GAMES
FOOD Hospitality CLE
FUN NETWORKING 21 May 2011 FOOD Hospitality FUN FOOD CLE
T
he Denton County Bar Association really outdid itself with this year’s Fantasy Island themed 2nd Annual Bench Bar Conference—thanks to Kim Killebrew, Michelle Houston, and their incredible crew, including Amie Peace for her help throughout the weekend and Julia Kerestine for helping raise $14,000 to make this event possible. I am told that twice as many joined the fun this year. Every report I heard echoed my own: a great time was had by all during the weekend excursion at Tanglewood Resort on Lake Texoma.Many enjoyed Fantasy Island golf thanks to the help of Joe Zellmer and Andrew Passons, even though they ended up knee deep in rain during the thunderstorm. Guest arrival and check-in went smoothly, thanks to Kim, Michelle, Rae, Debbie, and Dorothy. Mr. Roarke (played by Andrew M. Lloyd) greeted everyone in the banquet
room in his trademark white suit with Tattoo, of course, at his side (played by his youngest son, Maximillian). After the bell was rung, the plane landed, and guests were greeted, the Conference began.
The CLEs began right away and didn’t disappoint. Counselors enjoyed hearing the current updates from Justices Livingston, McCoy, and Gabriel from the 2nd Court of Appeals. Kathy Kinser made us all wish we represented professional athletes when she spoke about her famous memorabilia case and high profile clients. Peter Vogel enlightened us on the intricacies of Twitter, Facebook, and other social media. For those more concerned about complicated property law issues, Lisa Duffee spoke about owelty liens and Rule 11 agreements.
During the wine tasting, Duane L. Coker provided entertainment
with his impressive impromptu CLE about prohibition in his discussion of When a Bath Product isn’t Really a Bath Product. Happy hour was a big hit, as was dancing in the Tower, for those who participated. Karaoke in the hospitality suite was a riot. So many good sports (though not altogether great singers) participated, and some undiscovered talent was found!
The poker tournament was a blast. Thanks to Judge Shipman for organizing and running the tournament. The winner was DCBA member Kelly Davis.
On Saturday, Judge Collier gave great information about the benefits of using Special Judges. Jim Turnage spoke about the effects of different drugs and how long they can be detected in a client’s system. And who could forget the YouTube video— Spiders on Drugs? If you didn’t see it, you must Google it now. Cheryl Isbell showered us with reasons to use demonstrative evidence, and reminded us all not to beat around the bush. Blaine Couples showed us that
GAMES
FOOD Hospitality CLE
FUN NETWORKING 21 May 2011 FOOD Hospitality FUN FOOD CLE
Bench Bar Review From
Someone New
By Soheyla Z. Dixon, Lloyd Law Firm, PLLC; www.lloydfirm.com.
What’s Insid
e
D
enton
C
ounty
L
awyer
From the President ...2
Upcoming Events & CLE ...3
DCBA 2011-12 Application ...4
Around the County ...5
For Your Practice ...6
From our Sponsors ...7
Announcements ...8
www.dento
nbar.com
Volume 121, Issue 3 July 201
1
From the President
DCBA Officers
President, Dena A. Reecer Immediate Past President, Don R. White, Jr.
President-Elect, Duane L. Coker Vice President,
Theodore D. Ogilvie
Treasurer, Amie Peace Secretary, Travis Biggs CLE Director, Julia Kerestine
DCBA Directors
Cynthia Burkett, Brent Hill, Vicki Isaacks, Andrew M. Lloyd, John Rentz, Joe Zellmer
DCBA Committee Chairs
Courts Committee,
Theodore D. Ogilvie
Library Board of Governors,
Andrew M. Lloyd
Social Committee, Brent Hill CLE Committee, Julia Kerestine Communications Committee,
Andrew M. Lloyd and Joe Zellmer
Fee Dispute, John Rentz Pro Bono, Cynthia Burkett and
Membership, Travis Biggs Awards, Dena A. Reecer Planning Committee,
Duane L. Coker
Local Rules, Theodore D. Ogilvie
DCBA Sections
• Trial Lawyer’s Association • Family Law Section
• Greater Denton County Young Lawyers Association
• Real Estate, Trust, and Probate Law Section
DCBA Membership
Your DCBA Membership includes
• Free and discounted CLE programs
• Monthly luncheon & happy hour
• Networking opportunities • Listing on the bar website,
including photo, two practice areas, and a link to your website.
For more information see our
S
ign Up! Volunteer! (cont.) As I stated last month, the keys to a successful Bar association are the members’ input and participation. We have many opportunities to get involved. Last month I highlighted some of our committees that will allow you to get involved in a meaningful way. For this month’s column, I would like to continue.One of our most beneficial committees is the Fee Arbitration Committee. The Fee Arbitration Committee’s goal is to educate our members regarding the fee arbitration service and process, as well as to organize and oversee its operation. The committee provides a list of arbitrators to hear fee disputes between attorneys and clients. This service is a benefit and has been quite successful in the past. If fee arbitration is something that interests you, please contact the chairs, John Rentz at john.rentz@dentoncounty.com or Amie Peace at apeace@csplaw.net.
Another very active committee is our Membership Committee. The
Membership Committee is responsible for recruiting and retaining new members as well as ensuring that events are planned to serve all areas of our county. If the Membership Committee interests you, or if you have ideas to increase or improve membership, please contact chair Travis Biggs at travis@dentontitle.com.
One of our biggest committee commitments is the CLE Committee. As you can surmise from the name, the CLE committee is responsible for finding, coordinating, and scheduling quality CLE programs. Quality, low-cost CLE is one of the biggest benefits to our members. The CLE Committee is charged with the duty of seeking approval and reporting compliance with the State Bar. Along with scheduling the program, the Committee also coordinates the facilities, food, and beverages for CLE presentations. If you would like to serve on the CLE committee, please contact chair Julia Kerestine at julia@juliakerestine.com.
One of our more important
committees is the Planning Committee because of its impact for the future of our Bar. The Planning Committee is
charged with the duty of developing short—and long—range goals for the Bar and recommending a course of action to achieve those goals. One of the challenges for the Planning Committee is to review options for a permanent home for the Bar. If you would like to have input in this regard, please contact President-Elect Duane Coker at duane@cokerlegal.com.
Look for the sign-up sheets at the next Bar luncheon if you are interested in any of our Bar committees. We look forward to working with you!
Upcoming Events & CLE
Monthly Meetings
Collaborative Professionals
DCCP will meet at 9:00 am on Tuesday, July 5, at Oakmont Country Club, 1901 Oakmont Dr. in Corinth.
Family Law
Family Law will meet at 12:00 pm on Thursday,
July 21, in the Central Jury Room, 1450 E. McKinney St. in Denton.
Paralegals
DCPA will meet at 12:00 pm on Thursday, July 28, at Oakmont Country Club, 1901 Oakmont Dr. in Corinth.
GDCYLA
GDCYLA will gather for their monthly:
• Meeting at 11:45 am on Thursday, July 7, at Royal East Asia Cuisine, 1622 W. University Dr. in Denton.
• Happy Hour at 5:00 pm on Thursday, July 14, at The Loophole, 119 W. Hickory St. in Denton.
REPTL
REPTL will not meet in July. Regularly scheduled meetings will begin again in September.
O
ne thing about Dena Reecer—she knows how to throw a party! The DCBA Kickoff Party on June 3rd was quite the fun-filled festivity held at WinStar Casino just north of the border in Oklahoma. The party kicked off our new year with a new president at the helm, and we all had a great time.Bob Eames regaled those of us who rode and enjoyed refreshing beverages on the bus to WinStar with a sobering CLE presentation on disciplinary procedures. He included plenty of dos and don’ts, what ifs, and top disciplinary offenses committed by Texas attorneys. Bob boiled it down to this simple revelation: “Just practice what your mama taught you—don’t cheat, lie, or steal—and you’ll be alright.” Good advice, Bob! Thanks for the entertaining .75 hours!
We were then encouraged to partake in the assorted games and activities (I’m not talking about Rock-Paper-Scissors, folks!). My favorite game was watching money disappear right before my very eyes!
That’s a big casino. But we had our own private meeting room with endless amounts of shrimp, chicken, quesadillas, fruit, etc—you get the picture—for three hours. A big thanks to Dominick Marsala for the dinner. (No—he didn’t cook it… he bought it!). Thanks, Dominick!
We then leisurely sauntered across the hall to our fabulous concert seats to listen and dance to Darius Rucker (OK, I mean Hootie without the
Blowfish). Did I mention the seats were FABULOUS? The music was, too!
Thanks to Michelle and staff for
getting our exciting event put together. And thanks to our new president, Dena, for kicking the 2011–2012 DCBA year off right!
Hail to the New Chief, WinStar
Style
Around the County
Judge Burgess Rules
By Andrew M. Lloyd, Lloyd Law Firm, PLLC; www.lloydfirm.com.
T
he new face of the 158th District Court, the Honorable Steve Burgess, recently spoke with the Family Law Section of the Denton County Bar Association and discussed his approach to ruling in his court. In answering local attorneys’ questions and concerns. He was candid, sincere, and approachable, despite how hot it gets under that robe, he is determined to maintain decorum with a sense of ease and comfort for those who approach him. He understands if an attorney needs a quick signature and may not be fully garbed in tie and jacket or hose and heels. He even appreciates agreements and chamber conferences to ease the tension of parties and clients. Whatever lawyers can do to make the process more streamlined, he seems inclined to oblige.When it is time for hearings, however, attorneys should be on their best behavior and dress appropriately. A phone may go off on occasion without reprisal, but bickering and biting of counsel will not be tolerated.
This is a fair game with many players. It is not the Wild West. Cases are not required to mediate before trial, but such requests will generally be granted and encouraged. Using discovery as merely a jousting tool is also inappropriate, but filing summaries of requested relief before major hearings is appreciated.
When speaking with the Judge, one has the feeling that he is just, merciful, kind, and generous—
expecting that everyone should follow this same creed. A good refresher course with the Lawyer’s Creed, promulgated and upheld by the State Bar and its members, is a great start for advocates entering his courtroom. He seems to follow a simple model, something akin to “You can catch more flies with honey,” or “Kill ‘em with kindness.” In my book, it’s a recipe for success.
Judge Burgess reminds attorneys to file motions first BEFORE asking the coordinator to set hearing dates or sign Orders to Appear. Also, please let his coordinator know when hearings
are mutually canceled or unnecessary, so as to keep his docket clean. In this way, he will know when to allow prove-ups, as he is generally open to hearing them throughout the day as he takes breaks from hearings. Otherwise, the normal time frame for quickly proved-up cases is between 8:30–9:00 am. His coordinator, Rebecca, is a sweetheart and will accept just about any form of communication, be it fax, email, telephone call, or in-person. Same with his Court Reporter, Cori, who is in charge of telling us how to mark exhibits when she’s not telling us to SLOW DOWN for the record!
Follow both of these ladies’ rules, as the Court relies on them heavily to move the caseload smoothly. Judge Burgess is friendly and matter-of-fact. He is merciful and understanding, but will not tolerate nonsense that wastes the court’s time or actions that do a disservice to our profession. We thank him for speaking with us; we enjoyed the discussion, and so we tip our proverbial hats to him—as they’re not allowed in the courtroom either.
nothing is ever REALLY erased from our cell phones.
Guests then enjoyed a beautiful boat ride to the island hosted by Mr. Roarke, Tattoo (played by Seth Roberson), Ariel, Julie, and ‘da plane’ (played by Vicki Isaacks). More fun was had on the island before the lovely feast of roast pig, vegetables, and an assortment of goodies. While there, we enjoyed some comedy routines, entertainment from the help of Travis
President, Don White, Jr. The real party people then took it back to the hospitality suite once again for even more fun, food, and karaoke.
The Sunday Brunch and Ceremony was the perfect way to end the Fantasy Island weekend, with Bloody Marys and mimosas! Everyone got an award (coordinated by Joe Zelllmer), and Evan Clift had the lucky hand, winning at least three of the drawing prizes. Throughout the weekend, the “staff” kept us in theme, granting
attendants. A few of my favorites included watching all of the Judges and planners sing “We are the World” to John A. Ross and Ryan Webster for getting arrested for having more fun than the law allowed.
But at last, Mr. Roarke bid everyone farewell, which hopefully includes a farewell to that white suit! The weekend was a perfect combination of education and fun. Thanks to everyone who helped make Fantasy Island Bench Bar Conference
Around the County
DCBA Recognized with a Stars of
Bars Award for 2011-12
By Don R. White, Jr., Hayes, Berry, White & Vanzant, LLP; www.hbwvlaw.com.
W
e are proud to announce that the DCBA won one Stars of Texas Bars Award (Stars Award) for 2011-12 activities, the best series of articles— substantive law.The Stars Awards are presented yearly by the State Bar of Texas to recognize local bar associations for outstanding community involvement, commitment to increasing access to justice, and dedication to the profession. The awards include the Award of Merit, Star of Achievement, Outstanding Partnership Award, Publication Awards, and Judge Sam Williams Award, with judging conducted by the Local Bar Services Committee.
DCBA was indeed proud to submit eleven entries, one for each category offered, because we believe that we accomplished a lot last year! We were honored to receive this award:
Best Series of Articles— Substantive Law
This award, a publications award, honors one bar per division in each category for exceptional reporting during the May 1, 2010–April 30, 2011 bar year. This award recognizes a noteworthy series of articles graded by quality of writing, conciseness, strength of connection of articles, relativity to news and timeliness, interest to intended audience, and impact on understanding of legal topic.
This substantive series, entitled Collaborative Law, was written by Kim M. Munsinger, Munsinger & Munsinger. This story ran in the November, December/January, and February 2010–11 newsletters and explained Collaborative Law: the three defining principles of collaborative law, what collaborative law is not, the traditional divorce vs the collaborative
divorce, the history and future of collaborative law, and training and resources to learn more about collaborative law.
DCBA congratulates Ms.
Munsinger for her well-written series, and hopes to enjoy more of her work. You can find more information on her practice at www.munsingerlaw.com.
DCBA received its awards at the Bar Leaders Recognition Luncheon at the State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting on June 23 in San Antonio. Special thanks to the award winners for all their hard work. Without their help, this state-wide recognition would not have been possible. Thank you also to Michelle Houston, whose energy and guidance remain invaluable, and to Louellen Coker of Content Solutions, who assisted DCBA in putting together spectacular award applications again this year.
Around the County
O
n June 2, 2011, the Greater Denton County Young Lawyers Association elected its 2011-12 slate of officers and directors.Michael Upshaw President
Mike is an associate with Minor and Jester in Denton. Mike graduated from Texas Wesleyan University School of Law and has been licensed to practice in Texas since 2009. Mike practices primarily civil litigation, but also handles family law and bankruptcy. He is an avid musician, and his band, The Hope Trust, plays regularly in and around Denton. Brook Stuntebeck President-Elect Brook is a partner at Neal, Ashmore & Killebrew in Lewisville. Brook graduated from Georgia State University College of Law and has
been licensed to practice in Texas since 2007. She is also licensed to practice in Georgia. Her practice is focused primarily on family law. Brook and her husband and their two children live in Frisco.
Jill Jester Secretary
Jill is an associate with Minor and Jester in Denton. Jill graduated from South Texas College of Law and has been licensed to practice in Texas since 2010. She handles mainly civil litigation cases. Jill is a newlywed, and she and her husband Chris have recently relocated to Denton from the Austin area.
Ryan Webster Treasurer
Ryan is an associate with Wood, Thacker & Weatherly in Denton. Ryan graduated from the Oklahoma City University School of Law and has been licensed to practice
in Texas since 2008. His practice focuses on general civil and business law. Ryan and his wife are expecting their second child in October. Ryan, his wife, and their 2 year old daughter live in Trophy Club.
Cameron Cox At-Large Director
Cameron is an associate with Sawko & Burroughs in Denton. Cameron graduated from Texas Tech University School of Law and has been licensed to practice in Texas since 2007. He handles civil and consumer litigation cases as well as general business matters. Cameron was born and raised in Denton, and he also serves as the TYLA District 11 representative.
Andrew Passons will serve as an ex officio member of the board as immediate past president. Serving as subcommittee members are Soheyla Dixon, Sharon Wilson, Amber Rechner, Eric Navarrette, and Jenny McCarley. We look forward to a great 2011–12!
GDCYLA Elects New Officers and
Directors for 2011-12
By Andrew J. Passons, Lewis & Passons, P.C.; www.dentonfamilyattorneys.com.
WHEN:
July 16, 2011
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:
Volunteer DCBA attorneys will be drafting wills and other standard probate
documents to assist our first responders. We still need volunteer attorneys,
paralegals, and notaries to assist. Please contact Kristen Pannell at 972-464-4584
or at KPannell@efaprocessing.com if you are interested in volunteering.
From our Sponsors
940-387-0404
www.springerlyle.com
1807 Westminster, Denton, Texas
The DePuy Orthopedics division of Johnson and Johnson recalled its ASR XL Acetabular System in August 2010. Jeff Springer & Frank Lyle have been serving clients in
Denton and surrounding counties for 25 years. Our firm will gladly joint venture these cases or pay
customary joint counsel fees.
QUESTIONS
ABOUT YOUR CLIENT’S
HIP IMPLANT
Denton County Bar Association &
Denton County Alternative Dispute Resolution Program 512 West Hickory Street, Suite 202
Denton, TX 76201 PRESTD First Class US Postage Paid Denton, TX Permit #1029
D
CBA
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August Bar
Luncheon
Date:Friday, August 5, Noon Meal included
Location:
Oakmont Country Club 1901 Oakmont Drive Corinth, Texas 76210
Program:
Social Media & eDiscovery
Speaker:
Peter S. Vogel
July Bar
Luncheon
Date:
Friday, July 8, Noon Meal included
Location:
Oakmont Country Club 1901 Oakmont Drive Corinth, Texas 76210
Program:
Discovery Practice in State and Federal Courts: Nuts, Bolts and Practice Tips
Speaker:
Jack Balderson, Jr.
Skeet and Meet
Date:
Saturday, July 16, 4:00 pm
Location:
The Hill’s House 8821 Pecan Valley Pilot Point, TX 76258
Details:
Join us for skeet shooting, swimming, BBQ, and a bonfire. There will be a raffle to help support Adoption Day.
Adoption Day
Save the Date!
November 4, 2011
Contact Michelle Houston at mhouston@ dentonbar.com for more details.Announcing
Congratulations to Phillip and Jackie Herr on the birth of their son Andrew Davis Herr on June 9.