Inadmissible: Paxton Takes Over

Just after Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton was sworn in as the boss to more than 700 government lawyers on Jan. 5, he jokingly mentioned that during his campaign, people told him he had “big shoes to fill.” Paxton then raised his foot toward outgoing attorney general Greg Abbott and said, “I want you to know, Gov.-elect, I wear a size 12. I’m ready to go to work.” Paxton said he thinks Texas is a “beacon for hope,” which also makes it a target. The state is successful and its policies work, but “as a result, the federal government is assaulting Texas,” he said. But he added that he’s “optimistic” about the state’s leadership, noting that Gov.-elect Abbott has shown a “willingness to stand up and fight.” “You look at Greg Abbott—now unemployed—he set the standard for attorney generals across this country. They look to us because of what he has done over the last 12 years,” said Paxton, who was sworn into office in the Texas Senate chambers. Speaking previously during the ceremony, Gov. Rick Perry said that Abbott has fought back against unconstitutional federal laws and regulations and has upheld the sovereignty of Texas. Perry said about Paxton, “As attorney general, he will bring a unique insight to the job cultivated by years of this very varied background: as a practicing attorney, as a small business operator, as a state senator; a unique background to come serve this state. That insight will serve him well as he takes up the mantel that our Gov.-elect Greg Abbott has worn so capably over the years.” Among others who made remarks during Paxton’s swearing-in ceremony were U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, Texas Supreme Court Justice Don Willett, outgoing Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and Lt. Gov.-elect Dan Patrick. Paxton still faces an attorney disciplinary grievance and separate criminal investigation into allegations that he violated state securities laws by failing to register as an investment adviser representative.

Learning from the Legislature

A group of law students from Lubbock are among the Texans who are watching and waiting as the big pink building in Austin comes alive again for the 84th Texas Legislature. The students from Texas Tech University School of Law are interning with lawmakers and for legislative offices during the 2015 session, which begins on Jan. 13. As part of their school’s regional externship program, the law students plan to work 35 hours per week for the next 14 weeks, noted Corey Clem, the law school’s director for special projects. The law students won’t earn a paycheck but they’ll gain full-time course credit, she said. “Right now, we are the only one in Texas that has a program set up like this,” said Clem. “Basically, they are coming out with experience like a first-year attorney.” She explained that other law schools’ students may get legislative internships, but the Tech law interns are unique because they will work full time while earning course credit. Clem explained that Tech law’s 3-year-old regional externship program places law students with employers in the state’s major metro areas. The program expanded to Austin in 2014, when the legislature wasn’t in session. This will be the first session featuring the new program’s Tech law interns. They’re set to work for Rep. Rafael Anchia, D-Dallas, and within the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, Office of the Speaker of the Texas House and the House parliamentarian’s office.

On the Move