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Editor's Column

By: John W. Shaw, Whitaker Chalk Swindle & Schwartz PLLC

I really enjoy writing the Editor’s Column for the December issue. Given the nature of time, I’ve only been able to do it twice in the last two years. (Unfortunately, time is something that I have yet to find an answer for. There’s only so much of it, and usually, that’s never enough!) Part of the reason that I enjoy it so much is because it allows me to reflect and give thanks for all the good work that TYLA and its members have accomplished over the last calendar year and to also look forward to the amazing things that we have in store for the New Year.

For those of you who are unaware, TYLA has embarked on a journey to help change the perception that the general public has of lawyers. Although we hate to admit it—and for most of us it makes us cringe—the general public often views lawyers skeptically, to put it mildly in some cases. By adopting the Dallas Association of Young Lawyers’ (DAYL) “Generation Generosity” program, TYLA has begun a mission to step outside of our comfort zone of providing law related outreach, to simply providing outreach—wherever we can, whenever we can. In this month’s eNews, Director Aaron Capps will tell you how TYLA accomplished this mission in Lubbock in November by volunteering with The Children’s Home of Lubbock.

Keeping in the spirit of giving, David Courreges will share with us how lawyers throughout Central Texas stepped up to the plate to lend a hand to flood victims in the Onion Creek Watershed in Austin. They not only provided help navigating the legal complexities associated with catastrophic loss, many got their boots on the ground and helped remove debris and save personal belongings. Some of those who suffered loss were in our legal community so the help that was provided by fellow lawyers was all the more appreciated.

Looking forward to the New Year:
• Blake Hawthorne, the Clerk of the Supreme Court of Texas will fill us in on the new mandatory e-filing requirements that will begin on January 1, 2014;
• Cordell Parvin will give us practical tips on client development and how to make 2014 even more successful than 2013;
• Bill Richmond will enlighten us on the tips and tricks of the Texas Public Information Act;
• Emmy Lu Trammell will tell us how to keep from completely regretting all of the overindulgence that the Holiday Season brings; and
• The Access to Justice Commission will share with us the good works that are being done within the public-interest arena that is truly helping people stay in their homes for the holiday.

We hope you enjoy the last edition of eNews for 2013. I would like to personally thank all of the Directors, Officers, and State Bar Team Members who work month-in and month-out to bring you eNews. As always, please do not hesitate to contact any of our directors or officers if there is something that you would like to contribute or know about.

In closing, I would also like to remind you that although we are lawyers, we are also, mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles…you get the drift. Take some time to spend the holidays with those who care the most about you and who you care the most about. It’s easy to get caught up in the import of what we do, but remember, at the end of the day it is your family and friends who provide the support that makes what we do possible. Make sure they know that you appreciate that.

Best Regards,