TIPS returned to an in-person meeting with the hybrid 2021 Fall Meeting October 13- 16, 2021, at the fabulous Four Seasons Resort in Irvine, Texas. The many attendees very much appreciated the long-awaited opportunity to participate in a TIPS meeting again in person. Those in attendance came to renew friendships with our colleagues, learn about the TIPS Financial Literacy Project and Practice Renewal & Reintegration Task Force, work in our general committees, standing committees, task forces, and on publications, participate in specialized Chair and Chair-elect orientation and training sessions, meet and network with our excellent sponsors, and enjoy the fun and fellowship of Texas hospitality. The TIPS Council met twice during the Fall Meeting to advance the Section’s work. The hybrid meeting format helped achieve greater participation overall, which worked very well and allowed for increased participation in many of the all-important TIPS Committee meetings.
November 24, 2021 What's New at TIPS
Fall Meeting Round Up
By Gail Vaughn Ashworth
This Fall Meeting featured the return of the TIPS Leadership Academy, with 20 talented Leadership Academy Class members gathering a year later than anticipated with great success. This new Class’s highlights included time with former ABA President Judy Perry Martinez and local author Mark Curriden. Curriden presented the compelling story of Ed Johnson through Mark’s incredible research and work as the co-author of the acclaimed book Contempt of Court: A Turn of the Century Lynching That Launched a Hundred Years of Federalism. The Class also learned about real-world crisis leadership from experienced leaders Tracy Haley of Zurich and David Krebs of Krebs, Farley, and Dry. Many alums of the TIPS Leadership Academy were in attendance for the Fall Meeting, and their hard work and dedication to the program and TIPS are greatly appreciated.
TIPS continued our tradition of making a difference in every meeting venue by working with middle school students from Dallas Hybrid Prep to conduct “A Day in the Life of an Attorney,” a virtual outreach program designed to inspire young people to become lawyers. Over 70 students were in attendance for this program run by our Diversity Committee. We thank all TIPSTERs who volunteered and participated.
The Welcome Reception was a great networking and food event, and the Edmund S. Muskie pro bono award was presented there by Past Chair Ginger Busby to Gail Vaughn Ashworth. The Council and Past Chairs Dinner was the setting for the presentation of the Kirsten Christophe Award to former TIPS Council member Jennifer Kilpatrick.
As we move forward from this successful Fall Meeting, we continue to focus on TIPS’ long-term commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the profession. We implement the timely and essential work with the new Practice Renewal & Reintegration Task Force to address issues confronting women, law students, and law firms. We provide practice-specific professional growth opportunities, and we all continue working together to connect Committees and Members.
Thanks to our multi-talented TIPS staff, led by Theresa Livingston, for their many hours of preparation and execution of another successful meeting which required a lot of work to offer both in-person and remote participation at this fabulous location. Many thanks to our wonderful sponsors and to all who participated in the vital work of the Section at the Fall Meeting.