Young Lawyers Come Together at
Annual Bar Leaders Conference!

Each year TYLA and the State Bar sponsor a conference specifically for local bar leaders across the state. The Conference gives bar leaders a chance to share expertise, ideas, and experiences. Bar leaders attend breakout sessions by bar association size to discuss common issues, and also attend various workshops designed to help bar leaders develop strong local bar associations. (continued)

(Photo: TYLA affiliate Presidents meet with TYLA President Marshall Wood)

Featured Local Affiliate Leader
Wes Myers , Fort Worth-Tarrant County
Young Lawyers Association
By Rob Canas -

Wes Myers is the President-Elect of the Fort Worth – Tarrant County Young Lawyers Association (FW-TCYLA). The FW-TCYLA President serves a six-month term, so Wes will begin his term in March 2004. Wes plans to focus on member services. In particular, Wes wants to regain those young lawyers who have shied away from bar participation. He hopes to do that by offering stronger member-oriented projects and by demonstrating the benefits of belonging to the FW-TCYLA. (continued)

Feature TYLA Project
Pro Se Divorce Handbook Now Available
By Christine Albano -

Have you ever been in the courtroom and witnessed someone unsuccessfully trying to finish his or her divorce without an attorney? Or, in the District Clerk's office where someone is trying fruitlessly to file a petition for a divorce?

As many of us know, a divorce involving only pro se litigants often ends up leaving the pro se parties confused, the judges and court staff frustrated, and the court's time wasted. The pro se litigant frequently feels helpless, not having adequate funds to hire an attorney but being repeatedly told that only an attorney can offer further guidance because the information is considered "legal advice." (more info)

Is Your Billing On Schedule?
By TYLA Staff -

The life blood for any business, including a law firm, is cash flow. And incoming revenue is critical to your success. One of the key components in collecting amounts you are owed is regular and timely billing. (continued)

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE:

HB 4-- What You Need to Know
about the New Legislation
(Part Two of Three) - By Joe Brophy
This is the second in a three-part series of articles highlighting some of the significant changes in the law under House Bill 4. Part One focused on Settlement Offers and Proportionate Responsibility. This article summarizes the health care liability reform. (continued)

2003 Constitutional Amendment Election Results -
On September 13, 2003, Texas voters narrowly passed Proposition 12, the Texas Legislature's proposed constitutional amendment "concerning civil lawsuits against doctors and health care providers, and other actions, authorizing the legislature to determine limitations on non-economic damages."

Proposition 12 amends the open courts provision of the Texas Constitution and protects House Bill 4, which limits the recovery of noneconomic damages in medical malpractice lawsuits, from any expected constitutional challenge. The amendment passed by 743,082 votes for to 714,715 votes against. For results on the other 21 constitutional amendments, visit the secretary of state's election results page at http://204.65.107.70/03septgen.htm.

Reserve your place now!!! Receive a full year of CLE in a relaxed and enjoyable setting. Cruise departs from Galveston February 19 and returns to Galveston February 23. Co-sponsored by Houston Young Lawyers Association, Galveston County Young Lawyers Association, and Fort Bend County Young Lawyers Association (but you don't have to be a young lawyer to participate).

Space is filling up fast, so send in your $25 deposit to guarantee your space ASAP. (Click here for more info.)  

HELP WANTED
TLC Wants Young (Male) Lawyer for Reality TV Show

As the saying goes ... a lawyer is nothing but a repressed actor. And so the people at The Learning Channel (TLC) forwarded the TYLA a request for applicants for the reality T.V. show "Faking It." (Click here for more info.)