The 16th annual Eastern District bench/bar kicked off last night in Plano, Texas with an opening reception at the hotel, followed by a private showing of the movie "Bernie" at the theater next door.

This morning the conference was opened by ED Bar President Eric Albritton & Chairman Clyde Siebman, followed by a welcome from Chief Judge Leonard Davis. The first panel was Former Judges: Walking & Talking Among the Mortals with former Chief Judge David Folsom & Judge Chad Everingham. It was followed by Choosing When & Where to Fight & What to Fight About with Moderator: Jay Johnson, Former General Counsel, Texas Instruments (Retired) and Panelists: Alan Fisch, Rocky Schwartz, Shamoil Shipchandler & Arnold Spencer.

Following the morning break we went back in to hear Voir Dire to Opening Statements. The First Impression with Moderator: Sam Baxter and Panelists: David Beck, Scrappy Holmes & Judge Michael Schneider. That will be followed (as of this writing) by Preparing, Presenting & Cross-examining the Interested & Expert Witness with Moderator: Trey Yarbrough and Panelists: Robb Adkins, Henry Bunsow & Judge Don Bush.

Internet connection and time permitting, I'll post on the different segments of the bench/bar as we go.