When Shane and his wife, Jean, built their dream home in Indian Lakes in 2019, they found more than a peaceful retreat—they discovered a deeper connection with nature and community. “We can sit in our backyard and not see or hear anything but the trees and the wind,” Shane shares. “We love walking the trails with our dog, Winnie, and I even use them to train for backpacking trips in Montana and Alaska. But what truly makes this neighborhood special is the people—we’ve made so many new friends since moving here.”

That sense of connection—to place, to purpose, and to people—is also at the heart of a remarkable tradition Shane co-founded nearly two decades ago: Atticus Finch Day.

About seventeen years ago, Shane and his friend, fellow attorney Phil Banks, found themselves in the middle of a heated courtroom exchange. “We were both seasoned lawyers, but tempers flared,” Shane recalls. “It was one of those moments where professional tension almost boiled over in front of a jury.” Fortunately, cooler heads and a wise judge prevailed. The next day, both men arrived at court wearing seersucker suits—a nod to the dignity and decorum of another lawyer they both admired: Atticus Finch, the iconic character from To Kill a Mockingbird.

That moment of reflection sparked an idea. What if they created a day to honor the values Atticus Finch embodied—integrity, civility, justice, and compassion—and remind their colleagues of the higher calling that comes with practicing law?

So in a courthouse lobby with just a handful of attorneys, Atticus Finch Day was born. What began as a small gathering with cookies and conversation has now grown into one of Brazos County’s most respected annual traditions, bringing together lawyers, judges, law enforcement officers, and community members for an afternoon of fellowship and reflection.

Each spring around Harper Lee’s birthday, attorneys gather in their best seersucker, share sweet tea and Jean’s now-famous designer cookies, and listen to speakers from across the state reflect on the ideals that make the practice of law an honorable profession.

“We wanted it to be more than a lecture or a formality,” Shane explains. “It’s a reminder that law is not just a career—it’s a public trust. We can serve our clients zealously without tearing each other down. We can use our licenses to build up our community.”

Over the years, the event has featured an impressive lineup of speakers, including nationally recognized trial attorney Rusty Hardin, Texas Bar President Buck Files, Cold Justice prosecutor Kelly Siegler, former Chief Justice of the Texas Supreme Court Wallace Jefferson, and exoneree Michael Morton, whose powerful story of wrongful conviction left not a dry eye in the room.

The event has also earned continuing legal education credit for ethics, but the lessons extend far beyond professional development—they reach into the heart of what it means to practice law with humility, empathy, and respect.

Like many grassroots efforts, Atticus Finch Day began modestly—and faced challenges along the way. “In the early years, we funded it almost entirely through my firm,” Shane says. “It costs around $10,000 a year, and asking for money isn’t my strong suit. But I’ve always believed the investment was worth it.”

In time, others stepped in to help—the Brazos County Bar Association, the Brazos County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, and the American Board of Trial Advocates all became proud supporters.

Shane also found ways to keep the program fresh. “Every year, I wonder how we can possibly top the last one,” he says with a laugh. “But somehow, with planning, teamwork, and faith, it always comes together.”

The partnership with The Matthews Group has helped elevate the event’s production, from speaker coordination to logistics. And through it all, Shane continues to serve as emcee, storyteller, and host—sharing the origin of Atticus Finch Day and honoring others who exemplify its spirit through the annual awards.

When his dear friend and co-founder Phil Banks passed away three years ago, Shane and the local bar community created a scholarship in his name at Texas A&M Law School, ensuring Phil’s legacy of professionalism and service endures for generations to come.

Seventeen years after that tense day in court, the difference is palpable. “The courthouse is a far more collegial and pleasant place to work now,” Shane reflects. “I don’t think it’s a coincidence that this change coincided with Atticus Finch Day.”

Each year, the event draws standing-room-only crowds to the Brazos County Administration Building atrium. What began as a gathering of a few attorneys has become a public celebration of character and integrity—one that bridges the gap between the legal system and the citizens it serves.

Perhaps the most rewarding part, Shane says, is witnessing that change firsthand. “People tell me it’s changed how they see lawyers,” he shares. “Instead of the negative portrayals you see on TV, they see professionals who care deeply about justice and service. That’s what makes it all worthwhile.”

And yes, he adds with a smile, “they also ask about the cookies every year.”

Atticus Finch Day is typically held in late April, near Harper Lee’s birthday. The date and speaker lineup are announced a couple of months in advance through courthouse posters, local press releases, and Shane’s law firm social media. The event is free and open to the public, beginning with fellowship at 11:30 a.m. and the program at noon.

For Shane, the goal remains the same as it was on that first day: to remind everyone—lawyers and neighbors alike—that kindness, integrity, and respect never go out of style.

To learn more, visit www.atticusfinchday.com or contact Shane Phelps Law at 979-775-4100. Shane also welcomes personal inquiries at shane@shanephelpslaw.com or 979-220-5450.