Judges' Holiday Banquet

So, last night I attended the holiday banquet for all the judges in the Harris County area, with a friend of mine named Jeff Heintschel at the Houston Club. It was an interesting event to attend. The were several dynamics taking place at the event that from the perspective of a solo-lawyer are interesting.

First, lots of the big named partners from big firms around town come out to this event. They all also drag out several of their associate lawyers with them to introduce, smooze them up to the judges. The associates all not only had their names on their name tags, but also the firm name they work for as well. This I think is to ensure they are not mistaken for us lowly solos; right?

Another interesting dynamic from last night had to do with the changing of the guard that is soon to take place at out courthouses. You had last night, lots of the old judges that were just defeated, and many of their counterparts that are taking their places next month.

I didn't see any mingling between an incumbent and their successor. I had a few folks comment to me that they felt bad about going up to talk to the new judges because they felt the incumbents would hold a grudge(although I am not sure how the could enforce the grudge anymore.)

I heard several conversations from Republican judges and justices about wanting to push the idea of non-partisan judge voting in Texas. I find this poor timing for the most part form these Republicans in that they had a 14 year dominant rule in Harris County where they could have brought this issue up when it was helping them, and never did they get behind it. Now that they face a possible cleaning out in 2010, they are all interested being non-partisan. I myself would favor non-partisan judicial elections, I just think it is poor timing for Republicans to call for it now.

I agree we lost some good judges this election, and I helped campaign for one, so I understand the thought; I don't think the parties will ever allow non-partisan elections to happen anyway.

It was a fun event, I enjoy these events where we get to talk with the judges without their robes and all the formality of the courtroom.

Dennis

Back in the office

Whew, after a harrowing day with the Dentist, then the Endodontist, and finally with copious amount of pain killers and a long nap, I'm back in the office this morning.

When you practice family law, coming back from a holiday break is always a hectic time. That is because the more time people spend together or are forced to interact with one another, when they are either already getting divorced, or they just have the seed of thought that they might want one the more issues they have for their lawyer come Monday morning. Child custody issue always pop up over the holidays too, as for how and when a parent will get to see their kids.

Throw onto that that I was out ill myself yesterday, and I have a ton of calls to return today.

I will be out of the office this afternoon because today is a day that I am presiding over the arraignment docket in Pearland. I get to be the judge today.

Dennis