Mike Invited to Address Civil Trial & Appellate Specialists Association

On the evening of Thursday, April 21, 2011, Mike addressed the Texas Association of Civil Trial and Appellate Specialists (TACTAS).  Mike had presided over the trial of Koonce v. Brennan's et al. in January 2011.  The case arose out of a fire at Brennan's Restaurant in Houston on the night that Hurricane Ike hit Houston, on the night of September 12-13, 2008.

Two of the jurors from the trial were present, as well as almost every attorney involved in the case.  The idea of the presentation was to discuss the impact of the attorneys' trial strategies & presentations on the jury.  What did the jury think about what they were shown?  What did the attorneys think about what the jurors had to say?  Because the case settled in mid-trial, the jurors had never delivered a verdict.  Thus, all parties were eager to hear what they had to say.

Mike was introduced by Judge Jane Bland of Houston's First Court of Appeals.  Thanks to Pam Howell for her hard work in helping organize the event.  And, of course, thanks to all in attendance.
 


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Mike Travels to Austin for Board Certification Ceremony

Mike and his oldest son, Joey, traveled to Austin for the Texas Board of Legal Specialization induction ceremony.  Mike earned his board certification in Personal Injury Trial Law in January 2011 after taking the exam in October 2010. 

It was a really fun day.  Joey & Mike dropped Zachy off at school at 7:30.  Mike entered the GPS coordinates for the Texas Law Center building right by the Capitol Austin.  Then they were off in the engelhart4judge.com 2012 green hybrid.  They coasted, in electric-only mode the 167 miles or so, stopping for gas and Passover-friendly snacks along the way.

The ceremony was excellent.  The entire Texas Supreme Court was there and Wallace Jefferson and Phil Johnson spoke.  Mike received a beautiful certificate that is in the process of being framed.  Afterwards, the TBLS served a delicious BBQ buffet lunch.  Mike took a really nice photo of Joey & Justice Eva Guzman. 

They ate with Justice Lehrmann and had a really interesting talk.  Then Justice Lehrmann was kind enough to show Mike & Joey around the Texas Supreme Court across the street.

Mike & Joey headed back to the car and coasted back down Hwy. 71 to I-10 in electric-only mode and were home in time for supper.



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151st Hosts Girl Scout Troop from Kolter Elementary

On Thursday, March 24, 2011, the 151st hosted the Girl Scout Troop from Kolter Elementary.  The girls arrived in the afternoon after trial, and the attorneys from the trial were kind enough to stay.  The Court's deputy, Victor, lined the girls up in the hallway like a voir dire panel.  They were suitably impressed by his stern manner.  The girls and chaperone parents were brought in lines into the courtroom and seated in the court's gallery like a real jury!  Judge Mike Engelhart walked in from his chambers and commenced the proceedings.

The girls became a jury for the case of Jenny Jones v. The Girl Scouts.  Factually, it was alleged that Jenny got sick from eating girl scout cookies.  The volunteer attorneys examined the panel as to whether they could be fair in this case and whether they were qualified to serve on the jury.  12 jurors were empaneled after voir dire.  Another girl scout played the role of Jenny Jones.

Jenny testified that she had eaten 4 BOXES of girl scout cookies in one sitting.  These included Thanks-a-Lots, Thin Mints, Lemonades & Caramel deLites.  She also testified there was no warning label on the boxes that the cookies are addictive!

Both sides rested and gave very brief closing arguments.  The Girl Scout jury deliberated for a minute or two, and returned a verdict against Jenny Jones and in favor of the Girl Scouts.

After that, the girls took a tour of the judge's chambers and the jury room.  They asked many good questions and got to take pictures with the judge sitting in the judge's chair.

 It was reported that the judge and the parents had a terrific time, too.


Political advertising paid for by Mike Engelhart, 4402 Holt Street, Bellaire, Texas 77401 in compliance with the voluntary limits of the Judicial Campaign Fairness Act.