Appeals

Filing for Mandamus in Child Welfare Cases

On May 7, 2024, Justice Julie Countiss of the First Court of Appeals and attorney William B. “Bill” Connolly of Connolly, Schneider, and Shireman, discussed the types of temporary orders in child welfare cases that are subject to mandamus review, the process for a mandamus petition, and notable precedent resulting from mandamus review.

Recording: Filing for Mandamus in Child Welfare Cases

PowerPoint: Filing for Mandamus in Child Welfare Proceedings

MCLE/TBLS Information: The webinar was approved for 1.0 hour of MCLE credit. This course has also been approved by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization for 1.0 hour certification and recertification continuing legal education requirements for attorneys and paralegals in the specialty fields of Child Welfare Law and Family Law.

Handling Your First Child Welfare Appeal

On June 26, 2024, Michael Hull of the Harris County District Attorney’s Office Appellate Unit and Karen Langsley of Langsley Mills Law discussed what to look for when reviewing a court record, key elements of the Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure, and what to focus on when drafting a petition.

Recording: Handling Your First Child Welfare Appeal

PowerPoint: Handling Your First Child Welfare Appeal

Navigating the Transition from Trial to Appellate Counsel

On February 9, 2024, Mark Briggs, Attorney at Law and Child Welfare Law Mediator, Michael Hull, Assistant County Attorney at the Harris County Attorney’s Office Appellate Division, and Lauren James, Chambers Attorney for the Texas First Court of Appeals in Houston, Texas discussed the obligations and duties of a trial attorney post-judgement and how to provide a smooth and successful handoff from trial to appellate counsel.

Recording: Navigating the Transition from Trial to Appellate Counsel

PowerPoint: Navigating the Transition from Trial to Appellate Counsel PowerPoint

Additional Materials: Navigating the Transition from Trial to Appellate Counsel Webinar Q&A

MCLE/TBLS Information: The recorded webcast was approved for 1.0 hour of MCLE credit. This course has also been approved by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization for 1.0 hour of certification and recertification continuing legal education requirements for attorneys and paralegals in the specialty fields of Child Welfare Law, Civil Appellate Law, and Family Law.

Trial Skills for Child Welfare Cases: Preserving the Record for Appeal

On Friday, November 22, 2024, Leslie Capace, Managing Attorney of the Appellate Section for the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, and Mark Zuniga, Staff Attorney for the Texas Justice Training Center, provided an overview on how trial attorneys can preserve issues for appeal by securing rulings on the record, making offers of proof, and filing bills of exception.

Recording: Trial Skills for Child Welfare Cases: Preserving the Record for Appeal

PowerPoint: Preserving Your Record for Appeal

Supplemental Paper: Preserving Your Record for Appeal

MCLE/TBLS Information: The recorded webinar was approved for 1.0 hour of MCLE credit. This course has also been approved by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization for 1.0 hour of certification and recertification continuing legal education requirements for attorneys and paralegals in the specialty fields of Child Welfare Law.