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Set against the eclectic backdrop of Austin at the JW Marriott on 2nd Street, this year’s State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting offered a lot to attendees. The programming struck a winning balance between the educational, entertaining, and intriguing. Opportunities to receive CLE were vast, with 37 bar sections producing more credit-collecting sessions than anyone could possibly attend.
It wasn’t just the raw number of programs that impressed. The State Bar of Texas roped in some heavy hitters to share their knowledge and experience. Among the numerous notable mentions were Dan Rather (yes that Dan Rather), Wil Haygood (award-winning author and reporter), Asha Rangappa (former FBI agent and CNN Contributor), David McCraw (VP & GC of the New York Times), and Mark Shaw (Executive VP and CLO of Southwest Airlines).
During our two days of audio coverage from the meeting for the State Bar of Texas Podcast, we recorded 14 episodes and heard from 26 participants, including State Bar of Texas President Randy Sorrels, State Bar of Texas Young Lawyers Association President Victor Flores, and Houston Bar Association President Benny Agosto. In addition, we interviewed preeminent speakers like Wil Haygood, Asha Rangappa, and David McCraw. Topics included everything from opinion vs. fact based journalism and the ethics of using contract attorneys to freedom of speech and the national debt.
Featured below is our 14 episode series of interviews as well as a list of esteemed guests, hosts, and participants. As a special offer, State Bar of Texas members who listen to the episode titled “State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2019: Josh Team and the Adaptable Lawyer” can get one hour of self-study MCLE credit. For more details, simply click on that episode page.
So much fun covering the 2019 State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting. #SBot19 pic.twitter.com/h5Ft9C0Kq0
— Laurence Colletti (@LaurenceEsq) June 26, 2019
Keller Williams Realty President Josh Team joins host Rocky Dhir for a Q&A in front of a “live audience.” They discuss working with large companies, disruption across industries, and why organizations like Keller Williams seek attorneys who can keep up with the fast pace of innovation. *Members of the State Bar of Texas can qualify for one hour of self-study MCLE credit for listening to this episode (please see details within the episode page).
Presidents Randy Sorrels, Benny Agosto, and Victor Flores, of the State Bar of Texas, Houston Bar Association, and State Bar of Texas Young Lawyers Association respectively, sit down with host Rocky Dhir to talk about leadership, the importance of diversity, the need for time off, and the future plans of their organizations.
Former FBI agent and CNN analyst Asha Rangappa joins host Rocky Dhir for a conversation about disinformation vs. fake news, political polarization in the United States, and the importance of socializing with people who have different opinions.
Award winning author and journalist Wil Haygood stops by to discuss the people and events surrounding the nomination and later confirmation of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall. Tune in to hear the touching story of an inspirational letter that went unanswered for decades.
Vinson & Elkins’ Appellate Practice Group Co-Leader Tom Leatherbury and Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher Partner Ted Boutrous sit down with host Rocky Dhir to talk about “fake news,” opinion bias in reporting, the value of the First Amendment, and the impact of public perceptions.
Judge Audrey Moorehead joins guest hosts Sally Pretorius of Kooners Fuller and Baili Rhodes of West Webb Allbritton & Gentry to talk about the importance of getting paid, having a life, and joining your local or specialty bar.
“Get paid and have a life”, words of wisdom from Judge Moorehead about doing the most for your clients and yourself with hosts Sally Pretorious & Baili Rhodes. #sbot19 (spoiler… no BOGOs) @BailiRuth pic.twitter.com/vIsNnzcTE2
— Legal Talk Network (@LegalTalkNet) June 14, 2019
Sometimes good help is hard to find, especially when it comes to your law practice. On this episode of the State Bar of Texas Podcast, attorney Penny Robe and host Rocky Dhir discuss the proper use of contract attorneys, fee splitting, and resources practitioners can turn to.
The U.S. national debt is a subject that terrifies many. After all, how long can the world’s richest nation go without repaying its rapidly growing financial obligation? Miller & Chevalier senior counsel and former IRS commissioner Larry Gibbs sits down with host Rocky Dhir to discuss the dangers of running a large deficit and how other nations are trying to unseat the U.S. as the world’s reserve currency. Tune in to hear what citizens can do to reverse this trend.
Can Kanye West teach lawyers a thing or two about litigation? Well, DHD Films’ Elliot Mayén and Bell Nunnally & Martin Senior Associate Brent Turman think so. Tune in as they reveal what they’ve gleaned from one of the world’s most iconic performers and his journey to the top.
We all know @KimKardashian will be a lawyer soon but what can Kayne West teach us about litigation? Episode coming 🔜 #sbot19 pic.twitter.com/WasSqAJ0S7
— Laurence Colletti (@LaurenceEsq) June 13, 2019
David McCraw, vice president and deputy general counsel of the New York Times, joins host Rocky Dhir and producer Laurence Colletti for a conversation about the First Amendment, opinion vs. fact-based reporting, and the dangers associated with delegitimizing the press.
Judge Roy Ferguson of the Texas 394th Judicial District sits down with host Rocky Dhir to discuss common procedural mistakes that attorneys make that can potentially hurt their clients.
Disability Rights Texas Senior Litigation Attorney Lia Davis and Monty & Ramirez Managing Attorney Jake Monty stop by for a conversation about the Americans with Disabilities Act and related legal obligations as well as advice for communicating with people who have disabilities. Additionally, they discuss diversity in hiring and issues that frequently come up.
Have you ever wanted to be one of those dynamic presenters everyone raves about? Zoah Zandan, CEO and co-founder of Quantified, drops in to provide his best pointers for public speaking. Tune in to hear where even the most prepared presenter gets it wrong (hint: focus on the audience).
Kicking things off at the ‘Adaptable Lawyer’ track from #SBOT19, @nzandan shares the science behind effective communications. pic.twitter.com/QkIVXpaxqf
— Legal Talk Network (@LegalTalkNet) June 13, 2019
They may not agree on barbecue or doughnuts, but the dedicated staff members of the State Bar of Texas do a wonderful job and are fun to hang out with. Tune in to hear Public Information Director Amy Starnes, Pro Bono Programs Administrator Hannah Allison, Web Content Specialist Jennifer Dunham, and Texas Bar Journal Assistant Editor Eric Quitugua dish on Austin food trucks, eclectic eateries, and hot spots with host Rocky Dhir.
List of Participants (in alphabetical order):
All ready to go! We are looking forward to our coverage of the @statebaroftexas Annual Meeting 🗣🎙🎧 #SBOT19 pic.twitter.com/FyMWDqeppF
— Laurence Colletti (@LaurenceEsq) June 13, 2019
After receiving his J.D. and MBA, Laurence Colletti went into solo practice with emphasis in general business and commercial real estate. He has always carried a strong passion for web-based media with a particular interest in podcasting and video. Laurence leverages his legal background against that passion to help bring sophisticated, relevant content to Legal Talk Network podcasts. You can follow Laurence on Twitter at @LaurenceEsq.
