Firm Newsletter, November 2006

BENNETT LAW FIRM NEWSLETTER
Volume I, Issue 1
November 2006

On Thursday, November 16, at 2 p.m. (CST) attorney Robert S. Bennett was a guest of Dr. Rahn Kennedy Bailey, MD, on his internet radio program, “Good Psychiatry is Good Medicine.” Mr. Bennett spoke on the topic of “Liabilities and Risks for the Texas Physician.” Discussion between Dr. Bailey and Mr. Bennett focused on educating the public about the various professional risks that physicians face – both “as a doctor and as a businessman.” Mr. Bennett urged all doctors to practice “defensive medicine,” especially in the controversial areas of pain medicine and pain management. The program was broadcast live via the web at www.health.voiceamerica.com.

Program information from voiceamerica.com
“On “Good Psychiatry Is Good Medicine” with host and forensic psychiatrist Dr. Rahn Kennedy Bailey, find out the truth behind the myths, rumors, disparities, and misconceptions about the broad spectrum of mental illnesses and treatment options. Dr. Bailey educates and informs the medical community with truthful, factual, honest and direct communication of information regarding mental health issues and topics to further enhance the overall medical and legal areas in healthcare.”

For more information or to receive a transcript of the broadcast, please contact The Bennett Law Firm at 713.225.6000 or visit our website at www.bennettlawfirmmed.com

Mr. Bennett spoke to the Corpus Christi and Aransas County Bar Association on Wednesday, November 8, 2006, at 12 p.m. at the Solomon P. Ortiz International Convention Center in Corpus Christi, TX. His presentation was entitled “Recent Changes in the Grievance Procedure and How They Will Affect Your Law Practice.” Over 110 attorneys and legal professionals were in attendance. As a result of such a successful engagement, Mr. Bennett was asked to contribute his grievance expertise towards future editions of the Bar’s monthly newsletter. For more information on this event please contact Mr. Dick King, Corpus Christi Bar Association, at 361.883.4022 or the Bennett Law Firm at 713.225.6000.

Mr. Bennett spoke at a professional responsibility class at the Bates College of Law at University of Houston Law Center on Tuesday, October 31, 2006. His presentation was entitled “When You Get Your Law License – How to Keep It.” Seventy-five second and third year law students heard Mr. Bennett discuss the changes in the State Board of Texas grievance system that became effective in January of 2004. Centering his talk on a lawyer’s fiduciary duty, Mr. Bennett presented these new rules in-depth and focused on how they may be applied to confidentiality and privilege issues, referral arrangements, and the maintaining of trust in the attorney-client relationship. He also highlighted new marketing and advertising rules and the importance of the client- attorney assistance program (CAAP). For more information or to receive a presentation booklet please contact The Bennett Law Firm at 713.225.6000.

Mr. Bennett served as a panelist for Texas Lawyer magazine’s Legal Malpractice Roundtable, a networking breakfast and roundtable discussion held at the Magnolia Hotel in downtown Houston on Thursday, October 19th. The event, which featured discussion and debate among founders and managing partners of several Houston-based firms, served as an informative venue for spotlighting the ever-changing case laws governing legal malpractice. Mr. Bennett contributed to the panel by offering his analysis of the grievance process as it relates to specific legal malpractice cases. He addressed how changes in the grievance procedures affect public reprimands and the filing of legal malpractice suits and in addition, he offered his opinion on the use of expert testimony – when it may be required or prohibited – and how an expert may use public reprimand to improve his or her testimony. Overall, the roundtable was an engaging and informative experience for everyone in attendance. With a practice focusing on grievances and professional conduct, Mr. Bennett was glad to be able to offer insight into the type of issues that are his legal specialty. On November 27th, Texas Lawyer magazine will issue a Legal Malpractice Advertorial featuring highlights from this special event.

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The Bennett Law Firm, P.C.
A former federal prosecutor, Robert S. “Bob” Bennett is Board Certified in Consumer and Commercial Law and is a founding partner of The Bennett Law Firm, P.C. in Houston, Texas. The Bennett Law Firm, P.C. not only specializes in the representation of attorneys and judges in grievance matters, but also the representation of health care professionals in matters before the Texas State Medical Board. Mr. Bennett has authored numerous articles relating to grievance, professional conduct, and health law issues. For copies of articles and additional information see http://www.bennettlawfirm.com