Pat Montes to Receive 2011 Louise Raggio Award

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1 September 2011 Newsletter Pat Montes to Receive 2011 Louise Raggio Award DWLA s Judicial Reception Committee voted on August 16 to give this year s Louise Raggio Award to Patricia Salcido Montes, the founder of the Montes Law Firm in Arlington, Texas. Ms. Montes is a strong believer in the jury system and the need for lawyers to develop a true understanding of and empathy for their injured clients. She has earned significant verdicts in numerous cases, particularly those involving personal injury, and has helped many other attorneys do the same. She is most proud of her work encouraging and supporting women lawyers. Ms. Montes has served as President of the Mexican- American Bar Association of Dallas and as Director of the Dallas Bar Association. She has also been involved in the State Bar College, Texas Trial Lawyers Association, Dallas Trial Lawyers Association, American Association for Justice, and the Arlington Bar Association, as well as other organizations. She graduated from the University of Texas at El Paso with a bachelor s degree in social work and earned her law degree at Texas Tech. She is also a graduate of the Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College, where she is a staff member. Because of her many achievements, Ms. Montes is a role model for women lawyers. We will honor her at the 2011 DWLA Judicial Reception, which will be held at The Mansion on Turtle Creek on October 11. See pages 7 and 8 for ticket and sponsorship information. Inside This Issue Wardrobe Consultant, Page 2 Judicial Profile, Page 5 Show Time, Page 3 Board Minutes, Page 6 LegalLine & Member News, Page 4 September Meeting, Page 10 Save the Dates! Upcoming DWLA Meetings Noon at the Belo Mansion CLE Credit Will Be Awarded September 8, 2011: Hot Topics in Personal Injury Law: Escabedo and Beyond with Kelly Crain, Diana Faust, and Kimberly Stovall. Moderated by Judge Martin Hoffman. We will also collect donations for SMU s Louise Raggio Endowed Lecture Series. December 8, 2011: Topic to be announced Louise Raggio Award Recipient Judicial Reception in Her Honor on October 11, 2011 at The Mansion on Turtle Creek, 5:30 p.m.

2 Wardrobe Consultant Bobbi Schwartz Speaks to DWLA Wardrobe consultant Bobbi Schwartz addressed DWLA on June 8 in a presentation entitled Professional Attire: Are You Sending the Right Message? Perhaps the most surprising part of Ms. Schwartz s presentation was that she is anti-color in both the workplace and life generally. Color is not hard-core Audrey Hepburn sheek, she explained. Ms. Schwartz prefers ensembles that include only black or gray, not even navy. Underpinnings should be white, black, or camel. She encouraged the audience members to step it up one notch in the office, noting that women are generally paid less than men and are fighting a battle every day. Heeled shoes have more punch than flats do, she added, and height translates into power. Ms. Schwartz recommended a maximum of three- or fourinch heels, however, so as not to distract. Her preferred wardrobe for women in the courtroom is all black. Hair should be simple and feminine, clean and understated. Shoes should also be simple. She suggested wearing stud earrings, such as pearls or tiny diamonds. Ms. Schwartz advised that you should strive to have the judge see you, not what you are wearing. Ms. Schwartz offered a few concluding tips. First, don t clean your clothes too frequently because doing so will ruin the fabric. Second, every woman needs three belts: a black alligator belt, a brown alligator belt, and a distressed leather belt for jeans. Ms. Schwartz encouraged everyone to acquire these wardrobe essentials when they are on sale! The James Street Group and Lifesaver Legal sponsored the event. Food and drink was provided by Edible Envy. DWLA President Krisi Kastl extends her thanks to DWLA CLE/Outreach Coordinators Ayesha Rafi and Sarita Smithee for organizing the event.

3 Show time On May 24, DWLA members attended 9 to 5: The Musical, a Dallas Summer Musicals performance. Kastl Law, P.C., provided free tickets to ten members. Pictured below, from left to right, are Judge Sally Montgomery, DWLA Director-at-Large Nicole Collier, Anya Lucas, and DWLA CLE/Outreach Coordinator Sarita Smithee. From June 15 to 18, Bar None performed *BLEEP* My Lawyer Says at SMU s Greer Garson Theatre. DWLA Vice President Joan Ballard performed in the show. Proceeds from ticket sales benefited the Sarah T. Hughes Diversity Scholarships at SMU s Dedman School of Law.

4 DWLA Volunteers for LegalLine On August 10, members of the Dallas Women Lawyers Association volunteered for LegalLine, a telephone hotline sponsored by the Dallas Bar Association. At LegalLine, volunteer attorneys answer legal questions from anonymous callers. LegalLine provides a venue for DWLA members to apply their legal experience in diverse practice areas while performing a valuable service to the Dallas community. Thanks to Alyson Vrana for organizing the event! Joan Ballard, Alyson Vrana & Krisi Kastl volunteered. DWLA Vice President Nicole Babbitt will marry Chris Knox on September 4 in Napa, California. DWLA Historian Kay Goggin, of The Law Office of Kay E. Goggin, spoke at the 2011 State Bar Advanced Workers Compensation Law Course on Both Sides of a Multi-Dimensional Claim. DWLA Director-at-Large Michelle Hartmann, of Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP, was selected to the s 40 Under Forty 2011 list. DWLA President Krisi Kastl, of Kastl Law, P.C., has been accepted to and will be attending the Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College this September. Mary Alice McLarty, of McLarty Pope, L.L.P., was elected President-Elect of the American Association for Justice. DWLA Director-at-Large Jill Pollak, of Law Offices of Terrence G. Turzinski, P.C., and husband Patrick are expecting their first child in October. Michele Wong Krause, of The Wong Krause Firm, was elected by the State Bar Section chairs to be the largesection representative to the State Bar of Texas Board of Directors.

5 Profile Judge Roberto Cañas, Jr. County Criminal Court No. 10 By Christina Jump For this edition of the newsletter we interviewed the Honorable Roberto Cañas, Judge of County Criminal Court No. 10. Judge Cañas is an active member of many bar associations, including serving as a Fellow for the Texas Bar Foundation and Dallas Association of Young Lawyers Foundation, and a past board member with the Dallas Association of Young Lawyers and Texas Young Lawyers Association. Judge Cañas also serves on the boards of several local organizations, including Operation Kindness and the Kitchen Dog Theater. Below are his thoughts and observations based on his view from the bench. CJ: What was your first job? RC: My first job was to be a car mechanic s assistant. I hated it. I was 13 years old and my dad set it up with an army friend of his. I think my dad hoped I d learn something about cars but even today I couldn t change the oil in my car. CJ: What advice do you have for young female attorneys appearing in your court? RC: I would advise young female attorneys to exhibit a sense of confidence in court. Sometimes I think young lawyers are either too timid or too aggressive. Confidence doesn t mean you have all the answers because as a young lawyer you won t, but it means that you understand that you belong in the courtroom and that you are eagerly accepting the challenges of being a litigator. CJ: What recent practice trends have you noticed relating to female attorneys? RC: The trend I have noticed since I have been on the bench is that more female attorneys are putting out their own shingle as a criminal defense lawyer. Fewer are partnering with another lawyer (usually an older male attorney). I think it is great. However, I have heard from a few female solo lawyers that they have issues running the business side of the practice of law. CJ: How did you spend your Father s Day? RC: Both Mother s Day and Father s Day were spent fairly quietly at our house this year. We were in the process of moving into a new home during that time period, which seemed to eat much of our extra time. CJ: What is the best advice you ve ever received? RC: The best piece of advice I have ever received is that in times of adversity, ignore the advice to hang in there. Times of adversity are the times to scratch, pull, and claw. Fight like a tiger.

6 DALLAS WOMEN LAWYERS ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, June 8, Call to Order President Krisi Kastl officially called the meeting to order at 12:16 p.m. Members in attendance included Staci Glenn, Heather Sudbury, Kay Goggin, Paula Walsh, Susan Steger, Lisa Hasday, Christy Jump, Justice Elizabeth Lang-Miers, Sarita Smithee, Ayesha Rafi, Joan Ballard and Nicole Collier. 2. President s Report Krisi Kastl President Kastl announced that a makeup consultant has been added to the event being held the evening of June 8, 2011, featuring wardrobe consultant Bobbi Schwartz. The makeup consultant requires additional funds. Kay Goggin moved to approve the payment of $500 for the event to cover the makeup consultant. Paula Walsh seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. A discussion was held regarding DWLA s contribution to the Louise Raggio Endowed Lecture Series. Christy Jump moved that DWLA contribute $2,500 to the endowment with a friendly request that each Board member also contribute at least $100 by September 1, Nicole Collier seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Jill Pollak has officially resigned as President-Elect of DWLA for personal reasons, but she will remain on the Board as a Director-at-Large. Krisi Kastl moved that Christy Jump move from her position as Directorat-Large to President-Elect. Kay Goggin seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. DWLA has been asked to contribute to Bar None. Kay Goggin moved that DWLA contribute $125 as a Friend of Bar None. Paula Walsh seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. 3. Treasurer s Report Lynn Javier Lynn Javier forwarded each Board member the DWLA financial information prior to the meeting, including the available balance in the DWLA business account. 4. Judicial Reception Joan Ballard The annual DWLA Judicial Reception will be held on October 11, 2011, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The Judicial Reception Committee is looking at venues at which to hold the Reception, including Lakewood Country Club, Royal Oaks Country Club, Stoneleigh Hotel, Belo Mansion, Park City Club, and The Mansion on Turtle Creek. 5. Newsletter - Lisa Hasday July 15, 2011 is the deadline for submissions to the next DWLA Newsletter. Krisi Kastl discussed adding different things to the Newsletter to make DWLA more visible, such as birth announcements and wedding announcements. 6. New Business A discussion was held regarding the possibility of having DWLA included on the dues checklist for the Dallas Bar Association. 7. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 1:16 p.m.

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8 JudicialReception andpresentation ofthe LouiseB.Ragio Award RosewodMansionon Tur lecrek Tuesday,October1,201 5:30-7:30 Allevelsofsponsorshipinclude: Recog itionindalaswomenlawyersasociationnewsle erand atevent,year-roundrecog itiononthedalaswomenlawyers Asociationwebsiteand2012DalasWomenLawyersAsociation Membershipforsponsor. Trailblazer($5,000) A endancefor10toreception Sponsorshipappreciationplaque Sponsorships Platinum($2,500) A endancefor8toreception Sponsorshipappreciationplaque Gold($1500) A endancefor6toreception Sponsorshipappreciationplaque Bronze($500) A endancefor2toreception Silver($1000) A endancefor4toreception Sponsorshipappreciationplaque Friend($100) A endancefor1toreception Reg larticket $35A endancefor1toreception $60.00-DuesOption-Reg larticketplus 2012membershipdues No,Icannota end.pleasefindenclosedmycont ibution of$ tosuppor thiswor hwhileeventandthedwla. JoinusincelebratingthelifeofLouiseB.Ragioandhonoring thisyear srecipient.thisawardisnamedinhonoroflouise B.Ragio,oneofthefoundersoftheDWLA,whog aduated omsouther MethodistUniversit DedmanScholofLaw in1952andwasamentorandchampionofwomenlawyersin thedalasarea.eachyearthedwlapresentsthelouiseb. RagioAwardtoapersondemonst atingthehighestlevelof profesionalismandwhohascont ibutedsig ificantlytothe advancementofwomena or eys. Name Company/Organization(Forlistingpur oses) Addres Office PhoneFax Pleas thisfor alongwithyourcheckmadepayableto DalasWomenLawyersAsociation tokristinakastlc/okastllaw,pc, 4144N.Cent alex y,ste640,dalas,texas75204byseptember15,201.formoreinfor ationcontactjoanbalardat

9 DALLAS WOMEN LAWYERS ASSOCIATION 2011 MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION Our Mission: The Dallas Women Lawyers Association is a non-profit corporation uniting for the mutual benefit of women attorneys and to elevate the standing of women in the legal profession. Membership Benefits: Free CLE seminars on substantive law topics Opportunities for networking and professional career advancement Assisting with community service projects Opportunities to meet and interact with the Dallas judiciary Community and Pro Bono Involvement opportunities Job Bank information and data available to members Special events, such as the annual Judicial Reception Active Year: January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2011 REGULAR MEMBERSHIP DUES (Licensed Attorneys): $35.00 ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP DUES (Law Students): $15.00* (*SMU Law Students who are members of WIL receive complimentary dues) JUDGES: COMPLIMENTARY Please complete the following information and return to the address below with your dues payment. NAME: BUSINESS NAME: ADDRESS: PHONE: FAX: ADDRESS/WEB SITE ADDRESS: YOUR AREAS OF PRACTICE: Administrative/Governmental Employment/Labor Law Family Law Appellate Law General Practitioner Bankruptcy Intellectual Property Corporate International Law Criminal Community Legal Services Dispute Resolution Litigation Employment/Labor Law Probate/Estate Planning Personal Injury Other (please specify: ) LAW SCHOOL ATTENDED/YEAR GRADUATED: Please rank the types of activities you would be interested in participating (1 most interested - 3 least interested and indicate any interest in serving on a committee): CLE Committee Interest Networking with other women lawyers and professionals Committee Interest Community Service/Pro Bono Activities Committee Interest Please identify any topics of interest for future CLE topics: Signature Date Return application and dues payment to: Nicole Babbitt, Vice President - Membership Kastl Law, P.C North Central Expressway, Suite 640 Dallas, Texas (direct) (fax) nbabbitt@kastllaw.com

10 DWLA Board of Directors 2011 DWLA would like to thank the following sponsors of its 2010 Judicial Reception: Platinum Haynes and Boone, LLP Thompson, Coe, Cousins & Irons, LLP Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP Silver Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP The Ashmore Law Firm, P.C. Dallas Bar Association - Probate, Trust & Estates Section Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP KASTL LAW, P.C. Locke Lord Bissell & Liddell LLP Merrill Corporation Bronze Margaret Allen Beckham & Mandel Calloway, Norris, Burdette & Weber, PLLC CPI Bonding Company Equivalent DATA Andrew Jee PC Kathleen s Sky Diner Justice Elizabeth Lang-Miers Mary Alice McLarty Judge Sally Montgomery Yvette Ostolaza Susan Steger Heather Sudbury TARA Vineyard & Winery Friends Lee Baldwin Dedman & Handschuch, PLLC Marsha L. Dekan The Duran Firm, PLLC Encore Trust Company The Friedman Law Firm, PLLC Alexandra Geczi Michelle Hartmann Lisa Hasday Jarvis Gems and Jewelry Appraisals Lynn Javier Christina Jump Keyboard Kids The Kipness Law Firm, PC MediVisuals, Inc. Karen D. McCloud Jill A. Pollak Renwick & Associates, PC Linda Szuhy Kathryn Veech Alyson Vrana Paula J. Walsh President «Krisi Kastl President-Elect «Christina Jump VP - Membership & Publicity «Nicole Babbitt VP - Judicial Reception «Joan Ballard Secretary & Website «Staci Glenn Treasurer «Lynn Javier Newsletter Editor «Lisa Hasday CLE/Outreach «Ayesha Rafi and Sarita Smithee Judicial Profiles «Christina Jump Historian «Kay Goggin DAYL Liaison «Alyson Vrana Immediate Past President «Susan Zoila Steger Directors-at-Large «Margaret Allen, Nicole Collier, Michelle Hartmann, Nida Nadir, Jill A. Pollak, Heather Sudbury, Paula Walsh Board Advisors «Justice Elizabeth Lang-Miers, Rachel E. Montes, Karen D. McCloud, Hon. Sally Montgomery, Sloan Rawlins, Linda Szuhy, Kathryn Veech DWLA s newsletter is published four times per year on our website, If you would like to contribute, please contact Newsletter Editor Lisa Hasday at lisa.hasday@aya.yale.edu. Personal Injury Panel to Present on September 8 DWLA will present a panel discussion on Hot Topics in Personal Injury Law: Escabedo and Beyond, at its next meeting on September 8 at noon at the Belo. The panel will include Kelly Crain, Diana Faust, and Kimberly Stovall. Mr. Crain is a partner at Walters, Balido and Crain LLP. Ms. Faust is a shareholder at Cooper Scully P.C. Ms. Stovall is a personal injury attorney at Stovall & Associates, P.C. All of the panelists practice in Dallas. The Honorable Martin Hoffman, pictured at left, will moderate the discussion. Judge Hoffman has served on the 68th Civil District Court in Dallas County since At the meeting, we will also collect donations for SMU s Raggio Endowed Lecture Series. Many thanks to Ayesha Rafi and Sarita Smithee for organizing the CLE.