Eric Dick (lawyer)

Eric Dick is an American insurance lawyer who specializes in denied or underpaid property insurance claims. Dick represented clients in property insurance claims arising from events like Hurricane Harvey, 2020 Houston explosion, and the 2021 Texas power crisis. Dick was involved in lawsuits to overturn Houston charitable feeding ban and term limits extension.

Dick owns the Houston law firm Dick Law Firm, PLLC, which he established in 2008. He also serves as the president of the Harris County Board of Education since 2017 and has built seven special-needs schools in Harris County.

Education
Dick earned an Associate in Science from Houston Community College in 2000. Eric received a Bachelor's degree in Business Science of Management from the University of Phoenix in 2005. Pursuing his interest in law, he completed a Juris Doctor degree focused on Litigation from the Western Michigan University Cooley Law School in 2008. During his time at Cooley Law School, Dick graduated Cum Laude, receiving recognition on both the Dean's List and Honor Roll.

Continuing his education, Dick attained an LL.M. in Taxation from the University of Alabama School of Law in 2010. He competed in the ABA Section of Taxation: Law Student Tax Challenge at Alabama. In 2022, he achieved an MBA from Rice University. Dick received a Masters of Accelerated MSQM: Business Analytics program at Duke University.

Electoral history
Dick's first run for public office was in 2013 in the Houston Mayoral Election. He received 10% of the vote when running against incumbent Annise Parker and Ben Hall.

In 2015, in the race for At-Large Position 2 of the Houston City Council, he received over 35,000 votes in a race against incumbent David W. Robinson and Willie R. Davis.

In 2016, he defeated Marilyn Burgess and was elected as a Trustee for the Harris County Department of Education Board of Trustees, Position 2, Precinct 4.

In the 2019 general election for Houston City Council At-Large Position 5, Dick entered a runoff and received over 80,000 votes.

In the 2022 general election for Harris County Treasurer, he received over 58,000 votes in the Republican primary.

Election
In 2016, Eric Dick ran for office for an unpaid position at the Harris County Department of Education (HCDE) Board of Trustees, aiming to represent Position 2, Precinct 4. Despite the position being unpaid, Dick invested a significant amount of his personal funds into the campaign, surpassing the combined financial contributions of his three opponents. Ultimately, he secured victory in the HCDE Precinct 4, garnering 55.98% of the vote and defeating his opponent.

Eric Dick’s successful election and subsequent activities were spotlighted in the January 2, 2017 issue of The Connector. This internal HCDE publication for the Board of Trustees highlighted his forthcoming induction to the board. The document details his attendance at a holiday event hosted by HCDE's Academic and Behavior School East prior to taking office, showcasing his early involvement and commitment to HCDE's initiatives. Additionally, a Board Appreciation Reception was organized in January to honor the outgoing trustees, as well as to formally welcome and introduce Eric Dick to the HCDE staff and wider community.



Vice-President
In his inaugural board meeting with the Harris County Department of Education (HCDE), Eric Dick was elected as Vice President, marking a significant shift in the board's political landscape to a Republican majority. Despite the controversies surrounding his election as Vice President, Dick demonstrated a tendency to align with conservative members, hinting at his potential influence as a swing vote in future board decisions. The Superintendent of HCDE expressed confidence in Dick's leadership and is looking forward to working with him to further the mission of HCDE.

Board President
HCDE's board, unique in Texas as the only local education board elected on a partisan basis, underwent a significant shift in political majority between 2019 and 2021. This change led to an increase in innovative programming and a notable surge in collaboration, irrespective of the varied political ideologies among its members. Eric Dick's presidency at HCDE resulted from political maneuvers, internal conflicts, resignations, controversies, strategic voting, and the voting minority's ultimate control, rendering the remaining board members ineffective through a self-inflicted defeat.

Tenure
As a trustee and President of the HCDE Board, Dick has played a pivotal role in emphasizing the department's crucial involvement in providing education and aiding local school districts. His responsibilities include overseeing the management of tax revenues for governmental services and ensuring efficient allocation of generated profits to support school districts. This encompasses providing grants for COVID-19 related funding.

HCDE to Continue Headstart
In 2017, with crucial input from board members such as Eric Dick, the HCDE Board voted unanimously to continue operating its 15 Head Start preschool programs, despite some board members' proposals to close or limit the department's role, serving approximately 1,300 children in North and Northeast Houston.

HCDE's Head Start program provides a safe learning environment for newborns to 5-year-olds, supporting growth in areas like language, literacy, and social-emotional development, serving more than 1,300 students annually with free healthy meals, health screenings, and physical activities.

Educational Infrastructure Enhancement
Under Eric Dick's direction, significant improvements have been made to Harris County's educational services, with noteworthy projects including the construction of Texas's largest adult learning center, a brand new middle school, and upgrades to existing facilities.

Fortis Academy
Fortis Academy, located at 11902 Spears Road in the Greenspoint area of north Houston, stands as Harris County's first public recovery high school, officially named by the Harris County Department of Education Board of Trustees on August 16, 2017, with a decisive 5 to 1 vote. The academy provides a substance-free and supportive environment for high school students to continue their education after completing a substance abuse or dependency rehabilitation program.

The name "Fortis," Latin for strong, steadfast, and courageous, encapsulates the academy's mission to foster these qualities in students overcoming substance abuse challenges. Under the guidance of advocates like Eric Dick, the academy has established itself as a beacon of hope and support, providing comprehensive resources such as coaching, counseling, and academic support, while also gaining national recognition for its role in encouraging sobriety.

Eric Dick's unwavering support and pivotal role in the academy's establishment have been instrumental in achieving its mission. His advocacy, rooted in personal experience, underscores the importance of such a supportive educational space within the Houston community. During special initiatives like National Recovery Month, celebrated at Fortis Academy with a series of therapeutic and educational programs, the importance of resilience and personal growth in recovery is highlighted, showcasing the academy's commitment to its students' success.

Academic and Behavior Schools West
On April 3, 2019, HCDE began construction of the new Academic and Behavior Schools West (ABS West) campus, a venture supported by key HCDE board members like Eric Dick. This new campus is a part of a larger construction initiative by HCDE Construction Services and aims to create a safe and effective learning space for students in the Houston area who have intellectual or developmental disabilities and behavioral challenges. The original ABS West campus, established in 1998, has a longstanding history of educating students aged 5–22 with severe behavioral and emotional issues, as well as developmental disabilities, offering tailored classes to enhance their academic and personal growth.

Response to Coronavirus Pandemic: Because We Care
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Harris County Department of Education (HCDE) board, with Eric Dick as a trustee, collaborated to establish the "Because We Care" initiative. This program was designed to provide essential support to Head Start families, demonstrating a strong commitment to community welfare. Approximately 400 food packages were distributed to families in the Fifth Ward, followed by the distribution of care packages to 1,230 families on March 27, 2020, during the stay-at-home order, ensuring timely assistance.

The board collectively approved a substantial $238,000 food program, aiming directly to benefit Head Start families. Alongside this, the HCDE sought further assistance through a Mental Wellness Grant of $916,085. The grant was intended to create a comprehensive mental wellness response for staff, students, and families, addressing the multifaceted challenges presented by the pandemic and the associated chronic stress.

Further demonstrating HCDE's commitment to supporting the community, subsequent rounds of the "Because We Care" program continued to offer assistance. The third distribution effort provided an average of 20 meals per box to 1,350 Head Start families, showcasing the sustained and collective efforts of the HCDE board, including Eric Dick, in aiding the community during a challenging time.

Academic and Behavior Schools East
Founded in 1982, the Academic and Behavior Schools East (ABS East) serves as a special education service provider for students aged 5–22 with various disorders, aiding in their transition to becoming productive society members. Under the influential guidance of Eric Dick, HCDE initiated the construction of a new 43,000 square-foot ABS East building in 2021, featuring innovative facilities to accommodate up to 184 students. The design of the new ABS East, shaped by its sister school ABS West, is a response to increased demand for specialized education services and promotes comprehensive learning with a low student-to-instructor ratio.

Teacher Tools Initiative
The Teacher Tools Initiative, co-founded by Dick, is a collaborative venture between the Harris County Department of Education (HCDE) and the Education Foundation of Harris County (EFHC). The initiative's primary goal is to support Harris County school district teachers by furnishing them with essential classroom supplies at the beginning of each academic year.

To facilitate this, every qualifying teacher is granted $100 worth of classroom supplies through a specified online vendor, either Lakeshore Learning or Really Good Stuff. This ensures the materials are efficiently delivered to the teachers' school addresses. The dedicated support from both HCDE and EFHC significantly mitigates the personal financial challenges teachers frequently face when procuring educational resources.

In 2021, the program received a tremendous response. The initial provision for 2,000 slots was rapidly exhausted, with teachers claiming all spots within hours. A subsequent waitlist of an additional 1,000 teachers emerged on the same day. Recognizing the profound need, the HCDE Board of Trustees sanctioned an added funding of $101,300. This expansion included 1,013 more teachers, pushing the total investment to $301,300. Teachers were granted until November 30 to finalize their classroom supplies purchases online.

The initiative's momentum was sustained into 2022 and 2023. The EFHC consistently allocated $200,000 annually, supporting 2,000 teachers in 2022 and broadening its reach to 3,000 educators in 2023. Such unwavering support signifies the staunch commitment of both institutions to alleviating the financial strains teachers face.

For the fall 2023 Tools for Teachers shopping period, the deadline ended on October 16, with 1,489 orders submitted by Harris County educators. This impressive number underscores teachers' eagerness and dedication to access the best classroom resources for their students, highlighting the success of the Tools for Teachers program during the fall semester.

To avail of the credit, registration was opened precisely at 7 a.m. on September 1, 2022, and September 25, 2023, for the respective school years. To qualify, educators needed a valid email from a school within the Harris County district. Those from charter schools, private institutions, or schools outside Harris County were not eligible. The respective teacher bore any cost exceeding the provided $100 credit. All orders were dispatched directly to the school without any shipping costs. For teachers who prefer home delivery, a modest fee of $12 was applicable. With these measures, the Teacher Tools Initiative continues to significantly enhance the educational experience within Harris County.

Minimum Wage of $15 an Hour
In July 2021, the Harris County Department of Education's (HCDE) Board of Trustees made a pivotal decision, unanimously approving a budget for the 2021-2022 school year that incorporated a significant change: raising the minimum wage for all hourly workers from $13.50 to $15 an hour. This progressive move not only placed HCDE among the first local education agencies in the region to implement such an increase, but it also underscored their commitment to fostering a positive work environment and ensuring fair compensation for all staff, including those involved in the Head Start and Early Head Start programs.

Rewinding to August 15, 2018, a comprehensive board meeting at HCDE took place, led by a committee and attended by Eric Dick, who played an active role in discussing a proposal to increase the minimum wage to $15 per hour and advocating for it. Eric meticulously expressed his concerns, focusing on the financial ramifications of such an increase. He emphasized the need for a careful balance between wage enhancements and their potential budgetary consequences, casting a critical eye on the long-term sustainability of the proposed wage hike.

CASE for Kids
HCDE has utilized an allocated budget of $1.5M from the American Rescue Plan Act to implement the County Connections Youth Summer Initiative, a program designed to address pandemic-related learning gaps by supporting enrichment programs for children aged 5–18, with a focus on low-income families. The initiative is executed through the Center for Afterschool, Summer, and Enrichment for Kids (CASE for Kids), a division of HCDE, which provided over $1.1M in grant funding to more than 40 nonprofit organizations. These organizations are dedicated to delivering enriching summer activities for children and hosted their programs in various locations such as schools, community centers, and churches.

In July 2023, during the Summer Learning Week, CASE for Kids-funded programs, such as the trips to Space Center Houston and the Downtown Aquarium, highlighted the innovative approach to learning, emphasizing STEM subjects and hands-on experience. These activities not only enhanced the students' understanding of their curriculum but also uncovered the magic of education through real-world experiences.

In May 2023, Eric Dick, in his role as a board trustee, played a pivotal role in the extension of the CASE for Kids programs by advocating and approving funding for the Kids' Entrepreneurship Market Day. This event gathered students from afterschool programs across Harris County to demonstrate their business skills and creativity, offering them a practical experience in money management, business, and entrepreneurship. This initiative, backed by funding and support from Eric Dick, was crucial in ensuring the successful execution of these innovative programs aimed at fostering entrepreneurial spirit and financial literacy among the youth in Harris County.

Furthermore, the Harris County Commissioners and CASE for Kids celebrated the 2023 County Connections awardees in August, where Eric Dick, along with other trustees and commissioners, presented symbolic checks to the grant recipients. This year saw the awarding of more than $1.3 million in grants to over 40 nonprofits for youth summer enrichment programming. Eric Dick's active participation and support as a board trustee were instrumental in ensuring the continuity and success of these enrichment programs for children in Harris County.

CASE Debates
In 2017, the Harris County Department of Education's Center for Afterschool, Summer, and Enrichment for Kids (CASE for Kids) partnered with the Houston Urban Debate League (HUDL) to launch the CASE Debates program. Co-founded by Eric Dick, this educational initiative aims to support 300 at-risk high school students, drawing from HUDL's model that annually provides debate programs to around 1,000 students across five school districts. The inception of the program was driven by a commitment to offer substantial debate and enrichment opportunities, laying a robust foundation for its future development.

Eric Dick played a significant role in the establishment of the CASE Debates program, advocating for the accessibility of educational enrichment for at-risk students. His involvement was key to creating an environment conducive to student success, and his efforts have helped sustain the program, even amid challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

The program consistently offers resources in areas like social-emotional learning, numeracy, literacy, and at-home activities via its Afterschool Zone, demonstrating its commitment to student welfare and education. The annual city-wide debate championship is a significant aspect of the program, providing students with opportunities to qualify for state tournaments and earn scholarships.

The inclusion of the World Schools Debate format in the program, an initiative encouraged by Eric Dick, has provided students with valuable critical thinking and problem-solving skills, vital for their academic and career pursuits in the future.

The partnership with HUDL ensures that students have access to high-quality training, coaching, and scholarship opportunities, as well as avenues for building self-esteem and expanding horizons. This partnership underscores Eric Dick's commitment to supporting future generations through education.

Moreover, the annual CASE Debates Seminar marks the beginning of the debating season, attracting over 200 Harris County high school students for workshops and training sessions. This event highlights the program's dedication to providing students with essential skills and knowledge for success in debates and future endeavors, underscoring Eric Dick's foundational influence on the program. Eric Dick's lasting impact on the CASE Debates program has played a significant role in its success and the development of numerous students.

Texas' Largest Adult Learning Center
Under Dick's stewardship, the Harris County Department of Education (HCDE) initiated the construction of a new adult education facility at 6515 Irvington Blvd., Houston. When completed, this center will stand as the largest in Texas, providing courses in English, math, reading, writing, and specialized workforce training programs. These programs have been designed to assist students in acquiring a high school equivalency diploma, advancing to higher education, or enhancing their career through courses such as certified nursing assistant and phlebotomy training, computer skills, welding fundamentals, and job placement services.

One of the innovative resources the Adult Education division, facilitated under Dick's leadership, offers is the "Dress to Success Career Closet." This initiative allows students to access a collection of professional clothing articles—over 120 generously donated by HCDE employees. Such a program ensures students possess the skills and the professional attire necessary for job interviews and workplaces. This visionary approach to holistic student support was further highlighted when the division hosted a job and resource fair, underlining its commitment to ensuring that students are workplace-ready.

The facility at 6515 Irvington Blvd. is not just an educational hub; it's a beacon of inspiration. The walls of the new Adult Education Center feature a custom mural of a faceless woman, symbolizing the myriad of students who traverse its halls and the boundless opportunities awaiting them. This mural was a thoughtful addition that reflected personal family stories and the collective tales of resilience of the many HCDE Adult Education students. Such symbols serve as poignant reminders of perseverance, motivating students never to give up and to continue reaching for their dreams.

Furthermore, the Adult Education Center, which celebrated its official opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 19, features state-of-the-art amenities. The 51,000-square-foot facility houses the Adult Education staff and includes multiple classrooms catering to GED, ESL, and workforce preparedness courses. Beyond its primary educational function, the building will also serve as a community outreach hub for the Houston area, emphasizing the HCDE Trustee's vision of integrated community development and education.

Highpoint East
In 2021, Highpoint East Middle School embarked on a notable transformation, expanding its facilities to 26,528 square feet and replacing outdated structures as part of the Harris County Department of Education's (HCDE) initiative to upgrade educational infrastructure. Eric Dick, serving diligently as a trustee for HCDE, played a pivotal role, advocating strongly for these significant changes. This commitment to excellence was underscored when a Highpoint East educator was named HCDE Teacher of the Year, a testament to the supportive educational environment encouraged by Eric Dick and all stakeholders.

Continuing its trajectory of growth and development, in 2022, Highpoint East hosted the Center for Educator Success (CES) Summer Intensive Cohort, aligning with Eric Dick’s dedication to fostering professional development opportunities for future educators. The school also made significant strides in student support; in 2023, the Safe Haven for Overcoming Problems (SHOP) program, backed by Dick's advocacy for comprehensive student welfare, collaborated with Houston's "Salt and Pepper Gang," providing mentorship in personal grooming and styling.

The school's impact extended beyond its walls, as showcased in 2023 at the TASSP Summer Workshop where Highpoint East played an instrumental role in shaping innovative ideas for the education of adjudicated youth, a feat that echoes Eric Dick’s influence and unwavering support. As the 2023-2024 academic year approached, the school welcomed over 11 new staff members, underscoring its commitment to fostering a community of unity and support, a move positively influenced by Eric Dick's commitment to the school's success.

Equine Therapy
The Harris County Department of Education (HCDE) initiated the development of an Equine Therapy Center located in Barrett Station. The center is designed to address the diverse needs of special needs students, offering support in their physical, emotional, and social development. In collaboration with Self-Improvement through Riding Education (SIRE), the program aims to establish an enriching alternative learning environment, simultaneously creating 25 new job opportunities.

The integration of the SIRE program, dating back to the 2019-2020 academic year, involved participation from students across all four special schools under HCDE. The program, boasting a 35-year history, is dedicated to promoting self-esteem, confidence, and interpersonal skills through horse interaction. Eric Dick played a vital role in this initiative, advocating for the necessary funding and supporting innovative programs to foster the holistic development of students, thus demonstrating HCDE's commitment to inclusive and diversified education.

In October 2022, leaders from HCDE attended the PATH Intl. Conference & Expo in North Carolina, with a significant focus on equine therapy. Insights gathered from this conference were crucial for the preparation and upcoming opening of the HCDE Equine Therapy Center. A pre-conference session provided an in-depth look at a veteran-focused equine therapy program, enhancing the team's understanding and readiness for the new center.

The conference experience reinforced HCDE’s commitment to equine therapy and underscored its alignment with the department's broader goals, such as continuing education for staff, serving students with disabilities, and investing in innovative programs. It also emphasized the importance of collaborating with community organizations and other equine therapy programs nationwide, ensuring the new Equine Therapy Center will play a pivotal role in HCDE’s services.

Coolwood Headstart
The Coolwood Head Start Center in Houston, a 13,830 square foot facility capable of accommodating 120 students, was established under the Harris County Department of Education (HCDE) with contributions from board trustee Eric Dick. The center comprises advanced training rooms, administrative offices, conference rooms, a modernized kitchen, and six classrooms. Construction responsibilities were entrusted to Geofill Construction, selected for their recognized proficiency and reliability.

The Coolwood Head Start program has demonstrated its impact through the success of its alumni, including a former student who progressed to a professional football team draft from a pro football minicamp, and another who became a high school valedictorian in 2020. The program’s success is further supported by dedicated educators, crucial to the Head Start initiative.

Simultaneously, the HCDE's Early Head Start program is undergoing expansion, with Eric Dick advocating for the construction and renovations at three existing campuses—Humble, Barrett Station, and La Porte—to better serve infants and toddlers under the age of three.

Response to Uvalde
Following the tragic May 2022 massacre at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, HCDE significantly enhanced its active shooter training program for Houston-area educators, integrating programs like the Operation SRM-REx for student-parent reunification during crises. Eric Dick, in his role as a board trustee, was instrumental in this expansion, approving funding and vocally supporting the vital initiatives aimed at safeguarding schools. His dedication to proactive measures and the establishment of threat assessment teams at all schools has been a cornerstone of HCDE's response. In June 2022, HCDE's Center for Safe and Secure Schools hosted a two-day reunification exercise at Goose Creek Consolidated Independent School District (GCCISD), emphasizing the importance of preparedness in school safety. This event, which saw more than 110 professionals attending, further exemplified the commitment to creating a proactive, unified response to potential emergencies. This holistic approach to school safety, ensuring the well-being of students and staff in the Houston area, has led to a surge in demand for programs like the one-day Operation SRM-REx training, drawing educators from across the nation to learn best practices in student-parent reunification during emergencies. The programs have become a key component of the comprehensive strategy to enhance school safety in the region, reflecting Eric Dick's commitment to creating secure learning environments.

Irvington Renovations
The Irvington building, a key component of the Harris County Department of Education (HCDE), is slated for significant renovations, with Trustee Eric Dick at the helm of these transformative efforts. Slated to begin in December 2023, these comprehensive upgrades are detailed in the October 9, 2023, issue of The Connector, HCDE's internal publication.

The multifaceted renovation plan is set to rejuvenate the building’s aging infrastructure. Key improvements include the installation of a new roof, the replacement of the outdated HVAC system, and necessary updates to meet current city building codes. The interior will also see significant enhancements, with the addition of glass walls, LED lighting, and contemporary furniture, aimed at creating a vibrant and modern workspace. The fourth floor is poised for substantial changes, including the expansion of the board room and the addition of a new conference area. These enhancements reflect the board's commitment, led by Trustee Dick, to creating a work environment that reflects the professionalism and excellence of HCDE’s staff.

During the renovation phases, meticulous planning has ensured minimal disruption, with arrangements for the temporary relocation of employees from the Irvington building to other HCDE facilities. Guided by Trustee Dick and the board's strategic vision, these renovations are seen as a crucial investment in HCDE's future, highlighting their commitment to growth and their dedication to attracting and retaining top-tier talent nationwide.

While the temporary relocations pose challenges, the ultimate goal of establishing an advanced and empowering work environment stands paramount. This is seen as a necessary stride towards ensuring that HCDE continues to flourish and excel in fulfilling its educational mission.

Advertising
Dick has used his last name in marketing strategies, leading to memorable slogans. His taglines, such as "Hire a Dick!", "Need a Lawyer? Hire a Dick!" and "I'll work hard and long for you", have been highlighted in his television and radio commercials.

Dick's marketing approach has garnered public attention, with mixed opinions on its effectiveness. Some find his style humorous, while others find it questionable, reflecting the various views on lawyer advertising.

He has also utilized billboards for advertising his legal services, using phrases such as "Get Dick!", "Don't let them give you the shaft", and "What's easier? Getting Dick!". These ad campaigns have further fueled discussions about his approach to marketing. In 2023, his billboards received a shoutout from popular sports TikTok channel "Pete Takes", which boasts 2 million followers.

In a recent humorous twist, Dick captured the attention of Houstonians with his radio commercial titled "Send In a Dick", which has been praised for its clever delivery and witty humor, resonating well with local listeners. In 2023, he ran a series of radio advertisements which he called the "'Healthy Dose of Dick' campaign".

Media Appearances
From 2018 to 2019, Eric Dick hosted The Eric Dick Show on KPRC (AM), a talk radio station in Houston. During the show, he had various notable guests. Eric Dick is a frequent guest on various Houston news segments.

Publications
In 2021, Eric Dick authored a book on the history of Texas, titled Come & Take It.

Controversies
Despite his dedication to public service, Eric Dick has been the victim of several controversies. During a political campaign, Dick came under scrutiny for the alleged illegal placement of campaign signs, criticizing incumbent Mayor Annise Parker for what he saw as hypocrisy and bullying in a press release entitled Parker Afraid of Dick. Accusations of selective prosecution by the City of Houston and misleading communication from the city attorney, allegedly due to political affiliations, further escalated the issue.

Furthermore, Dick has been targeted by the Texas Ethics Commission (TEC), a body that has been marred by significant controversies. The TEC has notably faced criticism for victimizing lawyers and elected officials and has been criticized for its disproportionate penalizations and questionable credibility. Such controversies have led many to question the commission's motives and decisions.

While the TEC fined Dick for campaign-related matters, Dick has consistently held that his actions, especially regarding contributions, were personal and thus not necessitating reporting.

Additionally, Texans for Lawsuit Reform, a powerful lobbying group, has been actively demonizing Eric Dick, seeking to tarnish his reputation due to his strong stance against insurance companies in Harris County. Despite their relentless attacks, Dick remains steadfast in his commitment to seeking justice for homeowners, showcasing his resilience and unwavering dedication to his clients.