April Board Meeting

The Dallas County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (DCDLA) holds its Board of Directors meetings to oversee the organization’s mission of protecting constitutional rights and supporting the local defense community.

Schedule and Location

• Frequency: Meetings are held on the second Thursday of every month (with the exception of December).

• Time: The sessions typically begin with lunch and social time around 11:45 AM, with the formal business meeting commencing at 12:15 PM.

• Location: Historically, these meetings take place in the Court Manager’s Office on the 2nd floor of the Frank Crowley Courts Building in Dallas.

Meeting Structure and Attendees

The meetings follow a specific two-part format to balance community engagement with private administrative business:

1. Open Session (11:45 AM – 12:15 PM): This is a social and networking window. Local judges are frequently invited to attend, share announcements, or provide comments to the board.

2. Executive Session (12:15 PM – Conclusion): Once the formal meeting begins, it is closed to non-DCDLA members. Only the Board of Directors and current members of the association remain to discuss internal business.

Standard Agenda Items

While the specific topics change monthly, the board generally follows a structured itinerary:

• Officer Reports: Updates from the President, Secretary, and Treasurer regarding the association’s status and finances.

• CLE & Events: Planning for the monthly Continuing Legal Education (CLE) seminars (usually held the 3rd Thursday of the month) and social events like the annual Field Day, Bench Bar Conference and Holiday Party

• Legislative & Judicial Updates: Discussion on local court policies, updates from the District Attorney’s office, and defense-related legislative issues.

• Membership & Bylaws: Reviewing new membership applications or proposed changes to the organization’s governing rules.

How to Participate

If a member or organization wishes to bring a specific issue before the board, they must submit a Board Meeting Agenda Request Form to the DCDLA Secretary at least 10 business days prior to the meeting. Approved speakers are typically allotted 5 minutes to present their topic.