The Brazoria County Bar Association proudly hosted “Law Day 2019” on May 10th at the Brazoria County Historical Museum.
Welcome by Natalie Broaddus, President, Brazoria County Bar Association
Natalie Broaddus called Law day 2019 to order, welcomed all members and guests of the Bar Association, and made brief announcements. The Honorable Marc Holder presented the blessing and the Honorable Jeremy Warren led in the Pledges of Allegiance to the United States and Texas flags.
Bar President Natalie Broaddus called the meeting to order
Judge Jerri Lee Mills Law Student Scholarship Winner
The first-ever Judge Jerri Lee Mills Law Student Scholarship was awarded to Christopher Sebesta. Mr. Sebesta graduated in 2018 from the University of Texas with a degree in Public Relations. He is currently finishing his 1L year at SMU’s Dedman School of Law. Mr. Sebesta plans on interning with the Honorable Justin Gilbert this summer as well as working a short time at the law firm of Harris, Caddell & Shanks, L.L.C. with his brother, Patrick E. Sebesta. Mr. Sebesta also plans on studying abroad this summer at the University of Oxford in Oxford, England. His parents are the Honorable Pat Sebesta and Mrs. Pat Sebesta. Mr. Sebesta was awarded a $2,000 scholarship and entitled his winning essay, “In Service To Others Through The Practice Of Law”.
Judge Jerri Lee Mills, Christopher Sebesta, David Smith
Law Day Scholarship winners
There were three winners of the Law Day 2019 College Scholarships and all recipients were from Brazoswood High School. The essay prompt was on a free speech and a free press and specifically, the challenges and benefits technology plays in free speech and a free press, as well as the civic responsibility required to ensure the constitutional democracy of America endures. Each recipient was awarded a $1,000 scholarship from the Brazoria County Bar Association.
In no particular order, the first winner was Carolyn Jess. Ms. Jess will be attending Sam Houston State University in the fall to study environmental science. Her parents are Bill & Stephanie Jess. Ms. Jess’ essay is entitled, “The Responsibility of Freedom”.
David Smith presenting award to Carolyn Jess
The second essay winner was Mary Maxwell, daughter of John Maxwell & Zita Witte. Ms. Maxwell will be attending A & M at College Station majoring in Public Health and her goal is to become a pediatric nurse practitioner. Ms. Maxwell entitled her essay, “The Responsibilities of a Free Society”.
David Smith presenting award to Mary Maxwell
The third Law Day College Scholarship recipient was Claire Thomson. Ms. Thomson will also be attending Texas A & M in College Station, and will be majoring in Biomedical Engineering and then going to medical school in order to fulfill her career goal of becoming a trauma surgeon. She is the daughter of Shannon & Kristen Thomson. Ms. Thomson entitled her essay, “Freedoms”.
David Smith presenting award to Claire Thomson
Front (L-R): David Smith-President-elect, Carolyn Jess, Claire Thomson, Mary Maxwell, Natalie Broaddus-President Back Row (L-R): Cody Vasut-Secretary, Shannon Brown-Treasurer, Travis Townsend-director, Toni Hays-Kersey-Immediate Past President
Keynote Speaker Mike DeGeurin
The keynote speaker of Law Day 2019 was Mr. Mike DeGeurin.
“Mike DeGeurin is widely recognized as one of our nation’s top trial attorneys. His courtroom success has earned him many honors, including being named one of The National Law Journal’s Top 50 Lawyers under 50, Outstanding Criminal Defense Lawyer of Texas by the State Bar of Texas, and Attorney of the Year by the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association.
Mike gained international acclaim by freeing inmate Clarence Brandley from over a decade of wrongful imprisonment on Texas’ Death Row. Mike has also won numerous victories in white-collar and corporate crime cases, including bank fraud, bribery, government contracting, wire fraud, money laundering and conspiracy cases.
Mike has successfully represented many international clients with legal matters, including individuals and companies from Mexico, Canada, England, France, and Germany. Though Mike has made headlines with many high profile cases, he is often called upon to offer discreet advice to business leaders and their employees regarding legal matters.”–From the website of Foreman, DeGeurin, & DeGeurin
Mr. DeGeurin showed attendees a slideshow of his drawings he makes during trial, that are used to aid the respective juries in remembering key pieces of evidence/testimony. He discussed his background and what shaped his practice of law. One key takeaway Mr. DeGeurin shared was that is was perfectly fine for a lawyer to be clever, but never tricky.
Mike DeGeurin