Vistra’s Ashlie Alaman & Dan Kelly Lead by Example on Pro Bono
One could have forgiven the lawyers at Vistra Energy if they didn't go overboard on their pro bono requirements. With the the $45 billion bankruptcy, the spin-offs of Luminant and TXU Energy and the move from Downtown Dallas to Irving, it's not like there wasn't enough to do. But Dan Kelly, Ashlie Alaman and the rest of the Vistra legal department did far more than enough. They're now finalists in the 2017 Outstanding Corporate Counsel Awards. The Texas Lawbook shows how they give their volunteer work a personal touch.
Juanita Harris is a ‘Force of Nature’ for Diversity
Her passion was evident years ago, when she mentored high school students while working as an accountant. None of that changed when she moved on to become a trial lawyer. Now, as senior legal counsel at AT&T, Juanita Harris heads all diversity and inclusion efforts for the communications giant. Harris is a finalist in the 2017 Outstanding Legal Counsel Awards, and in this Texas Lawbook profile, she describes how companies and law firms can make the legal profession truly diverse.
Chris Luna Uses ‘Carrots and Sticks’ to Push for Law Firm Diversity
Chris Luna, chief counsel at MetroPCS, has been a fixture in Dallas business and public life. He is an outspoken proponent of diversity in both the legal profession and the businesses they serve. His legal department is a finalist in the Outstanding Corporate Counsel Awards. Find out why in The Texas Lawbook.
Stacie McNulty ‘Embodies the Spirit’ of the Public Service & Pro Bono Award
Stacie McNulty is a highly-respected authority on intellectual property. Her observations on the subject have been cited by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. But her long-standing commitment to programs dealing with HIV and other public health issues commands something close to awe. As a result, she’s a finalist in the upcoming Outstanding Corporate Counsel Awards. Details in The Texas Lawbook.
Nicola Hobeiche Has a ‘Personal Sense of Obligation to Help Others’
Nicola Hobeiche is assistant general counsel at ORIX USA, but her office is often a minefield: of books or clothes or toys headed for a homeless shelter. Sure, she’s an experienced and respected trial lawyer, but she’s also a first-rate community servant and a finalist in the Outstanding Corporate Counsel Awards. Read about her in The Texas Lawbook.
Keitha Wright ‘Rolls Up her Sleeves’ on Diversity
Keitha Wright was the first person in her family to graduate from college. Now the Howard University Law School grad is senior counsel at G2 Secure Staff. Because of her work inside and outside, she's a finalist in the diversity category of the Outstanding Corporate Counsel awards. More in The Texas Lawbook.
On UNT Accreditation Challenge, is the Real Problem the ABA?
Earlier this summer, an ABA committee recommended that the ABA not grant UNT provisional accreditation after determining that the school admits too many students with weak grades and low LSAT scores and that the program has a questionable financial plan, among other factors.
Lawyer Couple Helps Free Nonviolent Drug Offender From Behind Bars
Many married couples might cringe at the thought of working together, but Houston corporate lawyers Darin Schultz and Christina Vitale treasure the opportunity.
Yetter Coleman, HayBoo Challenge TX Foster Care System
The more than 12,000 children in Texas’ long-term foster care system are seeking federal judicial oversight to improve their care.
Statewide Need is Great for Pro Bono Legal Work on Border Crisis
Lawyers across the state are getting involved in pro bono projects to help the migrant children arriving from the border crisis, but Texas’ highest ranking judge says more of them need to step up.