Patricia Dodge will be serving as a U.S. Magistrate Judge for the US District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania.

TEXAS LEGAL LEGEND:

Induction October 31, 2018

At 9:45AM on June 13, 2019, the Litigation Section of the State Bar of Texas will induct Dicky Grigg as a Texas Legal Legend at the State Bar Annual Meeting in Austin, Texas.

Grigg was born and raised in Lubbock, Texas. He attended Texas Tech University for his undergraduate work, where he also played defensive tackle for the Red Raiders football team. Indeed, his original plan was to be a football coach, following in the footsteps of others in his family. But after choosing law school over business school, he was quickly lured by the challenge of trying cases. Anyone who knows Grigg knows that he is the penultimate storyteller, both in and out of the courtroom.

He attended the University of Texas School of Law, and Grigg hit the ground running, trying cases in the courtroom as he started his career in the Lubbock County District Attorney office. Early in his career, he moved to Austin, still focused on trying cases in the courtroom and now has spent over four decades in civil trial practice handling hundreds personal injury cases at the prestigious law firm of Spivey & Grigg in Austin, Texas. Most often, he’s representing “the little guy.”

His self-effacing humor belies the fact that he is the recipient of many prestigious awards over his storied career: State Bar of Texas, Litigation Section, the Excellence in Litigation Award and the Luther Soules III Award for Outstanding Service to the Practice of Law; State Bar of Texas, Leon Jaworski Award for Law Teaching Excellence; Austin Bar Association, Distinguished Lawyer Award; American Board of Trial Advocates, TEX-ABOTA Trial Lawyer of the Year and former President; Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers; Fellow in the International Academy of Trial Lawyers and former President; Member of the Tonahill Society, recognition as one of The Best Lawyers in America, and recognition as a Super Lawyer, Texas Monthly Magazine

But, in his career, as Grigg will tell you, the most meaningful work he has done has been in the public interest and pro bono sector, representing “the little guy” even when the “the little guy” is a Afghani detainee at the Guantanamo Bay detention camp in Cuba who speaks only Pashto. In 2005, Grigg was attending a legal seminar and answered the call for help from the Center for Constitutional Rights to assist in the defense of the approximately 770 terrorism suspects housed at Guantanamo Bay. None of them had legal counsel nor had their cases been reviewed by an impartial court. Grigg volunteered to represent three Guantanamo detainees, filing habeas corpus petitions in their behalf in federal court in Washington D.C. His work involved several trips to the detention center and appearances at hearings and status conferences in D.C. Personally, he spent nearly $50,000, primarily on travel and interpreters—which is a small figure in comparison to the value of his time and expertise spent working on these cases. Two of his clients were released, and the third was represented by military attorneys before the Military Commission.

He has done further pro bono work, assisting U.S. military veterans with their disability appeals, part of a State Bar of Texas initiative to provide legal services to veterans. Also, he taught peer mediation training to students at Mendez Middle School in Austin, Texas, for which he received the State Bar President’s Award for Mediators Achieving Peace for his decade of work with those students. Additionally, he has been fundamental to the founding and development of the Texas Lawyers Assistance Program, which helps lawyers find solutions for dealing with substance abuse and mental health issues.

Grigg is the embodiment of what this award signifies: a stellar and unique talent in the area of civil litigation, but also an individual who has given of his time, money, and self to contribute to the larger community.

Texas Legal Legends is a project of the Litigation Section of the State Bar of Texas. Its purpose is to memorialize the stories of many legendary lawyers who have practiced in Texas, and to use those stories to enhance the public’s understanding of the historical importance of law students and lawyers making a difference – not just a living. Legends like Dicky Grigg are prime examples of lawyers who have spent their professional careers serving others and taking on challenges that are much bigger than themselves.

The complete list of Legends inductees includes (in order of induction):

Videos highlighting the careers of these individuals are available on DVD and on the Litigation Section’s website: http://tinyurl.com/TexasLegalLegends.

1. How We Did It …. 2016-2019
By Joe K. Longley
Documents Joe K. Longley's service as president of the State Bar of Texas, 2017-2018, and his successful efforts to improve the State Bar, illustrated by campaign materials, election results, interviews, and president's columns. Details Longley's contributions to the Texas Legislature, including his involvement in drafting significant legislation relating to the Insurance, Finance, and Property Codes and as the principal drafter of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Act (DTPA), which is documented in the Joe K. Longley-Philip K. Maxwell Deceptive Trade Practices Act Collection: Legislative Archive 1973-2001 and the Mark L. Kincaid Papers, 1995-2015 at the Legislative Reference Library of Texas.
Joe K. Longley, 2019. 65 pages.

Online at: https://lrl.texas.gov/scanned/SIRSI/B600.8_L862_2019.pdf
B600.8 L862 2019

 Academy Tribute to Cody Baldwin – First Lady 1995

"She was an angel that lifts us up when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly."

                                                                        THAT WAS CODY.

I have never known a person who loves, forgives and creates comfort and happiness for all her family and friends the way Cody could.

This is a daughter who still shares with her friends her mom's recipes in cookbooks her mom help put together – and she still uses them.

This is a woman who buys a 3' faux dog to stroke and hold while she listens to music.

This is a mom who is so proud of her family that she lines her very large condo with endless pics. of all of her family.

This is a girl who can still fit into size 0 pant and looks like a "stylish model."

This is a friend who only finds the good in everyone.

Her inimitable laugh is ringing in my ears.

She will be the brightest star in the Heavens.

Thank God for her in all of our lives.

She will carry the moniker of "Friend Forever."

Lynn Parks

I remember so many many times with Scotty and Cody, my grandparents back in the day and my Uncle Brother and Sue.  But one in particular was at a meeting and Cody asked Don to dance and Scotty asked me.  They could really shake it down!    Someone had those pictures, but I think it was about 25 years ago.   I loved Cody’s gravely sexy voice, among her many other gifts.

Suzelle Smith

My dear friend, Cody Baldwin, was my bosom buddy and one the best persons I ever met. Cody was also a mentor for me in many ways. She was a devoted wife and mother, and watching her as she demonstrated the love for her family and friends in such a genuine and loving way made a real impact on me.

Cody was the true Texas lady, without guile or any critique of others in her unique way of making all around her feel comfortable. A real gift!

I loved hearing her talk about going to the " picture show" (a movie with Scotty) or making stuffed eggs (some call deviled eggs) to place into her "ice box" (fridge). I can still hear her humming as she went about her household chores, always with a positive attitude.

She faced some health challenges throughout her life, and for the past several years coped with losing her eyesight, but always finding a way to remain active and continue learning by listening to books on tape or trying new binoculars. I loved talking to her about our Longhorn teams, and we sent her enlarged copies of the roster of players while she listened on radio if she was unable to watch them on TV.  She remained interested and stayed informed.

As First Lady of the Academy, she was behind the scenes, but making suggestions and giving ideas to her hero, Scotty. Her footprint was felt.

We shared so many happy meals and toasts with the Baldwins on trips, and we also enjoyed her gracious hosting in their home.  What exquisite taste Cody had in all phases, from her art collection, decor of home and choice of attire.  Her style was understated but classy and Cody perfect.

It is difficult for me to say goodbye to one of the most treasured friends of my lifetime, and one of my steel magnolias. 

She will truly be missed but never forgotten.

Hook 'em!

Ruth Ann Spivey

Cody Baldwin was a true lady.  Cody treated everyone kindly in her elegant and generous manner.  Cody always looked as if she had just stepped out of “a band box”, an old saying that means very well dressed and looking swell.  Cody was totally cool in any situation, nothing was too tough for Cody to handle, with class.  She was a calming force. And Cody was so much fun to be around, always with a ready smile and hardy laugh.  Cody will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. 

Mary Gay Grigg

Living in the same condo complex as Cody we met fairly often in the garage coming and going. She always had a lovely smile and a kind word to say. There is a big void in the building as well as in many hearts. I too am sure she is now a bright star.

Ruth Kreindler

She was not just one of, but the forever dearest, smartest, most helpful and kind person to all the women in the Academy.  Her advice was always most helpful and wise. What a wonderful mentor for all of the women she influenced.  Her witty and joyful countenance will be missed.  There are no contenders at all who could fill Cody’s place among Academy women.  She will always be missed by all in the Academy who knew and loved her.          

Carole Krist

Fellow Russell Coleman, SC, has been appointed as a Judge of the Court of First Instance of the High Court.

Fellow Paul Schabas has been appointed a judge of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice.

Joe Roda's book Abraham Lincoln and Making a Case: The Story of a Master is published and now available for purchase. The book is available in hardcover, softcover, or digital form from Amazon Books.

From Dennis Suplee:

At our meeting at the Equinox in Vermont several years ago, Fellow Joe Roda gave a presentation entitled Abraham Lincoln and Making a Case, which looked at Lincoln's talent for persuasion, especially public persuasion, as courtroom lawyer, then as rising politician in the 1850's, and then as President. When Joe finished, the audience gave him a standing ovation, not easy to get from such a discriminating group.

I have seen Joe give the same presentation, with the same audience response, on two other occasions, at the Penn Law American Inns of Court, and at the "Roundtable" of the Philadelphia Union League, where Joe's presentation reportedly drew the largest crowd (more than a hundred) in the Roundtable's history.

At each of the presentations, audience members said the Joe should write a book, and when told that Joe was doing just that, there was great interest in when it would be finished and available. Well, it now is: Abraham Lincoln and Making a Case. The Story of a Master. Part I traces Lincoln's history at persuasion, from the boy who jumped on tree stumps and repeated the sermon he had just heard, to the adult author of the speeches and writings for which he is so famous. Part II then looks at what made him so good at persuasion: his personality and intellect, and his masterful blend of credibility, clarity, fact, logic, and emotion.

It is, as Joe notes early on, a remarkable story, and the book tells it well. It is one-stop shopping for anyone interested in Lincoln's ability at persuasion, or persuasion itself, in the courtroom and beyond. I have told Joe that I think it should be required reading for any lawyer intending to set foot in a courtroom.