ABA Journal

Latest Features

Law school and university namesakes stir up controversial pasts

Controversies over names and racist histories at colleges and universities are not isolated incidents.



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Circuit split on constitutionality of legislator-led prayer may lead to SCOTUS review

The great church-state debate appears to be headed to the high court. At issue is the constitutionality of so-called legislator-led prayer before public meetings. With federal appeals courts divided, the justices may soon consider whether local officials violate the establishment clause when they open meetings with prayers.



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Lawyer fashion evolves to reflect personality and tradition

Traditionally, lawyers have been among the most conservative dressers around. Although there hasn’t exactly been a sea change in the underlying dress principles, there has been a growing trend toward comfort and style that many are embracing.



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Winning short story: 'The Attorney Helped Clean Up The Blood'

Read the winning entry on our fourth annual Ross Writing Contest for Short Legal Fiction. Writer Linda Oatman High won the contest and received a $3,000 cash prize. The annual contest, supported by the Erskine M. Ross Trust, recognizes outstanding fiction emphasizing the role of the law and lawyers in society.



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About this year's Ross Writing Contest winning story

Linda Oatman High’s “The Attorney Helped Clean Up the Blood” won the ABA Journal/Ross Writing Contest for Short Legal Fiction and received a $3,000 cash prize.



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Lessons from Katrina

Hurricane Katrina taught first-responding lawyers how to handle natural disasters.



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Dale Felton: Texas Lawyers' Facebook friend

After Hurricane Harvey, Dale Felton shared tips, insights and advice about flood insurance claims on the Texas Lawyers Facebook page.



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Social media unites lawyers to help those in need

Hurricane Harvey, and then Hurricane Irma, proved to be the coming of age for social media as tools for court systems and the legal profession to deal with such emergencies.



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Legal community meets relief challenges after hurricanes Harvey and Irma

Attorneys affected by hurricanes Harvey and Irma have risen to the occasion in ways personal, professional and altruistic, even when dealing with storm damage of their own. And four months after two hurricanes hit Puerto Rico, the situation for lawyers there is still hard to assess.



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Advocates are fighting to outlaw adult marriages to minors

Virginia, Texas and New York forbid under-18 marriages, except for emancipated minors. Six more states will consider legislation soon. More than half of all states do not specify a minimum age for marriage.



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