History

1978 Through 1979

In 1977, the Dallas Bar Foundation, in conjunction with the Dallas Bar Association (“DBA”), purchased the Belo Mansion as the home of the Dallas Legal Education Center. DAYL leaders were instrumental in assisting the DBA with the campaign to purchase the Belo Mansion. The association moved into the Belo Mansion on July 23, 1979, along with the Dallas Bar Association. The DAYL’s initial space was a closet in the new headquarters – which history has shown to be much too small! A new member campaign for the DAYL was launched, headed by Jerry Lastelick and Tom Craddock with Nina Cortell and Bill Allensworth as co-chairpersons. In 1978, DAYL had membership dues of $8 per year and saw an increase in membership from approximately 339 at the end of 1977 to around 550 young lawyers at the end of 1978. An increase in regular member correspondence began in 1978 due to the efforts of the Secretary, who created timelines for production and distribution of a monthly newsletter.

Unfortunately, no known copies still exist. The association produced a Mock Trial videotape, headed by Charles Cotropia, which was distributed to DISD students. Additionally, the association participated in the Dallas Alliance’s Convocation of Neighborhoods. The DAYL was also given a full page in the Dallas Bar Association’s Headnotes publication to inform DBA members of DAYL activities. The association continued with its strong athletics leagues.

In 1979, the DAYL furthered its goals of 1) promoting interaction among its members; 2) self-evaluation through the Sunset Committee; 3) continued dialogue between DAYL and DBA; 4) hosting the Young Lawyers Section of the American Bar Association; 5) active athletic leagues, social gatherings, and continuing legal education seminars; and 6) continual expansion of active members.

The officers of the DAYL in 1978 and 1979 were as follows: 1978:

President: Al Ellis
President-Elect: Thomas Craddock
Vice President:
Treasurer:
Secretary: James Richard “Dick” White

Other: Winston L. Borum, William Frank Carroll, Orrin L. Harrison III, Douglas Lang, G. Phillip Morehead, Louis Morrison, III, Steve McGowan, Sherry Hartmann, David Barbour, Ralph C. “Red Dog” Jones, and Emil Lippe.

1979:

President: Thomas Craddock
President-Elect: Orrin L. Harrison III

Other: David Barbour; Frank Carroll; Scott Chase; Ralph C. “Red Dog” Jones; Emil Lippe; Barbara Lynn; Arch McColl; Steve McCown; Phil Morehead

II.
1980s

 The association in the 1980s focused on increasing membership and providing value for members through a wider variety of social activities, continuing legal education programs, and by providing opportunities for community service.

The association obtained more than 1,000 members for the first time through consistent annual membership drives. The association also created an Associate Membership category for attorneys 36 years or older, and decided to have monthly meetings at 6 p.m. the first Tuesday of every month at the Belo Mansion. In 1984, the DAYL enlisted the services of Astro Graphics and Central Reproduction to ha ve a professional newsletter for distribution to its members. As a result, the association began printing pictures in its newsletter, and also began featuring substantive articles. Membership dues in 1984 were $10 annually.

In 1985, Barbara Lynn was elected President, and was recorded as the DAYL’s first woman President. Due to the increasing amount of committees, projects, and articles in the newsletter, the DAYL also determined it needed to hire a staff member to assist the organization, and hired its first staff member, Cheryl Garbrick, in 1987. Ms. Garbrick was an employee of the Dallas Bar Association who was able to devote some of her time to help coordinate DAYL activities and maintain its membership database. Her time was spent working for both organizations.

During the 1980’s, the association continued operating through the redefined role and purpose established during the 1970’s. It expanded its impact in the core areas of
service to the community, service to the legal profession, and service to young lawyers, especially in the areas of legal education, social activities, athletics, and service to law students.

In the area of Service to the Community: The DAYL formed  many new committees that worked with community organizations. For example, the Juvenile Shelter Committee chaired by Nancy Thomas worked with two juvenile shelters in Dallas, obtained donations for contracting services, and paired shelter residents with Dallas attorneys to obtain legal assistance. Further, the Ask-A-Lawyer Committee provided free legal advice to the public in local shopping centers. In 1982, the Juvenile Mediation Dispute Services Committee initiated a training program for mediators for disputes between adjudicated juvenile offenders and victims. Moreover, the Immigrants Information Committee produced two videos that were shown to refugees from Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos. The videos focused on legal issues regarding marriage and divorce, landlord and tenant disputes, and employer-employee relations. Also, the High School Involvement Committee created a Street Law Course that provided students with practical legal instruction.

The DAYL also formed the Lawyers Against Domestic Violence Committee to increase the availability of legal services to victims of family violence who lack resources to retain a private lawyer. This committee produced a video on victim-witness assistance, with an emphasis on child-witnesses. In the area of community service to the elderly, the Elder Law Committee hosted a Senior Citizens Legal Fair at Baylor Medical Center. In 1987, the Law Talk Committee was formed, and young lawyers were regularly interviewed on Channel 8 at noon regarding various legal issues.   One of the largest and most successful projects occurred in 1987, when the DAYL hosted a program to celebrate the bicentennial of the Constitution entitled “We the People: A Dallas Celebration.” The program provided an open public forum on current constitutional issues, and included a dinner honoring Patrick E. Higginbotham.

In 1988, the association created an immigrants’ rights video that was shown to many Dallas-area immigrants. That same year, the association created a video titled “Don’t Forget the Children,” that addressed child custody battles and their impact on children. In 1989, this video project was voted best in the country, and received an American Bar Association Bar Endowment award. Also in 1989, under the direction of Tim W. Mountz, the DAYL initiated the People’s Law School. This program allowed members of the public to learn about practical legal topics like family law, bankruptcy, landlord-tenant disputes, and employment relations. In response to growing discussions of the AIDS virus and its impact on health and society, in 1989, the association formed the AIDS Legal Assistance Committee. This committee created a brochure covering legal issues regarding the AIDS virus. Also in 1989, the association formed the Rights of Handicapped Children Committee, and received a grant from the Dallas Bar Foundation to host a seminar on the Education for All Handicapped Children Act.

Perhaps the association’s greatest community service initiative during the 1980s was forming the DAYL Foundation in June 1988. The State of Texas chartered the DAYL Foundation to provide financial support for law-related initiatives.

In  the  area  of  Service  to  the  Profession:     In 1984, the DAYL Federal Casenotes Committee summarized major opinions from Dallas federal judges. Also, anticipating  the  impact  of  personal  computing  on  law  practice,  the  Law  Practice Economics and Management Committee sponsored a Personal Computer Symposium. The Symposium introduced attorneys and paralegals to the various uses of personal computers. In November 1985, the State Bar of Texas initiated a requirement of Minimum Continuing Legal Education. In response, the DAYL began sponsoring additional CLE programs on substantive legal and ethical issues. The DAYL hosted its first Dinner with the Dallas County Judiciary on September 17, 1986. The DAYL also recognized the increasing demands upon young lawyers with families, and formed the Lawyers as Parents Committee, chaired by Nina Cortell and Elizabeth Lang-Miers. This committee sponsored seminars, presented a Day Care Fair, and created a day care referral service for DAYL members.

In 1988, the DAYL created its first “Walk Through the Courts” program, enabling young lawyers to learn how courts operate from the very judges and staff who operate them. That same year, the association initiated a placement services program to match young lawyers with Dallas-area employment opportunities. In 1989, the DAYL formed its Professionalism Committee to help ensure that its members remain ethical stewards of the profession, and to the Bar and courts. Also in 1989, the association hosted international lawyers from around the globe, who participated in the Southwestern Legal Foundation at the University of Texas at Dallas.

In the area of social activities: The DAYL Softball League dominated as the most popular social event for young lawyers. For example, in 1984, the DAYL Softball League had 53 teams and over 800 lawyers participating. The DAYL hosted the first ever All Star Game and also created and hosted a Fun Run, Golf Tournament, and Tennis Classic.  In addition, the DAYL hosted a formal dance each year for young lawyers in the fall, featuring dancing, food, beverages, and entertainment by bands comprised of lawyers. The DAYL also hosted monthly socials at various restaurants in Dallas, and the Liaison with Other Professions Committee broadened the socials to include guests from other professions such as CPAs and dental students.

The officers of the DAYL during the 1980s were as follows:

1980:
President: Orrin L. Harrison, III
President-Elect: William Frank Carroll

1981:
President; William Frank Carroll
President-Elect: Scott Chase

1982:
President: Scott Chase
President-Elect: Ralph C. “Red Dog” Jones

1983:
President: Ralph C. “Red Dog” Jones
President-Elect: Arch McColl III

Other:  Paul Dalton,  Larry Ackels,  William  A. Arnold  III,  Lee  Taft,  Cynthia Hollingsworth, Barbara Lynn, and Jerry Selinger

1984:

President: Arch McColl III
President-Elect: Barbara Lynn
Vice President: Cynthia Hollingsworth
Treasurer: Jerry Selinger
Secretary: Mark A. Shank

Other:  Craig  Jett,  Karen  Jones,  Sally  Lundberg,  George  Solares,  and  Barry Sorrels.

1985:

President: Barbara Lynn
President-Elect: Mark A. Shank
Vice President: Sally Lundberg
Treasurer: Craig Jett
Secretary: Barry Sorrels

Other:  Nancy Thomas,  Tim  Mountz,  Rebecca  Adams,  Cleve  Clinton,  Lisa Gravier, and Mike Hainsfurther.

1986:

President: Mark A. Shank
President-Elect: Barry Sorrels
Vice President: Nancy Thomas
Treasurer: Tim Mountz
Secretary: Susan Abbott

Other: Molly Buck Richard, Joseph Bruegger, Marcia Faykus, Lisa Gravier, Mike Hainsfurther, and Mike Tankersly

1987:

President: Barry Sorrels
President-Elect: Nancy Thomas
Vice President: Tim Mountz
Treasurer: Molly Buck Richard
Secretary: Howard Gross

Other: Barbara Clay, Marcia Faykus, Cynthia Hollingsworth, Kelly McClure, and Mike Tankersley.

1988:

President: Nancy Thomas
President-Elect: Tim Mountz
Vice President/Treasurer: Molly Buck Richard
Secretary: Howard Gross

Other: Jonathan Thalheimer, Kelly McClure, Mark Holland, John McDowell, Chip Pitts, and Hal Browne.

1989:

President: Tim Mountz
President-Elect: Molly Buck Richard
Vice President: John McDowell
Treasurer: Chip Pitts
Secretary: Martha Waters Wise

Other: Beverly Bell Godbey, Kelly Robbins, Wayne Lacy, Gregg Lehman, Kim Olson, and Diane Shaw.

III. 1990s

 The association in the 1990s continued to concentrate upon service to the community, service to the legal profession, and service to young lawyers. Throughout this time, the DAYL’s membership and its impact locally, state-wide, and nationally grew tremendously. The association also began to grow into its present structure. The DAYL started the decade positively by receiving the Best Young Lawyer Group award from the American Bar Association Young Lawyer Division in 1990.

The DAYL experienced a membership boom in the 1990s. It held successful membership drives in the early 1990s. Increases in DAYL membership were fueled primarily through well-attended DAYL socials where gift certificates and free meals were awarded. Membership topped 1,000 for the first time in 1990, and reached 1,565 in

1992. Additionally, many DBA members joined the DAYL when the DBA included DAYL on its membership application. This helped increase membership in DAYL exponentially. By the end of 1999, the DAYL had 2,074 members.

As a result of its burgeoning membership and its increased programming and activities, the association became more formalized. The DAYL kicked-off the decade by moving into its current office space in the Belo Mansion on February 1, 1990, and obtained a new mailing address as well as telephone and facsimile numbers. In 1992, Executive Director Cheryl Garbrick ended her seven years of service to the association. Cindy Chavez then served as Executive Director for three months. In September 1992, Cherie Harris was hired as Administrator of the organization, which led to an Executive Director position in 1996. She was originally hired to work 20 hours per week, but the position quickly grew to full-time by the end of 1993. In the mid 1990s, the association began posting its Committee Directory in its newsletter, The Dicta, and later published a DAYL Membership Directory as a separate booklet. Both initiatives increased membership interaction, encouraged collegiality, and promoted young lawyers. Also during the 1990s, the association unveiled www.dayl.com as its webpage. The website was operating by December 1996. Additionally, in 1991, the DAYL added Director positions to its Board for a member of the Mexican American Bar Association (now Dallas Hispanic Bar Association) and the J.L. Turner Legal Association.

During 1996, the DAYL worked diligently to establish a good balance between projects offered to serve the community and those aimed to serve the profession. Some of the new projects implemented to serve the public included an Auction that raised over $20,000 to benefit Special Olympics, a manual to inform the elderly about relevant legal issues, and a pro se protective order package designed to teach the public how to obtain protective orders. DAYL’s focus on the bar increased dramatically during 1996. The DAYL undertook projects to ensure that minority lawyers served integrally in the association.

In 1996, the association actively encouraged law students to become involved in bar activities (including DAYL’s community service work). The DAYL accomplished this through three strategies: (1) it created two liaison positions on its Board for law students from each of the two local law schools ; (2) it reduced dues for law students; and  (3)  it  held the “Bridge the Gap” seminar at Southern Methodist University School of Law to teach students the nuts-and-bolts of legal practice. Other projects created in 1996 included the following: (1) an Auction to Benefit Texas Special Olympics; (2) an Aging Issues Manuel; (3) VoTexas; (4) a WalkAmerica Team to benefit the March of Dimes; (4)  a Wills Seminar with Dallas Legal Hospice; (5) Lawyers Teaching Tolerance; (6) a Holiday Project for families in need; (7) a translation of the “Don’t Forget the Children” videotape into Spanish; (8) a Pro Se Protective Order Packet; (9) creating the DAYL website; (10) a Leadership Forum; (11) a Seminar on Integrating the Internet into a law practice; (12) the Bridge-The-Gap seminar; (13) participation by criminal court judges at the annual Dinner with the Judiciary event; (14) a Social with the Dallas judges; (15) an appreciation dinner for criminal court judges; (16) a member-benefits package; and (17) a Scotch-tasting for members of DAYL.

In the area of Service to the Community:

In 1990, the association created new committees focusing upon community service, including the Aid to the Homeless Committee, and the Immigrant and Refugee Assistance Committee.  In 1991, the Tenants’ Rights Committee, Lawyers for Literacy Committee, Minority Involvement Committee, and Substance Abuse Committee were created to provide additional community service initiatives.  Additionally, the association created and distributed a pamphlet entitled “Rights of Victims and Witnesses.” In 1996, the association  elected its first Hispanic President, Joyce-Marie Garay, who served as President in 1997. Under her direction, DAYL formed “Leadership DAYL,” a leadership class program modeled after the Leadership Dallas program. The program received special recognition from the Texas Young Lawyers Association  and the American Bar Association  (“ABA”),  and  has  furthered  DAYL’s  commitments  to  service  to  the community and the legal profession, as well as to the development of young lawyers. The program was implemented with great help from Cynthia Figueroa Calhoun, and has continued in later years  under the leadership of Robert Witte.  The DAYL Leadership Program provides select young lawyers the opportunity to develop leadership skills and to  understand  leadership  styles.  Each  year’s  Leadership Class members learn about Dallas-area volunteer opportunities and plan a community service project.

In 1998, the renamed Homeowners’ Rights Committee created the “Homeowners’ Rights Handbook: A Resource for Dallas Homeowners.” In the early 1990s, the DAYL increased participation in community service days such the Clean Up Arts District Day. In 1998, under the direction of President Brad Weber, the association created a “Children in Court” video, which was shown to children who were required to testify in court proceedings. The DAYL also produced a video and accompanying publication titled “Sexual Harassment in the Workplace.” In February 1998, the association, through “Project S.O.S.  –  Save  Our  Schools,”  collected  over  120  boxes  of  law  firm  office supplies for children to use as school supplies. In 1999, the DAYL became the first young lawyer organization to have its own granting foundation, when the DAYL Foundation donated a total of $5,000 to four non-profit organizations. In May 1999, the Aspiring Youth Committee implemented the Aspiring Youth Program for 7th and 8th graders.

In the area of Service to the Profession:

In the early 1990s, the association hosted professionalism symposiums on at the Belo Mansion, which promoted interaction between young lawyers and various members of the judiciary. These symposiums focused upon standards of appropriate professional conduct in dealing with clients, other attorneys, and the courts. In December 1990, the DAYL hosted a Bill of Rights dinner featuring Ken Starr. Also, the association hosted mock interviews for Southern Methodist University School of Law students to help them land the ideal summer associate position.

In the  mid-1990s,  the  Ask-A-Lawyer  Committee  staffed  booths  at  various shopping malls across Dallas in order to respond, on a pro bono basis, to shoppers’ numerous legal questions. The association continued to receive national awards at the ABA Annual Convention for its newsletter and its public service and professional projects.

In the late 1990s, the association  organized a successful Ethics Seminar, where break-out groups discussed professional conduct standards. Also, on an annual basis, the DAYL International Law Conference Liaison Committee participated in summer activities with foreign attorneys affiliated with the Southwestern Legal Foundation.

In 1998, the association created the DAYL Judicial Intern Committee in order to assist law students seeking practical legal experience by matching them with judges for summer internships. The program placed 15 law students with Dallas-area judges during its first year. In September 1999, the judicial intern program was honored by the ABA as the “Most Outstanding Single Service Project for the Bar.” Additionally, in 1999, the association hosted its first Judicial Reception for New Members of the Dallas-area judiciary.

During the late-1990s, the DAYL implemented programming to address growing concern over young lawyer wellness.  In 1999, under the leadership of President Michael K. Hurst, the association created the De-Stressing the Legal Profession Committee.  The Committee presented the three-part luncheon program “Living & Lawyering: Balancing Your Personal and Professional Demands.” On June 23, 2000, the DAYL received the “Star of Texas Bar” award from the State Bar of Texas for its De-Stressing the Legal Profession program. Other programs in 1999 included various CLEs on antitrust law, the new discovery rules, and intellectual property, as well as a Walk Through the Appellate Courts. The association also started the New Judges Reception in 1999.

C.  In the area of social activities:

DAYL socials became “the” social event for young lawyers, and continued to be held at various hot spots throughout the Dallas metroplex. On one occasion, the association held a Pre-Seinfeld Party at the Green Elephant Bar. The DAYL also began procuring sponsors for its monthly socials in an effort to relieve the DAYL budget from this burden. DAYL also reached-out to the Fort Worth area, by participating in the rivalry trivia contest with the Tarrant County Young Lawyers Association.

In addition, DAYL’s organized athletic leagues continued to thrive throughout the decade. In 1990, an association team won a statewide softball tournament. Also, on November 8, 1999, the association hosted a Golf Tournament at Las Colinas Country Club, benefiting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

The  1990s  saw  a  surge  in  membership,  which  caused  DAYL  to  respond  by organizing more projects to benefit its members and to provide them with volunteer opportunities in the community.

The officers of the DAYL during the 1990s were as follows:

1990:

President: Molly Buck Richard
President-Elect: John McDowell
Vice President: Chip Pitts
Treasurer: Martha Waters Wise
Secretary: Beverly Bell Godbey

Other: Kelly Robins, Wayne  Lacy, Alyson Brown, David Maldonado, Sharon Mosteller, and Mark Sales.

1991:

President: John McDowell
President-Elect: Martha Waters Wise
Vice President: Beverly Bell Godbey
Secretary: Alyson Brown
Treasurer: Kelly Robbins

Other: Brad Weber, Mark Sales, David Maldonado, Leonard “Ladd” Hirsch, Terri Gallagher, and Mike Donohoe.

1992:

President: Martha Waters Wise
President-Elect: Beverly Bell Godbey
Vice President: Kelly Robbins Harrington
Treasurer: Mark Sales
Secretary: Alyson Brown

Other: D’Andrea Abdullah, Robert Doggett, Mike Donohoe, Joyce-Marie Garay, Terri Gallagher, Leonard “Ladd” Hirsch, Rudy Rodriguez, and Brad Weber

1993:

President: Beverly Bell Godbey
President-Elect: Mark Sales
Vice President: Kelly Robbins Harrington
Treasurer: Terri Gallagher
Secretary: Joyce-Marie Garay

Other: Frances Fazio, Mike Donohoe, Lendy Leggett Jones, Lena Levario, David Morice, Lance Price, and Brad Weber.

1994:

President: Mark Sales
President-Elect: Kelly Robbins Harrington
Vice President: Terri Hagan
Treasurer: Joyce-Marie Garay
Secretary: Brad Weber

Other: Kim Phipps, Ann Marie Painter, Fenita Morris, David Morice, Leslie Klaassen, Michael K. Hurst, Linda Guadarrama, Mike Donohoe, Jeff Bragalone, Nicole Cubbage, and Frances Fazio

1995:

President: Kelly Robbins Harrington
President-Elect: Terri L. Hagan
Vice President: Joyce-Marie Garay
Treasurer: Brad Weber
Secretary: Jeff Bragalone

Other: Julie Blend, Mickie Bragalone, Michael K. Hurst, Leslie Klaassen, David Morice, and Ann Marie Painter.

1996:

President: Terri L. Hagan
President-Elect: Joyce-Marie Garay
Vice President: Brad Weber
Treasurer: Michael K. Hurst
Secretary: Julie Blend

Other:  Jonathan  Spigel,  Rick  Lambert,  Mickie  Bragalone,  Tab  Keener,  Greg Curry, and Angela Bramley.

1997:

President: Joyce-Marie Garay
President-Elect: Brad Weber
Vice President: Michael K. Hurst
Treasurer: Julie Blend
Secretary: Rick Lambert

Other: Kim Brooks, Greg Curry, Vince Hess, Marc Hubbard, Tab Keener, Art Navarro, D’Ann Parker, Kimberly Robinson, and Cheryl Turner.

1998:

President: Brad Weber
President-Elect: Michael K. Hurst
Vice President: Julie Blend
Treasurer: Rick Lambert
Secretary: Vince Hess

1999:

President: Michael K. Hurst
President-Elect: Julie Blend
Vice President: Rick Lambert
Treasurer: Vince Hess
Secretary: Monica Wiseman Latin

Other: Cynthia Figueroa Calhoun, Christina Melton Crain, Veronica Cuadra, Leslie DeCillis, Marc Hubbard, Mike Jaskowak, M. Brenk Johnson, David R. McAtee II, and Errol Phipps.

IV. 2000s

The 2000s brought expansion to the DAYL in all areas. In 2001, under the leadership of President Rick Lambert, the DAYL deliberately reexamined its plan for the future. The association formed the Long Range Planning Committee, led by David R. McAtee II, in order to refine the vision and mission of the DAYL. On April 11, 2001, the DAYL held a “Futures Conference” that addressed current and likely future issues impacting lawyers. In August 2001, the DAYL began developing a “Long Range Plan.” To this end, on August 23, 2001, the DAYL Foundation hosted its first fundraiser, “An Evening with Texas Attorney General John Cornyn.” Likewise, in October 2001, the association began producing The Dicta in-house in order to save money and become more efficient. Additionally, the Board increased the number of elected members from six to eight.

In 2002, President Christina Melton Crain formally organized the association’s Committees into four areas of service:  Service to the Bar – Professional; Service to the Bar – Personal; Service to the Community; Service to Children and Families. Ms. Crain also formed the DAYL Bylaws Committee to propose amendments and updates to the Bylaws. On September 24, 2002, the association hosted a 10 Year Anniversary in honor of Cherie Harris’s contributions. In 2003 and 2004, the association conducted a member survey, and incorporated members’ ideas and suggestions into its operations and programming. Groundbreaking for the Pavilion at the Belo Mansion as part of the DBA’s “Mansion Expansion” project occurred on May 17, 2002. In 2004, the DAYL raised the necessary funds to name the bar at the Belo Mansion, the “DAYL Bar.”

In 2008, Karen McCloud assumed the Presidency on quick notice, after she volunteered to fill an immediate vacancy in the President-Elect position in October 2007. McCloud became the association’s first African-American President.

The association is concluding the decade by building- upon the long range principles set at its beginning. In 2009, the association attained a presence on on- line social networking sites including Facebook and LinkedIn. The Animal Welfare Committee became the first association Committee to create a Facebook group. In April 2009, the association began accepting payments via credit card for the first time. In November 2009, the association conducted its first elections via electronic voting, and did so without any problems.

In the area of Service to the Community:

The association expanded the breadth and reach of its community service during the 2000’s, implementing specific programming that was targeted to meet particular community needs. In 2000, the association held its first Community Court Program (f/k/a Operation Stand Down) for Dallas’s homeless population.  In August 2000, the association started its “Ties That Bind” program, which features attorneys who help young males learn how to tie a necktie, in hopes of providing positive mentoring experiences. The program’s first visit occurred on Oct. 8, 2000, at Buckner Children’s Home. Other programs in 2000 included working with the DBA’s Habitat for Humanity home build; a clothing drive; a cell phone drive so that victims of domestic violence could dial 911; a Child Care Expo; and a Masquerade Ball benefiting the North Texas Lupus Foundation.

The tragic events of September 11, 2001, deeply affected the association, its members, and the Dallas and Texas Bars. In the aftermath of the 9/11 attack, the association held the DAYL “Freedom Run” on November 10, 2001, and over 3,000 people participated. The Freedom Run, now an annual event, was designed and implemented by the 2001 Leadership Class, with particular contributions from Rob Crain and other Leadership Class members. The event featured a “Freedom Wall,” which was twenty sections of ten foot wide by five feet tall areas of canvas, on which race participants wrote personal messages to the people of New York City. On April 22, 2002, members of the association presented the Freedom Wall to the Association of the Bar of the City of New York, in New York City. Over 4,000 people attended the Second Annual Freedom Run & Festival, which occurred on September 12, 2002.

In  2001,  the  “Ask-A-Lawyer”  Program  educated  the  public  regarding  many aspects of the law. The association also drafted a Pro Se Handbook setting out basic obligations under the Rules of Civil Procedure. In 2002, the DAYL created its Young Voters Program, a “Where to Go” pamphlet for the city’s elderly community, and a senior services fair.

In 2005, during Mary A. Goodrich’s Presidency, the association hosted a First Time Homebuyers’ Seminar, and the Minority Involvement Committee hosted a Community Service Day. All sister bar associations were instrumental in planning and implementing this Community Service Day. Following the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina, the DAYL organized a major collection effort during the Freedom Run to collect funds, clothing, diapers, and other necessities for Dallas evacuees who arrived from New Orleans. In 2006, under the leadership of President Chad Ruback, the Aid to the Homeless and Lawyers Against Domestic Violence Committees coordinated to improve the association’s annual clothing and cell phone drive. The Lawyers Against Domestic Violence Committee also hosted a Back to School school supply drive, and the Young Voters Committee conducted a mock election at the DISD Government/Law Magnet located at the Yvonne Ewell Townview Center.   The DAYL Fair replaced the annual Mid-Year Meeting in 2006, and provided  a way for DAYL members to learn more about the organization and opportunities for involvement.

In 2007, Laura Benitez Geisler served as President. The Elder Law Committee, in addition to coordinating visits with the elderly, hosted an “Active Older Adults” event to discuss legal issues affecting older people, and organized a “Santa for Seniors” Drive. Also, the Aid to the Homeless Committee assisted the Strauss Family Gateway Center by cleaning, painting and redecorating rooms in the facility, and the Lawyers Against Domestic Violence Committee held a happy hour to support the Hope’s Door facility. In the spring of 2007, the 2006 Leadership Class held “Impacting DISD,” a volunteer day that produced beautification projects to five Dallas public schools. The association also formed the Environmental Awareness Committee, thanks to the vision of Shelby Bobosky, and thereby expanded the scope of its service efforts. The first DART Community Court project was also implemented in 2007, and a Street Smarts Guide for the area homeless was also created.

On October 16, 2008, the Environmental Awareness Committee held its Inaugural “e-Recycling Drive.” The drive collected old or obsolete electronic items, which were recycled instead of discarded in landfills. Also in 2008, the Young Voters Committee continued its voter education efforts during the election year. The association also held DAYLympics, a field day for adults that included tug-of-war contests and other fun activities. The DAYL also hosted a family fun day at the Fort Worth Zoo; organized a silent auction to benefit Operation Kindness; held an Adopt-An-Animal event ; hosted its first “What We Need to Succeed” program for high school students; and organized wellness initiatives for its members.  The DAYL capped-off 2008 by receiving the first place award for Comprehensive Programming Among Young Lawyer  Organizations from the ABA-Young Lawyers Division, a distinction that DAYL has been fortunate to receive many times throughout its history.

In 2009, DAYL organized an immediate response volunteer effort titled “Mend a Broken Heart on Valentine’s Day,” thanks in large part to member Mark Melton. In this effort, DAYL members traveled to Lone Grove, Oklahoma to perform work and other assistance to tornado victims. On July 9 through 11, 2009, the first DAYL Teen Leadership Academy took place at the Center for Community Cooperation in Dallas. Also in 2009, the Ask-A-Lawyer Committee updated the DAYL Pro Se Handbook.

The most ambitious and among the most important service project in the association’s history culminated on November 7, 2009, when the DAYL premiered “¡Protejase! Luche Contra el Fraude,” a Spanish public service announcement and website campaign underwritten by the Texas Bar Foundation. The campaign was designed to increase education and awareness of consumer frauds and scams perpetrated against the country’ s Spanish-speaking population. Christina Saralegui served as the National Spokesperson. The broadcasts were aired on broadcast and cable television, as well as on radio, in the greater-Dallas area, and are to be distributed nation-wide.

In the area of Service to the Profession:

In November 2000, the DAYL CLE Committee hosted a luncheon for young attorneys on “How to be a Good Associate.” Also in 2000, the association’s Dinner with the Civil Judiciary honored Judge John McClellan Marshall for his two decades of service to the DAYL. Among other things, Judge Marshall wrote a substantive column in The Dicta addressing Texas law and procedure that was included in each Dicta for many years.   On December 15, 2000, DAYL members attended Judge Marshall’s Retirement Reception.

On April 13, 2000, under President Julie E. Blend’s leadership, the DAYL Gender Issues Committee hosted “Momentum for the Millennium: Success Stories of Women who have Changed the Face of the Legal Profession.” In 2001, DAYL organized a Civility Seminar, a series of CLEs on civil trial practice, and the Futures Conference.

In 2002, the DAYL Foundation implemented its “Fellows” Program, which was established in 2001. The Fellows Program is an honorary organization for lawyers and judges who have distinguished themselves in the community and through service to the Bar. In 2002, the association began recognizing select members as a Rising Star (now known as One to Watch) on its website.

In 2003, the association’s Judicial Intern Program grew and placed more law students with Dallas-area judges. The Judicial Intern Committee also conducted an orientation led by Judge Catherina Haynes, who introduced the law students to the program. Likewise, the Law Student Assistance Committee conducted two successful seminars at the SMU School of Law concerning career advice and judicial clerkship opportunities. The Solo and Small Firm Committee also created a Solo and Small Firm Handbook, for referrals amongst attorneys. The association also hosted a Judicial Roundtable Forum that enabled young attorneys to interact with local judges. n 2004, the association partnered with Amarillo Young Lawyers for CLE programming in Las Vegas, Nevada. It also hosted a will training CLE program, as well as a federal practice seminar and swearing- in ceremony.

In 2005, the Law Student Assistance Committee conducted an  “Alternatives to Big Firm Practice” seminar held at the SMU School of Law. On June 15, 2005, the association hosted its first DAYL Fair, allowing its members to learn about the various DAYL committees and service opportunities. On March 16, 2006, the Minority Involvement Committee held the Inaugural “Dinner and Dialogue” event, which afforded attorneys and judges an opportunity to discuss diversity-related topics and issues openly. The Solo and Small Firm Committee also produced and distributed a new Handbook, and the association hosted a “Greatest Secret to Attorney Success” program at the SMU School of Law.

The association created its on- line “Mentor Match” program in 2007, thanks in large part to President Laura Benitez Geisler and Kurt Geisler. Mentor Match is a voluntary program pairing experienced attorneys in a variety of fields with less experienced attorneys who request a mentor. The association also expanded and improved- upon its programs. It held a New Judges Reception for the 42 newly-elected Dallas County judges. In addition, Dinner and Dialogue continued as a successful event that encouraged open discussion on diversity-related topics and issues. The Environmental Awareness Committee promoted Earth Day to young lawyers.  The Young Voters Committee also held a Mayoral Candidate Forum.

On April 18, 2008, the Environmental Awareness Committee hosted an Earth Day CLE seminar that provided a legislative update on environmental laws. Also, on June 21, 2008, the Barristers for Babies Committee organized the Inaugural “DAYL Family Day” held at the Fort Worth Zoo. The Family day event enabled members of the DAYL and their families to gather and get to know one-another. On December 9, 2008, the association  provided  interactive  legal  education  programming  through  its  first  “Jury Selection Tips and Tactics” seminar. The hands-on event allowed young lawyers to perform mock voir dire examinations before judges and highly experienced trial lawyers. Bowling with the Bench was first held on July 17, 2008.

In 2009, President Dena DeNooyer  Stroh implemented  “Lunch  &  Learn,” a program series designed to teach young lawyers the basics of law practice in addition to providing CLE opportunities. The series featured twelve programs (one per month) covering topics ranging from summary judgment to family law. In May 2009, the Counsel with Kids Committee was formed to provide a peer support and networking group for parents who are attorneys. On May 9, 2009, the association hosted its first Swearing-In Ceremony for persons passing the Texas Bar Examination. Newly sworn attorneys were presented a handbook entitled “How to Be a Superstar Associate” that contained practical tips for successful law practice. Also in 2009, the association created a special membership category to enable law students to pay a reduced fee covering membership during their three years of law school.

In the area of social activities:

DAYL social programming in the 2000s continued to be premier events for young lawyers and the Dallas Bar. On October 28, 2000, the 1999 Leadership Class held a Masquerade Ball benefiting North Texas Chapter of Lupus Foundation. In 2002, the association’s Trivia Bowl formed. In April 2002, Robert Witte moderated the first trivia match, and in 2004, a Trivia Bowl was held between the Dallas and Houston young lawyers. On May 31, 2003, DAYL “Midnight Recess” was held for the first time, at the Gypsy Tea Room. In 2004, the DAYL Wine Tasting was held for the first time, and benefited the Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program.  Also in 2004, the association held a networking social at Poor David’s Pub in conjunction with the Dallas Junior Chamber of Commerce, combining members of seven different young professional organizations.

In 2005, the 2004 Leadership Class held its “Poker for Playgrounds Casino Night and Poker Tournament,” raising money to purchase playground equipment for O.M. Roberts Elementary School. A DAYL Past Presidents Dinner was held on March 30, 2005. On June 30, 2005, the association participated in the first “Ultimate Bar Mixer,” which was a combined happy hour for all lawyer organizations. Also in 2005, the “Law Reviewers” began a monthly column in The Dicta providing humorous critiques of Dallas-area restaurants.

In 2006, in response to Hurricane Katrina, the 2005 Leadership Class held “Big Easy in Big D,” a concert featuring Amos Lee at the Granada Theater. The concert raised money for the DISD to benefit school children who relocated to Dallas following Hurricane Katrina. In the summer of 2006, the association organized a member night at Dallas Shakespeare in the Park. Also in 2006, Midnight Recess became the association’s annual Halloween Party, and the Lawyers Against Domestic Violence Committee held an event at Fuse Restaurant and Bar for New Beginnings Women’s Shelter, which was destroyed by fire.

In 2007, the Animal Welfare Committee held a “Tails and Trails” party to benefit its FAT Friday program. On September 19, 2007, the association hosted a DAYL/Dallas Junior Bar Reunion at the Old Red Courthouse that benefited the DAYL Foundation.

On April 4, 2008, the 2007 Leadership Class held the DAYLympics at the Village Country Club. The event was a field day fundraiser for adults benefiting the DISD Teacher Registry.   Also, on April 17, 2008, the  Animal Welfare Committee hosted a happy hour benefiting Operation Kindness, the oldest and largest no-kill animal shelter in North Texas. Additionally, the association held its Inaugural “Bowling with the Bench” event, a bowling event featuring Dallas area judges, on July 17, 2008.

On  June  19,  2009,  the  2008  DAYL  Leadership  Class  presented  “Food  For Thought” at the Tower Club, which was a celebrity chef event benefiting Big Thought. On July 30, 2009, the association teamed with the Dallas Summer Musicals Associate Producers to co- host a successful social at the Music Hall at Fair Park, followed by the Musical “Legally Blonde.” Finally, on December 10, 2009, the association will host “Back to the DAYL Future,” benefiting the DAYL Foundation. The event will be held at Lakewood Theater, and will showcase the last 30 years of DAYL history. The Historical Committee will present a Video featuring stories shared by past DAYL Presidents and key members, and will circulate this Affidavit.

The officers of the DAYL during the 2000s were as follows: 2000:

President: Julie E. Blend
President-Elect: Rick Lambert
Vice President: Christina Melton Crain
Treasurer: Monica Latin
Secretary: David R. McAtee II

Other: Patrick Craine, Veronica Cuadra, Staci Glenn, Mary Goodrich, M. Brenk Johnson, Pat Mulry, Stephanie Dooley, and Robert Witte.

2001:

President: Rick Lambert
President-Elect: Christina Melton Crain
Vice President: David McAtee II
Treasurer: Stephanie Dooley
Secretary: Pat Mulry

Other: Robert Witte, Jake Smith, Chad Ruback, Jay Ray, Tammy Reno, Thomas Morris, Torrey Jordan, M. Brenk Johnson, Mary Goodrich, Staci Glenn, Laura Benitez Geisler, and Patrick Craine.

2002:

President: Christina Melton Crain
President-Elect: David R. McAtee II
Vice President: Stephanie Dooley
Treasurer: Pat Mulry
Secretary: Mary Goodrich

Other: Rob Crain, Laura Benitez Geisler, Staci Glenn, M. Brenk Johnson, Ryan Lawton, Aimee Williams Moore, Thomas Morris, Jose Ortiz, Heather Randall, Tammy Reno, and Chad Ruback.

2003:

President: David R. McAtee II
President-Elect: Stephanie Dooley Nelson
Vice President: Mary Goodrich
Treasurer: Chad Ruback
Secretary: Aimee Williams Moore

Other: Zahara Alarakhia, Brandy Baxter-Thompson, Cheryl Camin, Rob Canas, Kenda Culpepper, Laura Benitez Geisler, Eric Lockridge, Sarah Kownacki, Staci Glenn, Rachel Montes, Delia Spencer-Young, Dena DeNooyer, Jose Ortiz, and M. Brenk Johnson.

2004:

President: Stephanie Dooley Nelson
President-Elect: Mary Goodrich
Vice President: Chad Ruback
Treasurer: Aimee Williams Moore
Secretary: Laura Benitez Geisler

Other: Zahara Alarakhia, David Anderson, Cheryl Camin, Rob Crain, Jennifer Duncan, Anil Gollahalli, Ginger Grinsfelder, Eric Haas, Patrick Keating, Chris Lewis, Rachel Montes, Christie Villarreal, Berna Rhodes-Ford, and Dena DeNooyer.

2005:

President: Mary Goodrich
President-Elect: Chad Ruback
Vice President: Aimee Williams Moore
Treasurer: Laura Benitez Geisler
Secretary: Cheryl Camin

Other: Jenny Womack, Christie Villarreal, Kathryn Veech, Dena DeNooyer Stroh, Berna Rhodes-Ford, Erik Nikravan, Audrey Moorehead, Chris Lewis, Patrick Keating, Zahara Alarakhia, David Anderson, Penny Brobst Blackwell, Rob Crain, Lea Clinton, Jennifer Duncan, and Anil Gollahalli.

2006:

President: Chad Ruback
President-Elect: Laura Benitez Geisler
Vice President: Aimee Williams Moore
Treasurer: Cheryl Camin
Secretary: Berna Rhodes-Ford

Other: Penny Brobst Blackwell, Kelly Burris, Jennifer Duncan, Chris Lewis, Karen McCloud, Nicole Rittenhouse, Natalie Roetzel, Kathryn Veech, Christie Villarreal, Victor Vital, Jenny Womack, Dena DeNooyer  Stroh,  and  Brittany Teal.

2007:

President: Laura Benitez Geisler
President-Elect: Berna Rhodes-Ford / Karen McCloud (October 2007)
Vice President: Dena DeNooyer Stroh
Treasurer: Jennifer Duncan
Secretary: Penny Brobst Blackwell

Other: Jenny Womack, Rajkumar Vinnakota, Kathryn Veech, Ezekiel Tyson, Brittney Teal, Holland Sullivan, Jr., Nicole Rittenhouse, Karen McCloud, Adrienne Ellis, Sheri Crosby, Chip Brooker, Mary Lou Alvarez, and Kelly Burris

2008:

President: Karen McCloud
President-Elect: Dena DeNooyer Stroh
Vice President: Jennifer Duncan Edgeworth
Treasurer: Penny Brobst Blackwell
Secretary: Chip Brooker

Other: Katie Bandy, Cynthia Garza, Steven Hill, Sarah Kownacki, Meyling Ly, Everett New, Rashee Raj, Kristina Kastl, Ken Riney, Holland Sullivan, Jr., Sharon Kolbet, and Chris Reynolds.

2009:

President: Dena DeNooyer Stroh
President-Elect: Jennifer Duncan Edgeworth
Vice President: Penny Brobst Blackwell
Treasurer: Chip Brooker
Secretary: Holland Sullivan, Jr. / Sarah Kownacki (March 2009)

Other: Katie Bandy, Bill Gardner, Steven Hill, Meyling Ly, Everett New, Lincy George, Jonathan Childers, Clifford Nkeyasen, Aaron Tobin, Elisabeth Wilson, Kimberly Wilson, Margaret Allen, Chris Carns, and Gemma Galeoto.

DAYL Leadership Class Projects to date were as follows:

1997: N/A
1998: N/A
1999:  Masquerade Ball raising money for Lupus Foundation of North Texas
2000:  Field Day at Jay W. Ray Elementary School
2001:  In the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, Freedom Run, a 5K Run which is now an annual event and festival, benefitting the American Red Cross.
2002: Luncheon featuring Senator Bob Dole benefitting Education is Freedom
2003:     After-Race Festivities for Tour Dallas, benefitting Dallas CASA.
2004:    Poker for Playgrounds, a poker tournament that raised money to purchase playground equipment for O.M. Roberts Elementary School
2005:     “Big Easy in Big D” featuring Amos Lee, a concert benefitting school children who relocated to Dallas following Hurricane Katrina.
2006:      “Impacting DISD,” a community service day where approximately 300 volunteers conducted beautification projects at 5 DISD schools, including building several science and butterfly gardens.
2007:      DAYLympics, a field day for young professionals that supported DISD and has been transformed into an annual event.
2008:     “Food For Thought” at the Tower Club, a celebrity chef event benefiting Big Thought.

As of the execution of this Affidavit, there are 2,818 Members of the DAYL, and 412 Fellows of the DAYL Foundation.