McCathern Partners Jen Falk and Scott Becker were deeply involved in the TexasBarCLE’s 49th annual Advanced Criminal Law Course – Volume I, which took place from July 24th through today in Houston. The rigorous course provides continuing legal education for Texas attorneys on a range of criminal law situations and challenges, and it is conducted every year by experts from across the state.

Scott Becker Speaking at the 2023 TexasBarCLE Advanced Criminal Law Course
Scott Becker Speaking at the 2023 TexasBarCLE Advanced Criminal Law Course

Jen and Scott both served on the Course’s Planning Committee and presented on individual topics to the 400+ in-person attendees during the open sessions on Monday and Tuesday. Jen’s presentation was on the intricacies of challenging experts. Scott’s session focused on wellness and self-care, an important topic for attorneys grappling with the unique challenges and stresses that are party to criminal law.

Additionally, Jen was also the track director for the Forensic and Technology Track of the Course. The specialized tracks took place on Wednesday and Thursday, and the Forensic and Technology track included sessions on topics such as advances in forensic science, the use of technology in the courtroom, cell phone extractions, and DNA.

In addition to the live Criminal Law Course conducted this week, a video version of the course will occur in Dallas from August 30th through September 1st and webcast replays will be available from August 30th through September 1st and from September 27th through the 29th.

The Advanced Criminal Law Course is cosponsored by the Criminal Justice Section of the State Bar of Texas. The Section is made up of more than 3,100 practitioners, including prosecutors, defense attorneys, and judges, and its mission is to “promote excellence in the practice of criminal law by embracing ethics, professionalism, education, training, and fellowship”.