Academy News

March 20, 2019

Contact:  Baillie Hearne    

(512) 480-8014

TEXAS BAR FOUNDATION GIVES GERRY GOLDSTEIN STATEWIDE RECOGNITION

Gerry Goldstein of San Antonio has been selected as one of five 2019 recipients of the Texas Bar Foundation’s Outstanding 50 Year Lawyer Award. The award recognizes attorneys whose practice has spanned 50 years or more and who adhere to the highest principles and traditions of the legal profession and service to the public.  

Mr. Goldstein graduated from Tulane University in 1965 and the University of Texas School of Law in 1968, where he served as an Adjunct Professor of Law for 11 years (1982-1993).  For the past 23-years he has served on the faculty of St. Mary’s University School of Law in San Antonio, Texas. 

He is a Past President of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (1994-1995) and the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (1992-1993), a Fellow of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers (1997-), the American College of Trial Lawyers (1991), and the American Board of Criminal Lawyers (1997-). 

Mr. Goldstein received the Robert C. Heeney Memorial Award [Outstanding Criminal Defense Attorney in U.S.] from the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers in 1991; was named the Outstanding Criminal Defense Lawyer in Texas by the State Bar of Texas in 1991, and was named a "Texas Legal Legend" by the State Bar of Texas Litigation Council in 2011.  He received the Justice Albert Tate, Jr. Award [for Outstanding Contribution to Criminal Advocacy] from the Louisiana Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers in 1993, and the John Henry Faulk Civil Libertarian of the Year Award from the American Civil Liberties Union in 1999.  In 2000 he was named one of 100 Texas Legal Legends over the past century by Texas Lawyer (celebrating Texas State Bar’s 100^th Anniversary).  

In 2002 he was inducted into the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers "Hall of Fame”, the San Antonio Bar Association’s “Hall of Fame” in 2013, and Best Lawyers in America [1987-].  He received the William S. Sessions American Inns of Court First Annual “Goldstein Award of Excellence” in 2015, the First Annual Michael J. Kennedy Social Justice Award from the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws in 2016, and the San Antonio Bar Association’s Joe Frazier Brown, Jr., Award of Excellence for Outstanding Leadership and Service to the Legal Community in 2016.

The Bar Foundation commissioned an oral history to recognize and preserve the accomplishments of Mr. Goldstein’s legal career.  Additionally, he will be publicly recognized at the Texas Bar Foundation Annual Dinner held on June 14, 2019 at the JW Marriott in Austin.

Founded in 1965 by attorneys determined to assist the public and improve the profession, the Texas Bar Foundation has become the largest charitably-funded bar foundation in the country. The Texas Bar Foundation relies on the contributions of its Fellows to improve the lives of Texans. To date, through the generosity of the Fellows, the Texas Bar Foundation has awarded more than $19 million in grants to numerous organizations across the state.

Election to the Fellows of the Texas Bar Foundation is one of the highest honors that can be bestowed upon a member of the State Bar of Texas, representing the top one-third of one percent of Texas attorneys. Selection is based on an outstanding record in the legal profession as well as proven commitment to support the community at large. For more information about the Texas Bar Foundation, please visit www.txbf.org.

APRIL 10, 2019 – David J. Beck, Beck Redden LLP, has been named the recipient of The Center for American and International Law’s (CAIL) most significant honor, its Award for Achievement in the Pursuit of Justice for All. The Award is given to an individual or group whose life/lives and work embodies CAIL’s commitment to the rule of law. CAIL, through its lawyer and law enforcement programs, addresses the
needs of the justice system, and its prestigious Award may be presented to anyone who is part of that system.
 
In choosing the recipient, CAIL is guided by the nominee’s leadership, vision, courage and impact. The Award is intended for those whose work has most effectively promoted justice.
 
David Beck is a Past President of the State Bar of Texas, a Past President of the American College of Trial Lawyers, a Fellow of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, and a Diplomate of ABOTA. Among his many honors and awards, he received the American Inns of Court Professionalism Award for the Fifth Circuit in 2011, and in 2016, he received the Luke H. Soules III Award for Excellence in Litigation by the State Bar Litigation Section.
 
Mr. Beck will be accepting his Award on April 17, 2019, at CAIL’s 2019 Higginbotham Lecture Series event, which is named after Judge Patrick Higginbotham of the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. This year’s Higginbotham Lecture will be given by Admiral William H. McRaven, U. S. Navy (Retired), on the subject of “The Rule of Law in a Troubled World”.
 
About Beck Redden LLP

Beck Redden LLP is one of the most renowned trial and appellate firms in Texas, if not the nation. Founded on tradition and integrity, and its unwavering commitment to high quality service, Beck Redden is well positioned to continue its track record of success by providing exceptional client representation and outstanding results.
 
Beck Redden is a litigation firm that handles a wide range of disputes including commercial, oil and gas, product liability, antitrust, securities, environmental, insurance coverage, legal and accounting malpractice, white collar crimes, patent, and other intellectual property cases.
 
 
Contact: Addison L. Braun Director of Business Development & Marketing 713.951.6214 abraun@beckredden.com

New civil legal clinic to open at The University of Tulsa College of Law

The University of Tulsa College of Law is thrilled to announce that the Board of Trustees of the Sarkeys Foundation has approved a grant that will enable the creation of the Terry West Civil Legal Clinic. When it opens later this year, the clinic will join TU Law’s Clinical Education Program housed at the university’s Boesche Legal Clinic.

The Terry West Civil Legal Clinic will be a vital part of the wide-ranging experiential learning TU Law offers. Students who participate in the Terry West Civil Legal Clinic will take on the professional role of counselors, advocates and problem-solvers for clients who face diverse civil legal problems. These might involve, for example, housing, consumer, education, healthcare and issues affecting veterans.

Professional development and community support “We are extraordinarily grateful for and honored by the generous gift of the Sarkeys Foundation,” says Elizabeth McCormick, the College of Law’s associate dean for experiential learning and associate clinical professor of law. “The foundation’s commitment to partner with TU Law will give our students a powerful opportunity to develop as professionals while also responding to unmet legal needs in our community.”

The executive director of the Sarkeys Foundation, Kim Henry, says that the idea for this civil law clinic came directly from its namesake – Terry West – who received his juris doctor from the TU College of Law in 1966. “Terry developed the idea and had several lengthy discussions with Lyn Entzeroth, the dean of TU’s College of Law. Terry wanted to develop a clinic that would get law students involved with a local underserved or at-risk community, while at the same time providing free legal services to that community. Getting the next generation of attorneys to understand the issues and complications of those living in poverty and giving law students a passion to be community advocates were central to Terry’s vision. Since Terry was the inspiration behind this program, we thought it was only natural to name it after him.” Dean Entzeroth points out that the TU College of Law “stands committed to providing outstanding clinical education programs to our students.” In particular, she says, “we support programs that provide legal services to members of the Tulsa community whose legal needs might otherwise go unmet. I am deeply thankful to Terry West, an immensely accomplished graduate of our college, and the Sarkeys Foundation for embracing this vision and helping to transform it into reality.”

 Academy Tribute to Cody Baldwin – First Lady 1995

"She was an angel that lifts us up when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly."

                                                                        THAT WAS CODY.

I have never known a person who loves, forgives and creates comfort and happiness for all her family and friends the way Cody could.

This is a daughter who still shares with her friends her mom's recipes in cookbooks her mom help put together – and she still uses them.

This is a woman who buys a 3' faux dog to stroke and hold while she listens to music.

This is a mom who is so proud of her family that she lines her very large condo with endless pics. of all of her family.

This is a girl who can still fit into size 0 pant and looks like a "stylish model."

This is a friend who only finds the good in everyone.

Her inimitable laugh is ringing in my ears.

She will be the brightest star in the Heavens.

Thank God for her in all of our lives.

She will carry the moniker of "Friend Forever."

Lynn Parks

I remember so many many times with Scotty and Cody, my grandparents back in the day and my Uncle Brother and Sue.  But one in particular was at a meeting and Cody asked Don to dance and Scotty asked me.  They could really shake it down!    Someone had those pictures, but I think it was about 25 years ago.   I loved Cody’s gravely sexy voice, among her many other gifts.

Suzelle Smith

My dear friend, Cody Baldwin, was my bosom buddy and one the best persons I ever met. Cody was also a mentor for me in many ways. She was a devoted wife and mother, and watching her as she demonstrated the love for her family and friends in such a genuine and loving way made a real impact on me.

Cody was the true Texas lady, without guile or any critique of others in her unique way of making all around her feel comfortable. A real gift!

I loved hearing her talk about going to the " picture show" (a movie with Scotty) or making stuffed eggs (some call deviled eggs) to place into her "ice box" (fridge). I can still hear her humming as she went about her household chores, always with a positive attitude.

She faced some health challenges throughout her life, and for the past several years coped with losing her eyesight, but always finding a way to remain active and continue learning by listening to books on tape or trying new binoculars. I loved talking to her about our Longhorn teams, and we sent her enlarged copies of the roster of players while she listened on radio if she was unable to watch them on TV.  She remained interested and stayed informed.

As First Lady of the Academy, she was behind the scenes, but making suggestions and giving ideas to her hero, Scotty. Her footprint was felt.

We shared so many happy meals and toasts with the Baldwins on trips, and we also enjoyed her gracious hosting in their home.  What exquisite taste Cody had in all phases, from her art collection, decor of home and choice of attire.  Her style was understated but classy and Cody perfect.

It is difficult for me to say goodbye to one of the most treasured friends of my lifetime, and one of my steel magnolias. 

She will truly be missed but never forgotten.

Hook 'em!

Ruth Ann Spivey

Cody Baldwin was a true lady.  Cody treated everyone kindly in her elegant and generous manner.  Cody always looked as if she had just stepped out of “a band box”, an old saying that means very well dressed and looking swell.  Cody was totally cool in any situation, nothing was too tough for Cody to handle, with class.  She was a calming force. And Cody was so much fun to be around, always with a ready smile and hardy laugh.  Cody will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. 

Mary Gay Grigg

Living in the same condo complex as Cody we met fairly often in the garage coming and going. She always had a lovely smile and a kind word to say. There is a big void in the building as well as in many hearts. I too am sure she is now a bright star.

Ruth Kreindler

She was not just one of, but the forever dearest, smartest, most helpful and kind person to all the women in the Academy.  Her advice was always most helpful and wise. What a wonderful mentor for all of the women she influenced.  Her witty and joyful countenance will be missed.  There are no contenders at all who could fill Cody’s place among Academy women.  She will always be missed by all in the Academy who knew and loved her.          

Carole Krist

Fellow Paul Schabas has been appointed a judge of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice.

Fellow Russell Coleman, SC, has been appointed as a Judge of the Court of First Instance of the High Court.

Joe Roda's book Abraham Lincoln and Making a Case: The Story of a Master is published and now available for purchase. The book is available in hardcover, softcover, or digital form from Amazon Books.

From Dennis Suplee:

At our meeting at the Equinox in Vermont several years ago, Fellow Joe Roda gave a presentation entitled Abraham Lincoln and Making a Case, which looked at Lincoln's talent for persuasion, especially public persuasion, as courtroom lawyer, then as rising politician in the 1850's, and then as President. When Joe finished, the audience gave him a standing ovation, not easy to get from such a discriminating group.

I have seen Joe give the same presentation, with the same audience response, on two other occasions, at the Penn Law American Inns of Court, and at the "Roundtable" of the Philadelphia Union League, where Joe's presentation reportedly drew the largest crowd (more than a hundred) in the Roundtable's history.

At each of the presentations, audience members said the Joe should write a book, and when told that Joe was doing just that, there was great interest in when it would be finished and available. Well, it now is: Abraham Lincoln and Making a Case. The Story of a Master. Part I traces Lincoln's history at persuasion, from the boy who jumped on tree stumps and repeated the sermon he had just heard, to the adult author of the speeches and writings for which he is so famous. Part II then looks at what made him so good at persuasion: his personality and intellect, and his masterful blend of credibility, clarity, fact, logic, and emotion.

It is, as Joe notes early on, a remarkable story, and the book tells it well. It is one-stop shopping for anyone interested in Lincoln's ability at persuasion, or persuasion itself, in the courtroom and beyond. I have told Joe that I think it should be required reading for any lawyer intending to set foot in a courtroom.

On October 4, 2018, the New Haven County Bar Association presented Bill Clendenen with the Yale Sappern Civility Award for fairness, decency, courtesy and respect for all.