NERDY FOR 30 EVENTS

PAAT NERDY FOR 30 WEBINARS

THEY DID WHAT?

New court cases instantly impact political compliance law

September 18, 10am, via Zoom

CLE Offered

The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals landed a one-two punch on the Texas political community this month. First, the Court issued an opinion declaring unconstitutional a law prohibiting political ads from obscuring the true source of the communication. A week later, the CCA ruled that the TEC has exclusive jurisdiction over alleged violations of campaign and lobby laws, prohibiting local prosecutors from bringing charges until the TEC has made its own determination. These two opinions have the potential to up-end Texas Ethics Commission enforcement. Join experts Eric Opiela, Andrew Cates, and Ross Fischer as they discuss how these cases impact our profession. NEW: J.R. Johnson, TEC Executive Director, is joining the discussion.

About Andy Cates: Andy is a Founding Member and Board Member of the State Bar of Texas Legislative & Campaign Law Section, where he spearheaded the petition to create the nation’s first legal specialization in Legislative and Campaign Law. He is also one of the few attorneys in the country with board certification in that area. Cates is the author of the only legal guide to Texas ethics laws - Texas Ethics Laws Annotated - now in the 8th edition. More.

About Ross Fischer: Over 20 years of practicing law, Ross Fischer has developed expertise in professional ethics, public law, & campaign finance. Ross' previous leadership roles include Chairman of the Texas Ethics Commission, General Counsel of the State Bar, and Chairman of the Legislative and Campaign Section of the State Bar of Texas. Ross works on specialized litigation, including the Public Information Act, mandamus actions involving public officials, and election-related matters. Ross has successfully represented clients before the Texas Supreme Court and the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. 

About Eric Opiela: Eric has over 20 years of legal experience, both in legislative and election law. He began his career in the Texas House in 2003 as a committee clerk and counsel, left for DC for a federal judicial clerkship, then returned and opened his own firm for the 2007 legislative session. In 2008-2009, he served as Executive Director of a major political party, served as campaign counsel in 2010 for the House Speaker’s reelection campaign, and represented a Texas Congressional delegation in the 2011 and 2013 redistricting cycles. He has tried numerous election contests over the last two decades, represented clients before appellate courts, federal courts, and the Texas Supreme Court in ballot challenges, and has advised federal, state and local officials in election and ethics law. He is a previous board member of the State Bar of Texas Legislative and Campaign Law Section, a life fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation, and is Board Certified in Legislative and Campaign Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. With Donna Davidson, he coedits Texas Election Laws, 4th Edition.