State Bar of Texas Podcast
News & Politics
About
The State Bar of Texas Podcast is a monthly show featuring news and discussions relevant to the legal profession, from the latest industry trends and caselaw to practice tips and State Bar programs. Host Rocky Dhir, attorney and CEO of Dallas-based Atlas Legal Research, invites thought leaders and innovators to share their insight and knowledge on what matters to practitioners.
Episodes
- Understanding Harris County’s LAWPods System
Harris County has launched LAWPods, offering free legal support including advanced databases, librarian appointments, and connections to legal aid. Andre Davison, director of the Harris County Law Library, explains the project's creation,…
- SBOT's Vision: A Look at State Bar and TYLA Initiatives
State Bar of Texas President Santos Vargas and Texas Young Lawyers Association (TYLA) President Alyson Martinez discuss their initiatives for the 2025-26 bar year. They highlight efforts to improve access to justice, including Vargas's "St…
- Beyond the Game: Inside Texas Pro Sports Law
Host Rocky Dhir talks with Eunice Nakamura of the Texas Rangers and James O’Sullivan of FC Dallas about their experiences as legal counsel for professional sports organizations in Texas. They discuss their career paths and the day-to-day w…
- A Texas-Sized Look at Our Constitution on its 150th Birthday
The Texas Constitution's 150th anniversary is discussed by Texas Supreme Court Justice Evan Young and historian Dr. Bill Chriss. They explore the document's history, evolution from 1876, and its ongoing framework for self-governance in Tex…
- Revisiting a Justice’s Legacy: A Conversation with The Honorable Nathan Hecht
The State Bar of Texas Podcast features an interview with The Honorable Nathan L. Hecht, the longest-serving member of the Supreme Court of Texas, as he approached retirement. He discussed his career, judicial work, efforts to improve acce…
- Beyond the Algorithm: How TRAIGA Will Rewrite AI Governance in Texas
The State Bar of Texas Podcast discusses the Texas Responsible Artificial Intelligence Governance Act (TRAIGA), which takes effect January 1, 2026. The episode examines how TRAIGA aims to regulate AI development and deployment in Texas, ad…
- Crypto Clarity: What Lawyers Should Know About Digital Currency
Nelson Ebaugh discusses his Texas Bar Journal article, "Texas Cryptocurrency Jurisprudence," with host Rocky Dhir, explaining the legal considerations and recognition of digital currency for attorneys.
- No One Left Behind - The Future of Legal Aid for Veterans
The State Bar of Texas Podcast episode covers the Take One campaign, a statewide initiative aiming to connect Texas lawyers with veterans needing pro bono legal assistance. Major General Alfred Valenzuela and Terry Tottenham discuss the ca…
- San Antonio's Municipal Master: Insights from the Bench with Judge Darrell Dullnig
Judge Darrell Dullnig shares insights from his extensive experience presiding over Texas municipal courts. He addresses the vital role of these courts, clarifies common misunderstandings among attorneys, and emphasizes the importance of co…
- TYLA's Young Gunners' SCOTX Series | Episode 1: A Conversation with Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock
In the first episode of TYLA's Young Gunners SCOTX Series, host Hisham Masri interviews Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock about his judicial philosophy, leadership, and how fatherhood and faith influence his work. Blacklock discusses his path…
- Cracking the Legal Code for AI
The State Bar of Texas podcast discusses recent Texas legislation for AI governance, including the Texas Responsible Artificial Intelligence Governance Act. Guests Shawn Tuma and Rocky Dhir cover the laws' implications for legal practice a…
- Landman versus Reality: A Real Look at Oil, Power & Property in Texas
The State Bar of Texas Podcast episode discusses the reality of Texas mineral rights and natural resource laws, contrasting the TV series "Landman" with the actual operations of the oil industry and its effects on landowners. Attorney J. B…
- Counseling the Counsel: The Emotional Reality of Legal Work
This episode of the State Bar of Texas Podcast features Alicia Freeman discussing the emotional realities of legal work for attorneys and clients. They cover managing distress, setting boundaries, and utilizing support resources like the T…
- Inside the State Bar: A Presidential Perspective
Past-President Cindy Tisdale, current President Steve Benesh, and President-Elect Santos Vargas join host Rocky Dhir to discuss the duties of the State Bar of Texas president. They also cover the organization's history, structure, and ways…
- Revisiting Texas' Mental Health Court Programs
This episode revisits the topic of Texas Mental Health Court programs during Mental Health Awareness Month, discussing judicial approaches to mental health challenges within the criminal justice system. Judge Brent Carr shares insights on…
- Cleared for Takeoff: Navigating Aviation Law in 2025
Kent Krause joins Rocky Dhir to discuss aviation law, covering topics like drone regulations and the legal distinctions in air travel. They also examine the impact of AI on flight and analyze recent airline incidents in the context of safe…
- Why Your Legal Arguments Fail (And How to Fix Them) with Jefferson Fisher
Jefferson Fisher, a trial lawyer and author, shares insights on improving verbal communication for legal professionals. The discussion covers why legal arguments fail, how to build authentic relationships with peers and clients, and techni…
- Revisit the Top 10 Appellate Mistakes in Trial Courts
Rocky Dhir interviews Elana Einhorn and Melissa Lorber about common mistakes made in trial courts that can affect appeals. Einhorn and Lorber, authors of 'Help Us Help You: Top 10 Appellate Mistakes in the Trial Courts,' break down their a…
- Breaking Barriers: The 100-Year Legacy of Women on the Texas Supreme Court
The State Bar of Texas podcast episode 'Breaking Barriers: The 100-Year Legacy of Women on the Texas Supreme Court' discusses the historical appointment of women to the Texas Supreme Court, featuring insights from Judge Jennifer Walker Elr…
- A Justice’s Legacy: A Conversation with Chief Justice Nathan Hecht
Chief Justice Nathan L. Hecht discusses his extensive career serving the Texas legal system, including his judicial work, efforts to improve access to justice, and advice for lawyers as he approaches retirement.
- Pharma Fallout: How Harrington v. Purdue Pharma Will Impact Bankruptcy Law
This episode features attorneys Elias Yazbeck and Michael Wombacher discussing the Purdue Pharma bankruptcy case, Harrington v. Purdue Pharma, and its implications for bankruptcy law, particularly concerning nonconsensual third-party relea…
- How to Navigate Legal Mistakes with Integrity and Transparency
Scott C. Skelton joins Rocky Dhir on the State Bar of Texas Podcast to discuss his session on the ethical handling of mistakes in legal practice. Skelton shares his experiences and emphasizes the importance of honesty, transparency, and gr…
- What Really Happens After a Trial: Taking A Closer Look at Post-Conviction Law with Professor Lee Kovarsky
Professor Lee Kovarsky joins Rocky Dhir to explore the intricacies of post-conviction law and the challenges defendants face after a guilty verdict. The discussion covers mitigation investigations and capital defense, aiming to inform atto…
- The Untold Stories of Attorney Clarence Darrow
Author and attorney Mike Farris joins host Rocky Dhir to discuss his book, "Blowhard: Windbaggery and the Wretched Ethics of Clarence Darrow." The episode examines historical evidence of Darrow's alleged courtroom misconduct and unethical…
- Breaking the Stress Cycle: Tips for Becoming a Happier, Healthier Lawyer
Michelle Fontenot, Director of the Texas Lawyers’ Assistance Program, joins Rocky Dhir on the State Bar of Texas Podcast to discuss the stresses of legal work and available resources for attorneys. The episode highlights efforts to destigm…
- Keynote Speaker Judge Irma Carrillo Ramirez (State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2024)
Judge Irma Carrillo Ramirez speaks with Rocky Dhir about her keynote address at the State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2024. They discuss her efforts to improve representation in the legal field, her significant achievements as a Latina pro…
- IP Law: Black Mirror Perspectives: Ethical Questions Arising from Technology, Innovation, and Social Media (State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2024)
This episode of the State Bar of Texas Podcast features Leela Madan, Hope Shimabuku, and Catherine Rifai discussing the ethical questions surrounding AI-fueled technology and social media, using the TV show "Black Mirror" as a reference po…
- Rap on Trial (State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2024)
This episode discusses the admissibility of rap lyrics as evidence in criminal prosecutions, exploring the intersection of art and law with examples from relevant cases.
- Leadership Vision for 2024-25 (State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2024)
Rocky Dhir speaks with incoming State Bar President Steve Benesh and TYLA President Hisham Masri about their leadership plans for 2024-25. Topics include standardizing court filings, docket assistance, artificial intelligence, and TYLA's c…
- Keynote Speaker David Grenardo (State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2024)
David Grenardo delivered a keynote address on civility in law at the State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting, discussing its benefits for the justice system and legal professionals, and debunking myths about mandatory civility rules.
- NYU’s Civil Jury Project (State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2024)
Rocky Dhir hosts Judge Mark Drummond on the State Bar of Texas Podcast to discuss the Civil Jury Project. They explore the decline of civil jury trials, its causes, historical context, current trends, and potential innovations within the l…
- Remembering Hernandez v. Texas (State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2024)
The State Bar of Texas Podcast revisits the 1954 Supreme Court case Hernandez v. Texas, the sole Mexican-American civil rights case. It examines how the case, stemming from a murder charge revealing systemic exclusion of Mexican-American j…
- Managing the Client Relationship – Family Law (State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2024)
Britney Harrison discusses her session on client relationships in family law, offering insights on managing client expectations and ethical practices. The conversation with Rocky Dhir covers navigating the emotional aspects of family law c…
- What’s the Spread? Legislating Sports Betting & Fantasy Sports in TX (State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2024)
The State Bar of Texas podcast episode discusses the current illegality of sports betting in Texas, including app-based betting, and explores potential legislative changes. Speakers Kevin Vela and Blake Hart provide information on existing…
- Navigating Texas Business Courts (State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2024)
Texas is launching a centralized business court system on September 1, 2024, to address concerns about navigating county courts. Judge Emily Miskel and Marcy Hogan Greer discuss the operational details and expectations for businesses and a…
- Keynote Speaker Camille Vasquez (State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2024)
Camille Vasquez speaks with Rocky Dhir about her journey to becoming a lawyer and her role in the Depp v. Heard defamation trial. She shares insights on using storytelling during cross-examination to achieve justice for clients.
- The Intricacies of AI Policy and Governance (State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2024)
Rocky Dhir speaks with Justice John Browning and Judge Roy Ferguson about the ethical challenges lawyers face regarding AI use and misuse. They discuss current guidance on AI issues and the evolving impact of AI within the legal profession.
- Smokeball Bill: The Free Perk for Texas Lawyers
The State Bar of Texas has partnered with Smokeball to provide Texas lawyers with free access to Smokeball Bill, a trust accounting and billing software. This episode details the software's functions and how members can obtain it.
- What Texas Attorneys Need to Know About Vacation Letters, Artificial Intelligence, Mental Health & This Year’s Annual Meeting
The State Bar of Texas podcast episode covers the upcoming Annual Meeting with President Cindy Tisdale and Executive Director Trey Apffel. Discussions include lawyer mental health initiatives, the Taskforce for Responsible AI in the Law (T…
- Texas’ Mental Health Court Programs
Judge Brent Carr details the Tarrant County Mental Health Court program, focusing on rehabilitative approaches for individuals with mental illness in the justice system. The discussion covers the Texas Judicial Commission on Mental Health…
- State Bar of Texas 2024-25 President-elect Candidate Forum
Denise Scofield of Houston and Santos Vargas of San Antonio were nominated as candidates for State Bar of Texas President-elect. Texas lawyers will vote for the position between April 1 and April 30, 2024. The winner will serve as presiden…
- Rules Vote 2024: 12 Proposed Changes to the Texas Disciplinary Rules
The State Bar of Texas Committee on Disciplinary Rules and Referenda has proposed 12 changes to the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct and Rules of Disciplinary Procedure. Committee members discuss these proposed rules, which…
- Demystifying the Texas Data Privacy and Security Act
The Texas Data Privacy and Security Act, effective July 1, 2024, is discussed by Rocky Dhir and cybersecurity expert Shawn Tuma. The episode covers the act's elements and best practices for legal compliance.
- AI and the Practice of Law: Insights for Attorneys and Paralegals
The State Bar of Texas Podcast episode discusses the 2023 AI renaissance, focusing on ChatGPT and its implications for attorneys and paralegals. Guests Megan Goor-Peters and Joshua Weaver join host Rocky Dhir to explore responsible AI adop…
- Year in Review — Texas Real Estate Law Changes in 2023
Roland Love discusses prominent 2023 Texas real estate law decisions from his Texas Bar Journal article. Cases covered include PNC Mortgage v. Howard, Lennar Homes of Texas Land and Construction, Ltd. v. Whitely, Mitchell v. MAP Resources,…
- Mentors Make All the Difference
This episode of the State Bar of Texas Podcast features Nikki Chargois-Allen, Denise Paul, and Regan Boyce discussing the significant impact of mentorships on attorneys and law firms. They share insights on developing mentor-mentee relatio…
- Examining New Laws from the 88th Texas Legislature
The State Bar of Texas Podcast features Kristal Thomson and Jerry Bullard discussing new laws from the 88th Texas Legislature. Thomson covers family law updates, while Bullard addresses civil litigation and appellate law.
- Help Us Help You: Top 10 Appellate Mistakes in the Trial Courts
Elana Einhorn and Melissa Lorber, authors of "Help Us Help You: Top 10 Appellate Mistakes in the Trial Courts," share insights from their Texas Bar Journal article. They provide an overview of common appellate mistakes in trial courts and…
- New Leadership: Cindy Tisdale and Laura Pratt (State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2023)
State Bar President Cindy Tisdale and TYLA President Laura Pratt discuss their plans for their upcoming presidencies. Tisdale intends to focus on AI, civility, and wellness for attorneys, while Pratt will concentrate on public service, upd…
- Keynote Speaker William Barr (State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2023)
Rocky Dhir interviews former Attorney General William Barr about his personal life, career, his memoir "One Damn Thing After Another," and advice for personal and professional choices. The discussion touches on Barr's experiences as Attorn…