Wellness, Mental Health, and the Law

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.

This episode corresponds with the Criminal Law issue of The Houston Lawyer magazine and considers criminal law from different perspectives. It includes interviews with the current U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas (S.D.Tex.), a Harris County Judge who presides over one of the criminal specialty courts in Harris County, the CEO of a Houston nonprofit agency that provides criminal defense and services for those who cannot afford a lawyer, and a former U.S. Attorney for the S.D. Tex. who became a criminal defense attorney after his public service career. It also includes a wellness break about the wellness initiatives being offered at South Texas College of Law-Houston (STCL).

Segment One: Confronting Gang Violence in Houston
Featuring U.S. Attorney for the S.D. Tex., Mr. Alamdar Hamdani. 
First, from the prosecution perspective, Mr. Alamdar Hamdani, the new U.S. Attorney for the S.D. Tex. (https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdtx/meet-us-attorney), discusses how his office works with other agencies to combat gang violence in Houston.

Segment Two: Restoring Competency: The Harris County Competency Restoration Court
Featuring the Hon. Lori Chambers-Gray
Second, we hear from the Hon. Lori Chambers-Gray about how the Harris County Competency Restoration Court works with criminal defendants who are incompetent to stand trial.

Wellness Break: South Texas College of Law - Houston Ensures Students Have the Wellness Tools They Need for Learning and Practicing Law
Featuring Dean Michael Barry, Lyndsay Garmond-Duvernay (STCL Senior Director of Student Support), and Jazmine Rivera (STCL Student Support Specialist)
Dean Barry, along with key wellness staff members Ms. Lyndsay Garland-Durvernay and Ms. Jazmine Rivera, talk about how they are prioritizing wellness and teaching their students to advocate for themselves. See https://www.stcl.edu/student-academic-affairs/wellness/ for more about STCL's wellness initiatives.

Segment Three: Restoring Justice with a Holistic Approach to Criminal Defense
Featuring Drew Willey (Founder & CEO of Restorying Justice, https://www.restoringjustice.org/), Interviewed by Rachael Thompson (Associate, Winston & Strawn, and Podcast Committee Member)
Mr. Drew Willey speaks with guest interviewer Rachael Thompson about why there is a need for a holistic approach to criminal defense for those who cannot afford adequate representation and how his organization is attempting to provide the services these individuals need.

Segment Four: From Public Service to Private Practice and Prosecution to Defense
Featuring Former S.D. Tex. U.S. Attorney (1999-2001)  Mervyn Mosbacker, Jr. (https://mosbacker.law/), Interviewed by Mark P. Yablon (Yablon Law, PLLC, and Podcast Committee Member)
Mr. Mervyn Mosbacker, Jr., who was the U.S. Attorney for the S.D. Tex. from 1999 to 2001, talks to guest interviewer Mark Yablon about his path to becoming the U.S. Attorney for the S.D. Tex. and his transition from that role to a successful criminal defense practice. 

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.

Part One: Best Practices for Attorney Wellness (Segment One)

The first half of this episode is a panel discussion about best practices for attorney wellness featuring Amy Bice Larson, Managing Partner of BSP Law Houston, Elizabeth Stevens, HR Director of the Harris County District Attorney's Office, and Josie Morgan, COO of BoyarMiller.  These guests share the most successful attorney wellness initiatives in their offices or firms.  This panel discussion will be very interesting for attorneys who work in firm management or HR, or any attorney who is interested in what local legal employers are doing to make sure that the attorneys in their office stay well. They also take a deeper dive into wellness and address how attorneys need to look out for one another and specifically point out that the State Bar has programs that are of benefit to attorneys who are struggling with mental health issues.

Wellness Break: Slowing Down for Healing and Health: How Lawyers can Benefit from Restorative/Trauma-Informed Yoga (Segment Two)

The Wellness Break features Jessica Crutcher, who is a partner at Mayer Brown and also a yoga instructor. She shares how inclusive, trauma informed yoga and meditation classes can improve wellness in attorneys. 

Part Two: The Intersection of Law and Mental Health

This part of the episode focuses on the types of mental health issues that impact cases in different practice areas and how the lawyers deal manage these issues. It includes a lot of practical tips that will be particularly beneficial to younger lawyers.

The Intersection of Employment Law and Mental Health (Segment 3)

The third segment of this episode features Ashlee Grant, who is a partner at BakerHostetler and is and is board-certified in labor and employment law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.  Ashlee discusses the intersection of employment law and mental health and provides practical advice for employment lawyers who are faced with mental health issues in their cases.

The Intersection of Estate Planning, Guardianship, and Mental Health (Segment 4)

The fourth segment of this episode features John B. Henry, III, of the Law Office of John B. Henry, III, PLLC, who is interviewed by Behind the Lines interviewer Anietie Akpan.  John is certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in estate planning and probate law and is a certified elder law attorney by the National Elder Law Foundation.  John addresses how mental health and wellbeing issues impact his practice, including mental incapacity issues in his cases and how he manages mental wellbeing issues that his clients are dealing with.

The intersection of Family and Immigration Law and Mental Health (Segment 5)

The final segment of this episode features Jody-Ann Greenwood, who is the founder and managing attorney of Greenwood Legal Advocacy Group, PLLC where she has been practicing family and immigration law since 2016.  Behind the Lines interviewer Anietie Akpan interviews Jody-Ann about the types of mental health issues she encounters in both her family law and immigration law practices and how she effectively handles these issues. 

Listeners who are HBA members can receive up to 1.75 hours of TX CLE credit for listening to this episode. Details available at hba.org.

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 features 3 panels about practicing while parenting in different stages and unique situations, a wellness break, & a spotlight on one of the Houston Bar Association's ancillary organizations. The episode has 2 titles because the content in the 3 main segments will be helpful in different ways to different people. The guests in these segments offer support and guidance to lawyer parents in various stages of their careers, provide context for colleagues who are not parents about the challenges they face, and give practical tips to legal employers about how to retain talented lawyer parents. The guests also discuss several legal topics associated with having children, including college savings plans and cyberbullying.

I. Lawyers: Practicing While Parenting Young Children / Legal Employers: How to Support and Retain Talented Parents of Young Children
In this segment, 3 lawyers who are also parents of young children---Maryann Zaki of Zaki Law, Sara M. Prasatik of Wilson Gibbs + Gorn, and Keri Brown of Baker Botts---discuss best practices for maternity/paternity leave, changing career paths, & how to make legal work environment more inviting to parent lawyers. Keri Brown also offers advice from a tax law perspective on college savings plans.

II. Wellness Break: Eating Right While on the Go with Nutritionist Catherine Kruppa

III. Lawyers: Practicing While Parenting in the Teen, Tweens, and Twenties / Legal Employers: Considering the Needs of More Seasoned Parent Lawyers
In this segment, Rachael Thompson of Winston & Strawn and Lewis Thomas of Lewis Thomas P.C., who are parents of children in the tweens, teens, or twenties, talk about how they manage their law practice while parenting older children. Rachael also addresses how her firm supports parent lawyers, and Lewis addresses starting your own firm to increase flexibility. The panelists also provide tips relating to cyber-bullying and best practices for teen-aged drivers during a traffic stop. 

IV.  Lawyers: Practicing While Adopting  / Legal Employers: Best Practices for Supporting and Retaining Talented Adoptive Parents
Heather Potts of Nathan Sommer Jacobs adopted 2 older children internationally while she was a practicing lawyer. She provides tips for lawyer who are considering international adoption, encourages adoption of older children, & discusses how firms or legal employers can provide a healthy environment that goes beyond FMLA requirements so that adoptive parents feel supported in their decisions, which leads to the lawyer being more of an asset to the lawyer’s employer. 

V. Ancillary Organization Spotlight: HVL’s Guardianship Partnership with HYLA
In this segment, Behind the Lines Interviewer Mark Yablon interviews the Honorable Jerry Simoneaux about the partnership between Houston Volunteer Lawyers and Houston Young Lawyers' Association. The Judge encourages listeners to become HVL volunteers and consider taking these types of cases.

CLE Credit
Listeners who are also members of the HBA can receive 1.5 hours of CLE credit for listening to this entire episode. Visit the HBA's CLE page for more 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 focuses on sports and entertainment law and includes interviews with lawyers who have successfully combined practicing law with something else they love, including a lawyer who has the privilege of working for his hometown team - the Houston Texans, two lawyers who were professional gamers prior to law school and are now prominent esports lawyers/podcasters, and a lawyer who pursued her passion for entertainment law.
Segment One:
Touchdown: Scoring the Job of a Lifetime
 Behind the Lines Interviewer: Anna Archer
Sunil Jamal, Associate Counsel of the Houston Texans, discusses his journey to becoming a lawyer for the Houston Texans, the types of projects he gets to work on, and ways in which lawyers who are interested in pursuing sports law can work towards achieving that goal.
Segment Two:
Game On: The Law of ESports
Behind the Lines Interviewer: Anna Archer
Nefi Lopez and Jake Hicks explain what esports is, why they became involved in the industry, the types of legal issues esports lawyers encounter, and how lawyers who are interested in competitive gaming and streaming can start to build a practice in this growing field of law. Nefi and Jake host a popular podcast about esports called "The Law of ESports," which is available at The Law of Esports Podcast (podbean.com).
Segment Three:
Wellness Break: Mindfulness
Behind the Lines Interviewer: Anna Archer
Professor Lonny Hoffman of University of Houston Law Center discusses mindfulness and provides a quick and easy exercise that will help busy lawyers slow down for just moment. For more about mindfulness, Professor Hoffman recommends visiting https://junghouston.org/mind-body-spirit-institute/.
Segment Four:
Something for Thee Lawyers: Megan Thee Stallion's "Album" Issues
Behind the Lines Interviewer: Anietie Akpan
Attorney Stephanie Hay, a local entertainment lawyer, discusses how she became an entertainment lawyer and provides an analysis of Megan Thee Stallion's recent legal issues relating to whether "Something for Thee Hotties" is an album or a mixed tape. She also provides tips for lawyer who are interested in practicing entertainment law.

Complete bios of all of our amazing guests are available at https://www.hba.org/?pg=the-houston-lawyer-cmte. 

Members of the Houston Bar Association are eligible to receive 1.5 CLE credits for listening to this episode. Details are available on the HBA's CLE page. 

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.