The idea was simple: take everything a Texas defense lawyer needs to remember, and put it in one place.

The execution? Not so simple.

Criminal defense isn’t linear. The issues shift depending on the facts, the prosecutor, the judge, the client, and the county. No two cases follow the exact same path. So a one-size-fits-all checklist wouldn’t cut it.

We Started With a Question

What do good lawyers keep in their heads that great lawyers offload into systems?

The answer: deadlines, recurring motions, suppression triggers, jury-charge issues, habeas strategy, post-conviction options—everything that clogs up brain space and risks getting missed when you’re juggling 12 cases and a calendar full of hearings.

So we started building. Stage by stage, issue by issue, with real lawyers stress-testing the checklist in live cases.

What Makes It Work

• It’s modular. You can use it as a full roadmap or grab just the piece you need (e.g., motion timelines, charge conference checklist, habeas triggers).
• It’s linked. Every item connects to authority, template language, or a statute. No time wasted hunting.
• It’s alive. We update it as the law changes and as users report gaps or better phrasing.

Why It Matters

Trial work is creative. It’s strategic. But it’s also high risk. Forget one procedural step, and you lose an issue forever. The checklist gives lawyers the confidence that they’ve covered the basics—so they can focus their brainpower on the parts of the job no template can do for them.

This isn’t just a tool for new lawyers. It’s a tool for anyone who doesn’t want to reinvent the process every single time.

Want to Use It?

The beta version is being tested by dozens of trial and appellate lawyers across Texas. We’re adding new contributors and expanding sections based on real-world use.

Want access or have material to contribute? Email friends@iacls.org and ask about the checklist project.