Hidalgo County Roadshow

TYLA's Local Leaders Assistance Committee hit the road running this Spring, taking its popular and successful "Roadshow" to four young lawyer affiliates whose members received free planning and marketing assistance, CLE and food. Following on the heels of the Fall Roadshows held November 4, 2005, in Temple (Bell County YLA) and Waco (Waco-McLennan County YLA), the committee set their sights on East Texas and beyond.

At its November board meeting in Houston, TYLA welcomed the East Texas Young Lawyers Association (ETYLA) as its newest affiliate. ETYLA President, Rebecca Brightwell, saw the Roadshow as a great way to jumpstart the new association and TYLA answered the call. (Cont.)

Article of Interest
Rehearing Frank's Casing:
To Reimburse or Not To Reimburse, That is the Question
By Chip Brooker [1]

On February 15, 2006, the Texas Supreme Court heard oral argument in the rehearing of Excess Underwriters at Lloyd’s v. Frank’s Casing Crew & Rental Tools, Inc. [2] When originally decided, Frank’s Casing altered Texas insurance law by holding that an insurer, who pays to settle uncovered claims, has an implied right to seek reimbursement from an insured without obtaining its consent. In doing so, the Supreme Court appeared to depart dramatically from established Texas insurance precedent, such as Matagorda County [3] and Gandy.[4] Accordingly, Frank’s Casing caused more confusion concerning an insurer’s right to reimbursement than it resolved, and it left Texas insurance practitioners seeking clarification of its practical effect. (Cont.)

Tips for Young Lawyers
How To Conduct A Meaningful and Effective Voir Dire
By Robert B. Hirschhorn and Stacy M. Schreiber

"Counsel, approach the bench," the Trial Judge says in a stern and controlling tone of voice. The lawyers know what is coming. "It is my intent," the Judge begins, "to limit the voir dire to thirty minutes per side." "But Judge . . ." counsel attempts to interrupt, but the plea falls upon deaf ears. "Counsel, this is not a complicated case, and thirty minutes per side should be more than sufficient time to conduct voir dire. Bailiff, bring in the jury panel." In courtrooms all across the state, lawyers are hearing these words with alarming frequency. Many courts impose time limitations. This article will address the various issues associated with this dilemma, and provide counsel with a methodology for conducting a meaningful and effective 30-minute voir dire. (Cont.)

Using Technology to Your Best Advantage

Live via Webcast
May 10, 2006
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
2 hours MCLE credit (MCLE# 000098041)
Regular Registration Fee: $125
Get more info or register

DAYL Foundation Now Accepting Grant Applications
The Dallas Association of Young Lawyers Foundation is now accepting
2006 grant applications from 501(c)(3) organizations. Grants will be awarded in amounts up to $2,000 for legal-related non-profit causes, including:

The grant application deadline is May 31, 2006. Contact Cherie Harris
for a grant application.

Attorneys Needed to Judge
State Moot Court Competition
Each year TYLA sponsors an annual State Moot Court competition for the nine Texas law schools immediately prior to the State Bar of Texas annual meeting. This year's competition will be a civil problem and volunteer lawyers in the Austin area are needed to serve as judges.

The competition will be held at the Austin Convention Center June 12 - 15, 2006. Each round lasts approximately 1-1/2 hours. Rounds will be held Monday afternoon and all day Tuesday and Wednesday.

If you are interested in volunteering to judge, have questions, or would like more details, please e-mail Clint Harbour or call him at 512-799-7499.

Attorney Dues and Occupation Tax Statements
The annual dues and tax statements were mailed to Texas attorneys May 1 and are due on June 1, 2006. Member dues, occupation taxes, the legal services fee, and section memberships can be paid online at www.texasbar.com.