As a follow-up to her panel discussion at the State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2022, Keri Blakinger joins Rocky Dhir to share more of her personal story and her perspectives on prisons in the United States. She discusses her incarceration experience, her passion for public records, and her newly released memoir, “Corrections in Ink.”
Keri Blakinger is a Texas-based journalist and the author of the “Corrections in Ink,” a memoir tracing her path from figure skating to heroin addiction to prison and, finally, to life as an investigative reporter covering mass incarceration.

Keri Blakinger’s Insights into Mass Incarceration

Space innovation is ramping up in Brownsville, Texas. The city experienced rapid change in the past decade after SpaceX set up operations, and many lawyers are excited to have a front row seat to a new era of space exploration and the innovations arising in aerospace law as a result. Rocky Dhir chats with Brownsville attorneys Victor Flores and Will Trevino about their recent articles in the Texas Bar Journal and their thoughts on new developments in space law, cybersecurity concerns, and the role of lawyers in shaping future space endeavors.
Check out their articles in the Texas Bar Journal:
Building a New Highway From Texas to Mars by Victor Flores
Space Hackers by Will Trevino
Victor A. Flores serves on the Texas City Attorneys Association Board of Directors, is the past president of the Texas Young Lawyers Association, and is the city attorney for the city of Brownsville.
Guillermo “Will” S. Trevino is a member of the State Bar of Texas Computer and Technology Section and serves as a member of its council. He is a deputy city attorney for the city of Brownsville.

SpaceX and the Future of Aerospace Law

Should We Be Able to Reclaim a Racist Slur – as a Registered Trademark?  In this special State Bar of Texas podcast, host Rocky Dihr welcomes Simon Tam, a musician, author, activist, and entrepreneur, whose efforts to trademark his band name “The Slants” prompted a nearly 10-year long legal battle that eventually wound up in the U.S. Supreme Court. Rocky and Simon discuss:
 

The Power of Reclaiming Culturally Controversial and Derogatory Terms

What it’s like to bring a Lawsuit Before the U.S. Supreme Court

The State of Free Speech

The Landmark Supreme Court Ruling in Tam’s Favor

The Relationship between Arts and Activism, and How to Create Positive Change with Lasting Impacts

 
Simon Tam is the the founder and bassist of “The Slants”, the world’s first and only all-Asian American dance rock band. Simon is also an author, activist, TEDx speaker and podcaster, who is passionate about changing the world with relentless optimism and compassion.

From Derogation to Reclamation: The Power Of Reclaiming ‘Racist’ Slurs with Simon Tam

What Are the Legal Implications of the Astroworld Aftermath? In November 2021, a fatal crowd crush occurred during the first night of the 2021 Astroworld Festival that resulted in the deaths of ten people, plus hundreds of serious injuries. Could this Catastrophe have been Prevented? 

Litigation attorneys, Saba Syed, Brent Turman and Barrett Robin join host, Laurence Colletti in this special episode to discuss:


Both the Plaintiffs’ and Defendants’ sides of the argument

Who Can Be Held Legally Responsible for Damages Suffered? 

Will There Be Criminal Charges Filed? 

And What Could the Event's Settlement Entail?

 
Session Topic: Astroworld Aftermath: Litigation and Its Impact on the Live Events Industry

Saba Syed is a Partner and Litigation Attorney at Bell Nunnally & Martin LLP.

Brent Turman is also a Partner and Litigation Attorney at Bell Nunnally & Martin LLP.

Barrett Robin Trial Attorney at Hamilton Wingo, LLP.

Astroworld’s Legal Fallout (State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2022)

Successful lawyers are successful storytellers. Special guest Corban Addision joins the podcast to discuss his most recent legal thriller “Wastelands”; and how lawyers can leverage the power of storytelling in their legal writing to advance justice and client advocacy. 

The book “Wastelands” tells the extraordinary, true story of how a rural, North Carolina community stood up against one of the world’s most powerful meatpacking companies polluting their communities – and won. 

Corban Addison is an attorney, activist, bestselling author, speaker and world traveler. He brings attention to human rights crises around the world through his thought-provoking books and legal publishings.  

Legal Storytelling and Legal Writing with Corban Addison (State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2022)

As the United States Supreme Court (SCOTUS) quickly approaches the final weeks of the term, it has yet to cast its opinion on a handful of crucial issues that linger on the minds of many Americans. Abortion, gun rights, immigration and the environment are just a few of the key issues in play. Trial Associate Susanna Rychlak Allen gives us an update on what we can expect from SCOTUS in its last leg of a highly controversial term and how things might look going forward. 

Susanna Rychlak Allen is a trial associate with Yetter Coleman, LLP. Susanna’s practice focuses on complex commercial litigation and includes experience representing clients in a variety of sectors, including technology, energy, and transportation, among others.

SCOTUS Update Susanna Rychlak Allen (State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2022)

When the COVID-19 pandemic surged in early 2020, it forced courthouses across the country to close their doors. For the nation’s legal system, that meant reimagining how to administer justice. It pushed technology to the forefront, and forced courts and lawyers to break with tradition and innovate in new ways. These new courtroom innovations may forever change the litigation landscape and practice of law going forward. Host Rocky Dihr, sits down with Chief Justice Tracy Christopher, Judge Emily Miskel, and Tom Leatherbury to discuss how the pandemic brought some welcome innovations to the justice process, but also several new challenges. 

Session Topic: Courtroom Transparency - How the COVID-19 Pandemic Altered Court Accessibility and What Transparency Looks Like in a Post - COVID World

Hon. Tracy Christopher was elected Chief Justice of the 14th Court of Appeals in November 2020. She first joined the Court when she was appointed as a Justice in December 2009.

Judge Emily Miskel has served as judge of the 470th district court of Collin County, Texas, since the court was created in 2015.

Tom Leatherbury is an appellate lawyer with Vinson & Elkins, LLP. Mr. Leatherbury boasts forty years of experience in state and federal appeals and trials.

Our Court System in a Post-COVID World (State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2022)

Thinking of entering family law? In this panel focused on helping young lawyers understand the nuances of practicing in this area of the law, listeners get varied perspectives from both judges and attorneys. Rocky Dhir chats with Judge Janice Berg, Judge Gloria López, and attorneys Jacob Cohen and Alicia Palmer about their experiences in family law practice and their favorite tidbits of wisdom from their panel – including their takes on:

Trusting that your legal education really has prepared you for what you’re doing (Really!)

Tactfully disagreeing with a judge

Setting appropriate client boundaries

And much more


Session Topic: What Every Young Lawyer Needs to Know about Family Law: Including a Perspective from the Bench

The Honorable Janice Berg is a judge in the 247th Family District Court in Harris County, Texas. 

The Honorable Gloria E. López is a judge in the 308th Family District Court in Harris County, Texas.

Jacob Cohen is an associate attorney at The Rainwater Firm in Houston, Texas. 

Alicia Palmer is an associate attorney at Kelly L. Fritsch, PC, in Houston, Texas.

Tips for New Lawyers in the Realm of Family Law (State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2022)

Recent amendments to Texas labor codes are making it far easier for workers to pursue a sexual harassment claim. Annual Meeting presenters Lea Ream and Karen Fitzgerald join podcast host Rocky Dhir to discuss the implications of these changes for Texas employers and what best practices should be followed to properly respond to and investigate harassment claims. Additionally, they elaborate on increased provisions for employees and offer insights on how victims of sexual harassment in the workplace should go about filing a claim. 

Lea A. Ream is a shareholder at Davidson Troilo Ream & Garza PC and maintains a civil litigation practice centered on commercial and employment matters. 

Karen Fitzgerald is the owner at Fitzgerald Law, PLLC, and is board certified in labor and employment law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

The New World of Addressing Sexual Harassment in the Workplace (State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2022)

The last two years have brought a variety of game-changers to employment law, in large part due to pandemic-era effects on employee/employer relationships. Host Rocky Dhir talks with Tony Campiti and Lawrence Morales about their Annual Meeting presentation on the latest trends and changes in employment law and what Texas lawyers, employers, and employees need to know. 

Tony Campiti is a partner and labor and employment attorney in the litigation section at the Holland & Knight, LLP, Dallas office, representing management exclusively in client counseling and litigation.

Lawrence Morales is a partner at The Morales Law Firm, PC, and a certified specialist in Labor and Employment law by the State Bar of Texas, Board of Legal Specialization.

The Newest New Things in Employment Law (State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2022)

The Fair Pay to Play Act has brought forth a whole slew of changes, questions, and (if we’re honest) confusion to the world of college sports. Laurence Coletti chats with Jeremy Evans about the details of the Act, which now allows college athletes to secure endorsements and sponsorships without losing scholarship eligibility. Jeremy talks about the pros and cons of athletes' new control over marketing their names, images, and likenesses and discusses some of the legal and ethical issues that have arisen since the Fair Pay to Play Act became effective in 2021. 

Session Topic: Name, Image, and Likeness: Dealmaking in the Entertainment, Media and Sports Industries

Jeremy M. Evans is the chief entrepreneur officer (CEO), founder & managing attorney at California Sports Lawyer.

Dealmaking Drama in Name, Image, and Likeness (State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2022)

This year’s keynote speaker offers a whole new perspective on work, life, mental health, and cross-industry cooperation. Restaurateur Chris Shepherd chats with Rocky Dhir about the challenges of the hospitality industry and how the Southern Smoke Foundation works to provide support for those in crisis. 

Chris Shepherd is founding director and honorary chairman of Southern Smoke Foundation.

Keynote Speaker Chris Shepherd (State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2022)

Every attorney dreads the day a crisis erupts. Because it will. But there are “good ways” and “bad ways” to prepare and react. Pretending it will never happen to you is the “bad way.”
Speakers David Margulies and Bradley Adams are experts in crisis management and communication and spoke at the State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting on what they’ve learned and how attorneys work with public relations teams both before and after a crisis erupts. 

Don’t hide, but speak only to the facts you know are facts

Social media influencers and mainstream media outlets are part of life. How do you respond, react, and reach out? 

Is it OK to empathize, sympathize, and even (gasp) apologize? 


Hear how to accept a crisis could hit you and understand how early preparation and planning can help. 

A Crisis Is Coming (Oh, Believe It). Are You Prepared? (State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2022)

Generation Z are the new up-and-comers in the legal world. What can we expect from them as they begin contributing to legal processes? From the Annual Meeting, Laurence Coletti talks with conference speakers Laura Graham and Jason Bloom, whose sessions focused on different aspects of Gen Z’s entrance into the legal system. Laura shares highlights from Gen Z: What Kind of Colleagues Will They Be?, delving into this peer group’s unique approach to the profession; and Jason recaps Jury Decision-Making and the Gen Z Juror, explaining how generational perspectives affect trial outcomes. 

Laura Graham is a professor of legal writing and director of legal analysis, writing, and research at Wake Forest University School of Law.

Jason Bloom, the founder and President of Bloom Strategic Consulting, Inc., has been a jury consultant for over 20 years.

Gen Z’s Impacts in Legal  (State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2022)

The 2022-2023 State Bar year marks a new chapter as Texas lawyers emerge from the pandemic and a sense of normalcy returns. Rocky Dhir talks with soon-to-be State Bar and TYLA presidents Laura Gibson and Michael Ritter about their plans for the coming year, particularly involving attorney succession planning, mental health and wellness, public education on legal processes, and much more. 

Laura Gibson is a member of Dentons' Litigation and Dispute Resolution practice and the Managing Partner of the Houston office and State Bar of Texas 2022-23 president-elect. 

Michael J. Ritter is senior counsel at Schmoyer Reinhard LLP and TYLA 2022-23 president-elect. 

Presidential Goals with Laura Gibson and Michael Ritter (State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2022)

After two years of hosting an entirely virtual event, the State Bar of Texas will be returning to an in-person Annual Meeting for 2022! Rocky Dhir talks with Bar president Sylvia Borunda Firth and executive director Trey Apffel about how this year’s conference will be run, taking into consideration all current CDC guidelines. They also chat about the exciting professional and social offerings for 2022 attendees.
Sylvia Borunda Firth is a solo practitioner in El Paso and president of the State Bar of Texas. 
E.A. “Trey” Apffel III is executive director of the State Bar of Texas.

What to Expect at the In-Person State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting

Why bother to become a board certified attorney? As it turns out, there are tons of advantages for your legal practice. The State Bar of Texas Podcast host Rocky Dhir welcomes Leo Figueroa to discuss the process of board certification and debunk common misconceptions. 
Leo Figueroa is executive director of the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
 
Special thanks to our sponsor, LawPay.
 

Demystifying Board Certification for Texas Lawyers

Time to meet your candidates! On March 10, Joe Escobedo and Cindy Tisdale participated in a live, virtual forum hosted by Rocky Dhir. Get to know Joe and Cindy as they share their priorities for the State Bar of Texas and answer audience questions. 
Register to join their next live forum on April 5! 
Joe Escobedo is a partner at Escobedo & Cardenas, LLP, in Edinburg, Texas, where he devotes his practice to tort litigation and mediations. 
Cindy Tisdale is a small firm attorney in Granbury, Texas, where she dedicates her practice to family law. She is also Of Counsel with Lynch, Chappell & Alsup in Midland.
Special thanks to our sponsor, LawPay.

2022 President-Elect Candidate Forum: Part 1

Women play a vital role in the legal profession, and their leadership should be encouraged and supported as we move into the future. State Bar of Texas podcast host Rocky Dhir talks with four deans of Texas law schools, Joan R.M. Bullock, Jennifer Collins, Felecia Epps, and Patricia Roberts, about their perspectives on women and the law. They discuss changing dynamics in work-life balance, overcoming bias, and how unique viewpoints from women in law enrich the legal profession.  
Joan R.M. Bullock is Dean of Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall School of Law. 
Jennifer M. Collins is the Judge James Noel Dean and Professor of Law at Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law.
Felecia Epps is Dean at the University of North Texas College of Law in Dallas. 
Patricia Roberts is Dean of Saint Mary’s University School of Law in San Antonio. 
 
Special thanks to our sponsor, LawPay.

Women and The Law: Perspectives From Women Deans of Texas Law Schools

The pandemic made many employers realize that they actually can do business with a remote staff, but there are still many issues to untangle as remote and/or hybrid work continues. To help attorneys understand the nuances of employment law for these new work situations, Rocky Dhir welcomes business and employment trial lawyer Trang Tran. They discuss how today’s common work situations interact with current laws and offer advice for protecting both employers and employees. 
Trang Tran is a trial lawyer who has been serving individuals and businesses for over 20 years.
Special thanks to our sponsors, Clio and LawPay.

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