RESOURCES

A Guide to the Basics of Law Practice

CONTENTS

The Texas Lawyer's Creed

Chapter One

You Are a Lawyer: Now What?
Beryl P. Crowley

Chapter Two

Your Role as an Attorney

Part I - Your Role in a Law Office
Charles Silver

Part II - Your Role as a Solo Practitioner
James E. Brill

Part III - Your Role as a Criminal Law Practitioner
Robert C. Hinton, Jr

Part IV - Your Role as a Government Lawyer
Joe Thrash and Christine Long

Part V - Your Role as In-House Counsel
Timothy W. Floyd and Mitchel L. Winick

Part VI - Your Role as a Non-Practicing Lawyer

Chapter Three

Your Role as an Advocate

Part I - Your Role in Court
Judge David Hittner and Judge Lamar McCorkle

Part II - Your Role Outside of the Courtroom
Wendel A. Withrow

Part III - Your Role as a Mediator
Regina Giovannini

Chapter Four

Your Role as an Advocate

Law Office Management
Mitchel L. Winick

Chapter Five

Attorney-Client Relationships

Part I - Attorney-Client Relationships
Jeanette Ahlenius

Part II - What to do about the Dishonest Client
Justice Thomas M. Reavley

Chapter Six

Career Builders

Part I - Career Builders
W. Frank Newton and William Underwood

Part II - Mentoring
Earl F. Hale, Jr

Chapter Seven

You Too Can Be Sued

Part I - A Malpractice Primer
Robert P. Schuwerk

Part II - Guide to Professional Liability Insurance
Susan Saab Fortney

Chapter Eight

How to Lose Your License
Timothy W. Floyd and Dawn Miller

Chapter Nine

Career Killers
Ann D. Foster

Chapter Ten

You Do Have Friends Out There
State Bar Resources and Contacts

APPENDIX A

Communication Style Questionnaire
Guidelines for Identifying and Utilizing Communication Styles

APPENDIX B

Sample Attorney Marketing Action Plan
Client Development Contact List - Sources
Classification of Potential Client Contacts And Recommended Action Steps

APPENDIX C

Advertising Filing Form

APPENDIX D

Sample Client Satisfaction Survey

APPENDIX E

Lawyers’ Professional Liability Insurance Purchase Checklist

APPENDIX F

Sample Conflicts Memorandum
Sample Contract Letter (simple matter)
Sample Contract Letter (complex matter)
Sample Assignment And Power Of Attorney
Sample Letter Declining Employment (version 1)
Sample Letter Declining Employment (version 2)
Sample New Matter Data And Approval Form
Sample Completion Of Services Letter
Sample Letter Regarding Texas Lawyer’s Creed