JLTLA The Express Newsletter - JL Turner Legal Association

Page 2
JLTLA’s Firm
Foundation
Page 5
JLTLA Launches Trial
CLE Series
December 2010
Page 15
JLTLA Members on
the Move... check
out Kudos Korner
JLTLA The Express Newsletter
2010
Year-In-Review
JLTLA The Express Newsletter
.:.
December 2010 Issue
.:.
Page 1
2010
- A YEAR IN REVIEW
By Karen McCloud - JLTLA’S 2010 President
Dear JLTLA members and supporters:
It has been my extreme honor to serve as President of the J.L. Turner Legal Association
(“JLTLA”) this year. As I reflect back on 2010, I am instantly reminded of how busy we were
and how collaboratively we were able to advance JLTLA’s mission and critical initiatives.
These include:
• the success of several professional development initiatives, including the Trial Advocacy CLE Series; and other related
CLE programs which allowed JLTLA to showcase the skills of its members in a way that provided other members and
the local bar and community at- large with a chance to learn and further develop in their respective practice areas;
• JLTLA’s increased focus on civic engagement through targeted community service projects;
• mentoring and other related activities, including the Foundation’s annual signature Gala aimed at ensuring that we continue to provide local law students with support (financial and otherwise); and
• a series of events, including JLTLA’s first-ever past-Presidents’ dinner (pictured below) and several Board and related
advisory meetings, intended to provide opportunities to celebrate JLTLA’s history and serve as forums of discussions
during which both JLTLA’s leadership and membership came together to (i) brainstorm solutions to issues currently facing the organization and (ii) consider the strategic implementation of a carefully drafted action plan aimed at addressing
these issues and maintaining a high level of member engagement
In short, 2010 was an incredibly successful year for JLTLA and the organization certainly could not have achieved this level of success without the support of JLTLA’s members, sister bar associations, and other key civic and
charitable partners. The future of JLTLA looks bright and promising. The
organization’s upcoming leaders are enthusiastic, energetic and innovative.
As we enter 2011, this new slate of leaders will need your support even
more as we continue to work to advance our collective mission and individual professional and charitable aspirations. The JLTLA Express Newsletter is
intended to highlight JLTLA’s incredible 2010 year and showcase the myriad
of goals and objectives we as an organization of dedicated African-American practitioners accomplished together. I would like to personally thank
our sponsors for their generous sponsorship funds and
the Foundation for its generous grant. In addition, special thanks to JLTLA’s 2010
board members, committee
co-chairs, and members for
President - Karen McCloud
all of the great programming this year.
Vice President - Emmanuel Obi
In closing, JLTLA’s future is in our hands. JLTLA’s history is predicated on our need to bind together to address those issues warranting
President - Elect - Eric Blue
a strong collective response. Many stalwarts of JLTLA’s history, at
Treasurer - Wesley Terrell
great personal and professional costs, took affirmative steps to lay a
foundation for JLTLA. This foundation has enabled us to continually
Recording Secretary - Lacy Durham
come together in fellowship, networking and most important, social
activism consistent with our mission to improve the quality of life in
Corresponding Secretary - LaKeisha the African-American community through education, service and
Harmon
scholarship. For those of you who were actively engaged and participating, I urge you to remain engaged as well as recruit new memParliamentarian - Audrey Moorehead
bers. For those of you who were not actively engaged, I encourage
you to get actively involved. Together, we can continue to work colHistorian - L.A. Bedford, Jr.
laboratively as JLTLA’s founding members intended and continue to
make an impact on our profession and community at-large. Again,
Past President - Art Anthony
I thank you for this opportunity to serve.
Director - Mandy Price
Please enjoy this 2010 Year-In-Review edition of
JLTLA’s The Express Newsletter.
Director - Clifford Nkeyasen
2010
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
JLTLA The Express Newsletter
.:.
December 2010 Issue
.:.
Page 2
JLTLA’S FIRM “FOUNDATION”
The JLTLA Foundation (the “Foundation”) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit tax-exempt organization
with a mission to achieve equal justice and equality in our community by: (i) increasing the
number of minority attorneys, in part, by providing scholarships to deserving law students;
(ii) legal education and (iii) civic and charitable service. In 2010, the Foundation, under the
superb leadership of Chairperson Sonya D. Hoskins, experienced another stellar year.
Early in 2010, upon assuming her role as Chairperson, Sonya D. Hoskins articulated a multi-prong vision for the
Foundation which focused on the attainment of two key objectives:
• Securing funding to supplement the Foundation’s available resources so as to increase the number and
size of scholarships available for deserving African-American and other minority law students; and
• Enhancing the image of the Foundation by collaborating with JLTLA, other local and national civic and
charitable organizations in key initiatives designed to address issues impacting the pipeline of AfricanAmerican students entering the legal profession, current legal practitioners
and the community at large.
The Foundation increased its visibility by sponsoring and participating in
the inaugural JLTLA Juvenile Law Seminar—an event presented in conjunction with the Dallas County Juvenile Justice System. This Juvenile
Seminar was held at St. Luke United Methodist Church and was designed
to specifically provide an educational forum in which North Texas area residents could come together to discuss critical issues impacting juveniles in
our community. Participants in the JLTLA Juvenile Law Seminar included
Dallas County Juvenile Judges, Dallas County Prosecutors, attorneys, local
pastors, parents and students. Additionally, the Foundation awarded grants
to other organizations such as Jack
and Jill of America, Inc., St. Paul
United Methodist Church, JLTLA and
JLTLA’s phenomenal Paralegal Section. These grants further represent
the Foundation’s commitment to working collaboratively with other organizations to ensure that critical issues related to its and JLTLA’s mission are
continually advanced.
On October 9, 2010, the Foundation held its annual signature event—the
58th Scholarship & Awards Gala at the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Dallas. In a festive atmosphere accented by an ambiance of masquerade
mystique, the Foundation awarded in excess of $20,000 in scholarships to
six (6) minority law students from area law schools based upon academic
merit and financial need. This year’s recipients were: Victoria Nsikak (2L,
SMU), Kia Lusk (3L, Baylor), Jordan
Woody (2L, New York University);
Kristen vanBolden (2L, Texas Wesleyan); Cheremma Lee (3L, Texas Wesleyan). The scholarships were awarded in recognition of each recipient’s
commitment, dedication and outstanding performance in pursuit of a legal
education and future entry into the legal profession.
JLTLA extends a special thanks to Sonya D. Hoskins and the Foundation
Board for their excellent leadership and to the Honorable Cheryl Williams
and the Honorable Phyllis Lister-Brown for their remarkable and tireless efforts coordinating another fantastic Gala. Both JLTLA and the Foundation welcome Judge Phyllis Lister-Brown as the incoming 2011 Foundation
Chairperson and look forward to another fantastic year of collaboration and
collective progression.
JLTLA The Express Newsletter
.:.
December 2010 Issue
.:.
Page 3
JLTLA’s
COMMUNITY IMPACT
Contributions by Mandy Price & Alia Derrick
Consistent with JLTLA’s mission to make a positive impact on our community, JLTLA’s Community Outreach Committee coordinated several key community outreach initiatives, particularly: (i) DVAP Clinics; (ii) DBA LegalLines and (iii) the Street Law Program. DVAP Clinics:
About 3-5 times a year, JLTLA enters the heart of one of Dallas’ oldest and most impoverished communities to staff
the Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program’s South Dallas Legal Clinic. While there, JLTLA attorneys and paralegals
bridge the gap between low income persons in need of legal representation and attorneys looking to provide probono legal services. At the South Dallas Legal Clinic, JLTLA members interview potential pro-bono clients who
are later matched with volunteer attorneys.
DBA LegalLines:
LegalLines is a pro bono project sponsored by the Dallas Bar Association
(DBA) and essentially consists of a telephone hotline staffed by volunteer attorneys who anonymously answer basic legal questions for various callers.
During 2010, JLTLA attorneys staffed the LegalLines on May 19, June 16,
August 18, September 15, and October 20.
Street Law:
In 2010, JLTLA launched its version of the Street Law Program in collaboration with the Black Law Students Association of SMU. Street Law provides
practical legal education to high school students, young parents, youth in the
juvenile justice system, youth aging out of foster care, and other vulnerable populations. JLTLA’s purpose for
conducting Street Law workshops is three-fold: First, the program teaches students effective ways to interact
with law enforcement officers and methods of avoiding negative interactions.
Second, the program provides general mentoring to junior high and high
school students and exposes them to African-American attorneys in the Dallas area. Third, the workshops are designed to help generally develop and
educate student participants as to their legal Fourth and Fifth Amendment rights. Although the workshops are not a cure-all, they are part of an-ongoing
effort to utilize and develop our precious youth and to improve society in the
process. The primary and overriding goal of each workshop is to engage
youth participants in a discussion about the importance of taking responsibility for their own actions. This goal is reached by focusing on and conveying
the following simple theme: safety before pride. In addition, each workshop
attempts to impart a sense of respect for oneself and one’s community to each
youth participant.
In furtherance of the goals noted above, the Community Outreach Committee coordinated several Street Law
workshops, including the following:
• Marzelle C. Hill Transition Center (July 15, 2010)
• Boys and Girls Club Teen Conference (Eastfield College; August 12, 2010)
• United Way African-American Leadership Society Back to School Party
(Oak Cliff Boys and Girls Club; August 13, 2010)
• Jack and Jill Halloween Celebration (Family Place Shelter in Wynnewood Village; October 31, 2010)
JLTLA extends a special thanks to the Community Outreach Committee and all the JLTLA volunteers who
supported its 2010 programming as noted above.
JLTLA The Express Newsletter
.:.
December 2010 Issue
.:.
Page 4
ACES
HIGH FOR AIDS ARMS, INC.
By Mike Coles of The Coles Firm
AIDS Arms Inc. is a Dallas-based non-profit organization
dedicated to providing healthcare and support services
for the HIV positive population in North Texas. AIDS
Arms Inc. strives to assist those impacted by HIV and
AIDS achieve and maintain an optimal quality of life by
serving this community of clients through an intricate network of volunteers,
partner agencies, donors and other stakeholders in a truly altruistic collaborative effort aimed at improving access to care and wellness. AIDS Arms Inc.
combats HIV/AIDS in the community principally by taking affirmative steps to
prevent the rampant spread of HIV in our local community. In fact, AIDS Arms
Inc. is the largest nonprofit HIV/AIDS service organization in North Texas,
serving over 7,000 at risk and HIV infected individuals every year. AIDS Arms
Inc. offers a host of programs and services for both individuals at risk for becoming infected with HIV and those currently living with the disease.
Since its creation in 1986, AIDS Arms Inc. has served over 11,000 HIV+ individuals, their partners and families. This
is particularly significant because HIV is
reaching crisis levels in our community
with nearly 20,000 people living with the
disease today. Dallas County Health &
Human Services projects that there will
be over 25,200 living with HIV in Dallas
County by the year 2012. Since AIDS Arms Inc. cannot accomplish its mission alone, on March 26, 2010 JLTLA hosted “Aces High,” a charity fundraiser benefiting AIDS Arms Inc.. The event was held at the Hilton Anatole
and consisted of 25 teams playing Spades. At the end of the night a total of
$12,000 was raised for AIDS Arms Inc.. Special thanks to all JLTLA members
and other key partners involved in sponsoring, organizing and promoting this event and increasing awareness
on a critical issue impacting the community in which we all work and live.
JLTLA The Express Newsletter
.:.
December 2010 Issue
.:.
Page 5
GOT CLE?
JLTLA HELPS MEMBERS MASTER THE ART OF
Contributions by Emmanuel U. Obi
JLTLA is committed to ensuring that its members have access to premium professional development opportunities. To this end, in 2010, JLTLA presented interactive and innovative
Continuing Legal Education opportunities and other professional development programming. One key program launched by JLTLA in this regard is the JLTLA Trial Advocacy
CLE Series led by Judge Eric Moyé and Karen McCloud. Through this Trial Advocacy CLE
Series, JLTLA members had the opportunity to sharpen key trial advocacy skills in topicspecific seminars taught by JLTLA members who are regarded as some of the best and brightest trial
practitioners in the state and nationally.
Topics covered during this series include:
• Voir Dire (by Leon Carter & Tonya Parker)
• Opening Statements (by Nolan Knight & Tracey Wallace)
• Direct Examination (by Paul Stafford & Tracey Wallace)
• Cross Examinations (by Nick Pittman & Frederick Barrow)
• Expert Witness Testimony (by Ezekiel Tyson & Russell Wilson II)
• Evidence & Exhibits (by Tami Parker & Thelma Clardy)
• Closing Arguments (by Winifred Cannon & Vista Lyons) JLTLA was fortunate enough to have Judge Moyé serve as one of the administrators of the Trial Advocacy CLE
Series. Judge Moyé, the presiding judge of the 14th Judicial District Court in Dallas, has an extensive and impressive legal resume. In fact, after receiving his law degree from Harvard Law School, Judge Moyé began what has
now spanned 25 years of legal practice. Judge Moyé is also very active in legal education. For example, Judge
Moyé is an adjunct faculty member at SMU Dedman College and guest faculty member with the Harvard Law
School Trial Advocacy Workshop. When asked about the JLTLA Trial Advocacy CLE Series, Judge Moyé had
this to say:
TESTIMONIAL
“It seems to me that JLTLA is filling a critical
need with the Trial Advocacy CLE Series. There are far too many attorneys commencing their practices who are not afforded access to the practical post-law school
“nuts and bolts” legal education which new associates at large firms, the District
Attorney’s office and similar institutions have access. Now, all JLTLA members have
the opportunity to actually learn how to conduct voir dire of a jury panel, how to do
an opening statement, how to examine a witness and how to handle evidence and
much more. In short, our goal is to actually teach young lawyers how totry a case
from start to finish. Some of the finest trial lawyers in North Texas - who also happen
to be JLTLA members - give ninety minutes once a month to teach the fundamentals
of trial practice. Simply put, it is an invaluable opportunity.”
In addition to the Trial Advocacy LE Series, JLTLA also developed and presented the following CLE programs:
• The Grievance Process - How to Avoid and Best Respond to a Grievance - an ethics seminar featuring
JLTLA, featuring former grievance committee members David Small, Andrea Plumlee, Leora Olorunnisomo,
and moderated by JLTLA member Rhonda Hunter. Topics explored the current grievance process and
procedures, the major practice areas affected by grievances, the primary reasons attorneys get grievances
and tips on how to avoid grievances;
• What Every Non-IP Lawyer Should Know About Patents, Trademarks, and Copyrights to Better Assist
Business Clients - a Patent Law CLE presented by Gerald W. Roberts, a partner in the Intellectual Property
Trial Group of Thompson & Knight LLP;
• From the Mouths of Babes: Straight Talk about Legal Ethics - an Ethics CLE presented by Mike Coles
of The Coles Firm;
JLTLA The Express Newsletter
.:.
December 2010 Issue
.:.
Page 6
TRIAL ADVOCACY AND MUCH MORE!
• Expanding Your Productivity and Profitability Through Effective Business Development - a special business development program presented by P.J. Dunn, CCP and
CEO of DCDC Services and also featuring Leon Carter of Munck Carter, LLP, David
Godsey of Godsey Martin, PC, and Tonya Holt, Sr. Counsel, LSG Sky Chefs;
• Capital Punishment on Trial: Furman v. Georgia and the Death Penalty in Modern
America - a CLE co-sponsored by JLTLA and the DBA Legal History Discussion Group and featuring Dr.
David Oshinsky, Professor of History at the University of Texas at Austin;
• Veteran’s Day Community Law Clinic - a pro bono clinic sponsored by JLTLA, the Dallas Asian American
Bar Association, and the Hispanic Bar Association during which volunteer attorneys assisted veterans with
a myriad of legal questions and issues, including those related to family law, employment law, landlord/
tenant issues and much more; and
• JLTLA/DVAP Family Law Bootcamp - JLTLA, in conjunction with DVAP, sponsored a Family Law Boot
Camp CLE. The CLE was designed to teach participants the tools and techniques necessary for a productive and profitable family and general civil law practice. The speakers included some of today’s brightest
and most well-known lawyers in their respective practice areas, such as Craig Bonham, Dallas County Assistant District Attorney; Thelma Clardy, Family & Probate Law Attorney; Rhonda Hunter, Family Law Board
Certified Attorney; and Deborah Pritchett, Family Law Board Certified Attorney.
The Bootcamp topics included:
• Tips for Effective Law Office Management
• Hot Topics in Child Custody Jurisdiction
• Modification of Custody and Visitation Orders
• What Family Lawyers Need to Know about Domestic Violence, TROs, and Protective Orders, and
• Networking and Marketing Techniques that Work.
JLTLA thanks all JLTLA members who participated in the myriad of professional development programming we
had in 2010, including those who served as instructors and those members who took advantage of the programming. JLTLA looks forward to another exciting year of substantive CLE programming.
TESTIMONIAL
Frederick Barrow, a prominent and well
regarded labor and employment attorney in Dallas, and one of the instructors for
the Trial Advocacy CLE Series, had this to say about the Trial Ad CLE Series and
its significance: “As stated through personal accounts and memorialized in Quest
for Justice (by Darwin Payne), L.A. Bedford, C.B. Bunkley, W.J. Durham, and many
other early African-American attorneys in Dallas suffered stultifying injustices, including having to wait until the entire docket was called (and dispositions rendered)
before being allowed to present their matters before the court. The challenges
and disparate treatment that African-American attorneys faced in the mid-1950’s
continued throughout the 1960’s, exemplified by the fact that Mr. Bunkley’s and Mr.
Durham’s applications for membership in the Dallas Bar Association were never
acted upon – that is, until the January 2006 meeting of the DBA Board of Directors.
After being brought to the attention of the DBA Board by Paul K. Stafford, these applications were finally accepted, resulting in certificates of DBA membership being
posthumously presented to the families of Bunkley and Durham at the DBA’s 2006
Martin Luther King Jr. Awards Luncheon. This chapter of our history exemplifies the
necessity for African-American attorneys to be ready when called…whether it’s to
right a past wrong or to ensure present or future justice. If you want to be in the room, you must
strive to be excellent and indispensable. By providing our members with access to premium
courthouse training with first-rate judges and outstanding practitioners, the JLTLA Trial-Ad CLE
Series ensures that we remain at the ready.”
*To the extent you have an interest in presenting a CLE on a particular topic or have ideas on other
substantive professional development programs in 2011, please contact Eric Blue or Lori Hayward.
JLTLA The Express Newsletter
.:.
December 2010 Issue
.:.
Page 7
HISTORY
& CURRENT VALUE
By Sonya D. Hoskins
Over 85 years ago, during the first quarter of the 20th century, twelve African-American
pioneers with an interest in, and dedication to justice and ensuring civil rights for all, helped
advance the struggle of African-Americans in America when they initiated efforts that eventually culminated in the creation of one of the oldest and most prominent legal associations
for lawyers, judges, legal scholars and law students of color—the National Bar Association
(the “NBA”). At the time of the NBA’s founding, there were fewer than 1,000 African-American lawyers in the nation, and less than 120 belonged to the NBA. However,
by 1945, there were nearly 250 members representing 25% of the AfricanAmerican members of the bar. Over the past 85 years, the NBA has grown
enormously in size and influence as evidenced by the fact that currently there
are over 20,000 members, and 84 affiliate chapters. Over the years, the NBA
has become one of the most powerful organizational advocates for AfricanAmerican lawyers across the country. In fact, in conjunction with various state,
local, and national legal groups (including the ABA, ATLA, NAACP, LDF and
LCCR), the NBA co-sponsors various events to promote the continual development of the legal profession and its members and to advance critical legal,
civic and charitable issues impacting African-Americans and our local and
national communities at large.
As a long-standing member of the NBA, I personally invite all JLTLA members to join the NBA and take advantage
of the numerous benefits that come with membership, including, the following:
• Substantial discounts with certain NBA partner organizations, including American Airlines, United Parcel
Service (UPS), Brooks Brothers, and Zip Car;
• Participation in the NBA’s annual conventions, including the upcoming 86th NBA Annual Convention &
Exhibits, a large gathering of African-American lawyers, judges and legal scholars held in Baltimore, MD on
July 31-August 4, 2011;
• Connection to a network of more than 45,000 lawyers, judges, legal scholars and law students—a network
that provides an incredible framework for sharing ideas and cultivating strong professional ties;
• Access to approximately 100 continuing legal education programs on timely legal topics presented by legal
experts and respected and revered attorneys and judges within the profession; and
• Receipt of an electronic weekly newsletter which provides updates on critical local continuing legal education opportunities, job opportunities with top government agencies, law schools and Fortune 500 companies, federal nominations and judicial appointments, member promotions and other relevant news.
NBA membership also includes access to premium signature events. For example, in 2010, JLTLA hosted and co-sponsored a reception for NBA Region
V during the National Basketball Association’s All Star Weekend in Dallas. During this phenomenal high profile event, NBA members had the opportunity to
mix and mingle, as well as attend great substantive CLE programs (principally
focused on sports law). As I previously mentioned, I have been a member
of, and actively involved with the NBA my entire professional career and can
unequivocally say that this involvement has positively impacted my career and
professional development. I urge all JLTLA members to join the NBA today
and take advantage of all of the exciting upcoming events and other benefits!
Special Note: The NBA Membership Application and Early Bird Registration to the 86th NBA Annual Convention & Exhibits are available online for your convenience at www.nationalbar.org. If you have any questions about the NBA, feel free to call the NBA headquarters at (202) 842-3900.
JLTLA The Express Newsletter
.:.
December 2010 Issue
.:.
Page 8
ANOTHER “SPARKLING” YEAR DBWA’S 2010 HIGHLIGHTS
By Thelma Clardy, Shawnkeedra Houston, Tatiana Alexander
The Dallas Association of Black Women Attorneys was started in March 1983 by two attorneys, Thelma Sanders Clardy and Jessica Alexander, who both recognized a need to address the uniqueness of being an African-American female attorney in Dallas, Texas. At that
time, there were less than 30 African-American female attorneys in the DFW area. Thelma
and Jessica decided to organize an informal luncheon at the Belo Mansion and invited all
African-American women attorneys in the area. At that luncheon, over a dozen black female
attorneys gathered to break bread together and to discuss the need for an organization composed of AfricanAmerican female attorneys and focused on addressing issues impacting this key demographic of the Dallas
legal community. Based on the consensus reached during this
luncheon, DABWA was born.
2010 DBWA EVENTS
Since its inception, DBWA has been actively engaged in making a positive impact on the local legal community. Additionally,
individual DBWA members have excelled in the legal profession
as illustrated by their service on the boards of the State Bar of
Texas, Dallas Bar Association, the American Bar Association
and the National Bar Association. Trailblazer members include
Rhonda Hunter-the first African-American president of the Dallas
Bar Association, DeMetris Sampson - the first African-American
partner in a majority law firm in Dallas; Kim Askew – the first
African-American to serve as chair of the State Bar of Texas’
Board of Directors; Sonya D. Hoskins - a high-ranking officer
with the National Bar Association. Karen McCloud- the first African American president of the Dallas Association of Young Lawyers and the Dallas Women Lawyers Association. In the political
arena, trailblazer members include the Honorable Chief Justice
Carolyn Wright – the first African-American female elected as
Chief Justice of the Fifth Court of Appeals; Thelma Clardy - the
first African-American female elected to the DeSoto City Council;
Valencia Nash - the first African-American female elected as a
Dallas County justice of the peace; and Faith Johnson - the first
African-American female elected to the Criminal District Court.
Many other members have also ascended to the bench and/or
served in key positions with various federal and state governmental agencies.
Notably, DBWA’s membership has more than quadrupled since
that historic meeting in March 1983. As the membership grows,
DBWA members continue to make a difference in the lives of
the citizens of the Dallas metroplex, the nation, and worldwide.
Today, DBWA members continue to excel as partners in majority
law firms, owners of their own law firms, law professors, general
counsels in major corporations and key players in governmental entities and other
positions of distinction and
influence.
April
Inaugural Happy Hour at Iron Cactus: Attendees enjoyed appetizers, cocktails, and conversation on Iron Cactus’ rooftop patio.
June
“Girls on the Green” Golf Day at TopGolf Entertainment Complex: Attendees enjoyed driving,
chipping, putting as well as golf lessons and
breakfast.
July
Summer Madness Happy Hour at House of
Blues-Foundation Room: Attendees enjoyed
appetizers and beverages courtesy of Godsey
Martin Law Firm.
August
First ever DBWA cooking class: with Cajun Culinary Maestro, ‘The Bearded Chef’® at a private
home. The ladies learned recipes for quick,
easy, healthy delicious meals fit for any busy career woman and her family.
October
Annual Sparkler Luncheon was held at the home
of the Honorable Chief Justice Carolyn Wright.
During the Sparkler, DBWA awarded the first
Charlye O. Farris Award of Excellence to Chief
Justice Carolyn Wright. This annual DBWA event
celebrates women and honors their professional
and personal achievements. Ms. Farris was the
first black female lawyer to practice in the state
of Texas.
November
North Texas Food Bank Volunteer Event: DBWA
and the JLTLA Mentoring Committee organized
this event during which DBWA attorneys, paralegals, and law students spent the morning sorting various food items at a local food bank.
During 2010, DBWA had an
incredibly active and impressive year under the phenomenal leadership of co-chairs Shawnkeedra Houston and Tatiana Alexander.
JLTLA extends a special thanks to Shawnkeedra and Tatiana for all their hard
work and service to the organization.
JLTLA The Express Newsletter
.:.
December 2010 Issue
.:.
Page 9
JLTLA
PARTNERS WITH DALLAS CASA . . .
Contributions by Karen McCloud
A core component of JLTLA’s mission is service. In 2010, one critical aspect of this service
goal involved JLTLA’s affirmative steps to establish or strengthen partnerships with two key
civic allies—partnerships through which issues impacting our youth can be addressed productively: (i) Dallas CASA and (ii) the Big Brothers Big Sisters Amachi Project. DALLAS CASA PARTNERSHIP:
On an average day in Dallas County, nearly 2000 abused and neglected
children live in foster care because they cannot live safely at home. These
children need powerful voices to speak for them. That’s where Dallas Court
Appointed Special Advocates (“CASA”) comes in. CASA is a local organization that has been diligently at work addressing these staggering statistics
and related underlying issues. CASA volunteers are trained and supervised
to collect facts and make recommendations that help judges decide the best
possible outcome for each child. Sadly, for many children in these situations,
a CASA advocate is the only familiar face and constant support they have during a frightening and truly uncertain time in their young and tender lives. The
CASA volunteer role is a unique one because it enables a volunteer to have an
immediate and significant impact on the life of an abused or neglected child.
In recognition of this critical issue, JLTLA strengthened its partnership with
CASA through two key 2010 events aimed at raising awareness and attracting more JLTLA members to serve as CASA volunteers. The first event was a
happy hour social on July 23, 2010 at Ocean Prime, organized by JLTLA member Steve Bolden. During the event, attendees had an opportunity to hear
from CASA representatives and others about the contours of this issue and
the need for additional CASA volunteers, especially those from the AfricanAmerican community. As a follow-up to this event, JLTLA, in collaboration with
its Paralegal Section, co-sponsored a comprehensive informational session
held on August 24, 2010 at the Belo Mansion during which prospective CASA
volunteers were provided comprehensive information regarding CASA’s training requirements and overall volunteer process.
JLTLA will continue to be actively involved with this issue as it is one integral to the vitality of our community. If you would like to become a CASA volunteer or get additional information on the process, please
visit CASA’s website at http://www.dallascasa.org.
JLTLA The Express Newsletter
.:.
December 2010 Issue
.:.
Page 10
. . . AND BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS
THE AMACHI PROJECT:
Last year, under the leadership of Christina Melton Crain, the Dallas Bar Association became the first bar association in the state to join in the Amachi Texas mentorship effort. This
year JLTLA sought to assist the DBA in this worthwhile effort, and thus, partnered with Big
Brothers Big Sisters of North Texas in its Amachi Texas program.
Amachi Texas is a mentoring program which uses faith-based and secular
partners to match children ages 6 to 14 who have an incarcerated parent with
adult role models to break the intergenerational cycle of incarceration.
Amachi Texas became the first Amachi program to go statewide and has
served as a model for other states to replicate. The initial goal was to mentor 1,300 children who have incarcerated parents, building an infrastructure
across Texas to reach thousands more. To date, more than 5,000 Texas children have been paired with a caring adult.
Why is JLTLA involved? Well, shockingly, recent findings by the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics indicate that children of offenders have a 70 percent
greater likelihood of entering the criminal justice system. There are an estimated 2.4 million children affected by the nearly 1.5 million parents currently
incarcerated in prisons and jails. More than 7 million children (one in every 10) have a parent under some form
of criminal justice supervision, whether currently incarcerated, on probation, on parole or a history of incarceration.
In the Dallas-Fort Worth area alone, the Bureau Statistics of Justice reports there are about 70,000 children that
have an incarcerated parent. Programs such as Amachi Texas address these children’s specific needs and make
a difference in the potentially negative direction their lives are likely to take based on staggering statistics. It is
particularly critical for potential male “big brothers” to step forward as nearly
half of all boys whose parents are incarcerated will themselves be behind
bars, as juveniles or adults.
By serving one of the most at-risk populations in our society, programs such
as Amachi Texas will make great strides toward breaking the cycle of intergenerational incarceration and provide a better future for all Texans.
*To participate in the JLTLA/Amachi Texas program, contact Kristy
Brownlow at 972.573.2380 or [email protected]. Please mention
JLTLA when signing up! You can truly make a difference in the life of a
child, ultimately helping your community in the process. Sign up today!
WE NEED YOU IN 2011!
JOIN JLTLA TODAY
www.jltla.org
JLTLA The Express Newsletter
.:.
December 2010 Issue
.:.
Page 11
2010 – A MEMORABLE YEAR OF JLTLA
MENTORING By Kandace Walter & Kim Houston
JLTLA has established a long standing history of actively engaging in activities and supporting programming that provides our members (both students and actual practitioners) with
professionally rewarding mentoring opportunities. JLTLA’s dedication on this front is attributable, in part, to its mission. This commitment to mentoring, especially with respect to law
students, is also attributable to the basic reality that achieving individual success in the legal
profession is often a product of effective mentoring relationships – i.e. relationships in which a mentor conveys
his or her insight about how they’ve navigated the often complicated labyrinth of the legal arena or how they
handled certain distinct issues impacting their substantive or professional development to a mentee in need of
such critical insight.
The need for mentoring is particularly heightened in recent times given the
economic uncertainty that has impacted the legal market and that has kept
many law students and practitioners alike confused and unsure about their
careers. In this regard, JLTLA’s Mentoring Committee, under the excellent
leadership of Chairs, Kimberly Houston and Kandace Walter, developed
programs and activities designed to provide JLTLA mentors and mentees
with forums in which they could further their respective mentoring action
plans. The Mentoring Committee kicked off the 2010 year with a Mentoring
Barbeque held at the home of 2010 President Elect Eric Blue. During this
event, local SMU law students had the opportunity to mingle with attorneys
from numerous practice areas.
The Mentoring Committee also put on a Speed Mentoring event—an innovative program co-hosted by Godsey
Martin Law Firm. During this event, attorneys were stationed around the event venue with signs indicating their
respective practice areas (e.g. Employment Law, Criminal Defense, Solo Practitioner, In-House, Government
Attorney, Non-Practicing, General Litigation, etc.). Students from SMU and TWU law schools interacted with a
set of attorneys for a few minutes before rotating to the next practice area. At
the end of the event, the attorneys and students mingled freely.
As mentioned above, in light of the current economic atmosphere and the
uncertainties it has engendered in the minds of nervous graduating students, the Mentoring Committee organized and hosted a wine tasting event,
Charting a Career Path Outside OCI. This event was held at the law office
of Kelley Witherspoon & Associates and was moderated by Mike Coles, of
The Coles Firm. During this interactive event, Mr. Coles discussed each wine
and thereafter presented a question to the panel. This panel of experts, representing large firms, small firms, the District Attorney’s Office, and in-house
counsel, advised students on how to stand out in a sluggish job market and
distinguish themselves from other candidates.
As you can see, the Mentoring Committee was very busy this year providing
substantive networking events aimed at providing mentees and mentors with
great opportunities to advance their respective mentoring action plans.
JLTLA looks forward to another year of great mentoring programs and events
in 2011 and extends a special thanks to committee co-chairs Kandace Walter and Kimberly Houston and others involved in making 2010 a memorable
year of mentoring!
JLTLA The Express Newsletter
.:.
December 2010 Issue
.:.
Page 12
JLTLA PARALEGAL SECTION 2010
HIGHLIGHTS By Carla Dennis
2010 was another stellar year for JLTLA’s Paralegal Section. The Paralegal Section is focused on advancing critical issues impacting its members while supporting JLTLA’s broader
mission and remaining steadfastly committed to other critical social, civic and charitable
initiatives.
In 2010, the Paralegal Section’s members engaged in many notable activities. In fact the
Paralegal Section, (i) volunteered with the DVAP and specifically assisted with
screening applicants at legal aid clinics conducted at the Martin Luther King,
Jr. Recreation Center, and Friendship West Baptist Church; (ii) conducted
many continuing legal education seminars; (iii) participated in the Paralegal
Fair held at El Centro College; (iv) participated in collaborative events with
other paralegal associations; (v) presented the Section’s first scholarship
award to a paralegal student member; (vi) provided school supplies to youth
through the SAFE HANDS Summer Program; and (vii) hosted several networking social events. Notably, the Paralegal Section also became an affiliate
association of the National Association of Legal Assistants, Inc., and received
the President’s Award at the JLTLA Foundation’s 58th Annual Scholarship &
Awards Gala for the second year in a row! On May 15, 2010, the Paralegal Section
presented a seminar entitled “What Firms Really Want in a Paralegal” at the
Urban League of Greater Dallas. This is a yearly seminar during which the
Paralegal Section invites JLTLA attorneys from various law firms to speak with
its members about what qualities firms look for in a good paralegal. This is
an event the paralegal members look forward to each year because it gives
them an opportunity to hear directly from local attorneys in an interactive forum that enables them to ask questions and talk with practitioners one-on-one
at the conclusion of the seminar. The 2010 panelists were Karen McCloud,
JLTLA President, Eric Blue, JLTLA President-Elect, Frederick Barrow, Audrey
Moorehead and Robin Gant.
Additionally, for the first year, the Paralegal Section conducted a scholarship
essay contest and on August 14th, 2010, the Paralegal Section awarded this
first ever scholarship ($250) to Rene Reddick, one of its newest paralegal student members and a paralegal
student at ITT Technical Institute.
The success of the Paralegal Section this year would not have been possible without the tremendous and collective efforts of the Paralegal Section’s Officers/Board of Directors: Carla Dennis, Chair & President; Tangela Jackson, Vice-President/President-Elect; Sandra Key, Secretary;
Toya Walker, Treasurer; Loren Gilbert-Smith, Parliamentarian;
Linder McIntosh, Historian; Vivian Duren, Membership Chair;
Denisha Adams, Events Planning and Fundraising Chair;
President - Tangela Jackson
Terri Ford, Member-at-Large and Bylaws Chair, and GeorVice President/President-Elect - Toya Walker
gette Collins, Immediate Past President.
Secretary - Sandra Key
Treasurer - Phyllis Cephas
Parliamentarian - Loren Gilbert-Smith
Historian - Carla Dennis
Membership - Vivian Duren
Events Planning/Fundraising - Denisha Adams
Director/NALA Liaison - Carla Dennis
Director - Loren Gilbert-Smith
2011 OFFICERS
JLTLA The Express Newsletter
.:.
December 2010 Issue
.:.
Page 13
JLTLA 2011 MEMBERSHIP
ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Impressed by JLTLA’s 2010 activities and looking for a way to get more involved with JLTLA
in 2011? We can do even more with your help and, as such, we encourage you to consider
getting involved with one of JLTLA’s Committees. Read below for information on these Committees. Additional information is also available on the website…www.jltla.org.
MEMBERSHIP
• Help plan social events aimed at increasing membership numbers and fostering relationships between current members as well as prospective members.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
• Work with others to develop programs aimed at making a positive impact on our local community (See Page
3 for summary of 2010 activities).
CORPORATE COUNSEL
• Interested in networking with other attorneys who practice in the corporate
sector and/or discussing and learning about key corporate substantive developments? This is the committee for you!
DALLAS BLACK WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION
• Help to foster mutually beneficial relationships among African-American
women in the Dallas legal community. Please email [email protected]
for additional information. (See Page 8 for summary of 2010 activities).
MENTORSHIP
• This committee strives to provide guidance, advice, and inspiration to local law
students. (See Page 11 for summary of 2010 activities).
CRIMINAL LAW
• This committee represents the interests of attorneys practicing in all aspects of
criminal law, including defense attorneys as well as prosecutors, primarily by developing and presenting informative CLEs and other events.
PARALEGAL
• The purpose of the JLTLA Paralegal Section is to promote and encourage its members’ professional development in all areas of the law
and to ensure equal justice in the community through education, scholarship
and service. (See Page 12 for summary of 2010 activities).
WEBSITE
• Do you have an inner creative side that’s dying to come out? Well, volunteer for this committee and help manage a key aspect of JLTLA’s brand—the
website—which also serves as a resource about past and current activities of
the organization. Joel Winful maintains the information on the JLTLA website.
JLTLA The Express Newsletter
.:.
December 2010 Issue
.:.
Page 14
. . . GET INVOLVED!!
SCHOLARSHIP
• This committee works with the Foundation and other key JLTLA civic and charitable
partners to raise funds for law student scholarships in an effort to increase numbers of
attorneys of color in the work force.
PUBLIC POLICY
• Help JLTLA respond to and formulate strategic action plans with respect to key legal, civic and political
issues impacting the organization and its key constituencies.
BYLAWS
• Play a critical role in JLTLA’s governance structure by helping to maintain the organization’s bylaws and
other governing documents.
A History of Distinction
PAST PRESIDENTS
**Please also be on the lookout for the 2011 Membership Fair.
In 2010, President McCloud organized a membership fair and
happy hour event during which members and prospective
members had the opportunity to visit with the chairs of various
committees and find out ways to get involved. JLTLA looks
forward to your future involvement with the organization!
1952-1969 J.L. Turner, Jr.
1970-1971 C.B. Bunkley
1972-1974 Cleo Steele, Jr.
1975 Jasper Rowe
1976-1977 James Anderson
1978-1979 Ms. Joan Sessoms Ford
1980 Sam Biscoe
1981 Larry Baraka
1982-1983 Lorenzo Brown
1984 Walter Sutton
1985 Donald Hill
1986 Joe N. Wright
1987-1988 Ms. Thelma Sanders
1988-1989 Andrew Dunlap
1989-1990 Ms. DeMetris Sampson
1990-1991 Royce West
1991-1992 Ms. Rhonda Hunter
1992-1993 Rick Jordan
1993-1994 Ms. Josephine Dye
1995 Kenneth Walker
1996 A. Nick Pittman
1997 Stanley Mays
1998 Marlon Frazier
1999 Ms. Sonya D. Hoskins
2000 Ms. Monica McCoy Purdy
2001 Clement Osimetha
2002 Paul K. Stafford
2003 Joel K.B. Winful
2004 Daryl K. Washington
2005 Ms. Buena Vista Lyons
2006 Frederick J. Barrow
2007 Ms. Vicki D. Blanton
2008 E. Steve Bolden, II
2009 Art E. Anthony
JLTLA The Express Newsletter
.:.
December 2010 Issue
.:.
Page 15
KUDOS KORNER:
JLTLA would like to extend a heartfelt Kudos to the individuals listed below for the notable
awards, professional accomplishments and/or civic recognition they
received in 2010.1
JLTLA AWARD RECIPIENTS
• Sonya D. Hoskins—Recipient of the C.B. Bunkley Community Service Award
• Tonya Parker—Recipient of the J.L. Turner Committed Mentor Award
• Honorable Cheryl Lee Shannon—Recipient of the L.A. Bedford Distinguished Jurist Award
• Judge Renee H. Toliver—Recipient of the Sam A. Lindsay Professionalism and Ethics Award
PROFESSIONAL AWARDS & RECOGNITION
• Kim J. Askew—Selected as the recipient of the 2010 DBA Martin Luther King Jr. Justice Award
• Frederick Barrow—Recipient of the 2010 Paralegal Section Outstanding Advocate Award
• E. Leon Carter—Selected as the 2010 East Texas Baptist University Distinguished Alumni Award; 2010
Inductee to Carthage High School Hall of Fame; and 2011 DBA Martin Luther King Jr.
Justice Award
• Starlett A. Carter—Selected (and served) as the 2010 DVAP Lend-A-Lawyer
• Thelma Sanders Clardy— Elected Chair of the State Bar of Texas’ General Practice Solo & Small Firm
Section Council
• Judge Carlos R. Cortez—Selected as the 2010 Texas Wesleyan School of Law Distinguished Alumnus
• Lacy Durham—Appointed as Minority at Large Director to the Texas Young Lawyers Association Board of
Directors and as an ABA Business Law Section Fellow
• Laura Richardson-Harris—Runner-Up for 2010 Legal Aid of Northwest Texas Collin County Attorney of
the Year Award for providing more than 75 hours of pro bono service to the community
• Tonya Holt—Selected by the Dallas Business Journal as the 2010 Corporate Counsel of the Year Champion of Diversity Award
• Rhonda Hunter—Selected as a member of the House of Delegates to the American Bar
Association
• Earsa Jackson—Selected as one of the Best Franchise Lawyers in America; a Legal Eagle by Franchise
Times and as a 2010 Texas Rising Star
• Nolan Knight—Elected to the partnership of Munsch Hardt Koph and Harr
• Buena Vista Lyons—Elected to the partnership of Ford & Harrison LLP
• Jason Mathis—Selected as a 2010 Texas Rising Star
• Karen McCloud—Elected to the Dallas Bar Association Board of Directors; Elected to the
National Bar Association Board of Governors as an Affiliate Representative
• Audrey Moorehead—Elected as Chair-elect of the African-American Section for the State Bar of Texas
• Emmanuel Obi—Selected as a 2010 Outstanding Young Dallasite by the Dallas Junior Chamber of Commerce
1
The following list is a compilation of all responses to a JLTLA announcement soliciting such information for purposes of inclusion in this Year-In-Review. JLTLA thanks all of those members who submitted information.
JLTLA The Express Newsletter
.:.
December 2010 Issue
.:.
Page 16
RECOGNIZING JLTLA’S EXCELLENCE
• Jason Sanders—Elected to the partnership of Locke Lord Bissell & Liddell
• Paul Stafford—Elected as 2011 Dallas Bar Association President-Elect (First AfricanAmerican man to serve in this capacity)
• Richard G. Stewart, Jr.— Selected to serve as the President of the Patrick Higginbotham American Inn of Court for years 2009 – 11
• Renee H. Toliver—Appointed as Magistrate Judge for the Northern District of Texas
• Honorable Chief Justice Carolyn Wright —Recipient of the 2010 National Association of Women’s Lawyer
Leadership Award; Recipient of 2010 DBWA Charlie O. Farris Award
2010 POLITICAL UPDATES2
The following attorneys were successful in their bids for re-election or election:
• Stefani Carter - Elected State Representative for District 102
• Judge Carlos Cortez – 44th Judicial District
• Judge Dennise Garcia – 303rd Judicial District
• Judge-Elect Julia Hayes – County Criminal Court No. 2
• Judge-Elect Clay Jenkins – Dallas County Judge
• Eric Johnson- State Representative for District 100
• Judge Angela King – County Criminal Court No. 6
• Judge-Elect Etta J. Mullin – County Criminal Court No. 5
• Judge-Elect Tonya Parker – 116th Judicial District
• Judge-Elect Andrea Plumlee – 330th Judicial District
• Judge Cheryl Lee Shannon – 305th Judicial District
• Judge Gena Slaughter – 191st Judicial District
• Judge-Elect Brenda Hull Thompson – Probate Court No. 1
• Judge Fred Tinsley – 195th Judicial District
• Craig Watkins - Dallas County District Attorney
• Judge Ernest White – 194th Judicial District
• Chief Justice Carolyn Wright – Fifth District Court of Appeals
JLTLA PARALEGAL SECTION AWARD RECIPIENTS
• Carla Dennis—Recipient of the 2010 JLTLA President’s Award
• Toya Walker—Recipient of the 2010 Outstanding Paralegal Award
• Loren Gilbert-Smith—Recipient of the First Paralegal Committee Chair Award
• Terri Ford & Celestine Foley—Recipients of Devoted Service Awards for 10 years service to JLTLA
• Sandra Key—Completed and conferred a Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Trial Law Award
PRESIDENT’S 2010 AWARD RECIPIENTS:
• Tatiana Alexander
• Mike Coles
• Carla Dennis
• David Godsey
2
• Shawnkeedra Houston
• Vernetta Kinnard
• Audrey Moorehead
• Judge Eric Moyè
Based on unofficial Dallas County election results.
JLTLA The Express Newsletter
.:.
December 2010 Issue
.:.
Page 17
VISION 2011
ERIC BLUE - INCOMING JLTLA PRESIDENT
I want to thank the membership for the opportunity to
serve as the 2011 President of the J.L. Turner Legal Association and President McCloud for the amazing job
she did advancing JLTLA’s goals and mission in 2010.
Throughout our history, this organization has been one of
the finest legal organizations in America and has consistently provided its members with a forum in which we can interact and network
with colleagues, address local and national issues of importance to members
of the legal community and provide ongoing mentoring and professional development training opportunities. Throughout the 2011 calendar year, we will
focus on three (3) key areas of growth and development for the organization:
• Membership Engagement: a continued focus on growing the membership ranks of the organization by reaching out to newly minted members
of the bar and reengaging existing members of the legal community
and demonstrating to these individuals the value proposition associated
with becoming a member of our fine organization;
• Professional Development: allowing our members to showcase their
talents and areas of expertise by sponsoring and co-sponsoring CLEs,
professional development and practice development programs on a
standalone basis as well as in conjunction with our local sister bars and
the DBA; and
• Community Focus: building new ties as well as strengthening existing
ones, to ensure that our organization is at the forefront of issues of importance in our community.
In closing, I look forward to serving you and encourage each and every member to get involved as we strive towards continued excellence.
2011
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President - Eric Blue
Vice President - Mandy Price
President-Elect - Lori Hayward
Treasurer - Wesley Terrell
Recording Secretary - Kandace Walter
Corresponding Secretary - Tiffany Alvoid
Past President - Karen McCloud
Directors
LaKeisha Harmon
Lacy Durham
JLTLA The Express Newsletter
.:.
December 2010 Issue
.:.
Page 18
2010 NEWSLETTER CREDITS
Many many hours went into the compilation of this newsletter. We thank all who
contributed content, sent pictures, and gave feedback! But special thanks should
go to:
• JLTLA members/attorneys, Emmanuel U. Obi and Kandace D. Walter, who compiled the articles featured in this 2010 Issue of The Express Newsletter.
• Creative Design & Layout by Idora Caldwell of Caldwell Creative.:. Marketing&Design
JLTLA The Express Newsletter
.:.
SPONSOR
PAGE
Thanks for your continued support of JLTLA!
December 2010 Issue
.:.
Page 19
JLTLA The Express Newsletter
.:.
December 2010 Issue
.:.
Page 20
SPONSOR
PAGE
Thanks for your continued support of JLTLA!
For more information or to apply, contact your local
BBVA Compass Mortgage Professional:
Lisa Flynn
Office 972 705 4440
Cell 214 673 0497
[email protected]
www.bbvacompass.com
JLTLA The Express Newsletter
.:.
December 2010 Issue
2010 - A LOOK BACK
.:.
Page 21
JLTLA The Express Newsletter
JOIN US NEXT YEAR!
.:.
December 2010 Issue
.:.
Page 22
Talk to a member today
about the benefits
JOIN the JLTLA
WE NEED YOU
IN 2011!
www.jltla.org
The views expressed herein are not necessarily the views of the J.L.
Turner Legal Association or any of its individual members.