July 1, 2021 - Law librarians at the University of Houston Law Center’s O’Quinn Law Library shared important insights on modern law practice in during a virtual seminar held last week.
Chris Dykes, Head of Public Services at the O’Quinn Law Library, set the stage with tips and updates on Advanced Texas Legal Research. His instructions on using electronic resources for legal research simplified what can be an arduous process for those without experience investigating legislative history. He noted,
“There are so many agencies in Texas, it’s impossible to keep track,” Dykes said. “That is why you have the Texas State Library and Archives Commission.”
Dykes also demonstrated an in-depth understanding of how to find legislative intent and focused on bill tracking, administrative research, and agency rules.
The following speaker was Ashley Arrington, Reference & Student Services Librarian at the O’Quinn Law Library, who discussed various pro bono and volunteer opportunities for lawyers and law students. She highlighted the legal community’s opportunities to give back in a meaningful way, whether in person or remotely.
One of Arrington’s suggested volunteer programs was the Houston Bar Association’s Teach Texas project aimed at familiarizing seventh grade students with the Texas court system. Arrington also recommended Westlaw Doc & Form Builder, a free tool offered to attorneys through Pro Bono Texas. She concluded her presentation with updates on recent changes to the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct.
The final speaker, Katy Stein Badeaux, Head of Faculty Services for the O’Quinn Law Library, discussed the variety of mobile apps available to attorneys. She provided insights on the most accessible mobile legal research tools and note-taking applications. Stein Badeaux presented statistics on the productivity apps lawyers most frequently use and provided advice on user-friendly features from her own experience.
Attendees received three hours of Texas continuing legal education credit and one hour of ethics.
