Behind the Lines: The Houston Lawyer Podcast

In this episode, we escape the summer heat of Houston to explore out-of-the-box places and ways to practice law. Listeners will hear about combatting sex trafficking in Kenya, living in Puerto Vallarta while virtually practicing law in Houston, and engaging in immersive travel without interrupting service to one’s clients in Houston. 

Segment 1:
There’s No Place Like Home (in Kenya): Combatting Sex Trafficking in Africa

Anna Swanson, who is now practicing in Houston, completed her work last year as the Manager of Security, Investigations, and Law Enforcement Development at International Justice Mission’s (“IJM”) field office in Mombasa, Kenya. In that position, Anna worked with government officials and law enforcement entities in different countries to train officials to use equipment and online investigation tools essential to investigate tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children digital world of evidence so that the evidence they obtained would be admissible in court. Anna discusses the types of child trafficking crimes in Kenya and how the court system there deals with defendants accused of such crimes. She also addresses the importance of collaboration and partnerships in achieving international legal goals – in this case protecting children. She also goes into some of the complexities of digital evidence and how the IJM and its partners were able to educate investigators, prosecutors, and even courts in Kenya on its use.

Segment 2:
You Had Me at Hola! (in Puerto Vallarta): Practicing Law in Texas While Living Abroad

Nikita Lamar of Lamar Legal Group (https://www.lamarlegalgroup.com/about-6) joins us from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. She has an almost fully virtual law practice as a Houston lawyer living elsewhere. Nikita discusses why attorneys sometimes need to pivot, such as burnout. She also addresses the logistics of changing a firm's practice model to permit moving the practice out of the country, such as necessary changes to client engagement letters, and she talks about what lawyers moving abroad need to consider with regard to Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct 1.03 and 1.05. And, she touches on the importance of exploring Digital Nomad laws and tax implications of the locations you are considering and getting the advice of a tax professional before making a move. Nikita has started an online group called “Esquires Abroad” for lawyers who have virtual practices and live abroad (https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12974315).

Segment 3:
Adventure is Out There: Enjoying Geographic Freedom While Maintaining a Successful Law Practice

Arati Bhattacharya of AB Law (https://ab-firm.com/meet-the-team/) talks with new Behind-the-Lines interviewer Rinku Ray about how Arati structured her firm so that her family can engage in immersive travel experiences while she maintains a successful legal practice in Houston. Arati provides pointers and encouragement for lawyers who would like to take control of their lives and legal practices but may be afraid to do so.  

HBA members are eligible for 0.75 hr. CLE credit (0.25 ethics) for listening to the 1st 2 segments. See The Houston Lawyer Committee page on the HBA website for details. 

For full speaker bios, visit The Houston Lawyer (hba.org). To read The Houston Lawyer magazine, visit The Houston Lawyer_home. For more information about the Houston Bar Association, visit Houston Bar Association (hba.org).
*The views expressed in this episode do not necessarily reflect the views of The Houston Lawyer Editorial Board or the Houston Bar Association.

This episode corresponds with the Bill of Rights issue of The Houston Lawyer magazine.  It addresses several of the rights in the “bright constellation of rights,” including free speech, bearing arms, protection from unlawful search and seizure, and jury trials. Houston lawyers, academics, and a jury consultant tackle issues associated with these rights.

 Segments One and Two: Second Amendment

 Professor Josh Blackman of South Texas College of Law Houston and Professor Martin Levy of Thurgood Marshall School of Law provide different academic perspectives on the historical background of the Second Amendment and recent and upcoming cases that interpret the right and the history related to it. 

 Segment Three: First Amendment

 Randy Hiroshige of the Texas Civil Rights project discusses a case involving the First Amendment that is currently being played out in Houston: Food Not Bombs v. City of Houston. It is an ongoing case, and this interview provides the plaintiff’s perspective.  The City of Houston did not respond to a request for comment.  

BTL Interviewer Rachael Thompson is the interviewer on this segment.

Segment Four: Fourth Amendment

Laisha Harris, and Assistant Public Defender in the Felony Trial Division of the Harris County Public Defender’s Office, discusses how technology and artificial intelligence impact the rights secured by the Fourth Amendment. 

Segment Five: Jury Trial

 Dr. Samantha Holmes of Edge Litigation Consulting, LLC, provides insight into the right to a jury trial from a jury consultant, data scientist, and social psychologist’s perspective.  Dr. Holmes also provides some data from her ongoing research relating to the public’s perception of our judicial system. 

This is the final episode of Season Four of Behind the Lines: The Houston Lawyer Podcast. Thanks so much to our guests, the Editorial Board of The Houston Lawyer magazine, and the Houston Bar Association staff for their work and support throughout the season.  And congratulations to our outgoing Editor in Chief, Liz Malpass, and our incoming Editor in Chief, Andrew Pearce.  Talk to you soon – in Season Five! 

For full speaker bios, visit The Houston Lawyer (hba.org). To read The Houston Lawyer magazine, visit The Houston Lawyer_home. For more information about the Houston Bar Association, visit Houston Bar Association (hba.org).
*The views expressed in this episode do not necessarily reflect the views of The Houston Lawyer Editorial Board or the Houston Bar Association.

This special supplemental episode provides tips for businesses and homeowners whose homes or businesses were damaged during the May 16, 2024 storm in Houston. Thanks to guests Justin Ratley (Munsch Hardt) and Carey Worrell (Simple Law TX) for being willing to join us with very short notice to assist Houstonians who are dealing with the aftermath of this devastating weather event. 

For full speaker bios, visit The Houston Lawyer (hba.org). To read The Houston Lawyer magazine, visit The Houston Lawyer_home. For more information about the Houston Bar Association, visit Houston Bar Association (hba.org).
*The views expressed in this episode do not necessarily reflect the views of The Houston Lawyer Editorial Board or the Houston Bar Association.

This episode highlights Houston judges who go the extra mile to serve the lawyers who practice in their courts and the parties who rely on our justice system to be fair, impartial, and efficient. It is a companion to the Bench-Bar Relationship issue of The Houston Lawyer magazine.

Segment 1: Practice Tips from a Seasoned Federal Judge

Featuring the Hon. Gray H. Miller
Judge Miller provides practice tips based on his 18 years on the federal bench, including tips relating to civility and professionalism.  Most of his tips are applicable to both federal and state-court litigators, and all lawyers will appreciate his discussion of civility in the profession. 

Segment 2: Building a User-Friendly Court

Featuring the Hon. Andrew Edison
Judge Edison addresses various user-friendly court procedures that make litigating easier and more civil for both judges and lawyers.  He also talks about the order he issued over the holidays in 2023 that went viral.

Segment 3: Wellness Break: Run with a Judge

Featuring the Hon. Amparo Guerra and Joshua Upham
Justice Amparo Guerra and HBA Wellness Committee member Joshua Upham discuss the HBA/HYLA Run with a Judge events and the wellness benefits of getting outside and moving. You do not have to be a runner to participate in the Run with a Judge events.

Segment 4: Escaping Afghanistan, Finding a New Home, and Meeting a Helpful Judicial Mentor

Featuring the Hon. April Farris and the Hon. Narges Hafedzada
BTL Interviewer: Mark Yablon
Judge Narges Hafedzada was a judge in Afghanistan prior to the Taliban resuming control of the country. She was instrumental in helping other Afghan judges leave the country and find opportunities elsewhere. When she arrived in Texas, Justice April Farris was appointed to be her judicial mentor and has helped her to find her bearings here in the United States. Judge Hafedzada addresses the prior justice system in Afghanistan, how she was forced to leave her home country because she was a woman judge, and what she is doing now to try to establish a new career in the United States. Justice Farris talks about how mentoring Judge Hafedzada was a wonderful experience. Both lawyers and non-lawyers will be moved by Judge Hafedzada's journey.

Segment 5: Sharing and Seeking Knowledge About Justice Systems

Featuring the Hon. Ravi Sandill 
Judge Sandill discusses his trip to India as part of a delegation of U.S. judges. He talks about some of the differences between the justice systems of India and the United States, what he learned there that he thinks would be helpful to our system, and what he thinks the judges in India learned from the U.S. judges.  

For full speaker bios, visit The Houston Lawyer (hba.org). To read The Houston Lawyer magazine, visit The Houston Lawyer_home. For more information about the Houston Bar Association, visit Houston Bar Association (hba.org).
*The views expressed in this episode do not necessarily reflect the views of The Houston Lawyer Editorial Board or the Houston Bar Association.

This episode celebrates Black History Month and focuses on diversity in our profession, allyship, history, and change.

1. The Mosaic of Differences Among Us: Interview with Donna Davis, Director of the Benny Agosto Center for Diversity at STCL-Houston. Ms Davis addresses the importance of understanding the mosaic of differences among us not only in legal education but in practice as we deal with clients and colleagues from diverse backgrounds and different generations. She also provides practical tips for firms for meeting all of the expectations of their teams so that they can retain a diverse and productive workforce.

2. Strengthening the Law School Applicant Pool: Interview with Mariesha Keys, Director of UHLC's Pre-Law Pipeline Programs. Ms. Keys, who is interviewed by BTL-Interviewer Rachael Thompson, discusses the goals, logistics, and benefits of the UHLC Pre-Law Pipeline Programs, as well as why these programs are beneficial to first-generation students who are trying to navigate the law-school admission process. Ms. Keys also talks about  how members of the legal community can get involved in these important initiative.

3.  Navigating the Unique Challenges of an HBCU: Interview with Dean Crystal Ridgley, Associate Dean of Admission, TSU-TMSL. Dean Ridgley, who is interviewed by BTL-Interviewer Anietie Akpan, discusses TMSL's rich 70-year history as an accredited law school that has empowered the disenfranchised and underserved; she also talks about unique considerations in admissions as a HBCU, what's happening with legal education throughout the nation, and how the Houston legal community can assist with the school's effort to reinvest in pipeline and pathway programs.

4. Impact of Allyship: Brenda Adimora. Ms. Adimora addresses why it is important for allies to step up for and support lawyers of color, especially in the wake of policy changes related to DEI initiatives that are being made in the wake of Students for Fair Admission v. Harvard.

5. Soldiers in Houston: Race, History, and Change. Gary Alfred discusses the Houston Riot of 1917, how the Black soldiers involved were convicted without Due Process, and the recent overturning of these convictions.  He then discusses the Veteran’s Legal Initiative in Houston and other ways Houston lawyers can use our law training to help those less fortunate.

6. Impact of Allyship: Alvin Adjei. Mr. Adjei addresses how allyship has impacted his career and discusses why having leaders in the firm or agency who understand and support you is important.

7. BLSA in Houston: Finding a Community and Preparing for Practice. Featuring Malik Wilson (STCL), Jeremiah Sowell (TMSL), and Erica Wheeler (UHLC), all presidents of the BLSA chapters at their law schools. BTL-Interviewer Anietie Akpan talks with these students about what they are doing to foster a sense of community for Black students in their law schools.

8. HYLA Allyship Committee: Reading, Learning, Listening, and Acting as Allies. Featuring Lena Silva and Cassie Maneen, Co-Chairs of the Committee.  This discussion focuses on the purposes of the committee and also provides substantive information on civil rights cases and issues that have been discussed in the books they have read for Allyship Book Club.

For full speaker bios, visit The Houston Lawyer (hba.org). To read The Houston Lawyer magazine, visit The Houston Lawyer_home. For more information about the Houston Bar Association, visit Houston Bar Association (hba.org).
*The views expressed in this episode do not necessarily reflect the views of The Houston Lawyer Editorial Board or the Houston Bar Association.

Houston Lawyers have looked forward to receiving each new issue of the Houston Lawyer (THL) magazine for the past 60 years. This episode celebrates both the rich, engaging, and award-winning content from our authors and the lawyers and staff members who have been a part of this publication. 

1. A Conversation with 1974-75 EIC Jim Perdue: A Seasoned Storyteller and Trial Trailblazer

Jim Perdue of Perdue and Kidd is one of the earliest editors in chief of THL and a legal legend known for pioneering many modern evidentiary techniques who is often referred to as the "Father of Texas Courtroom Storytelling." He discusses his time as EIC and provides some great advice for younger lawyers.

2. Spotlight on Dustin Rynders, Award-Winning Author of "Supporting Adults with Disabilities to Avoid Unnecessary Guardianship" (Jan./Feb. 2018)

Interviewer: Rachael Thompson of Winston & Strawn

Dustin Rynders, the Director of the Criminal Legal Program at Texas Civil Rights Project, discusses the substance of his 2018 article about Texas’s law relating to adult guardianship and provides an update and practical examples such as the very-public Brittney Spears case. He also discusses his work with Texas Civil Rights Project and pro bono opportunities.

3. Thank You, Round One

4. A Conversation with 2011-12 EIC Tamara Stiner Toomer: A THL Trailblazer

Tamara Stiner Toomer of Johnsen Law is the first Black EIC of THL. She discusses her time as an editor and some of the important legal issues the bar journal covered in 2011-12. 

5. Spotlight on Leigh Ganchan, Award-Winning Author of "Immigration & Naturalization Service Worksite Enforcement Operations Re-Emerge as National Security Priority" (2003)

Interviewer: Anietie Akpan of Royal Vopak

Leigh Ganchan, a Shareholder at Ogletree Deakins, discusses her award-winning article from 2003, which covered shifting priorities on large workforce enforcement site operations post-9-11. She also provides an update on how the Government’s priorities have shifted in the twenty years since she wrote the article.

6. Thank You, Round Two.

7.   A Conversation with 2023-24 EIC Elizabeth Furlow Malpass: Our Current Leader

Elizabeth Malpass discusses how and why she got involved with the Editorial Board, the positions she has held, some of the articles she has worked on, what we can expect in future issues this year, and how YOU can get involved.

8.  Thank You, Round Three.

9. Working EIC Moms Making It Work: Not Superwoman, Not Perfect, But Everything Is Fine

Panelists:  Farrah Martinez, EIC 2017-18, Taunya Painter, EIC 2019-20, Brooksie Boutet, EIC 2022-23, Elizabeth Malpass, Current EIC

The women on this segment have all served as editors in chief of THL while also working as lawyers and being moms. They discuss the broad topics in "Working Moms Making It Work," a 2018 article that Anna Archer wrote for THL that is part of a series of articles that won an award from the State Bar. The women frankly discuss how they manage so many responsibilities, noting that nobody is actually Superwoman and it is okay to not be perfect. In fact, sometimes cupcakes from H-E-B are just fine. 

For full speaker bios, visit The Houston Lawyer (hba.org). To read The Houston Lawyer magazine, visit The Houston Lawyer_home. For more information about the Houston Bar Association, visit Houston Bar Association (hba.org).
*The views expressed in this episode do not necessarily reflect the views of The Houston Lawyer Editorial Board or the Houston Bar Association.

For full speaker bios, visit The Houston Lawyer (hba.org). To read The Houston Lawyer magazine, visit The Houston Lawyer_home. For more information about the Houston Bar Association, visit Houston Bar Association (hba.org).
*The views expressed in this episode do not necessarily reflect the views of The Houston Lawyer Editorial Board or the Houston Bar Association.

This is Part Two of a Two-Part episode entitled "Client-Centered Approach: Pathway to In-House, Protecting Your Client's Data, and Privilege Concerns." Part One was "Pathway to In-House," and this Part addresses "Privilege and Privacy." It also contains a wonderful wellness break featuring the Hon. George Hanks, Jr.

Part Two. Segment One.

Protecting Your Client's Data in the Age of AI

Featuring Laura L. Ferguson, Partner, Locke Lord LLP. Interviewed by Behind-the-Lines Interviewer Anietie Akpan.

Laura discusses cybersecurity, privacy, and data breaches. She addresses laws relating to these areas, how AI impacts these areas, and the related ethical obligations.  And, she gives advice regarding how companies - and law firm managers - can protect themselves from cybersecurity threats. 

Part Two. Segment Two.

Wellness Break: Traveling Runner: The Hon. George Hanks on Completing Marathons on Every Continent

Featuring the Hon. George C. Hanks, Jr., U.S. District Court Judge, Southern District of Texas, Houston Division

Hear about some of the amazing places Judge Hanks has traveled to run, why he believes running while traveling is the best way to experience new places, and how this type of break from the stressors of a career in law is beneficial. You will also learn a little bit about how the law protects the environment in Antarctica. 

Part Two. Segment Three.

Privilege Considerations: In-House Lawyers, Privilege Logs, and UT

Featuring Gail Foster, E-Discovery Attorney, and Carolyn Southerland, Senior Consultant at Construction Discovery Experts. 

Gail and Carolyn first provide a quick review of attorney/client privilege. They also discuss (1) some of the complexities that arise when an in-house lawyer is also involved in business matters, and (2) current issues, including the recent University of Texas case decided by the Texas Supreme Court. Finally, they also delve into a few best practices for privilege logs and document review teams. 

This episode is approved for 1 hour of Texas CLE credit, including 1/2 hour of ethics credit, for lawyers who are also members of the Houston Bar Association. 

For full speaker bios, visit The Houston Lawyer (hba.org). To read The Houston Lawyer magazine, visit The Houston Lawyer_home. For more information about the Houston Bar Association, visit Houston Bar Association (hba.org).
*The views expressed in this episode do not necessarily reflect the views of The Houston Lawyer Editorial Board or the Houston Bar Association.

This episode of Behind the Lines: The Houston Lawyer Podcast is a double feature. Part One features four in-house lawyers who address their paths to in-house. Part Two features lawyers discussing Privilege and Data Privacy as well as a wellness break with the Hon. George Hanks, Jr., who has run a full marathon on all seven continents. This is Part One.

Pathway to In-House: Spotlight on Four Accomplished In-House Lawyers

Featuring Dani Sanchez, Sr. Director ACG at Academy Sports + Outdoors, Fermeen Fazal, Sr. Counsel, Chevron, Americas Exploration and Production, Marissa Marquez, Managing Labor and Employment Counsel at Houston Methodist Hospital, and Carson Brown, Compliance Counsel at LyondellBassell. These lawyers discuss the career paths leading to their current in-house roles, point out how certain experiences in prior roles benefit them as in-house counsel, and provide tips for other lawyers who are interested in eventually going in-house. 

This half of the episode is approved for 1 hour of CLE credit for lawyers who are also members of the Houston Bar Association.  See the HBA's CLE webpage for more details. 

Don't miss Part Two to learn more about Data Privacy, Privilege, and Judge Hanks's marathons. 

For full speaker bios, visit The Houston Lawyer (hba.org). To read The Houston Lawyer magazine, visit The Houston Lawyer_home. For more information about the Houston Bar Association, visit Houston Bar Association (hba.org).
*The views expressed in this episode do not necessarily reflect the views of The Houston Lawyer Editorial Board or the Houston Bar Association.

This episode focuses on hot topics that lawyers who do not go to court handle. 

Segment One: The Future Is Here: Drafting Contracts with Artificial Intelligence (13 minutes)
Guest Professor Frank Fagan explains what AI or ChatGPT is and discusses its ability to draft contracts and how this technology is impacting transactional law practice now.

Segment Two: Real Estate Law - What's Trending? (18 minutes)
Guest Adam Weaver, real estate counsel at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw and Pittman, explains what types of issues he keeps up with for his clients and what is currently trending in real estate law, and he provides a couple of predictions for future trends. 

Segment Three: Young Transactional Lawyer Spotlight: What Do You Do and Why? (15 minutes)
Featuring Nancy Molina, Nnamdi Ezenwa, Franklin Shen, Morgan Moore, Joe Holloway, and Eddie Michel, who explain what they do on a daily basis and why they decided to pursue their practice areas. 

Segment Four: Wellness Break: The HBA's Focus on Wellness (12 minutes)
Maggie Martin, the HBA's Director of Marketing and Communications and Managing Editor of The Houston Lawyer magazine first shares how she has recently made fitness an important part of her day and then briefly discusses some of the wellness initiatives the HBA implemented during the 2022-2023 Bar Year. Then, Samantha Torres, who is a member of the HBA's Board of Directors, discusses her involvement with some of these initiatives, why she wanted to be involved, and how the HBA is hoping to continue to make wellness a priority in the coming bar year. 

Segment Five: Tips for Establishing Your Own Non-Court-Centered Law Firm (12 minutes)
Carey Worrell, founder of Simple Law TX, has made it her mission to not go to court, and she provides tips to lawyers who are interested in establishing their own firm but don't want to be in court every day. 

Segment Six: Ancillary Organization Spotlight: Dispute Resolution Center (10 minutes)
Behind-the-Lines Guest Interviewer Anietie Akpan interviews Kevin Jacobs, the 2022-2023 Chair of the Dispute Resolution Center (DRC), and Nick Hall, Director of the DRC, about the DRC's mission, the important services this organization provides to our community, and how to become involved as a volunteer mediator. 

For full speaker bios, visit The Houston Lawyer (hba.org). To read The Houston Lawyer magazine, visit The Houston Lawyer_home. For more information about the Houston Bar Association, visit Houston Bar Association (hba.org).
*The views expressed in this episode do not necessarily reflect the views of The Houston Lawyer Editorial Board or the Houston Bar Association.