Lawrence Barber, who practiced in Odessa for 58 years and developed a fierce reputation for battling hard for his clients in court, died Dec. 12 of COVID-19. Barber likely contracted COVID-19 in early November from one of his criminal-defense clients, who was brought from the local jail to the Ector County Courthouse for a pretrial …
Tag: lawyers
COVID-19 has hit lawyers in the pocketbook
Using Google Forms, I designed a survey that asked questions about how the pandemic had impacted attorneys’ ability to attract clients, file new cases, and earn money. We sent the survey out nationally and received over 300 responses. I used a spreadsheet, pivot tables and pie chart graphics to analyze the results. Here is the …
Are law firms committed to disability diversity? A handful of firms have taken action
As the nation in October celebrates National Disability Employment Awareness Month, statistics show that the legal profession as a whole either isn’t doing its fair share to recruit, retain and advance attorneys with disabilities, or it has failed to be inclusive enough for disabled lawyers to feel comfortable disclosing their impairments. Many law firms state …
‘Extreme Part-Time’ Lawyer-Moms Flock to Freelance Firms
After having her second child, Southern California litigator Erin Giglia worked part-time for law firm Snell & Wilmer, but fellow associate Laurie Rowen had different plans for work when her baby girl was born 16 days after Giglia’s daughter. Rowen always knew she wanted to be a stay-at-home mom, while continuing to do legal work …
Boost Your Practice by Improving Your Wellness: New ABA Book
It’s a well-known fact that lawyers suffer at high numbers from mental health and substance abuse problems, and a new book on lawyer wellness drives home a point that might motivate many attorneys to take action. When wellness permeates an attorney’s life, there’s a positive impact on his law practice, clients, judges and juries, said …
Why You Should Take a Vacation From Your Phone. And Why You Probably Won’t.
On a three-week family vacation to Greece and Croatia, Andrew Giacomini left his phone in his room to disconnect from his litigation practice. Although Giacomini, the managing partner at Hanson Bridgett in San Francisco, checked emails, his colleagues probably didn’t know—because Giacomini never responded. He billed zero hours during his 21-day trip and focused on …
The Stories Behind Two Houston-Area Law Graduates Whose Social Posts Went Viral and Inspired a Country
Two Houston law graduates who defied tough odds to succeed in law school have inspired people across the country. Other law students can learn about resilience and the power of priorities through the stories of May graduates Ieshia Champs of Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall School of Law and Shartory Brown of South Texas College …
Preparation Tips to Ensure Business Continuity in the Event of a Disaster
In the midst of a hurricane season capable of producing half a dozen or so hurricanes, having a disaster recovery plan is tantamount for firms operating on the East Coast and gulf—whether you’re a solo lawyer or a big law firm. As Houston still recovers from Hurricane Harvey, several panels at the State Bar of …
TX Bar President Challenges Attorneys to Take Up Cause for Separated Families
State Bar of President Joe Longley issued a call to arms for Texas attorneys to put their minds together and find a way to reunite immigrant children with their parents and protect their rights to due process. Just after taking the oath of office to become this year’s bar president—a historic event, as Longley is …
Voting Begins for Next President-Elect of the State Bar of Texas
Lawyers begin voting today to decide whether Lisa Blue or Randy Sorrels will become the next president-elect of the State Bar of Texas. Lawyers have 30 days to cast their ballots, and the winner of election will serve as president-elect for one year, starting this summer, and then become state bar president in June 2019. …