Navigation From Houston to Dallas to El Paso, one issue that unites attorneys in the Lone Star State is: we suck at billing our clients. I didn’t go to law school (don’t ask me how long ago) to learn how to become a bill collector, and my school certainly didn’t offer any law firm management courses. […]
'Local Law News' Category Archives
Sponsored Content: The Key to Maximizing Mineral Interests in a Trust
Mineral ownership is often fractionalized, creating a complex situation for attorneys working to protect their clients’ interests and maximize mineral values. It becomes further complicated when family members are not working in concert to maintain leverage in their interests. Both problems lead to a common solution: creating a trust to optimize the management, utilization, and […]
Sponsored Content: 3 Strategies to Create a Referral-Worthy Client Experience
More than half of surveyed lawyers say acquiring new clients is their biggest challenge. Retaining them can also be difficult in today’s fast-paced legal landscape. Fortunately, there are simple ways to provide an exceptional client experience, appeal to more prospects, and increase referrals. Strategy 1: Provide online payment options
Sponsored Content: How to Have a Long and Successful Career as an Attorney
In 1829 U.S. Supreme Court Justice Joseph Story stated, “the law is a jealous mistress and requires a long and constant courtship.” This sentiment has held true to this day for far too many attorneys and that’s a problem, particularly for those who are unable to say no to their jealous mistress’s demand for a […]
Vinh Ho named Houston Bar Association’s new executive director
Houston attorney Vinh Ho was named the Houston Bar Association’s new executive director effective May 13, the HBA announced in a press release. Ho has over 16 years of experience in immigration and family law, civil matters, and nonprofit leadership. He will succeed current Executive Director Mindy G. Davidson, who will retire later this year […]
Board approves budget, 10% dues increase to support bar’s financial security
The State Bar of Texas Board of Directors held its quarterly meeting on April 19 in Galveston. Highlights of the meeting appear below. Watch video of the meeting on YouTube, and read the agenda and meeting materials at texasbar.com/bodmaterials. Proposed budget and dues increase
Sponsored Content: What You Need to Know About IOLTA Accounts in Texas
If you’re a lawyer in Texas who handles client money, you need to know and understand Interest on Lawyers’ Trust Account (IOLTA) rules. While IOLTA accounts aren’t applicable to all lawyers, it’s important to know whether you must use such accounts and how to manage them. What is an IOLTA Account?
State Bar of Texas members elect Santos Vargas of San Antonio president-elect, approve rule amendments
In a combined election and referendum, Texas attorneys elected Santos Vargas of San Antonio to be president-elect of the State Bar of Texas and approved all 12 proposed disciplinary rule amendments. Vargas received 52.06%—10,925—of the 20,986 votes cast during the monthlong voting period that closed at 5 p.m. CDT today. His opponent, Denise Scofield of […]
Champions of Justice Gala Benefiting Veterans raises $565,850
The Texas Access to Justice Commission, along with its co-sponsor, the State Bar of Texas, raised $565,850 to help provide civil legal services to low-income Texas veterans during the Champions of Justice Gala Benefiting Veterans on April 25 at the AT&T Hotel & Conference Center in Austin. Proceeds from the gala will be distributed by […]
SMU Law team wins American Bar Association’s 2024 National Appellate Advocacy Competition
The SMU Dedman School of Law team of Matthew Mussalli (3L), Jordon B.V. Smith (3L), and Johanna Pang (2L) won the American Bar Association’s 2024 National Appellate Advocacy Competition held April 7 in Philadelphia. The team, coached by SMU Adjunct Professors Lance Caughfield and Haleigh Jones, a 2015 graduate of SMU Law and former student […]