This edition of P.S. features a Dallas attorney who has paved the way for female trial lawyers with her numerous courtroom wins and was recently named a living legend and a legal aid organization’s recruitment of lawyers to join the planning committee for its big fundraising event that honors lawyers and organizations for championing women and children.
P.S. — Diversifying Banking Law, Supporting Low-income Houstonians & Feeding Hungry Children
In this edition of P.S., the Houston Bar Association opens early-bird registration for its largest fundraiser of the year, four law firms prevail in a challenge to raise money and donate food to the North Texas Food Bank, and four associates participate in a program that’s part of a major bank’s diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
P.S. — Standouts in Pro Bono, DEI; August Legal Clinics
This week’s edition of P.S. highlights three awards received by law firms, individuals and bar associations for their commitment to diversity and pro bono legal services, as well as upcoming August dates for pro bono legal clinics in Dallas.
P.S. — Criminal Justice Reform, Pro Bono Estate Planning & Substance Abuse Recovery
In this week’s edition of P.S., we have details on a recent pro bono wills clinic in San Antonio; the newest bank to join the Texas Access to Justice Foundation’s Prime Partner Program; a federal magistrate judge who Baylor Law School recently named as its 2023 Young Lawyer of the Year; an upcoming free tour of a nonprofit substance abuse recovery center for women that has deep ties to the Dallas legal community; and a new partnership between SMU Dedman School of Law and a local nonprofit.
Preparation Privilege: How the Bar Exam Amplifies Racial and Economic Disparities in the Legal Profession
The bar exam is a rite of passage for would-be attorneys looking to enter the legal profession. While its stated purpose is important — ensuring that new lawyers are equipped to represent their clients — the uncomfortable truth is that the bar exam often operates as a “test of resources” rather than one of competence. Indeed, many states are exploring alternatives to the bar exam.
In Wake of Harvard Supreme Court Decision, Kanarys Founder Provides Practical DEI Tips
As higher education circles, prospective students of color and mainstream media grapple with the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s affirmative action decision, so too does the legal industry. The Lawbook wanted a DEI expert’s take and got input from Kanarys founder Mandy Price, a Big Law attorney-turned DEI guru.
Experts: Affirmative Action Ruling Puts Weight on Firms to Foster Legal Field’s Diversity
While diversity, equity and inclusion efforts will likely continue to face headwinds, experts say the legal profession can take specific steps to mitigate the potential impact of the Supreme Court’s recent decision that banned affirmative action in higher education. Natalie Posgate sought insights from corporate in-house lawyers, law firm leaders and affirmative action experts on what the impact may be and what the reaction should be going forward. As one lawyer put it: “It’s up to us to take a stand and make a difference.”
P.S. — Winstead’s New Diversity Chair, Baker Botts’ Pro Bono Win, LANWT’s ABA Award
This edition of P.S. highlights July dates, times and locations of the Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program’s legal aid clinics (with info on this month’s sponsors); a prestigious public service award that the American Bar Association will present to Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas in August, two Winstead lawyers taking leadership roles in DEI and a pro bono win by Baker Botts in the U.S. Supreme Court.
Updated: UT, UH to Adjust Racial Consideration in Law School Admissions, SMU ‘Studying’ Ruling
Southern Methodist University’s law dean sent a letter Friday to faculty, students and staff that said the school is still studying the implications of the Supreme Court’s affirmative action decision but will remain committed to having a diverse student body. The University of Texas at Austin tweeted a statement that said the law school had used race as a factor in admissions but will now readjust its approach to comply with the law, while the University of Houston released a similar statement.
Plus, information on which other Texas law schools have (and haven’t) weighed in.
A Word with Shook Hardy’s New Civil Rights/Racial Justice Practice Leader
After winning a significant pro bono prisoner’s rights case last year, Shook, Hardy & Bacon decided to use the award to foster more pro bono work by forming a new practice group that will handle prisoner’s civil rights and abuse-of-force litigation. The Kansas City-based firm chose Michael Harrison, a Houston lawyer and former prosecutor, to lead it. In a Q&A with The Lawbook, Harrison reflects on his time in the Harris County district attorney’s office, shares details about Shook’s new practice group and conveys his passion for civil rights and racial justice work.