Editor's Column

A Call for Young Lawyers to Get Involved in the Texas Legislative Session
By: Robert Booth, Attorney, Mills Shirley LLP

The Texas Legislature is currently in its 82nd session and there are several important reasons for Texas’ young lawyers to pay attention and get involved. This session will likely have an impact on the practice of law and legal business for years to come. Young lawyers will be particularly interested in a number of proposals, including tort reforms, immigration, jurisdiction and venue modifications, and revisions in the areas of family law, collaborative law, probate, voting and animal law.

There are 42 lawyers in the House and another 13 in the Senate; however the total is down from last session. While Texans appreciate the breadth of experience these other professionals will contribute to the legislature, this increase in the number of legislators without law background is one of the reasons young lawyers should become more involved and share knowledge. There are a number of ways for you, as a lawyer, to get involved. First, pay attention to the State Bar’s Friday Update which contains news and information regarding pending issues. For links to bills affecting lawyers, be sure to visit the State Bar’s legislative program website. Second, contact your state representative or senator. Members of the Legislature appreciate hearing from constituents with particular interests and expertise. Third, join organizations focused on your area of practice. There are several organizations outside of the State Bar of Texas that provide a voice to lawyers in the Texas Legislature. Many organizations have legislative days where the members visit with the legislators. Attending a legislative day is a great way to have input and to make contacts in your area of practice.

A common refrain in assessing this year’s session is that there is only enough time to resolve the budget shortfall and redistricting; this is probably an over-simplification of what is likely to happen. Benjamin Franklin said, “No man’s life, liberty or fortune are safe while the Legislature is in session,” and that is still true today. Ignoring what happens in the Legislature as it affects your business and profession is against your interests. Use the modern tools available to lawyers, including the web, social media and networking, and don’t forget to use the older tools of shoe leather and phone calls. The manner and degree to which you get involved is up to you, but I strongly encourage you to participate in the process. Getting involved is easier than you have probably imagined, and we must not underestimate the affect we can have on legislative outcomes.