Just when I think I run out of steam, another Defender energizes me! View and download this issue here We have an amazingly talented group of writers who regularly assist me by providing research and writing on current criminal justice topics. And we have an amazing designer who brings the pages to life through pictures. … Read more
If your practice is like mine, chaos can easily take over. Each client’s question is the most important question in the world…to him. Sure it’s important to you as well, from a representation perspective, but you must manage the chaos before it takes over. Set Priorities Do you really need to read every email as … Read more
Some of the most powerful words in history: The Declaration of Independence. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.–That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among … Read more
The following was my first “President’s Message” from May 2009: Throughout the past several years, I have watched and participated as our Association has grown into the finest and largest local criminal defense bar in the state. I am deeply honored to have been elected president of such an outstanding organization. As HCCLA has grown, … Read more
Client communication is key! You must communicate with your client regularly so that they will know what is happening and so that you can answer any questions they have. Because criminal lawyers spend a great deal of time communicating in person (with frequent court settings, visits at the jail, telephone calls, etc.) you end up … Read more
What does your client expect? Knowing what she expects can help you meet those expectations. Knowing what she expects can help you redirect those expectations when they are unrealistic. Communication is key in this regard. When you first meet a potential client, it is important that you ask her what she expects. Does she expect … Read more
A man dies when he refuses to stand up for that which is right. A man dies when he refuses to stand up for justice. A man dies when he refuses to take a stand for that which is true. – Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. on courage, March 8, 1965 Loosely translated, this has … Read more
One of those Facebook “challenges” that made its rounds a while back asked you to name ten things that most people may not know about you. I was only able to list 7, but number 1 on the list was: I always wanted to be a teacher. Combine that with being a lawyer, and I … Read more
In my spare time, I volunteer as editor of the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association publication The Defender. I have served as editor since 2009. We publish 4 issues a year. It’s a lot of work but is very rewarding. If you are interested in legal articles and procedures in Texas, this publication provides legal … Read more