One theme for this bar year has been about looking back to learn so that we can improve our future. Well, my term as President is reaching an end, and it is time to look back on the past year. And what a year it has been.
I am really proud of the signature events we hosted this year. In October, we recognized L Clifford Davis and Kleber Miller as the first ever Tarrant County Legal Legends. A few days before that celebratory event, we had a reflective and entertaining afternoon with Masters of the Bench and Bar. And, of course, we had our annual February luncheon to celebrate the attorneys in our community who have practiced for fifty years. There is so much we can learn from those who paved the way for us.
Why do we look back? To build a better future. What a bright future it is. At almost every board meeting this year, Kayla gave positive reports about how engagement, attendance, and revenues are all trending upward. We have a great bar doing great things, and we are positioned as well as ever to continuing our positive impact on our members and the community around us. The TCBA is and has been great, yet it is even trending upward more than we could have imagined.
The TCBA is in great hands as Marvina Robinson will take office as President, John Brookman will be PresidentElect, Caroline Harrison will serve as Vice President, and Joe Cleveland takes the reins as Secretary-Treasurer. We also have a dedicated and talented slate of directors who will lead our bar next year. And of course, the TCBA has the best bar staff in Texas, with Kayla Dailey leading an exceptional team that includes Carolina Ibarra, Elizabeth Banda, Sarah Hoffman, Tracy Card, Laura Searcy, Gracie Gutierrez, and Tiffany Myles. Our bar would not function without the TCBA’s incredible staff.
Thanks to our officers, directors, staff, and members, the TCBA set records this year for the number of members, sponsorships, and Bench Bar attendees, among others. TCBA’s lawyer referral service also had a great year, and thanks to the work of a dedicated committee led by Dwayne Smith and Ben Westbrook, LRIS is launching several new initiatives that will significantly increase revenue for the TCBA while also improving processes so that participating lawyers receive
higher quality referrals. The TCBA, of course, continues to offer a variety of quality CLE programs and serves our members at countless other events and through committees and sections.
I am humbled by the opportunity to have served as President this past year, and I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to work closely with dedicated staff and volunteers who work daily to make the TCBA better than ever. I’m honored to have served our members this year, and I hope that the TCBA is now even just a little better off than when I first joined the board of directors in 2018. g
The TCBA office will be undergoing renovations from June 1 to June 30. During this period, we appreciate your patience and will continue to serve you with minimal disruption.
Spring is always one of the busiest—and most rewarding—times of the year for our organization, and I’m excited to share just how much we’ve accomplished together over the past few months.
In March, we had a blast with our annual NCAA Bracket Challenge! This year, members submitted brackets for both the men’s and women’s college basketball tournaments. A huge congratulations to Jack Delaney, winner of the Men’s Bracket, and Claire Stagner, winner of the Women’s Bracket! Thanks to everyone who joined in the fun and kept the competitive spirit alive.
April brought opportunities for both advocacy and celebration. On April 12, a strong TCYLA team showed up in force for the Victory Over Violence 5K, supporting an outstanding organization that raises awareness about domestic violence. We’re especially proud of our board member Michael Galyen, who came in first place—well done, Michael! Just a couple of weeks later, on April 24, the rain cleared just in time for our annual Spring Fiesta at Joe T. Garcia’s. With approximately 130 attendees, the evening was filled with great food, conversation, and community. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our generous sponsors, without whom this event wouldn’t have been possible. Their support helps us continue offering quality programming and meaningful connections. The event was also well attended by our Tarrant County judges, who continue to support TCYLA.
Our Mental Health Initiative also continued its impactful programming this spring. We were honored to host the “QPR – Question, Persuade, Refer” presentation in partnership with the Jordan Elizabeth Harris Foundation. Speaker Kristi Wiley delivered an engaging and compassionate discussion on suicide prevention—an especially important topic in our profession. Our next Mental Health Initiative installment will take place on June 17, featuring Dr. Kate Casey speaking on “The Occupational Hazards of the Practice of Law: Stress and Vicarious Trauma.”
And finally, to start the month of May, we celebrated Law Day—a time to reflect on the role of law in preserving freedom and promoting justice. This year, we proudly recognize three exceptional honorees:
• Abigail Garcia received the Liberty Bell Award
• John Brookman received the Outstanding Mentor Award
• Sara Vargas, our former board member, received the Outstanding Young Lawyer Award
Please join me in congratulating these inspiring individuals for their dedication and service.
As always, thank you for being a part of TCYLA. Your energy, service, and commitment make our organization truly special. Let’s keep the momentum going as we move into summer. g
Tarrant County Young Lawyers Association @TarrantYoungLawyers
The Tarrant County Young Lawyers Association is an organization for attorneys 35 years of age or younger or attorneys who have practiced law for less than 10 years. Become a TCYLA member at www.tarrantbar.org/TCYLA. http://www.tcyla.org/
As a former practicing attorney, Kate understands the overwhelming feelings of stress, burnout, and isolation that often accompany the art of balancing life with the practice of law. Kate will help you evaluate your choices, identify areas for change, and implement a plan which will allow you to become the best version of yourself.
Contact me. Together we will chart the course for your success. 817.881.1914 • Kate@AutumnRidgeLPC.com AutumnRidgeLPC.com | 270 Miron Dr. #112, Southlake, TX 76092
The 2025 Judicial Evaluation Poll ran from May 5, 2025 to May 28, 2025. The Judicial Evaluation Poll is a survey of the attorney members of the Tarrant County Bar Association that work in Tarrant County. Per the bylaws, the questionnaire only asked members to rate the judges they had appeared in front of in the last five years. Two thousand one hundred and ninety members were eligible to vote, and 395 members voted (18%).
The Judicial Evaluation Poll is not an endorsement by the Tarrant County Bar Association. The opinions expressed by TCBA members in the Judicial Evaluation Poll are not an opinion of the Tarrant County Bar Association. To view previous poll results, click here.
of the 2024-2025
*List Reflected Below is as of May 12 , 2025
Adams, Lynch & Loftin, P.C
Albert, Neely & Kuhlmann, LLP
Anderson & Cummings, LLP
Anderson & Riddle, LLP
Baker Monroe, PLLC
Barlow Garsek & Simon, LLP
Blaies & Hightower, L.L.P.
Bonds Ellis Eppich Schafer Jones, LLP
Bourland, Wall & Wenzel, P.C.
Brackett & Ellis, P.C.
Brown, Proctor & Howell, LLP
Bruner & Bruner, PC
City Attorney’s Office-City of Fort Worth
Curnutt & Hafer, L.L.P.
Decker Jones, P.C.
Dismuke & Waters, P.C.
Forshey & Prostok, L.L.P.
Freeman Mills P.C.
Friedman, Suder & Cooke, P.C.
Gardner, Smith & Vaughan, PLLC
Griffith, Jay, & Michel, LLP
Harris, Finley & Bogle, P.C.
Harrison Steck, P.C.
Haynes and Boone, LLP
Holland Johns & Penny LLP
Jackson Walker LLP
Kelly Hart & Hallman LLP
Killen & Dennis, PC
KoonsFuller, P.C.
Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP
Lively & Associates, PLLC
McDonald Sanders, P.C
Naman, Howell, Smith & Lee, PLLC
Nelson Bumgardner Conroy PC
Noteboom - The Law Firm
Padfield & Stout, LLP
Patterson Law Group
Pham Harrison, LLP
Phelps Dunbar LLP
Pope, Hardwicke, Christie, Schell, Kelly & Taplett, L.L.P.
Robbins Travis PLLC
Ross & Matthews P.C.
Second Court Of Appeals
Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office
Taylor, Olson, Adkins, Sralla & Elam, LLP
The Blum Firm, P.C.
The Colaneri Firm, P.C.
Underwood Law Firm, PLLC
Varghese Summersett PLLC
Watson, Caraway, Midkiff & Luningham, LLP
Whitaker Chalk Swindle & Schwartz PLLC
Whitley Penn, LLP
Wick Phillips
Winstead PC
To be eligible for the 100 Club, any law firm, government agency, law school, or corporate legal department with four or more members must attain 100% TCBA membership compliance for the 2024–2025 bar year. This qualifies them for the “100 Club.” The firms/organizations listed above have already paid their membership dues and qualify for 100 Club membership for
the new bar year. Any firm/organization that qualifies in the future will have its name published in every issue of the Bar Bulletin for this bar year. TCBA takes pride in the participation of these law firms and other groups. The new bar year began on July 1. If you have not paid your renewal invoice, please contact Tiffany Myles at tiffany@tarrantbar.org. g
Monday, July 21, 2025 g City Club of Fort Worth g 11:45 AM-1:00 PM
$52 for Members g $67 for Non-Members
STATE BAR OF TEXAS PRESIDENT, 2025–2026
Santos Vargas is a shareholder at Davis & Santos. He represents individuals, banking and financial institutions, business entities, and trusts and estates in complex matters involving business litigation, financial institution litigation, fiduciary and trust litigation, estate and guardianship disputes, civil rights and election law, bankruptcy, construction law, and appeals.
Santos served as Chair of the Board of Directors of the State Bar of Texas (2021–2022) and is a Past President of both the San Antonio Bar Association and the San Antonio Young Lawyers Association. He assists Spanish-speaking clients and practices in both state and federal courts, where he has successfully tried several cases to verdict. Santos began his career at Cox Smith Matthews and ran his own practice for several years prior to joining Davis & Santos in 2011.
The Membership Luncheon will include the installation of TCBA’s 2025 – 2026 Board of Directors, recognition of last year’s section and committee chairs, presentation of the President’s Awards, and the passing of the gavel from Immediate Past President Scott Lindsey to Incoming President Marvina Robinson.
TIER 1 - 3 1/2 page ads in Bar Bulletin, recognition at the events and publicized on TCBA’s website, in the Bar Bulletin, and on TCBA’s social media.
TIER 2 - 2 1/2 page ad in Bar Bulletin, 1/4 page ad in Bar Bulletin, recognition at the events and publicized on TCBA’s website, in the Bar Bulletin, and on TCBA’s social media.
TIER 3 - 2 1/4 page ad in Bar Bulletin, recognition at the events and publicized on TCBA’s website, in the Bar Bulletin, and on TCBA’s social media.
1. July Membership Luncheon Table (8)
October Membership Luncheon Table (8)
Boo at the Bar Event Supporter
Holiday Party Sponsor
2. July Membership Luncheon Table (8)
October Membership Luncheon Table (8)
Boo at the Bar Event Supporter
Holiday Party Sponsor
3. July Membership Luncheon Supporter (2 Tickets)
TOTAL: $2,925 (Originally: $3,250)
TOTAL: $2,700 (Originally: $3,000)
October Membership Luncheon Supporter (2 Tickets)
Boo at the Bar Candy Sponsor
Holiday Party Sponsor
TOTAL: $945 (Originally: $1,050)
Sponsored by the DBA Business Litigation Section
Hon. Antonia Arteaga 57 District Court th (Bexar County)
Hon. Amy Clark Meachum 201 District Court st (Travis County)
Hon. Rabeea Collier 113 District Court th (Harris County)
Hon. Melody Wilkinson 17 District Court (Tarrant County) th
Hon. Jennifer Edgeworth 165 District Court th (Collin County)
Hon. Martin Hoffman 68 District Court (Dallas County) th Moderator
Law Day, observed annually on May 1, is a national day set aside to celebrate the rule of law. It underscores how law and the legal process contribute to the freedoms that all Americans share.
In Tarrant County, the Tarrant County Bar Association and the Tarrant County Young Lawyers Association have traditionally celebrated this day by honoring and recognizing outstanding members for their service to both the legal community and the community at large.
The Blackstone Award has been given annually since 1963 and recognizes a legal career that exemplifies professional aptitude, integrity, and courage. Glenn O. Lewis ’s career has surpassed these qualities, showcasing unparalleled dedication and excellence.
The Silver Gavel Award recognizes a distinguished member of the judiciary who has made a significant and remarkable contribution to the legal profession. This year’s recipient is Judge George Gallagher
The Professionalism Award is bestowed upon a member of the legal profession who has demonstrated exemplary professional conduct throughout their career. This year’s recipient is Dwayne Smith.
The Outstanding Young Lawyer Award, presented by TCYLA, recognizes a talented and dedicated young lawyer who has shown exceptional skill, outstanding service to the legal profession, and a strong commitment to serving the community. This year’s recipient is Sara Vargas
The Outstanding Mentor Award recognizes an attorney or judge who has demonstrated a commitment to mentoring young lawyers in the legal community. This year’s recipient is John Brookman.
The Liberty Bell Award honors an exceptional nonlawyer who has selflessly contributed to the community, strengthening the effectiveness of the American system of justice and fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of the law. This year’s recipient is Abigail Garcia
lenn Oliver Lewis was born September 6, 1954 in Fort Worth, Texas. He is the son of T.D. Lewis (deceased) and Vivian Gay (Lewis) Wells.
He grew up as the seventh of ten children in the East Fort Worth community known as “Stop Six.”
He has been married to Arveda (Bailey) Lewis since 1977. They have two children: a son, Jelani Bailey Lewis, born October 13, 1989, and a daughter, Tiffany Gaye Lewis, born December 14, 1990.
He and his family are members of the Mount Olive Baptist Church in Arlington, Texas, where he serves on the Deacon Board.
After graduating from Paul Laurence Dunbar High School in Fort Worth, Glenn enrolled at Prairie View A&M University, later returning home to complete his undergraduate studies. He earned an A.A. degree from Tarrant County College and a B.A. degree from Texas Wesleyan University. He went on to earn a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from The University of Texas School of Law in Austin, Texas. He is licensed by the State Bar of Texas, the U.S. District Court in the Northern District of Texas, and the U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit. He is a member of the State Bar College of Texas.
Lewis is currently a partner in the law firm of Linebarger Goggan Blair and Sampson. Prior to joining this firm, he practiced law with his brother, Judge Terry Lewis (deceased), in the Fort Worth firm of Lewis and Lewis. Mr. Lewis is an experienced litigator, having tried over 100 jury trials, both civil and criminal.
Linebarger Goggan Blair and Sampson is widely regarded as a global leader in its legal specialty. In addition to his continuing community and civic activities, he has embraced his expanding role as a Capital Partner in the firm.
In 1995, Glenn Lewis began serving the first of his five consecutive terms as a member of the Texas House of Representatives, representing the Ninety-Fifth District in Tarrant County. During that first term, his colleagues in the House honored him by voting him the Outstanding Freshman of the Seventy-Fourth Session of the Texas Legislature.
Mr. Lewis served as Chairman of the Committee on County Affairs. Additionally, he served as Vice-Chairman of the Committee on House Administration, and he served on the Committee on State Affairs. He also served as ViceChairman of the Tarrant County Legislative Delegation, as well as Vice-Chairman of the Texas Legislative Black Caucus.
Lewis served on the House Select Committee on Public School Finance. He was appointed to the influential Texas Sunset Review Commission, making him the first African American to serve on this commission in its history.
The author of over seventy pieces of legislation, Representative Lewis’s legislative honors include twice being named one of Texas Medicine’s Best Legislators by the Texas Medical Association. He has received similar honors from the Texas Association of Hispanic Firefighters, Tarrant County Fire and Arson Investigators, the Texas Motorcycle Association, and the African American Section of the State Bar of Texas. The Texas Association of County Judges and Commissioners honored him with their first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2001, the Justice of the Peace and Constables Association of Texas named him Legislator of the Year. In 2003, the Texas Association of Counties named him their Legislative Watchdog.
Mr. Lewis concluded 10 years of service in the Texas House of Representatives when the Seventy-Ninth Session
of the Texas Legislature commenced on January 11, 2005.
Mr. Lewis is also active locally. He is on the Board of Water from the Rock, Inc. He was also Co-Chairman of the Public Policy Committee of the United Way of Tarrant County. He is also Chairman of the Tarrant County Civil Service Commission, a commission he first served on in 1988 and was reappointed to in 2008. He is a Life Member of the Fort Worth/Tarrant County branch of the NAACP and has served on its Board of Directors and as General Counsel.
Mr. Lewis is a member of the Fort Worth, Hispanic, and Metropolitan Black Chambers of Commerce, where he served six years as Chairman of the latter’s Board of Directors. He has served as a member of the Board of Directors and the Corporate Leadership Council of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, where he has served as Chairman of the Public Policy Committee. Additionally, he has been a member of the Board of Directors of United Way of Tarrant County and the Board of Directors of the Downtown Fort Worth Tax Increment Financing District.
In June of 2006, Mr. Lewis became a member of the Board of Trustees at his alma mater, Texas Wesleyan University, where he was the Chairman of the Governance Committee. During their Spring 2021 Board meeting, the Trustees unanimously elected Mr. Lewis to be Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Texas Wesleyan University, making him the first person of color to be so honored in the 131-year history of the university.
He is a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., a longtime volunteer lawyer for the NAACP legal clinics and One Church One Child, and a frequent speaker at legal, political, and community events.
In May of 2007, Governor Rick Perry appointed Mr. Lewis to the Board of Regents at Texas Southern University in Houston. He served two full six-year terms on that board, including eleven years as Chairman. Prior to his service at Texas Southern University, he served on the Commission on State Emergency Communication from 2005 to 2007.
In addition to his other duties, Mr. Lewis serves as the Presiding Municipal Judge in the Tarrant County City of Forest Hill. He travels the state teaching as a faculty member of the Texas Municipal Courts Education Center.
Mr. Lewis has also taught as an adjunct professor at Tarrant County College.
He has served on the Texas State Advisory Committee to the United States Commission on Civil Rights.
In October of 2010, Mr. Lewis was chosen by the Fort Worth Business Press as one of 12 “Power Attorneys” in Tarrant County for the year 2010.
udge George Gallagher is the Senior Judge of the 396th District Court of Tarrant County. A graduate of Texas
A&M University and St. Mary’s University School of Law, Judge Gallagher was appointed by Governor George Bush to serve as the first judge of the 396th District Court beginning on January 1, 2000, a position he held until his retirement on December 31, 2024.
Judge Gallagher began his legal career as an Assistant Criminal District Attorney working in Tim Curry’s office from June 1, 1982, until May 15, 1986. He left the DA’s office to join the law firm of Zachry, Kearney, Hill, Beatty and Butcher as an associate and later became a partner, where he worked until his appointment as judge. He has been Board Certified in Criminal Law since 1987.
During his 25 years on the bench, Judge Gallagher presided over 50,000 criminal cases and over 300 jury trials. He presided over more than 50 capital murder trials, including two that carried the possibility of the death sentence being imposed.
In addition to his judicial duties, Judge Gallagher served for over 20 years as a member of the Tarrant County Bail Bond Board. He was chair of the Tarrant County Purchasing Agent Board and served as the Local Administrative Judge for Tarrant County from January 2021 until December 31, 2023. He served as a member of the Curriculum Committee for the Texas Center for the Judiciary, which plans all continuing legal education seminars for judges throughout the state. He is a Master Emeritus of the Eldon B. Mahon Inns of Court and consistently earned the highest ratings of the criminal judges in the Tarrant County Bar Association judicial evaluation polls for many years.
He was a frequent lecturer at the Texas Probation Association and American Probation and Parole Association seminars. He also co-authored the Texas Criminal Jury Charges textbook for over 20 years, which is used by judges throughout the state to assist in preparing jury charges.
Judge Gallagher has been married to his wife, Melissa, for 40 years. They have two sons, Will and Ross, and their respective wives, Michele and Courtney. They also have three grandchildren, Sadie, Rhodes, and Walker, and Baby Girl Gallagher is due in September of this year.
Dwayne is the managing partner of Gardner Smith & Vaughan in Fort Worth. He is board certified in the
practice of family law, a fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, and has practiced in Tarrant County for fifteen years.
He prides himself on his service to the profession and currently serves as a member of the board of directors of the Tarrant County Family Law Bar Association, a member of the Texas Family Law Council, and a member of the Judicial Committee of the Texas Family Law Section. Dwayne previously served the Tarrant County Bar as an appointed member of the board of directors and as the chairman of the Board Election Committee. His service to the Texas Bar has included roles on the Council for the General Practice, Solo, and Small Firm Section, the Board of Editors of the Texas Bar Journal, and Leadership SBOT. He is also a Life Fellow of both the Texas Bar Foundation and the Tarrant County Bar Foundation.
Dwayne received the Outstanding Young Lawyer Award in Tarrant County in 2016, was named a Rising Star in 2017 and 2018, has been named a Super Lawyer every year since his first year of eligibility in 2018, has been recognized as a Top Attorney by Fort Worth Magazine every year since 2013, and has been named a Top Attorney by 360 West Magazine every year since 2017.
He is especially proud to have been awarded the Be Like Wayne Award by the Tarrant County Family Law Bar Association, which is named after the late Wayne Ward and recognizes lawyers who exhibit their “Wayneness” by practicing law the “Fort Worth Way.”
Dwayne is regularly invited to present continuing education lectures across the state and has spoken at each of the major Texas Bar CLEs on the topic of family law for the last five years.
Dwayne is a proud Eagle Scout and serves his community as a member of the board of directors of CASA of Tarrant County.
ara E. Vargas is an adept attorney with a deep commitment to advocating for families, both in and outside of the courtroom. Originally from Minnesota, Sara’s life has been shaped by frequent moves, ultimately bringing her to Texas in 2012. She enrolled at Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene in 2012, where she earned a Bachelor of Behavioral Science and played collegiate basketball. After graduating Magna Cum Laude, she set her sights on law and went on to earn her Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from Texas A&M University School of Law in 2019.
Sara’s passion for family law is deeply personal. Inspired by her own experience of finding and reconnecting with her father and siblings, after being licensed in October 2019, she pursued her passion of advocating for others by compassionately yet tenaciously advocating for families during their most challenging circumstances.
Currently a Senior Associate Attorney at Dally & Webb Family Law, PLLC, Sara exclusively practices family law, handling everything from a bench or jury trial to appellate matters. Her dedication to her clients has earned her numerous accolades, including recognition as a Fort Worth Magazine Top Attorney since 2022, being named the 2023 inaugural L. Clifford Davis Legal Association Young Trailblazer, and being selected as a 2025 Super Lawyers Rising Star.
Sara is also an active member of the Fort Worth community. She serves on the Board of Directors for ACH Child and Family Services and the Tarrant County Family Law Bar Association. Additionally, she is part of the inaugural Leadership Class of the State Bar of Texas Family Law Section and is a member of several legal organizations, including the Texas Bar College, L. Clifford Davis Legal Association, Tarrant County Bar Association, and the Tarrant County Young Lawyers Association.
Outside of her professional life, Sara cherishes time with her family and her daughter. She tries to stay active through basketball and kickboxing, and enjoys traveling to explore new beaches.
John is a credentialed distinguished mediator and certified arbitrator with a career dedicated to resolving civil disputes in both federal and state courts. He is a Member & Life Fellow of the American Board of Trial Advocates, a Fellow of the Tarrant County Bar Foundation, and a Life Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation. John is “AV” Rated by Martindale-Hubbell (2004–Present) and currently serves as Vice President of the Tarrant County Bar Association.
He holds certifications from Harvard University (Mediation and Conflict Management, 2022) and Stanford University (Decision Analysis, 2021). These credentials complement his roles as a Distinguished Neutral of the National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals, Credentialed Distinguished Mediator through the Texas Mediator Credentialing Association (2021–Present), and Certified Arbitrator with the Texas Department of Insurance (2020–Present). He frequently presents CLEs on ADR topics across Texas.
John maintains active membership in numerous professional ADR organizations, including the Civil Mediation Council (UK), Academy of Court Appointed Neutrals (US), Texas Attorney-Mediators’ Coalition, Association of AttorneyMediators, Texas Association of Mediators, and the ADR sections of the ABA, State Bar of Texas, and Tarrant County Bar Association.
Board certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 1997, John brings decades of litigation experience to his ADR practice. He holds a B.A. in Government from The University of Texas at Austin and a J.D. from South Texas College of Law, and is admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court, multiple federal district courts in Texas, and all Texas state courts.
John has also demonstrated strong community leadership, serving on numerous boards including Fort Worth Country Day School, Dream Outside the Box, and Communities in Schools, where he founded the Mediators Achieving Peace peer program. From 1989 to 2015, he coached youth football and continues to mentor former players, some of whom now play at Harvard and UT.
He was named Outstanding Young Lawyer by the Tarrant County Young Lawyers Association in 1998. A lifelong Fort Worth resident, John and his wife, Bari, have raised five children: Katherine, Allie, John Thomas, Case, and Henry.
bby, born in 1972 in Francisco y Javier Mina, Durango, Mexico, immigrated to the United States in 1978 with her seven brothers and one sister. She raised two children: Dominique, a Program Clinician for Dallas County, and Joe, a skilled driver, mechanic, and electrician.
Abby earned an associate’s degree from Tarrant County College and is currently pursuing a social work degree at Tarleton State University. She began her career at the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office Auto Theft Task Force, where she worked for over nine years, then served as a legal assistant in the Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office, assisting victims of family violence, stalking, and sexual assault. After 30 years of service, Abby retired in 2025 and now works as a Legal Operations Coordinator at MHMR of Tarrant County.
Driven by her own family’s struggles and cancer diagnosis in 2006, Abby is deeply committed to community service, volunteering with organizations like Tarrant County Empowering Seniors, KidsMatter International, and Helping Hands of Northwest Texas.
She has held key roles with Juntos Se Puede, Hispano Exito, and the Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas, receiving the Estrella de Tejas award in 2021 for her community work. Abby also supports the Ronald McDonald House of Fort Worth, where she provides essential bags, prepares meals, and organizes seasonal activities for the children. Additionally, she coordinates donations for the JPS Foundation, supporting women experiencing homelessness, and leads a volunteer group to assist as needed. g
New Members of the TCBA:
Emily Agee
Brittany AllenBrantley
Grant Bannen
Elizabeth Barr
Daniel Blumberg
Milan Bolash
Tameka Boyd
Matthew Boyle
Stephanie Cantu
Brian Carter
Andrea Casanova
Taylor Cummins
Gil Daley
J. Wes Dauphinot
Elizabeth Davis
Clint Davis
Haylie Davis
Mallory DeGroat
Catherine Edwards
Kristie Falbo
Omar Famada
Cara Featherstone
Matthew Francis
Caroline Garcia
Stephanie Garner
Dylan Hoggard
Amber James
Laura James
Kolter Jennings
Mamie Johnson
Andrew Jones
Joseph Kimball
Thomas King
Bryce King
J. Brandon Kinnard
Elizabeth Kinsey
Leslie Kramer
Edward Lange
Marla Lee
Cassandra Lelek Faulkner
Jonathan Lowe
Donald MacQueen
Stephen Madsen
Mollie Mallin
Diego J. Peña was admitted into the National Academy of Arbitrators at its Annual Meeting on May 1, 2025, in Seattle, Washington. Since 1947, the National Academy of Arbitrators has served as the preeminent organization of labor and employment arbitrators in the United States and Canada. Mr. Peña has been a fulltime labor and employment arbitrator since 2019.
Mr. Peña received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame, a law degree from the University of Texas at Austin, and a Masters Degree in history from the University of Texas at San Antonio. He began his legal career in San Antonio in 1983. In 1989, he joined the Southwestern Bell Telephone Company Legal Department, where he specialized in litigation and labor matters. Throughout his legal career, Mr. Peña personally tried cases in federal and state courts. He also tried more than 200 labor arbitrations in Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Kansas and Arkansas. He retired from Southwestern Bell/AT&T as an Assistant Vice President – Senior Legal Counsel in 2019 and immediately opened his ADR practice in Tarrant County. Mr. Peña serves on the following arbitration panels: American Arbitration Association (labor, employment, commercial and consumer), Federal Mediation & Conciliation Service (labor) and the National Mediation Board (labor – railroad & airline). He also serves as an independent hearing examiner for various Texas municipalities and counties for civil service disputes involving police officers and firefighters.
Carol Mapp was awarded the prestigious Gay Cox Award by Collaborative Divorce Texas (CDT) at its Statewide Annual Meeting. A formal presentation of the award took place on May 27 during the Advanced Family Law Course.
Gay Cox was a Dallas attorney recognized for her leadership in the development of Collaborative Law and peaceful dispute resolution in the early
2000s. She played a key role in shaping the practice in Texas and was known for mentoring others in the field. She passed away following an accident, but her contributions continue to influence the collaborative community. Notably, she handled the first Collaborative Divorce case in Tarrant County.
Ms. Mapp is known for her tireless work in Collaborative cases, litigated cases, trainings, and CDT activities. Her dedication and work ethic are matched by her exceptional kindness to those around her. She is recognized by her peers as one of the most hardworking and compassionate professionals in the field.
The Late Honorable Judge L. Clifford Davis has been selected as a recipient of the prestigious Fred Gray Hall of Fame Award, presented by the National Bar Association. The award honors attorneys of forty years or more who have made significant contributions to the cause of justice. This year’s class of honorees will be celebrated on July 31 in Chicago, Illinois.
Judge Vincent Giardino was formally sworn in at his Investiture Ceremony for the 396th Judicial District Court on March 7, 2025, at the Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center.
Judge William A. Knight was formally sworn in at his Investiture Ceremony for Criminal District Court No. 2 on March 28, 2025, at the Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center.
Judge Patricia Burns was formally sworn in at her Investiture Ceremony for Probate Court No. 1 on April 3, 2025, in the Probate Court No. 1 courtroom at the Tarrant County Courthouse.
Associate Judge Brook Bell was formally sworn in at her Investiture Ceremony for Probate Court No. 2 on May 30, 2025, at the Tarrant County Courthouse. g
If you are a TCBA member and would like to place an announcement in the Bar Bulletin, we would like to hear from you.
Please submit information by email to Elizabeth Banda, Communications Director, at elizabeth@tarrantbar.org.
As we approach the end of this fiscal year, I’m excited to share that the Tarrant County Bar Association (TCBA) has seen steady growth in our membership. This growth is a testament to the vibrant, engaged community that continues to shape our legal profession in Tarrant County. Thank you to all our members for your continued involvement and support!
In the spirit of service, our Community Service Committee, led by Spencer Mainka, made an impact this year by participating in the Cowtown Great American Clean Up this past March. This was a fantastic opportunity to give back to our community, and we appreciate everyone who lent a hand. Thanks to the generous donations of our members, we were able to provide 13 units of lifesaving blood to those in need.
As we close out this year, I want to extend a special invitation to our newer members. If you’ve recently joined in the past six months, I encourage you to attend the next New Member Breakfast to learn more about the TCBA and how you can get
involved.
By Tiffany Myles, Membership Director
Finally, as we look ahead, I’d like to remind everyone of the immense value in the connections and networking opportunities TCBA provides. I encourage you to take full advantage of these opportunities by joining one of our committees or sections. Whether you're looking to deepen your involvement in the legal community or expand your professional network, there’s a place for you to grow here at TCBA.
We look forward to another successful year of service and growth, and we’re excited to continue making a difference together. g
By Tracy Card, Office Manager TCBA Sections Liaison
The time has come to say goodbye to the nice spring days we’ve been enjoying and welcome the warmer summer days and nights. As the heat ramps up, your sections are also working hard to prepare CLE programs for everyone. The topics and lineup are shaping up to offer a wealth of knowledge of which you’ll definitely want to take advantage.
Keep an eye on your emails to stay up to date
with the latest news and updates.
If you haven’t already, please start sending in your nominations for your section’s leadership teams. Whether you’re volunteering yourself, nominating someone else, or letting us know you’d like to continue in your current role, we welcome your support! Please contact tracy@tarrantbar.org with your nominations or any questions. g
Devin Martin
Kelly McConnell
Alicia McDonald
Carolyn McFatridge
Zena McNulty
Margaret Neubauer
Charles Ocampo
Lesa Pamplin
Dipal Patel
RadicaPatel
Michael Patterson
Anna Patterson
Joshua Pico
Rachel Pungwe
Hannah Rees
Sungjong Rhee
Benjamin Seiken
Lori Shannon
Charlotte Sommer
Amber Tilley
David Tomez
Gary Trichter
Jacob Varley
Chris Vickers
Jordan Voor
Gregory Walker
Laura Warrick
Riley Waters
William Wolfe
Monika Worsley
James Zaleta
Lezlee Liljenberg
Jamie Mccoy
STUDENTS
Bebika Adhikari
Ojaswi Budhathoki
Rati Colderon
Imran Khan
Laxmi Rana
Pratima Shrestha
Sandhya Wagle
LEGAL STAFF
Jessica Bowman
Sara Burchett
Katie McPherson
Maggie Tovaas
Bench Bar Conference: Judicial Family Violence Track
3 Hours CLE
www.tarrantbar.org/bench-bar-judicial-2025
Bench Bar Conference: Civil Law Track
3 Hours CLE
www.tarrantbar.org/bench-bar-civil-law-2025
Bench Bar Conference: Criminal Law Track
3 Hours CLE
www.tarrantbar.org/bench-bar-criminal-law-2025
Bench Bar Conference: Family Law Track
3 Hours CLE
www.tarrantbar.org/bench-bar-family-law-2025
Bench Bar Conference: General Session Track
3 Hours CLE, 2 Hours Ethics
www.tarrantbar.org/bench-bar-general-session-2025
Broker/Owner David Pannell
Welcome to our "Get to Know Your TCBA Board" series! Each issue features board members answering five engaging questions about their practice, interests, and favorite activities. Discover more about the people who contribute to the success of our organization.
TCBA Director
What area(s) of law do you practice?
Estate planning, probate, guardianship, asset protection
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? Sometimes, the most enjoyable thing is to do nothing at all. I enjoy the outdoors, and a walk/hike is nice. I enjoy all kinds of physical activities, but these days, my primary hobby is playing piano. I enjoy classical music, so those are the types of pieces I learn how to play. I’m almost done learning the first movement of Moonlight Sonata by Beethoven.
What’s your favorite TCBA event?
My honest answer is that I don’t have one. The most memorable event for me in the past five years has been the Saturday morning walks I would go on that the wellness committee organized. We would meet up at different parks around the city, walk and talk, and get to know each other. I wish they would bring that back.
Why are you a member of the TCBA?
I think I am like most lawyers: a lot of my business comes from other lawyers. What better way to do business development than to be involved in an organization full of other lawyers? Not only can I build relationships to receive referrals, but by getting to know other attorneys and what they do, I can send referrals. The services of other attorneys are a resource I can provide to clients.
What's something you're looking forward to for the summer?
Being able to sleep in a little, since I will not have to take my son to school. YAY! He starts driving later this year, so hip hip hooray!!!
Welcome to our "Get to Know Your TCBA Board" series! Each issue features board members answering five engaging questions about their practice, interests, and favorite activities. Discover more about the people who contribute to the success of our organization.
John Brookman
TCBA Vice President
What area(s) of law do you practice? Mediation & Arbitration
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Psychoanalyzing my dog; hanging out with Bari and our kids; feeding my wild birds; crunching Sonic ice; listening to The Rest is History podcast; listening to Mike Campbell’s guitar; crosswords; reading.
What’s your favorite TCBA event? Law Day
Why are you a member of the TCBA?
Tarrant County is a fantastic place to practice law, and membership in the TCBA allows me to interact frequently with our great lawyers and stellar judiciary. There are also excellent CLE and community service opportunities.
What’s something you're looking forward to for the summer?
My daughter Katherine's wedding in Maine!
Tiffany Burks TCBA Director
What area(s) of law do you practice? Criminal law
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I enjoy travel and spending time with family, especially my mom, my siblings, and my seven grandkids.
What’s your favorite TCBA event?
I really enjoy the camaraderie of the Women in Law luncheon.
Why are you a member of the TCBA?
Networking with other lawyers is a great way to mentor and be mentored. There is so much we can learn from one another.
What’s something you're looking forward to for the summer?
This summer, I’m looking forward to our annual family trip, this year in Myrtle Beach, where we take our kids and grandkids on vacation.
By Sarah Hall Hoffman, Pro Bono Programs Director
eorge Muckleroy graduated from Texas A&M University in 1995 and earned his law degree from Texas Tech University School of Law in 2003. He has been licensed to practice law in Texas and the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas since 2003.
Before attending law school, George served as a Captain in the United States Marine Corps. He is a former chair of Texas Lawyers for Texas Veterans, TCBA’s Business Litigation Section, and the TCBA Bylaws Committee.
George has been named one of Tarrant County’s Top Attorneys for General Litigation by Fort Worth Magazine and recognized as a Texas Rising Star by Thomson Reuters in the area of Business Litigation. He is a consistent and compassionate volunteer for TLTV and his community.
THANK YOU TO OUR MARCH–MAY TLTV CLINIC VOLUNTEERS
Brittany Allen-Brantley
John Corbin
Wendy Hart
John Johnson
William Larimer
George Muckleroy
Brenda Pfieff
Emily Teel
Amber Tilly
Dwight Tom
Angelia Megahan
Co-Editor Judge Carey Walker, County Criminal Court No. 2
by Judge Bob McCoy g County Criminal Court No. 3
Does an unsigned order setting a hearing for a motion for summary judgment that, when filed and served, recites and specifies a definitive date and time (1) that meets the twentyone-day notice requirement and (2) that a trial court will proceed to hear and consider the motion, provides sufficient notice of the hearing date to the nonmovant?
Yes.
Barrientos v Barrientos, 675 S.W.3d 399 (Tex.App—Eastland 2023).
NOAH (10/14/18 – 6/2/2025)
Cancer Victim.
Noted Author (Snippets). A gentle giant.
(a figure of speech in which the latter part of a sentence or phrase is surprising or unexpected; frequently humorous)
The sign of a clear conscience is usually a poor memory.
The problem with beauty is that it’s like being rich and then becoming poor.
Joan Collins
The smallest of coffins are the heaviest.
The Sixth Amendment provides that “in all criminal prosecutions the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury.” A defendant has a limited right to waive his constitutional right to a jury trial in favor of a bench trial or pleading guilty. The right is limited because the State must consent to the waiver, and the trial court must accept it.
Rios v. State, 665 S.W.3d 467 (Tex.Crim.App. 2022).
When a defendant seeks a change of venue based on publicity about the case, he must show that the publicity was “pervasive, prejudicial, and inflammatory.” Widespread publicity is not by itself inherently prejudicial. The defendant must show an actual, identifiable prejudice attributable to pretrial publicity on the part of the community from which members of the jury will come.
Sandoval v. State, 665 S.W.3d 496 (Tex.Crim.App. 2022).
The right against self-incrimination protects “the individual not only against being involuntarily called as a witness against himself in a criminal prosecution, but also permits him ‘not to answer official questions put to him in any other proceeding, civil or criminal, formal or informal, where the answers might incriminate him in future criminal proceedings.’”
State v. Hatter, 665 S.W.3d 584 (Tex.Crim.App. 2023).
When jury misconduct is the basis for the motion for new trial, whether misconduct occurred is a determination made by the trial court, which will not be disturbed on appeal absent an abuse of discretion. Further, the movant must show that the jury misconduct occurred and that the misconduct was detrimental to the movant.
Anderson v. State, 665 S.W.3d 743 (Tex.App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2023).
A Rule 403 analysis generally balances the following four factors, though they are not exclusive: “(1) how probative evidence is; (2) the potential of the evidence to impress the jury in some irrational, but nevertheless indelible way; (3)
the time the proponent needs to develop the evidence; and (4) the proponent’s need for the evidence.”
Fortuna v. State, 665 S.W.3d 861 (Tex.App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2023).
6. Right to be Present
“A leading principle that pervades the entire law of criminal procedure is that, after indictment, nothing shall be done in the absence of the prisoner.” The personal presence of the defendant is essential to a valid trial and conviction on a charge of felony, if he is absent, will be set aside. This common law requirement was premised on the notion that a fair trial could take place only if the jurors met the defendant face-to-face and only if those testifying against the defendant did so in his presence.
Lira v. State, 666 S.W.3d 498 (Tex.Crim.App. 2023).
7. Ex Parte Communication
An ex parte communication includes communication that concern matters between a lawyer representing a client and a judicial officer and that occurs outside of the presence and without the consent of other parties to the litigation or their representatives. Judges are prohibited from permitting or considering ex parte communications from a party to pending litigation unless expressly authorized by law.
In re City of Lubbock, 666 S.W.3d 546 (Tex.Crim.App. 2023).
1.
A lawyer’s representative is “one employed by the lawyer to assist in the rendition of professional legal services.” Tex. R. Evid. 503(a)(4)(A). The definition itself confirms that one does not qualify as a lawyer’s representative merely by incidentally providing such assistance in the course of employment. Id. , Rather, assisting in the rendition of professional legal services must be a significant purpose for which the representative was hired in the first instance.
UT SYS. v Franklin Ctr. For Gov’t, 675 S.W.3d 273 (Tex. 2023).
2. Advisory Opinion
“[A] court cannot decide a case that has become moot during the pendency of the litigation,” Heckman v Williamson County, 369 S.W.3d 137, 162 (Tex. 2012), because “[a]ny ruling on the merits of a moot issue constitutes an advisory opinion, which we lack jurisdiction to issue.”
Matter of T.V.T, 675 S.W.3d 303 (Tex. 2023).
In Rieder v Woods, the Texas Supreme Court addressed the circumstances under which contracts are to be construed together. 603 S.W.3d 86, 94 (Tex. 2020) “[U]nder appropriate circumstances, ‘instruments pertaining to the same transaction may be read together to ascertain the parties’ intent, even if the parties executed the instruments at different times and
the instruments do not expressly refer to each other.’”
Echols Minerals, LLC v Green , 675 S.W.3d 344 (Tex.App.— Eastland 2023).
With a nunc pro tunc judgment, “[a] trial court may correct clerical errors in a judgment even after its plenary power has expired,” however, “it must correct judicial errors within thirty days of judgment or not at all.” Errors made in entering a judgment are clerical, and errors in the rendition of a judgment are judicial. “A clerical error is one which does not result from judicial reasoning or determination.” A purported nunc pro tunc judgment entered after the trial court loses plenary jurisdiction is void if it corrects judicial rather than clerical errors.
21st Century Centennial Ins. v Ramirez, 675 S.W.3d 356 (Tex. App—Corpus Christi 2023).
5. Mandamus
If a trial court issues an order when it lacks jurisdiction to do so, mandamus relief is appropriate because such an order is void ab initio. In such a circumstance, the relator need not show it lacks an adequate appellate remedy.
In Re Giles, 675 S.W.3d 376 (Tex.App-Corpus Christi 2023).
6. Mineral Estate
“A mineral estate consists of five interests: 1) the right to develop, 2) the right to lease, 3) the right to receive bonus payments, 4) the right to receive delay rentals, and 5) the right to receive royalty payments.”
Pacer Energy v. Endeavor Energy Resources, 675 S.W.3d 390 (Tex. App—Eastland 2023).
Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest.
Proverbs 6:6–8 (ESV) g
Connecting Top Employers with Premier Professionals.
• PLACE your job in front of our highly qualified members
• SEARCH our resume database of qualified candidates
• MANAGE jobs and applicant activity right on our site
• LIMIT applicants only to those who are qualified
• FILL your jobs more quickly with great talent
• POST a resume or anonymous career profile that leads employers to you
• SEARCH and apply to hundreds of new jobs on the spot by using robust filters
• SET UP efficient job alerts to deliver the latest jobs right to your inbox
• ACCESS career resources, job searching tips and tools tarrantbar.careerwebsite.com
Contact TCBA Career Center 's customer service department at clientserv@communitybrands.com for more information.
By Sarah Hall Hoffman, Pro Bono Programs Director
At the end of April, TVAS and Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas (LANWT) partnered to host the Spring 2025 Uncontested Divorce Clinic, generously sponsored by Cantey Hanger LLP. Volunteer attorneys met with and began representing low-income individuals seeking an uncontested divorce, while TVAS-affiliated paralegals assisted in drafting the necessary paperwork. Philip Vickers of Cantey Hanger LLP and Lori Spearman of the Law Office of Lori Spearman led the free CLE session provided to TVAS volunteers prior to the clinic.
It takes a dedicated team of volunteer attorneys, paralegals, and mentors to make this clinic a success, and TVAS is grateful for the ongoing support that makes this work possible. g
enya White-Williams is a highly skilled Senior Real Estate Closing Paralegal (Title365) and Licensed Insurance Agent with Primerica. She brings over 20 years of experience in closings and financial management, combining legal expertise with a deep understanding of financial services.
Kenya is a proud graduate of Arlington Career Institute,
THANK YOU TO OUR UNCONTESTED DIVORCE CLINIC VOLUNTEERS
ATTORNEYS PARALEGALS
Tiereney Bowman
Emily Campbell
Caroline Garcia
Ethan Lennon
Chad Robbins
Joshua Ross
Maddie Royal
Kary Brown
Kelly Cobb
Kellie Daniels
Susan Davis
Iliana Figueroa
Julie Sherman
Kenya White
where she earned her degree in Paralegal Studies. She is known for her exceptional attention to detail, strong research skills, and ability to work well under pressure. As a Corporate Liasion, she has demonstrated comprehensive experience in managing mortgage and banking cases from title through sale, including document drafting, project management, case organization, research, filings, court attendance, and more. Kenya is also highly proficient in the latest legal software and technology, making her an invaluable asset to any team.
Outside of work, Kenya enjoys spending time with family, staying active, and educating families on how to become properly protected and debt-free. She is actively involved in community outreach through Fresh Oil International Church, The Gatehouse Wills Clinic, and the Uncontested Divorce Clinic with TVAS (FWPA). g
The Lawyer Referral & Information Service (LRIS) is a service of the Tarrant County Bar Association that benefits both TCBA member attorneys and the public.
TCBA’s Lawyer Referral & Information Service is completely customizable for participating attorneys with:
Lawyer Referral & Information Service News
Time Frame: April 2024 – March 2025 & referrals a month
specialized practice areas from which to choose. LRIS averages more than more than 29 330 647
The program is intended to help individuals who are able to pay normal attorney fees but have difficulty finding legal representation due to lack of experience with the legal system, lack of information about needed services, or fear of costs. Membership costs range $150 - $200 annually. practice areas
Approved by the American Bar Association, LRIS allows member attorneys to receive client referrals and build their business, while helping callers quickly find an attorney in the area of law they need.
The LRIS is pleased to announce that Andrew W. Seibert has earned the title of Top Referral Attorney for TCBA's Lawyer Referral & Information Service for the period from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025. Seibert earned $61,608.76 through his dedicated participation in our program!
Why Join LRIS?
• Maximize Your Earnings: Like Andrew, you can earn substantial rewards by offering quality referrals.
• Grow Your Practice: Connect with clients in need of your expertise and grow your client base.
• Build Your Reputation: Build valuable relationships and be recognized for your exceptional service.
For more details about joining LRIS, please visit www.tarrantbar.org/JoinLRIS or reach out to us at lris@tarrantbar.org.
Section Webinars:
Section members can access free online CLE that is available on the section’s e-community. If you are not a member of a section and want to access a particular recorded CLE, visit www.tarrantbar.org/cleondemand.
Trial and Appellate Advocacy
Speakers: Derrick Boyd, Boyd, Powers & Williamson
Scott Lindsey, Boyd, Powers & Williamson
CLE: 1 hour (FREE for TCBA Members)
Foster Youth Grant Project - What It Can Do for Your Client
Speaker: Samuel Sanchez, Texas A&M University School of Law
CLE: 1 hour (FREE for TCBA Members)
OurFamilyWizard Presents: Implications of Technology and Social Media for Domestic Violence and Family Court Cases
Speakers: Lindsay Morris, OurFamilyWizard
CLE: 1 hour (FREE for TCBA Members)
The New Texas Business Court: A Primer on Structure, Jurisdiction, and Procedure
Speakers: Judge Jerry Bullard, Eighth Business Court Division
Judge Brian Stagner, Eighth Business Court Division
Moderator: Judge David L. Evans, Eighth Administrative Judicial Region
CLE: 1 hour ($20 for TCBA Members)
Appellate Law Section
Topic: How Lawyers Can Uphold the Constitution & Rule of Law
Speaker: Dr. Bill Chriss, Chair of the Appellate Section of the State Bar of Texas
CLE: 1 hour ($40 for TCBA Members)
Collaborative Law Section
Topic: Answers to Questions from Basic Training
Speakers: Carol Mapp LCSW, Integrated Healthworks
Richard (Dick) Price, The Price Law Firm
Kate Smith, Law Offices of Kate Smith, PLLC
CLE: 1 hour (FREE for TCBA Members)
Construction Law Section
Topic: Private Equity in the Real Estate Development and Construction Industries
Speaker: Benton Wheatley, Duane Morris LLP
CLE: 1 hour ($20 for TCBA Members)
Energy Law Section
Topic: Produced Water in Texas: A Fluid Frontier
Speaker: Kyle Weldon, James D. Bradbury, PLLC
CLE: 1 hour ($40 for TCBA Members)
Fort Worth Business & Estate Section
Topic: Creative Income Tax Strategies
Speakers: Marvin E. Blum, Founder and Managing Partner, The Blum Firm. P.C.
CLE: 1 hour (FREE for Section Members)
$30 for Non-Section Members
Criminal Law Section
Topic: Crash Course - Federal Criminal Law
Speaker: Cody Cofer, Cofer Luster Law Firm
CLE: 3.5 hours ($10 for TCBA Members)
Mentor Monday Seminar Series with Steven C. Laird
Guest Speaker: Glenn Lewis, Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP
1 hour Ethics (FREE for TCBA Members)
Guest Speaker: Federal Magistrate Judge Hal R. Ray, Jr., United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas 1 hour Ethics (FREE for TCBA Members)
Guest Speaker: Dean Robert (Bobby) Ahdieh, TAMU Law
1 hour Ethics (FREE for TCBA Members)
Guest Speaker: Jim Whitton, Brackett & Ellis, P.C. 1 hour Ethics (FREE for TCBA Members)
Brown Bag Seminar
Topic: Ethics
CLE: 3.50 hours
($65 for TCBA Members, $25 for Paralegal/Staff)
Topic: Employment Law
CLE: 3.50 hours
($65 for TCBA Members, $25 for Paralegal/Staff)
Topic: Federal Litigation
CLE: 3.25 hours
($65 for TCBA Members, $25 for Paralegal/Staff)
Topic: Hot Topics
CLE: 3.25 hours
($65 for TCBA Members, $25 for Paralegal/Staff)
Child Welfare Seminar
CLE: 3 hours
($65 for TCBA Members, $25 for Paralegal/Staff)
ADR Seminar
CLE: 3.5 hours, .5 hour Ethics
($20 for TCBA Members, $15 for Paralegal/Staff)
atrick McCarthy is a proud Fort Worth native and an active member of his community. An alumnus of Arlington Heights High School, he earned his undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Texas at Dallas. While working as a Petroleum Landman, he discovered a lasting passion for the law, which led him to earn his Juris Doctor with honors from Southern Methodist University’s Dedman School of Law, graduating in May 2022.
Since then, Patrick has practiced law at McDonald Sanders, P.C., a historic Fort Worth law firm that has served the community since 1951. His practice focuses on civil litigation, including commercial, oil and gas, real estate, and nonsubscriber personal injury defense matters. He is committed to serving his hometown both professionally and through pro bono work.
When not practicing law, Patrick enjoys spending time with his wife, Mollie, and their dog, Harper, and working on his golf game. He prefers not to comment on whether he has won any golf-related awards and notes that pro bono work is more important than golf, regardless. g
By Sarah Hall Hoffman, Pro Bono Programs Director
THANK YOU TO OUR RECENT LEGALLINE VOLUNTEERS
Amy Allen
Brittany Allen-Brantley
Nick Bettinger
Robert Blankenship
Blake Bobo
MarQuetta Clayton
Sara Correa
Patrick Curran
Madeline D’Alise
Merrit Klapperich
Deborah Krane
Cynthia Maragoudakis
Reba Martin
Angelia Megahan
C.D. Peebles
Karon Rowden
Arin Schall
Timothy Stafford
Do you have 2 hours that you can commit on a Thursday night to assist those that need legal advice in your area of expertise?
Upcoming Volunteer Dates
Volunteer Slot: 5 PM–7 PM
Thursday, June 12
Thursday, June 26
Thursday, July 10
Thursday, July 24
The objective of the trip is to have an immersive, cultural experience while improving Spanish legal skills. No prior Spanish experience required. CLE will be provided in Spanish and English.
CLE will focus on linguistic and cultural differences in representation of Spanish speaking clients, as well as topics on how incorporating a variety of wellness practices into your life can enhance your professional abilities.
Attorneys will have the opportunity to visit the local Tribunales de Justicia and witness the legal process in action. Opportunity to interact with Costa Rican lawyers and will have the opportunity to visit the, Judicial College of Heredia and the San Jose Bar College.
Register at www.tarrantbar.org/Costa-Rica-2025
PASSPORT IS REQUIRED FOR ALL TRAVELERS!
Arrival date: July 6, 2025
Final hotel booking date: June 1, 2025 for discount
Early bird registration: February 1 - May 1, 2025
Final registration: June 10, 2025
For more information contact: Kara Carreras kara@fortworthdefense.com.
Hotel has a 10-acre botanical garden: https://www.hb.co.cr/ Room Rates are locked for the following dates:
1. Lockdown dates: July 5-18, 2025.
2. Hotel will be a 30% group discounted rate of $118.30 + taxes, per night for 1–2-person room. Breakfast is included with hotel.
3. Discount on lodging rate, single occupancy, in the type of room that the client chooses.
4. Blocking status date: May 15, 2025, must book by Room release date: June 1, 2025 for the discount.
5. Each person reserves and pays hotel directly.
6. To reserve please send email to: info@hb.co.cr and indicate that you are coming to the event scheduled by Mrs. Kara Carreras.
One of the few independent hotels left in the Central Valley in Costa Rica, this well-located place overflows with personality. Ten acres of botanical gardens, art, rocks and minerals, a restaurant very much liked by locals as well as visitors, swimming pool, tennis courts, and most importantly, the people who work with us, all conspire to make the hotel a destination rather than just a stop-over.
American Airlines has daily flights to the San Jose Airport, a half hour drive from Heredia, La Ciudad de las Flores. This is known as the safest city in Costa Rica. The San Jose Airport is about a half hour drive from Heredia. The airport code is SJO. Rental cars are discouraged during the CLE dates. Uber and taxis are available, and most group events have bus or van transportation. There is no place to park in town. If you want to travel to the countryside, that option will be available before or after the dates of the classes.
Afternoon and evening group events are still being worked out. Possible things: Coffee Plantation tour, Toucan Rescue Ranch, Jazz at Riverside, Braulio Carrillo Canopy Tour. Side trips and nightlife should be fun. These are not included in any of the pricing seen on this flyer.
TCBA members may take advantage of discounts provided by the following vendors:
AMO Office Supply guarantees the lowest prices on office supplies for TCBA members, with next-day delivery and free shipping. Call 800.420.6421.
For the last 17 years EVERNET Consulting has been established in the legal industry, growing nationwide to support law firms across the country. Our wide range of services include email, network, and computer support, as well as practice management solutions. Our expertise also extends to website development, marketing, social media management, online reviews, and new client outreach. Contact us today and receive a discount on our services: https://evernetco.com/lp/tarrant-county-form/.
Falcon Document Solutions provides quick, efficient, and reliable process services, document scanning, printing, copying, electronic discovery, litigation displays, and trial boards. They are available 24/7 at 817.870.0330 or visit their website at www.falcondocs.com. TCBA members can enjoy discounts on their services.
Fort Worth JSB Co., Inc. offers a 10% discount for TCBA members on printed materials — business cards, letterhead, envelopes, business forms, brochures, flyers, and more. To receive a quote, call 817.577.0572.
Fort Worth Zoo offers discounted tickets for TCBA members. $18.00 for adult tickets, $14 for child or senior tickets. For more information, please contact Tracy Card at tracy@tarrantbar.org or call 817.338.4092.
Thomson Reuters Exclusive TCBA offer of 15% off new Westlaw subscriptions or upgrades to current subscriptions*, including our latest AI enhanced platform, Westlaw Edge. Please contact your local Account Executive, Ben Galloway, for more information: Ben.Galloway@TR.com. *Restrictions apply, please contact your AE for details.
Juris Fabrilis provides members with discounted rates on web-based tools to assist in managing their law practices. For more information, call 817.481.1573 ext. 101.
Magic Shred is a secure shredding business that offers TCBA members a 10% discount to TCBA members. They provide on-site document shredding services. TCBA also organizes 4 free shredding events per year exclusively for its members. Members can bring up to five boxes for shredding free of charge. Call 940.783.6580 for details. g
Bar Bulletin ▪ May/June 2025
Tarrant County Bar Association 1315 Calhoun Street Fort Worth, TX 76102-6504 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
If any of your contact information is incorrect, please submit the corrected information to the TCBA office at 817.338.4092, or email tcba@tarrantbar.org
Purchase your tickets at www.tarrantbar.org/zoo-tickets
No reservation day or time is required.