Between obtaining Calvin Murphy’s acquittal, and preparing for upcoming trials, Rusty Hardin found time to address the teen volunteers in the HYLA-sponsored Hedwig Village Teen Court Program on February 2nd. During his one and a half hour speech, Hardin spoke to the students about how he became interested in the practice of law, his journey through law school including the admission process, and his love for the legal practice. However, Hardin’s main theme was the old adage “you can’t judge a book by its cover.”

Hardin served 16 years with the Harris County District Attorney’s Office where he never lost a felony trial. Hardin left the District Attorney’s Office to practice a variety of areas of law, including criminal defense. Since that time, Hardin has had the opportunity to represent several of sport’s greats, including Rudy “T,” Scottie Pippin and Steve Francis.

Hardin spoke of the differences in practicing on opposite sides of the bar, first as a prosecutor and now as defense counsel. He discussed the importance of both roles in our judicial system. Hardin also shared entertaining experiences that he has incurred while practicing law. In fact, his stories captured the audience’s attention in such a way that what was intended to be an hour long speech came and went in the blink of an eye.

Hardin urged the students to develop careers in a field of great interest to each of them. He told the students that his love and passion for his work is so great that he often forgets what day of the week it is. He also spoke of the importance in becoming great communicators, regardless of what career the students choose. Then Hardin opened the floor for a question and answer session, and the students had an opportunity to seek Hardin’s thoughts on a variety of legal and political issues.

In the end, Hardin encouraged the students to look beyond appearances and seek to find the good in others. Hardin reminded the students that everyone makes mistakes because we’re humans, but everyone also has the choice to change and do better.

The Hedwig Village Teen Court program extends a big “thank you” to Rusty Hardin for taking the time to share his insight and experiences with the student volunteers.

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