Dallas Bar Association
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February 2021 Volume 46 Number 2
Focus | Appellate Law/Trial Skills
DBA Celebrates MLK Day
DBA Equality Committee had its first meeting on January 6 via Zoom.
DBA Establishes Committee on Equality BY PAUL STAFFORD AND KOI SPURLOCK
In 2020 the Dallas Bar Association (DBA) formed the Allied Dallas Bars Task Force on Equality, consisting of members of the DBA, the Dallas Association of Young Lawyers (DAYL), the J.L. Turner Legal Association (JLTLA), the Dallas Hispanic Bar Association (DHBA), the Dallas Asian American Bar Association (DAABA), the Dallas Women Lawyers Association (DWLA), and the Dallas LGBT Bar Association (DLGBTBA). The Equality Task Force facilitated dialogue as well as programming, addressing the topics of diversity, inclusion, equality, and belonging. In June 2020, the Equality Task Force presented a Joint Resolution Reaffirming Commitment to Social & Racial Justice, which was adopted by the DBA Board of Directors on July 12, 2020. On December 10, 2020, the Dallas Bar Association Board of Directors approved the Allied Dallas Bars Equality Task Force’s Call to Action, containing comprehensive recommendations and actionable items to promote equality. Through this approval, the Call to Action initiated the process of converting the Task Force into the Allied Bars Standing Committee on Equality. The Equality Committee, Co-Chaired by DBA PastPresident (2012) Paul K. Stafford and JLTLA Immediate Past President (2020) Koi Spurlock, is charged with assessing the status and promoting the implementation of the Call to Action’s efforts in furtherance of diversity, inclusion, equality, and belonging. In 2021, the Equality Committee will focus on increased emphasis on diverse membership, programming promoting equality, enhanced mentoring and dialogue, and promotion of a diversity events on its calendar. As stated in the Resolution, the Dallas legal community supports justice and the rule of law. In addition, the Resolution states that although the Dallas legal community has responded to recent events through informational seminars, professional presentations, collaborative dialogue, and
community actions, this same legal community must, through its words and deeds, continue to pursue and uphold its prior pronouncements supporting substantive progressive change, as well as affirm its commitment to promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and access. The year 2020 brought with it many challenges and changes. As a nation, we were unfortunately unprepared for the external threat of the COVID pandemic and the tragedy that has ensued. As we confront the external threat of COVID, we have also been forced to confront our internal misconceptions, biases, prejudices, and racism. Perhaps our collective lack of in-person contact created a greater personal connectivity—and served as a catalyst for a collective consciousness. In these times, as always, the role of lawyers and of the profession is to not only maintain their role as guardians of the rule of law, but also to embrace their obligation as agents of positive change. Lawyers took an oath and they have an obligation to promote social justice in the name of the laws that they uphold. Through the Resolution and the Call to Action, the Equality Task Force reaffirmed their collective commitment to preserve the protected right of peaceable assembly, to promote equality and social justice, and to pursue tangible progress through words and deeds towards a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive society. To all those who have assisted with the efforts of the Equality Task Force, we thank you. To those individuals, and for those wishing to become involved in this historic effort, please consider continuing to contribute your knowledge and energy for diversity, inclusion, equality, and belonging by serving on the newly formed Equality Committee in 2021. If you are interested in serving, please let Alicia Hernandez know by emailing her at ahernandez@dallasbar.org. HN Paul K. Stafford (2012 DBA President) and Koi Spurlock (JLTLA Immediate Past-President) are Co-Chairs of the 2021 Equality Committee. They can be reached at paul@staffordfirmpc.com koi.spurlock@gmail.com, respectively.
(Top) On January 18, DBA President Aaron Tobin presented the MLK, Jr. Justice Award to Judge Tonya Parker for inspiring others and reflecting the values and service portrayed by Dr. King. (Bottom) J.L. Turner Legal Association President Marissa Hatchett introduced past MLK, Jr. Award recipients. Though this year’s celebration was presented via Zoom, the program drew a large crowd. The Dallas Bar Association has celebrated Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday annually since 1993.
Congratulations to Foley & Lardner’s MLK Jr. Oratory Competition 1st place winner Dominic Patermo, 5th grader at Harry C. Withers Elementary, for his outstanding speech on the topic of “how MLK Jr.’s teachings can help us today.”
Inside 6 DBA Board Elects Chair and Vice Chair 10 Offers of Proof to Avoid Waiving an Appeal 16 Masks Hide More Than Faces During Trial 20 How to Tell Your Story at Trial
DBA MEMBER REMINDER – RENEW TODAY! 2021 DBA DUES must be received by the end of the month to continue receiving your member benefits! Mail in your payment or go online and click on My DBA to log in and renew your Membership! Thank you for your support of the Dallas Bar Association!