Garland R. Walker American Inn of Court

In February, the Garland Walker American Inn of Court in Houston, Texas, presented “Rightfully Hers: A Celebration of Women’s Suffrage and the 19th Amendment.” The presentation was an informative celebration of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote. It explored the history and evolution of women’s suffrage, the passage of the 19th Amendment, how the amendment changed women’s roles in America, and women’s suffrage on a global scale.

Several participants presented notable speeches dressed in period costumes, portraying key suffragists Lucretia Mott, Elizabeth Stanton, Susan B. Anthony, Maud Wood Park, and Carrie Chapman Catt. Program participants reenacted a portion of the floor debate in the U.S. Congress. Congressmen made their cases for and against women voting. The final vote resulted in ratification and ended legal disenfranchisement for women.

The program then focused on the immediate effects of the 19th Amendment, including women holding positions in government to influence legislation and an increase in women taking an active role in society. Unfortunately, the amendment did not immediately change the right to vote for minority and impoverished women. Still, it undoubtedly paved the way for women today to hold judicial, executive, and legislative positions.

The program shared information about national and local events celebrating the centennial and provided voter registration cards, encouraging attendees to exercise their right to vote.

In March, the Inn presented an important and comprehensive program for solo and small firm attorneys focusing on best practices for starting a new law practice. “So You Want to Start Your Own Law Firm …” covered topics such as entity formation, firm logistics and technology, office-sharing arrangements, finance and management, business development, advertising, engagement and termination letters, referral fees, and dealing with conflicts. Members of the pupillage group used creatively scripted discussions to prompt each topic and to emphasize key ethical issues that were further explained by rotating speakers. There were plenty of good takeaways for everyone.

PHOTO: March pupillage group leader David A. Nachtigall, Esq.

PHOTO: Pupillage Group 4 presenting in February, left to right, are Alvin Walker; Rigien Bagekany-Jackson; Marie Jamison, Esq.; Julia Morton, Esq.; Judge Pat Lykos; Niloufar Hafizi, Esq.; Tiffany C. Raush, Esq.; Leah B. Nommensen, Esq.; Randall L. Beaty, Esq.; Anthony Curry; and Mike Lowenberg, Esq. Front row, left to right, are Suzanne Solomon, Esq.; Rebecca Sonne; Jordan Brown; and Emily Williams, Esq.