What I didn’t know when I started is that lawyers are storytellers. I should have known this, of course. That’s what my dad does so well. But the story – the detail, the arc, and the substance—are what we spend our days crafting. Of course we read the cases and statutes, and we master causes of action and rules of evidence. But our jobs are to tell people’s stories–and to tell them in a way that makes sense in this framework. It is history. It is public policy. And it is about the people. It is what my dad told me.
More Stories
One Dad Led Seven of Us to be Lawyers
When Dad was dying, hundreds of people came to see him. They filled the kitchen and den, stood in the halls, even out on the lawn. They were looking for one more piece of advice, a word of encouragement. He turned no one away and visited with each one of them. Sometimes several people arrived at the same time, but they each wanted to see him alone.
The Law as a Bond
Mom often remarked that we should file briefs before dinner. Those evenings together form some of my fondest memories and engendered a love of public policy and debate. Through those family gatherings, I learned how to think rigorously and how to recognize the holes and blind spots in my arguments.
Energy Company Directors Win Corporate Loyalty Case at Texas Supreme Court
Despite warnings that doing so would undermine the responsibilities of corporate directors, the Texas Supreme Court Friday threw out a $95.5 million judgment against two Longview Energy Co. directors. The court said the evidence was insufficient to justify a jury judgment that the two conspired to deprive Longview of an opportunity to invest in the Eagle Ford. The Texas Lawbook has the details.
Financial Services Litigation Group from KRCL Starts New Firm
The new firm, led by named partners Kenneth Johnston and David Pratt, includes five partners, one counsel and three associates.
Baker Botts Partner Evan Young Confirmed to Texas Judicial Council
Young is a former clerk for the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia and counsel to the U.S. Attorney General.
How Not To Maintain Privilege: Fifth Circuit Rejects Defendant’s Privilege Log
Proper preparation of a log is key to litigating about privilege. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit recently rejected the sufficiency of the defendant’s log in an employment case. The opinion provides four practical tips for attorneys involved in privilege disputes.
Learning to Balance Family and the Law
My dad Jim Hudgins became a lawyer in 1973, when I was only 2. He worked during the day to support us and attended night school at South Texas College of Law to become a lawyer. My dad was not known for his prowess as a student. My mom tells stories of having to lock him in a room to make sure he studied. But what he lacked in studiousness, he made up for with amazing instincts.
“The Warrior”
When I was in middle school, my dad made the conscious decision to trade international travel and private jets for Friday night football games and drill team competitions. He opened a solo practice in Humble, Texas. He took whatever walked in the door—anything from probate court to federal court. I didn’t think twice about what he gave up. I was just happy to have my dad home.
"The Warrior"
When I was in middle school, my dad made the conscious decision to trade international travel and private jets for Friday night football games and drill team competitions. He opened a solo practice in Humble, Texas. He took whatever walked in the door—anything from probate court to federal court. I didn’t think twice about what he gave up. I was just happy to have my dad home.