Austin Appellate Section to Host Chief Justices on January 19

The Austin Bar Association's Civil Appellate Law Section will kick off the new year with a special program featuring chief justices from several of the fourteen intermediate state courts of appeals.  The luncheon meeting, which will take place at noon on January 19, 2012 at Green Pastures, will include the following lineup:

Moderator:

Chief Justice Woodie Jones, Austin (pictured)

Panelists:

Chief Justice Terrie Livingston, Ft. Worth
Chief Justice Brian Quinn, Amarillo
Chief Justice Sherry Radack, Houston
Chief Justice Jim Worthen, Tyler

A number of chiefs from other courts are expected to attend as well.

As Section Chair, I am very excited about this event.  The program will present a unique opportunity to hear the chiefs' views on current issues facing the courts and to visit with judges from around the state in an informal setting.  Space is limited, so reserve your seat by sending Matthew Ploeger a check for $20 payable to "Civil Appellate Section" today.

If you have a topic you would like to see the panel address, please describe it in a comment to this post.  I will collect and pass on the suggestions for the panel's consideration.

1/18/12 Update:  Chief Justice Catherine Stone from San Antonio will substitute for Chief Justice Quinn.

Happy 2012!

Ringing in the new year takes us to another milestone—the fifth anniversary of this blog's launch.  Year-end has been a natural time to re-evaluate, re-assess, and plan for the next twelve months.

Last January 1, I announced that Brandy Wingate had joined my firm, @Smith Law Group, and we are enjoying what she has added to our practice.  The firm is continuing to grow and change, so be on the lookout for some new announcements soon.  One recent addition is a new Twitter feed, @AppellaTex, geared specifically to this blog and its focus on Texas civil appellate practice.

May you all have a very happy and blessed 2012!