The Newsfeed

The Hon. Cathy Stryker will be offering services in mediation, arbitration, trial by special judge, and mini-trial. 

SABA's first quarterly luncheon of the year was a sold out event! Members learned from Jenna Saucedo-Herrera, GreaterSATX President & CEO, and Randy Smith, Weston Urban CEO & GreaterSATX Chair, who shared GreaterSATX's vision of the explosive economic growth and development in San Antonio and how it will impact the legal community. 

Click HERE to view GreaterSATX's 1-minute video on the launch of their national branding campaign which will take center stage this year.

The San Antonio Bar Foundation (SABF) announces its 2023 class of 27 elected Fellows. Foundations Fellows help expand civic education, fill the gap for access to justice and support the pipeline of future leaders in the San Antonio legal community. 

Selection as a Foundation Fellow is by nomination only and limited to no more than one-third of one percent of SABA members. To see which of your colleagues have been accepted into the 2023 Fellows Class, click HERE.

“I need legal assistance, but how much does your firm charge?” Most legal clients have a budget and need to know whether a legal service will fit within their means. While every firm would love to have clients paying healthy retainers for services, that’s not what the average person in need of legal help can afford. Without transparent and predictable pricing, it can be hard to determine if the value aligns with the cost. It’s why alternative fee agreements (AFAs) are becoming widely expected in the legal industry.

To download the 2023 Foundation Fellows Press Release, click here.

The SABA Federal Courts Committee (FCC) hosted two December traditions at the new Federal Courthouse.

Boy Scouts who were earning their Citizenship and Nation merit badges and 4th graders at Bonham Elementary participated in this year's December 10th Trial of Santa Claus, presided by U.S. Magistrate Judge Henry Bemporad.

While the Trial of Santa Claus took place, Judge Jason Pulliam was presiding in a separate courtroom over the Fox Tech Law Magnet High School mock trial. The (seasoned) Seniors took on the (fearless) Juniors and tried their criminal case before a jury of their peers (and parents) to win a split decision on the two charges.

Click HERE to view photos and read the full story.

For some of us, the idea of trying something new is, well, tiring. For others, it can actually create feelings of fear and anxiety. And while familiarity can provide a sense of control, trying new things has several wellness benefits.

January 1, 2023

Investiture Ceremonies

Bexar County facilities may have limited public entrances open. Please plan accordingly. 

*Due to safety code occupancy restrictions, only guests who are on the RSVP list will be admitted. RSVP at 210.995.7131 or rsvp@normadenham.com .

The San Antonio Bar Association and Bexar Courts honored our judiciary and recognized the retiring judges at the December 1, 2022 Open House in the Bexar County Double Height Courtroom.  Judges joined us for a group photo and then retiring judges, Judge Wayne Christian and Judge Jeff Wentworth, were recognized and made remarks. Candidates for President-elect of the State Bar of Texas, Steve Benesh of Austin and Jerry Alexander of Dallas visited with guests and honorees. Click HERE to view the photo gallery. 
 

The San Antonio Bar Association sends best wishes to the following judges who are retiring on December 31, 2022:

Judge Wayne Christian, County Court at Law # 6  Judge Christian was elected in 1996 and is the first judge for the Bexar County Veteran’s Treatment. Established in 2010, the year-long program recently celebrated its 500^th program graduate.  Colonel Christian retired after 30 years of service in the US Army Judge Advocates General’s Corps and as an Army Reserve Special Operations Legal Advisor. Judge Christian has practiced law for 43 years.

Judge John Longoria, County Court at Law # 5  Judge John Longoria was elected to County Court at Law #5 in 2015 and has served his community with terms as Bexar County Judge, Commissioner of Precinct One, Justice of the Peace of Precinct One and ten years as the Texas State Representative for District 117.   Judge Longoria is also the Administrative Judge for County Courts at Law. Judge Longoria has practiced law for nearly 50 years.

Judge Lisa Jarrett, 436^th District Court  Judge Jarrett has served as a Juvenile District Court Judge since her election in 2009.  Judge Jarrett is board certified in Juvenile Law and recognized as a leader in the juvenile justice system.  She was recently appointed by Governor Abbott to chair the Texas Juvenile Justice Board which will develop and implement the rules for the Texas Juvenile Justice Department.  Judge Jarrett has practiced law for nearly 30 years.

Judge Jefferson Moore, 186^th District Court Judge Moore has served as a Criminal District Court since his election in 2014.  He also leads the Felony Veterans Treatment Court. Judge Moore previously served in the US Army as a paratrooper and in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps. While serving at Ft. Sam Houston, he was named Military Attorney of the Year by the State Bar of Texas. Judge Moore has practiced law for over 30 years.

Judge Jeff Wentworth, Justice Courts, Precinct 3  Judge Wentworth has been on the bench since 2012 after serving over 20 years in the Texas Senate.  Judge Wentworth’s professional career illustrates a lifetime of service including tenure as a Congressional assistant, US Army officer, Bexar County commissioner and regent of the Texas State University system.  Judge Wentworth has practiced law for over 50 years.

The Dawn Bruner Finlayson Fellowship recognizes talented first-generation, undergraduate, law, paralegal and court reporting students who demonstrate an interest in pursuing a career in the San Antonio legal community. Applications will be accepted through January 19, 2023. Click HERE to learn more and apply.