his organization is attempting to provide the services these individuals need.

Segment Four: From Public Service to Private Practice and Prosecution to Defense
Featuring Former S.D. Tex. U.S. Attorney (1999-2001)  Mervyn Mosbacker, Jr. (https://mosbacker.law/), Interviewed by Mark P. Yablon (Yablon Law, PLLC, and Podcast Committee Member)
Mr. Mervyn Mosbacker, Jr., who was the U.S. Attorney for the S.D. Tex. from 1999 to 2001, talks to guest interviewer Mark Yablon about his path to becoming the U.S. Attorney for the S.D. Tex. and his transition from that role to a successful criminal defense practice. 

For full speaker bios, visit The Houston Lawyer (hba.org/thehoustonlawyer). To read The Houston Lawyer magazine, visit The Houston Lawyer_home. For more information about the Houston Bar Association, visit Houston Bar Association (hba.org).
*The views expressed in this episode do not necessarily reflect the views of The Houston Lawyer Editorial Board or the Houston Bar Association.

Part One: Best Practices for Attorney Wellness (Segment One)

The first half of this episode is a panel discussion about best practices for attorney wellness featuring Amy Bice Larson, Managing Partner of BSP Law Houston, Elizabeth Stevens, HR Director of the Harris County District Attorney's Office, and Josie Morgan, COO of BoyarMiller.  These guests share the most successful attorney wellness initiatives in their offices or firms.  This panel discussion will be very interesting for attorneys who work in firm management or HR, or any attorney who is interested in what local legal employers are doing to make sure that the attorneys in their office stay well. They also take a deeper dive into wellness and address how attorneys need to look out for one another and specifically point out that the State Bar has programs that are of benefit to attorneys who are struggling with mental health issues.

Wellness Break: Slowing Down for Healing and Health: How Lawyers can Benefit from Restorative/Trauma-Informed Yoga (Segment Two)

The Wellness Break features Jessica Crutcher, who is a partner at Mayer Brown and also a yoga instructor. She shares how inclusive, trauma informed yoga and meditation classes can improve wellness in attorneys. 

Part Two: The Intersection of Law and Mental Health

This part of the episode focuses on the types of mental health issues that impact cases in different practice areas and how the lawyers deal manage these issues. It includes a lot of practical tips that will be particularly beneficial to younger lawyers.

The Intersection of Employment Law and Mental Health (Segment 3)

The third segment of this episode features Ashlee Grant, who is a partner at BakerHostetler and is and is board-certified in labor and employment law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.  Ashlee discusses the intersection of employment law and mental health and provides practical advice for employment lawyers who are faced with mental health issues in their cases.

The Intersection of Estate Planning, Guardianship, and Mental Health (Segment 4)

The fourth segment of this episode features John B. Henry, III, of the Law Office of John B. Henry, III, PLLC, who is interviewed by Behind the Lines interviewer Anietie Akpan.  John is certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in estate planning and probate law and is a certified elder law attorney by the National Elder Law Foundation.  John addresses how mental health and wellbeing issues impact his practice, including mental incapacity issues in his cases and how he manages mental wellbeing issues that his clients are dealing with.

The intersection of Family and Immigration Law and Mental Health (Segment 5)

The final segment of this episode features Jody-Ann Greenwood, who is the founder and managing attorney of Greenwood Legal Advocacy Group, PLLC where she has been practicing family and immigration law since 2016.  Behind the Lines interviewer Anietie Akpan interviews Jody-Ann about the types of mental health issues she encounters in both her family law and immigration law practices and how she effectively handles these issues. 

Listeners who are HBA members can receive up to 1.75 hours of TX CLE credit for listening to this episode. Details available at hba.org.

For full speaker bios, visit The Houston Lawyer (hba.org/thehoustonlawyer). To read The Houston Lawyer magazine, visit The Houston Lawyer_home. For more information about the Houston Bar Association, visit Houston Bar Association (hba.org).
*The views expressed in this episode do not necessarily reflect the views of The Houston Lawyer Editorial Board or the Houston Bar Association.

This episode of Behind the Lines: The Houston Lawyer Podcast features 3 panels about practicing while parenting in different stages and unique situations, a wellness break, & a spotlight on one of the Houston Bar Association's ancillary organizations. The episode has 2 titles because the content in the 3 main segments will be helpful in different ways to different people. The guests in these segments offer support and guidance to lawyer parents in various stages of their careers, provide context for colleagues who are not parents about the challenges they face, and give practical tips to legal employers about how to retain talented lawyer parents. The guests also discuss several legal topics associated with having children, including college savings plans and cyberbullying.

I. Lawyers: Practicing While Parenting Young Children / Legal Employers: How to Support and Retain Talented Parents of Young Children
In this segment, 3 lawyers who are also parents of young children---Maryann Zaki of Zaki Law, Sara M. Prasatik of Wilson Gibbs + Gorn, and Keri Brown of Baker Botts---discuss best practices for maternity/paternity leave, changing career paths, & how to make legal work environment more inviting to parent lawyers. Keri Brown also offers advice from a tax law perspective on college savings plans.

II. Wellness Break: Eating Right While on the Go with Nutritionist Catherine Kruppa

III. Lawyers: Practicing While Parenting in the Teen, Tweens, and Twenties / Legal Employers: Considering the Needs of More Seasoned Parent Lawyers
In this segment, Rachael Thompson of Winston & Strawn and Lewis Thomas of Lewis Thomas P.C., who are parents of children in the tweens, teens, or twenties, talk about how they manage their law practice while parenting older children. Rachael also addresses how her firm supports parent lawyers, and Lewis addresses starting your own firm to increase flexibility. The panelists also provide tips relating to cyber-bullying and best practices for teen-aged drivers during a traffic stop. 

IV.  Lawyers: Practicing While Adopting  / Legal Employers: Best Practices for Supporting and Retaining Talented Adoptive Parents
Heather Potts of Nathan Sommer Jacobs adopted 2 older children internationally while she was a practicing lawyer. She provides tips for lawyer who are considering international adoption, encourages adoption of older children, & discusses how firms or legal employers can provide a healthy environment that goes beyond FMLA requirements so that adoptive parents feel supported in their decisions, which leads to the lawyer being more of an asset to the lawyer’s employer. 

V. Ancillary Organization Spotlight: HVL’s Guardianship Partnership with HYLA
In this segment, Behind the Lines Interviewer Mark Yablon interviews the Honorable Jerry Simoneaux about the partnership between Houston Volunteer Lawyers and Houston Young Lawyers' Association. The Judge encourages listeners to become HVL volunteers and consider taking these types of cases.

CLE Credit
Listeners who are also members of the HBA can receive 1.5 hours of CLE credit for listening to this entire episode. Visit the HBA's CLE page for more details. 

For full speaker bios, visit The Houston Lawyer (hba.org/thehoustonlawyer). To read The Houston Lawyer magazine, visit The Houston Lawyer_home. For more information about the Houston Bar Association, visit Houston Bar Association (hba.org).
*The views expressed in this episode do not necessarily reflect the views of The Houston Lawyer Editorial Board or the Houston Bar Association.

This episode focuses on sports and entertainment law and includes interviews with lawyers who have successfully combined practicing law with something else they love, including a lawyer who has the privilege of working for his hometown team - the Houston Texans, two lawyers who were professional gamers prior to law school and are now prominent esports lawyers/podcasters, and a lawyer who pursued her passion for entertainment law.
Segment One:
Touchdown: Scoring the Job of a Lifetime
 Behind the Lines Interviewer: Anna Archer
Sunil Jamal, Associate Counsel of the Houston Texans, discusses his journey to becoming a lawyer for the Houston Texans, the types of projects he gets to work on, and ways in which lawyers who are interested in pursuing sports law can work towards achieving that goal.
Segment Two:
Game On: The Law of ESports
Behind the Lines Interviewer: Anna Archer
Nefi Lopez and Jake Hicks explain what esports is, why they became involved in the industry, the types of legal issues esports lawyers encounter, and how lawyers who are interested in competitive gaming and streaming can start to build a practice in this growing field of law. Nefi and Jake host a popular podcast about esports called "The Law of ESports," which is available at The Law of Esports Podcast (podbean.com).
Segment Three:
Wellness Break: Mindfulness
Behind the Lines Interviewer: Anna Archer
Professor Lonny Hoffman of University of Houston Law Center discusses mindfulness and provides a quick and easy exercise that will help busy lawyers slow down for just moment. For more about mindfulness, Professor Hoffman recommends visiting https://junghouston.org/mind-body-spirit-institute/.
Segment Four:
Something for Thee Lawyers: Megan Thee Stallion's "Album" Issues
Behind the Lines Interviewer: Anietie Akpan
Attorney Stephanie Hay, a local entertainment lawyer, discusses how she became an entertainment lawyer and provides an analysis of Megan Thee Stallion's recent legal issues relating to whether "Something for Thee Hotties" is an album or a mixed tape. She also provides tips for lawyer who are interested in practicing entertainment law.

Complete bios of all of our amazing guests are available at https://www.hba.org/?pg=the-houston-lawyer-cmte. 

Members of the Houston Bar Association are eligible to receive 1.5 CLE credits for listening to this episode. Details are available on the HBA's CLE page. 

For full speaker bios, visit The Houston Lawyer (hba.org/thehoustonlawyer). To read The Houston Lawyer magazine, visit The Houston Lawyer_home. For more information about the Houston Bar Association, visit Houston Bar Association (hba.org).
*The views expressed in this episode do not necessarily reflect the views of The Houston Lawyer Editorial Board or the Houston Bar Association.

Welcome to Season Three of Behind the Lines: The Houston Lawyer Podcast!

This episode highlights the new HBA Presidents goals for the 2022-2023 Bar Year.

First, Behind the Lines host Anna Archer interviews HBA President Chris Popov, who introduces listeners to his goals for the bar year.  This sets the scene for the remainder of the episode as well as some of the underlying themes for Season Three of the podcast.  The three segments each address one of Popov's goals.  Popov also discusses how to get the most out of your HBA membership. 

Segment One: Elevating Civility in Litigation

This segment consists of two interviews conducted by new interviewers for the podcast - Mark Yablon and Anietie Akpan.  Mark interviews Fifth Circuit Judge Jennifer Walker Elrod, and Anietie interviews Harris County Felony Associate Judge Tiffany Hill.  Both judges address why Popov's goal of elevating civil discourse is important in the litigation context and provide advice for lawyers on how to elevate civil discourse in their practices. 

Segment Two: Overcoming the Impact of Vicarious Trauma

In this segment, Anna Archer interviews Alicia Freeman, who is the TLAP Clinical Professional for Texas Lawyer Assistance Program at the State Bar of Texas, about how vicarious trauma impacts lawyers and what to do about it.  This segment is inspired by Popov's goal of increasing wellness without our profession. Ms. Freeman prepared a PowerPoint presentation to accompany this interview that provides significant additional information. The PowerPoint can be found on The Houston Lawyer Committee's page of the hba.org website. 

Segment Three: HLRS: One of the Best Kept Secrets of the Bar

In our final segment, Anna Archer interviews Colin Pogge, the President of the Board of the Houston Lawyer Referral Association (HLRS) about how this organization partners with the HBA, what services it provides to Houstonians in need of legal assistance, and the ways in which being a member of HLRS is beneficial to Houston lawyers. 

We are looking forward to providing Houston lawyers and the Houston community with more content about elevating civil discourse, attorney wellness, and the HBA's partnerships with its ancillary organization during this season, as well as our usual fantastic content that focuses on the theme of each issue of the HBA's The Houston Lawyer magazine.  Be sure to check out the interesting articles available in the July/August issue, available at www.thehoustonlawyer.com, or in your mailbox if you are an HBA member.

The biographies of our guests can be found on The Houston Lawyer's HBA webpage, hba.org/thehoustonlawyer.  Thank you to all of the guests for joining us Behind the Lines.

HBA members are eligible to receive 1 hour of Texas CLE credit, including 30 minutes of ethics credit.  Find out more on the CLE page of hba.org. 

For full speaker bios, visit The Houston Lawyer (hba.org/thehoustonlawyer). To read The Houston Lawyer magazine, visit The Houston Lawyer_home. For more information about the Houston Bar Association, visit Houston Bar Association (hba.org).
*The views expressed in this episode do not necessarily reflect the views of The Houston Lawyer Editorial Board or the Houston Bar Association.

This episode focuses on ways in which lawyers can use their voices to effectuate change.

The first segment, "In the Literal Room: Running for Office to Be Part of the Change," features an interview with Harris County Attorney Christian Menafee.  County Attorney Menafee addresses deciding to run for office and the logistics of doing so, and he talks about what holding office has been like for him.  This interview will be inspirational for attorneys who have been considering running for office to get into the "room where it happens."

The second segment, "In the Virtual Room: Influencing Understanding on Social Media," features an interview with Zach Wolfe, the creator of Five-Minute Law and a Houston Law Twitter influencer.  Zach discusses how he got started on social media and some of the ways social media can be a positive way to learn more about the law. He also provides tips for lawyers who may want to expand their social media presence and provides some tips for attorney wellness as well.

The third segment, "Belonging in the Room: Yes You Do!" features Anietie Akpan, Tracy LeRoy, and Kiara Gradney.  This panel addresses imposter syndrome--what it means, how it feels, how it can impact your career, ways in which more seasoned lawyers can help, and tips for lawyers who are dealing with imposter syndrome.

Please note that the views expressed on Behind the Lines: The Houston Lawyer Podcast are those of the panelists only and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Houston Bar Association, The Houston Lawyer Editorial Board, or the Podcast Committee. 

More information about the guests on this episode is available on The Houston Lawyer Committee webpage, available at hba.org/thehoustonlawyer.

Members of the HBA may receive 1.5 hours of CLE credit (no ethics) for listening to this episode -- information is available at hba.org on the CLE page.

"The Evolving Legal Landscape" issue of The Houston Lawyer will be available soon at www.thehoustonlawyer.com.  HBA members will receive a hard copy of the magazine in the mail.

For full speaker bios, visit The Houston Lawyer (hba.org/thehoustonlawyer). To read The Houston Lawyer magazine, visit The Houston Lawyer_home. For more information about the Houston Bar Association, visit Houston Bar Association (hba.org).
*The views expressed in this episode do not necessarily reflect the views of The Houston Lawyer Editorial Board or the Houston Bar Association.

This episode corresponds with the Bench-Bar issue of The Houston Lawyer magazine, and it focuses on the service of four Houston area judges who serve the Bar and the citizens of Harris County both inside and outside of the courtroom.

An Interview with the Hon. Yvonne Ho, U.S. Magistrate Judge. In the first segment, which is approximately 30 minutes long, The Houston Lawyer Podcast Host Anna Archer talks with the newest federal Magistrate Judge in the Southern District of Texas about her journey to the bench, her hopes regarding her relationship with the Bar, how she plans to continue mentoring now that she is a judge, and her views on diversity in the judiciary. Judge Ho also provides tips to lawyers who will be practicing in her court. 

Keeping the Wheels of Justice Turning: A Spotlight on Three Houston Area Administrative Judges. In the second segment, which is about 45 minutes long, The Houston Lawyer Podcast Host Anna Archer interviews the Hon. Kelli Johnson of the 178th Criminal District Court and Administrative Judge of the Felony Criminal Division, the Hon. Michelle Moore of the 314th District Court and Administrative Judge of the Juvenile Division, and the Hon. Angela Graves-Harrington of the 246th Family District Court and Administrative Judge of the Harris County Board of Family District Judges. The judges discuss the roles of administrative judges in Houston, how all of the recent disasters impacted our courts, and how the judges have worked with the Bar to keep the wheels of justice turning in Harris County after Hurricane Harvey, the Covid-19 pandemic, and Winter Storm Uri.  

Off the Record: Alex Weatherford’s Silver Linings After a Traumatic and Life-Changing Accident.   The third segment is a bonus segment. HBA President Jennifer Hasley interviews Alex Weatherford, who is featured in the Off the Record feature in this month’s magazine, about his road to recovery after a traumatic accident that dramatically changed his life, his experience with a groundbreaking surgery, and how his supportive family and firm environments have enabled him to continue to keep a positive attitude.

Listeners to the first two segments who are also HBA members are eligible for 1.25 hours of CLE credit, including .25 ethics. Visit the HBA's CLE page for more information.

Be sure to read this month's issue of The Houston Lawyer, which provides numerous articles highlighting the amenable professional relationships between Houston judges and members of the Bar. It will be available in early May at thehoustonlawyer.com. 

More information about the guests on this episode can be found on The Houston Lawyer Committee's HBA webpage, www.hba.org/thehoustonlawyer. 

For full speaker bios, visit The Houston Lawyer (hba.org/thehoustonlawyer). To read The Houston Lawyer magazine, visit The Houston Lawyer_home. For more information about the Houston Bar Association, visit Houston Bar Association (hba.org).
*The views expressed in this episode do not necessarily reflect the views of The Houston Lawyer Editorial Board or the Houston Bar Association.

This special spotlight episode of Behind the Lines: The Houston Lawyer Podcast corresponds with the Section Spotlight feature of The Houston Lawyer magazine.

We are featuring the Houston Bar Association's (HBA) Law Practice Management Section in this episode.  The spotlighted program is a hybrid (online and in person) CLE presentation provided by the section in March 2022. The CLE, entitled "The Best of the ABA Techshow 2022," was presented by Ruby Powers. The ABA Techshow is an event where lawyers, legal professionals, and technology experts convene once a year to share ideas, talk trends, and improve the legal profession. Ms. Powers attended the entire conference and spoke on two panels. Her presentation provides the key takeaways from the three-day event and highlights the useful tips that law practice managers can instantly put into place.  Ms. Powers refers to some slides and websites in her presentation, and listeners can find those on the HBA's The Houston Lawyer webpage: www.hba.org/thehoustonlawyer. Note that because the podcast contains a recording of a live event, there is some unavoidable background noise. 

Ruby Powers is the owner and managing partner of Powers Law Group Immigration Law Firm in Houston.  She is an active member of the HBA Law Practice Management Section, and she is on the Editorial Board of The Houston Lawyer magazine.

"The Law Practice Management Section Provides information and resources to HBA members about building and managing law practices more effectively and successfully while maintaining the highest standards of the legal profession. CLE-approved programs focus on both fundamental principles and emerging trends related to building and enhancing client relationships; office management and supervisory issues; effective use of legal technology; billing and accounting practices; and professionalism." (Law Practice Management (hba.org)). John Meredith is the 2021-2022 Chair of the Section.

Thanks to Ms. Powers, Mr. Meredity, and the Law Practice Management for sharing your program with Behind the Lines: The Houston Lawyer Podcast listeners. 

Listeners who are also HBA members are eligible for 45 minutes of Texas CLE credit. Visit Continuing Legal Education (hba.org) for more information. 

For full speaker bios, visit The Houston Lawyer (hba.org/thehoustonlawyer). To read The Houston Lawyer magazine, visit The Houston Lawyer_home. For more information about the Houston Bar Association, visit Houston Bar Association (hba.org).
*The views expressed in this episode do not necessarily reflect the views of The Houston Lawyer Editorial Board or the Houston Bar Association.

This episode of Behind the Lines: The Houston Lawyer Podcast is a companion to the Women in the Law issue of The Houston Lawyer and, like that issue, celebrates the accomplishments of women in the legal profession. It focuses primarily on celebrating how women lawyers excel at supporting other women, including colleagues, law students, and other women in the community who may particularly need the support of a lawyer.   

The first segment, which is moderated/guest hosted by Nico Zulli, is entitled "Outmaneuvering Bias: How Three Women with Intersectional Identities Have Thrived in the Legal Profession."  It features Cindy Dinh, Brittny Mandarino Curry, and Jill Yaziji, whose conversation is centered around Kimberle Crenshaw's definition of intersectionality, which is "basically a lens, a prism, for seeing the way in which various forms of inequality often operate together and exacerbate each other.” The guests discuss ways in which affinity groups, mentors, sponsors, and allies have helped them navigate through their legal careers. 

In the second segment, "Lending a Hand: How Lawyers Support Women Experiencing Overwhelming Legal Issues - A Conversation with Anne Chandler of HVL,"  Anne Chandler discusses some of the legal challenges she has been seeing since the pandemic that disproportionately impact women in our community and how lawyers and law students can help HVL support these women. 

The third segment, "Providing Expertise: A Discussion with Three Women Law Students About How Women Lawyers Can Be a Resource for the Next Generation,"  features Andriana Webb of Thurgood Marshall School of Law, Victoria Harmeyer of South Texas School of Law Houston, and Chelsea Ogan of University of Houston Law Center. These women are on the executive boards of the women's organizations of their law schools, and they address what they need from women lawyer mentors and what their vision is for the future of women in our profession.

This episode ends with some shout outs to amazing women from several different Houston women lawyers. 

Listeners will be uplifted and inspired by the guests on the episode, and it is well worth the time investment to hear what each of the amazing guests have to say about how to be a source of support to women in the profession, law school, and the community. 

Members of the HBA who listen to the entire episode can receive 1.75 hours of CLE with .75 ethics. The CLE number is available on the HBA website, hba.org/watchCLE.

For full speaker bios, visit The Houston Lawyer (hba.org/thehoustonlawyer). To read The Houston Lawyer magazine, visit The Houston Lawyer_home. For more information about the Houston Bar Association, visit Houston Bar Association (hba.org).
*The views expressed in this episode do not necessarily reflect the views of The Houston Lawyer Editorial Board or the Houston Bar Association.