Texas Appellate Law Blog : Texas Appellate Lawyer & Attorney : Smith Law Group, P.C. : Appeals, Sanctions, Summary Judgment : Austin, Texas

After attempting to start some discussions on the LinkedIn Appellate Lawyer Network, I've concluded the group is useless. My posts aren't being accepted, and what's made the cut doesn't involve anything specific to appellate practice. In fact, the list seems like just another place for self-declared "marketing experts" or "social media gurus" to ply their wares.

So, I've decided to create a new LinkedIn group focused on creating legitimate networking opportunities for U.S. attorneys actually practicing appellate law. In keeping with that goal, I've named it the Appellate Lawyer Networking Group. To be eligible, a potential group member must be (1) a practicing appellate lawyer in a U.S. firm of any size, or (2) an in-house lawyer who is interested in appellate issues and could benefit from access to the group.

I know the trend favors "open" groups, but I think there would be value in a closed group allowing appellate lawyers and in-house counsel to exchange ideas and become more familiar with each other, free of the junk that comes through on other lists or overt sales pitches. If you agree and meet the criteria, please consider applying for membership in the new group.

Members, think of the group as a virtual water cooler for appellate lawyers. Discuss recent decisions you think are significant, cross-post from your appellate blogs, or ask questions of other experienced appellate lawyers. Announce your wins, new hires, or any career opportunities that may be of interest to the group. Let's harness the power of LinkedIn to facilitate relationships among appellate and in-house counsel nationwide.

• Email This
• Print
• Comments
• Trackbacks

D. Todd Smith (pictured), founder of the Smith Law Group, P.C., has been elected Chair of the Austin Bar Association Civil Appellate Law Section for 2011-12.  Smith is Board Certified in Civil Appellate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and focuses his practice on civil appeals and mandamus proceedings in Texas and federal courts.  He also assists trial lawyers with dispositive motions and preserving error for appeal at the pretrial, trial, and post-trial stages.

The Austin Bar Association was founded in 1893 as a nonprofit professional organization for attorneys.  Its mission is to promote professionalism and camaraderie within the legal community, to aid in the administration of justice, to enhance the delivery of and access to quality legal services, to educate the public about the legal system, and to actively participate in the success of the community at large.

Smith is heavily involved in the Austin Bar, having recently completed a term as Chair of the Solo/Small Firm Section.  He has also accepted an appointment as Chair of the Austin Bar Membership Committee for 2011-12.

• Email This
• Print
• Comments
• Trackbacks

Today marks the fifth anniversary of my firm, the Smith Law Group.

On July 12, 2006, I left Fulbright & Jaworski to begin a new adventure as head of a civil appellate boutique.  What began as a solo practice has grown to three people (me, Brandy Wingate, and our wonderful legal assistant, Sharon Kamus), and we have expanded our reach to cover all of Texas, the Third, Fifth, Seventh, and Tenth Circuits, and the Supreme Court of the United States.

Without the continued support of our clients, colleagues, followers, and friends, we would not be where we are today.  We look forward to hearing from you and to continuing in our role as "The Right Addition to Your Trial Team."

• Email This
• Print
• Comments (3)
• Trackbacks