This week’s edition of P.S. features details on a recent scholarship awards luncheon in Houston benefitting Hispanic law students and recognizing several public service pioneers, an upcoming online program hosted by the Dallas Bar Association that will educate the public on the fetanyl crisis at a local level, and September dates for the DBA’s DVAP pro bono legal clinics.
DEI Initiatives Challenged at Law Firms with Two New Lawsuits
After weeks of chatter, law firms have officially been roped into the legal battle over corporate diversity hiring initiatives following the aftermath of the SFFA v. Harvard Supreme Court decision that banned race-based affirmative action in higher education. The same plaintiff behind that case has now sued Perkins Coie and Morrison Foerster, which both operate in Texas. Natalie Posgate dissects the facts and details known about the litigation so far.
P.S. — Hope for Humanity, Rising Women, the Hot List
In this week’s edition of P.S., lawyers from Southwest Airlines, TIAA and 12 firms receive awards for advancing women, their DEI leadership, and their commitment to advancing society and combatting hatred; Texas RioGrande Legal Aid receives funding in the six-figures for pro bono disaster relief legal work; an upcoming runway show supports low-income residents suffering from HIV and terminal illnesses — plus more dates for future charity events.
Nonprofit Spotlight: Dallas Eviction Advocacy Center & its New COO
Tenants’ rights nonprofit Dallas Eviction Advocacy Center is in a period of growth, both in staff and operations. Its newest employee, Bill Holston, joined today and will focus primarily on growing operations as COO. The Lawbook talked with Holston about why he joined DEAC as well as Mark Melton, who provided the latest on the nonprofit that he founded in the height of the pandemic.
P.S. — A DBA Living Legend; A Planning Committee Invitation
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.