Hello,
We have finally made it to the end of January. Between the winter storms and getting back to a normal schedule, it has been a long month!
Hopefully you get some much-needed rest and relaxation this weekend, to get ready for all of the training we have in store for February! Make sure to read all the way to the end – we have some fun and informative online training coming your way soon.
Don’t forget! Every court should have (as of January 1, 2025) a Juvenile/Youth Diversion Plan available for public inspection. For more resources, information, and help with this topic, please see a previous post on The Docket.
Constable Corner
5 New Skills Every Public Safety Leader Needs to Succeed Today
Thursday, February 6 | 1 pm Eastern
Presented by: Battalion Chief Bruce Bjorge and Chief (Ret.) Dave Funkhouser
As a public safety leader, you likely completed coursework in leadership, possibly on your way to earning a bachelor’s or master’s degree. You may have even been fortunate enough to receive training as you promoted into new roles. But for most leaders, these educational resources fail to address many of the challenges facing today’s agencies. Being a public safety leader today is different than it was 10 to 15 years ago. Leaders must be dynamic, flexible, and innovative with the ability to navigate complex environments and a variety of challenges, from changes in technology to community expectations and increased accountability.
Join Lexipol for a webinar with Battalion Chief (Ret.) Bruce Bjorge and Chief (Ret.) Dave Funkhouser as they share five essential skills every public safety leader needs today to excel and effectively support their teams and communities.
You’ll learn:
Key skills that modern public safety leaders need to navigate today’s challenges.
Strategies to foster innovation, adaptability, and resilience within public safety teams.
How to utilize leadership principles that align with community expectations and organizational accountability.
Register Today!
Registration is free. Can’t make it? Register anyway and they will send you a link to the recording after the event.
State Bar Justice Court Section Webinar
Justice Court Staff Psychology: Understanding Ethical Group DynamicsThursday, February 13, 2025 at noon CT
Join the Texas State Bar Justice Court Section for a webinar next month as Dr. Malinda Fasol and Daisy Espinoza present Justice Court Staff Psychology: Understanding Ethical Group Dynamics. This session will offer 1 hour ethics credit
Thursday, February 13, 2025, from noon – 1 pm
Course Description: Justice Court Staff are essential for efficient operation of Texas Justice Courts. Just like other office settings, conflicts or personalities will sometimes present challenges. The goal is harmony. Understanding group dynamics will help to prevent or resolve any such conflicts which might interfere with smooth efficient operation of a Justice Court. This course will provide useful insights for Justice Court judges as well as their staff.
About the Presenters:
Dr. Malinda Fasol is licensed by the State of Texas as a Licensed Professional Counselor. Dr. Fasol holds a Master of Arts in Marriage & Family Counseling from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology & Counseling from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Learn more about Dr. Fasol’s background HERE.
Daisy Espinoza has been the Justice Court Manager for Tarrant County Precinct 1 for more than five years and manages all of the daily operations of the Justice Court. Learn about more Daisy’s background HERE.
Use this link to register via Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/4Kl7jVotQXaZLYLcahVkdg#/registration
When Evictions Met AirBNB: A Conversation
February 27th from 2:00 – 3:00 pm
This webinar will feature a justice of the peace and constable discussing issues around short-term vacation rentals, tenants vs. lodgers, property owners’ rights, and more.
Use this link to register via Zoom: https://txstate.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_JjFkV1wLSqKA4bMj32fjsA#/registration
Law & Literature Webinar
April 10th from 2:00 – 3:00 pm
Do you want to get paid to be part of a book club? Join TJCTC’s webinar to discuss the book “Maid” that intersects the art of storytelling and the legal field.
Judge Brad Cummings from Hopkins County and TJCTC Attorney John Lackey will lead the discussion regarding the book. Also, feel free to watch the Netflix series based on the book and be ready share your thoughts!
Learn more here: https://docket.wp.txstate.edu/2025/01/22/law-literature/
Use this link to register via Zoom: https://txstate.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Er9LPQhaTl2jltrLKgyicQ#/registration
Clearing Your Docket While Helping Your Community: An Update
June 5th from 2:00 – 4:00 pm
This webinar will be an overview of strategies to clear criminal case dockets while ensuring that indigent defendants’ rights are protected.
It will include information about Omnibase holds, waiver of fines and fees, community service plans, other indigent assistance strategies, and include relevant legislative updates.
Use this link to register via Zoom: https://txstate.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_spcexLIFROSVykhcZrpsZg#/registration
Video Series from Austin Young Lawyers Association – Did you miss it last year?
Austin Young Lawyers Association has launched “How to Pick Jurors for Your Trial in Justice Courts and Municipal Courts” video series. AYLA received a Texas Bar Foundation grant to produce these educational series for pro se litigants. The video project made possible with the support and efforts of the Travis County District Clerk.
This is a great resource to share with self-represented litigants who have questions about the trial process, especially jury selection.
You may also notice a special appearance by your colleague, Judge Sylvia Holmes.
Here is the link to the series: https://lnkd.in/eEpgdFdu
