1. law, govt and politics

Smith County Bar
The Advocate
Volume 18 Issue 11
2014-2015
Association
President
Tom Gibson
VP/ President-elect
Ron Stutes
Secretary
Amy Ames
Treasurer
Greg Kimmel
Directors 2013-15
Faye Comte
Nathaniel Moran
Danny Noteware
Directors 2013-15
Reagan Butts
W. Bryan Campbell
Jennifer McCollough
Leigh Porter
Marisa Schouten
Andy Stinson
Foundation
President
Jim Huggler
VP/ President-elect
John F. Berry
Secretary
Andy Tindel
Treasurer
Daniel Montgomery, CPA
Directors 2012-15
Rick Allen, CPA
Jill Hossley
Laura Jackson
Hon. Christi Kennedy
Joey Seeber
Directors 2013-16
Ralph E. Allen
Dawn Franks
James W. Knowles
Honorable John Love
Dr. Howard Patterson
Nancy Rangel
Randell C. Roberts
Directors 2013-16
Andrew Adams
Dana Bias
Jeremy Coe
Shannon Dacus
H. Michael Gross
Deborah Race
May 2015
www.smithcountybar.com
President’s
Letter
Dear SCB Association Members,
Well Friends, it has been another
busy few weeks for the Smith County Bar Association, capped off by the
recent Law Day celebration held at
the Ornales Center at U.T. Tyler. I
always enjoy seeing fellow lawyers
and staff members at this event, and
especially celebrating the many worthy award recipients. The Smith
County Bar Foundation organizes
and presents this event, and I can
assure you that there were many
hours of planning, preparation and
work behind the successful lunch.
Many thanks to Mike Patterson,
Chair and Stuart Hene co-chair of
the Law Day Committee, for their
work and leadership that assured a
successful event.
Of course, we have recently celebrated the portrait presentation and
judicial career of Judge Leonard
Davis, who is retiring from the bench
after a successful and accomplished
career on the bench, first with the
Twelfth Court of Appeals and then
with the United States District Court
for the Eastern District of Texas. The
good news is that Judge Davis is returning to the private practice, so we
will no doubt continue to see him in
the halls of the courthouse as he
resumes the private practice of law.
Now that spring has begun, remember that we will have our annual
criminal law CLE program on Thursday, May 28. The program has been
named in honor of Judge Thomas A.
Dunn and will be held at the Smith
County HUB. It will feature several
local speakers addressing timely topics within the criminal practice. Due
to the recent Law Day lunch, we will
not have our monthly CLE lunch at
the Willow Brook Country Club, but
we will resume our normal schedule
in June.
Tom Gibson
SCBA President 2014-15
2015-16 SCB Association and Young Lawyer Elections
Officers and Directors for the 2015-16 Smith County Bar
Association and Smith County Young Lawyers will be
elected by electronic vote. Be looking for an email with
voting instructions. Electronic ballots will be sent to
all current members of each organization in mid May.
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SCBA Attorney Spotlight
This section is dedicated to introducing and showcasing young lawyers or lawyers that are new to the SCBA. If you would
like to nominate someone for the “SCBA Spotlight” please contact Cristy at [email protected]
Nolan D. Smith
Ramey & Flock, P.C.
100 E. Ferguson St., Suite 500
Tyler, Texas 75702
903-597-3301
[email protected]
This month the SCBA spotlight shines on Nolan Smith of
Ramey & Flock, P.C.
Nolan was raised in Tyler and is a direct descendant of General
James Smith, Smith County’s namesake. He graduated from
All Saints Episcopal School and went on to undergrad at Baylor
University where he earned a B.A. in History. During his time in
Waco, he was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity
and volunteered at the local Boys & Girls Club.
After graduating from Baylor, Nolan went up I-35 to attend the
Dedman School of Law at Southern Methodist University. During law school, Nolan was a member of the Science and Technology Law Review.
Nolan returned to Tyler to join the Ramey & Flock law firm in the fall of 2011. Practicing alongside his father,
Greg Smith, Nolan focuses primarily on civil appeals and commercial litigation. In 2013-14, Nolan was a
member of Leadership Tyler Class 27. Currently, Nolan serves in a leadership role for the Smith County
Young Lawyers Association. He and his wife Stacy were married in 2011, and have one daughter, Catherine.
In his spare time, Nolan enjoys sports (including, specifically, supporting Baylor athletics), traveling, and
spending time with family and friends.
Register NowSeventh Annual Honorable Thomas A. Dunn Criminal Law CLE
Local East Texas speakers discussing criminal law topics including but not limited to
Significant Decisions – Federal and State, Immigration, Voir Dire, Personnel Files, Preservation of Error,
Search and Seizure, Morton Act , Veteran’s Court and Panel with U.S. Attorney/Federal Defender.
Thursday, May 28
9:00 am to 4:30 pm
Smith County R.B. Hubbard Facility – ‘The HUB”
302 E. Ferguson St., Tyler
2014-15 SCBA members $150
Non members $200
Register at www.smithcountybar.com
6 hours of CLE including 1.5 hours of ethics
SBOT CLE course No. 901316139
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Smith County Law Library
This past month the library worked to prepare our proposed
budget for the 2015-16 fiscal year. I want to say a quick
thank you to the law library committee members: Dr.
Charles Alworth (Chair), Judge Christi Kennedy, Judge
James Worthen, Alesha Williams, Ralph Allen, Mary Ann
Cozby, Kay Caserta, Craig Daugherty, Greg Fraser, Linda
Hoak and VaLita Waits. Thank you for your support of the
law library and for your insight regarding next fiscal
year’s budget.
In recent years, county law libraries in Texas have seen a
decrease in revenue while the cost of materials and online
research has increased. As some of you may know, the law
library receives its funding from a $35 statutory filing fee
collected on civil case filings. With the rising cost of materials and more indigent filings, this fee has just not been
enough to cover costs in law libraries around the state. Recently, county law libraries in Texas have gotten together
in an effort to do something about this through legislation.
We are hoping to pass a bill that would add a $5 filing fee
onto JP civil cases, which would go towards the law library
fund. Sometimes these things take years to get done, but
we are hopeful.
It’s because of recent budget concerns that there will be
some changes to the law library. We will keep you updated
about the changes and when they will occur. Don’t be
scared. Change isn’t always bad. Well, sometimes it’s
bad…like if you try to change your hair color and accidently turn it green...then have to go by the name Chia Pet for
the entire rest of your 10th grade year in high school. (But I
digress.) Ok, THAT change is bad, but we are working
very hard to make any changes to the law library as pain
free as possible and still continue to give you lots of research options.
VOLUNTEER ATTORNEY PROGRAM
Within this newsletter you will find a gift. Where?
You ask. If you missed the Law Day luncheon then
you missed Alicia Barkley, 2014 Volunteer
Attorney of the Year recipient, telling the attendees
that within each program they would find a gift.
She proceeded to share with all of us her experiences as a volunteer attorney. Assisting low income
clients gain access to justice by giving of her time
and expertise was not only a gift to the client but
also a gift for her. She forged new relationships
and made our community a better place.
Helping clients that have been abused obtain
divorces gave Alicia the gift of knowing that she
made a difference in the lives of those that may not
otherwise have been able to find assistance to
leave their abusive situation. She encouraged
other attorneys in attendance at the luncheon to
become volunteer attorneys so that they too could
make a difference and receive the same gift she
had received. Within the programs at each place
setting was a Volunteer Attorney Profile Sheet.
When an attorney completes the sheet and volunteers, our Pro Bono Volunteer Attorney Program
grows and our clients benefit from their expertise
and generous gift of time.
This past month, we have updated the Supreme Court Reporter, Houston Law Review, Texas Torts & Remedies
Guide, Internal Revenue Service Code, Vernon’s Texas
Codes Annotated and Social Security Laws. If you have
any specific concerns about future changes or specific materials you would like the library to have, please let us
know and we will do our best to accommodate your request.
As you read through this newsletter please find a
Volunteer Attorney Profile Sheet. A gift to you.
Please take the time to complete the sheet and become one of our volunteers. Your time and expertise is greatly needed and will not go unrewarded.
Volunteers are needed in numerous areas of law.
There is also a need for mentors. If you would like
more information about the Volunteer Attorney
Program, please feel free to contact me.
If you’ve made it to the end of this article there are two
lessons I hope you’ve learned here.
1. Don’t fear change…we plan to keep you informed all
along the way.
2. Never try to dye your own hair.
Carol Moylan
SCBF Volunteer Attorney Coordinator
903-526-2700
Kara Barrett
Law Librarian
[email protected]
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Law Day 2015
Additional photos
posted on
www.smithcountybar
.com and on SCBA
facebook page.
T HE A D V O C A T E
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THANK YOU TO THE
2015 LAW DAY UNDERWRITERS
AND TABLE SPONSORS
Table Sponsors:
Regions Bank
Ramey & Flock, PC
Underwriters:
Platinum:
Julietta Jarvis Foundation
Gold:
Flowers Davis PLLC
Collen Clark/The Clark Firm
Silver:
Potter Minton, PC
Mike Patterson Mediation
Findlay Craft PC
David Lake and Joel Lake
Wilson, Robertson & Cornelius, PC
Roberts & Roberts
Beverly D. Melontree
Bain, Files, Jarret, Bain & Harrison PC
Ramey & Flock, PC
White & Shaver, PC
Bronze:
The Dacus Firm, PC
James W. Huggler
Henry & Peters PC
Ronnie Horsley, PC
Southside Bank
Michael K. Hogan, PC
Honorable Jack Skeen, Jr.
Yarbrough Wilcox PLLC
Brown, Bauman & Smith, PC
Copper:
Bluebonnet Partners
Honorable James T. Worthen
Perdue Brandon Fielder, Collin & Mott, LLP
James I. Perkins Family Trust
Kevin L. Ferrier
Gregory S. Porter
Law Office of James W. Volberding
Law Office of Jeremy Coe, PLLC
Starr Schoenbrun Comte PLLC
Alan E. Brown
Michael J. McNally
John F, Berry, PC
Frank H. Moore
Honorable Brian Hoyle
Vickery Law Firm
Beard & Harris, PC
Woodrow M. Roark
Richard Grainger, PC
Hossley Embry
Honorable Sam Griffith
Dwight A. Brannon
Honorable Christi J. Kennedy
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Thanks to the 2015 Law Day Exhibitors
2015 SMITH COUNTY BAR LAW DAY COMMITTEE
Chair Mike Patterson
Law Day Co-Chair Stuart Hene
SCBF/SCBA Executive Director Cristy Arscott
Amy Bates Ames
John F. Berry, SCBF Pres-Elect
Dana Bias
Tom Brown
Laura Brownlow
Patricia Coplan
Craig Daugherty
Debby Gunter
Jo Ruth Hancock
Jim Huggler, SCBF President
Leigh Ann Hunt
Sara Maynard
Jennifer McCollough
Hon. Nicole Mitchell
Nathaniel Moran
Carol Moylan
James M. Noble
Daniel A. Noteware
James ‘Wes’ Volberding
Ruth Yeager
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PRO BONO VOLUNTEER ATTORNEY PROFILE
Name: _____________________________________________________________________________________________
Firm: ______________________________________________________________________________________________
Address: ____________________________________________________________________________________________
Phone: _____________________________________________________________________________________________
Fax: _______________________________________________________________________________________________
E-mail Address: _____________________________________________________________________________________
I volunteer to accept ____2
_____4
____6
Lone Star Legal Aid qualified clients for year 2015-2016.
Family Law/Divorce
_____ Employment
_____ No Children/No Property
_____ Bankruptcy
_____ Children/No Property
_____ Wills/Probate/Estate Planning
_____ Routine Divorce
_____ Elder Law
_____ Routine Divorce with domestic violence
_____ Guardianship
_____ Complex Divorce
_____ Real Estate (e.g. deed preparation)
_____ Custody
_____ Emergency case on short notice
_____ Adoption
_____ Advice & Counsel (indicate field)
_____ QDRO’s
___________________________
_____ Health-related (SSI, Medicaid, Medicare)
_____ Name Change
_____ Administrative Appeals (Unemployment
_____ Landlord/Tenant
Benefits, Workman’s Compensation,
_____ Consumer Problems
Veteran’s Benefits, Disability Benefits,
Food Stamps)
_____ Spanish speaking clients accepted
_____ Debtor/Creditor Issues
_____ I would like to Mentor other volunteers
_____ Other: I would like to assist by ______________________________________________
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T HE A D V O C A T E
SCYLA members participated in a recent
panel discussion for the Pre-Law Society
at UT Tyler. They answered questions
from the students about practicing law and
law school. Pictured are
Nathaniel
Kummerfeld, Alesha Williams, Danny
Noteware, Terrance Garmon, Nick Pesina
and Stuart Hene. Terrence Garmon has
organized several of these presentations
for local students.
The Smith County Young Lawyers Association would like to welcome newly
licensed attorneys in our area. Details
about a potential Swearing-In Ceremony
in May will be announced soon.
If you know new attorneys who may be
interested in participating in the local
Swearing-In Ceremony, please share their
names and contact information with the
following SCYLA volunteers:
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
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UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT
EASTERN DISTRICT OF TEXAS
NOTICE OF POSITION VACANCY
Position: Clerk of Court
Location: Tyler, TX or Plano, TX
Closing Date: May 22, 2015
Start Date: September 1, 2015
The United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of
Texas is seeking a senior level executive with experience as an
administrator of a diverse and innovative organization to serve as
the Bankruptcy Court’s Clerk of Court. Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, along with a proven record of leadership and accomplishment are required, preferably in a court environment. The Clerk of Court works in collaboration with and reports directly to the Chief Bankruptcy Judge.
Qualified candidates may apply by emailing a current resume
along with a cover letter stating your interest in the job, salary history or classification level, e-mail address and a daytime telephone
number. Also include contact information for three professional
references.
The
document
must
be
emailed
to:
[email protected]
Click here for the complete Notice of Position Vacancy.
RCL Portrait Design, who specializes in “Executive Portraits” will photograph SCBA members for our on
line directory at www.smithcountybar.com.
You should have received a letter with details and information on making
your reservation. The photographs will be taken at Potter Minton PC, on May
27-28 and at Martin Walker Law Firm, on June 1-5. Thanks to these firms for
providing the location for the photographers.
There is no cost for you to participate. A professional portrait photographer
will photograph you in several poses. You will be able to view your proofs
immediately through an instant video system and choose your picture for the
online directory. Additional portraits will also be made available to those wishing to purchase them, however
there is no obligation.
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Congratulations
Providing professional development, education and
service programs for the legal profession.
Revised 10-24-07
Published monthly by
the Smith County Bar Association
P.O. Box 7248, Tyler, TX 75711-7248
903 526-2700 or email: [email protected]
Web site: www.smithcountybar.com
Deadline is the 25th of the month preceding publication
REGIONS
Private Wealth Management
Free CLE Opportunities
Ethics Issues in Estate Planning
Tuesday, May 19 12:00—1:30
Lunch Provided
Regions Bank, 100 E. Ferguson St.
Large Conference Room
Please RSVP to [email protected]
50 Year & 50+ year attorneys
Lawrence W. Anderson
Hunter B. Brush
Gene Caldwell
Judge G. Calhoun, Jr.
Honorable Joe D. Clayton
Leonard C. Craig
H. Tracy Crawford
Clyde L. Davis
F.R. “Buck” Files, Jr.
Patrick A. Flynn
Richard “Dick” Grainger
Justice Roby Hadden
Richard B. Hardee
W. Tom Henson
Gary Jackson
Jack A. Jackson
Ben E. Jarvis
D. Rex Kirby
William A. Knight
Jonathan LeBleu
Weldon McFarland
John H. Minton
Ardon E. “Ace” Moore, Jr.
Charles L. Morgan
Chief Justice Tom B. Ramey
Honorable J. Mike Rowan
Dane H. Smith
Martin Z. Sammons
Referral List of Internships
In preparation of summer, SCYLA and the SCBA are looking to compile a referral list of potential
internships (whether paid or not) and/or shadowing opportunities for students in the area. If you are
in need of summer and/or semester help or would like to provide opportunities for students (high
school or college) to shadow your firm, organization, attorneys, or courtroom, please contact
Terrance Garmon at 903-531-1161 or via email at [email protected]
Employment
The Tyler Area Association of Legal Professional’s Job Bank is a free service for members. If you have a position
open in your firm, (e.g. receptionist, legal secretary, legal assistant or office manager), please contact:
Sharon Sherrill, CLA Ireland, Carroll & Kelley, P.C.
6101 S. Broadway, Suite 500, Tyler, TX 75703
(903) 561-1600 or [email protected]
Membership is not required to post a job opening with TAALP.