State Bar News Archive

Nominations Sought for Leadership SBOT
The State Bar is seeking nominations for the 2009-2010 class of LeadershipSBOT, which prepares lawyers for leadership positions in the legal community. Click here for a nomination form (PDF), which must be submitted by July 1, 2009.

Texas Bar Circle Approaches 10,000 Members
Nearly 10,000 State Bar members have joined Texas Bar Circle, our exclusive social and professional network for Texas lawyers. We've got a surprise for our 10,000th Circle member, so join today. 

Texas Access to Justice Foundation 25th Anniversary Gala
On May 27, the Texas Access to Justice Commission is hosting a 25th anniversary gala benefiting the Texas Access to Justice Foundation. The keynote speaker is CNN legal analyst Jeffrey Toobin. Click here to read more details. 

State Bar of Texas Election Results
Terry Tottenham of Austin was elected to serve as president-elect during the 2009-10 bar year. He will serve as president of the State Bar during the 2010-11 bar year. Jennifer Evans Morris of Dallas was elected president-elect of the Texas Young Lawyers Association. View the press release, and read detailed results here.

State Bar Celebrates Law Day
The State Bar of Texas celebrated Law Day on May 1 with an awards ceremony recognizing student projects on this year's Law Day theme, "A Legacy of Liberty: Celebrating Lincoln's Bicentennial." Read the details here. State Bar President Harper Estes and President-Elect Roland Johnson presided over the ceremony. Read Harper's Law Day op ed here. 

Do You Need a Will?
The State Bar of Texas offers free information on wills, living trusts, and powers of attorney. Read our "To Will or Not to Will" brochure and other free information. To find an attorney in your area, call our Lawyer Referral Information Service. Also visit TexasLawHelp.org for more free consumer legal information.

Texas Access to Justice leaders, Texas Supreme Court Justice Harriet O'Neill, and Rep. Pete Gallego discussed a crisis in funding for the Texas legal aid system during a press conference at the Texas Capitol. Watch the press conference here (RealPlayer required). (February 2009)

Texas Attorneys Honored at ABA Meeting
Former Texas Bar President James B. Sales of Houston received the 2009 Outstanding Service Award from the Fellows of the American Bar Foundation at the American Bar Association Midyear Meeting on Feb. 14. Read more. Gibson Gayle, Jr., of Houston was honored on Feb. 16 by the State Bar of Texas for 50 years of outstanding service to the profession. Read more

State of the Judiciary Address
On Feb. 11, Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Wallace Jefferson delivered the biennial State of the Judiciary Address in the House Chamber. Read the address (pdf format).

Your Mental Health in Tough Times
A State Bar video, "Practicing from the Shadows: Depression and the Legal Profession," offers support and resources for those facing substance abuse or depression. Click here to watch the video in Windows Media format. For free DVD copy, call the Texas Lawyers Assistance Program at (800)343-8527

Ike's Impact Continues
Victims of Hurricane Ike continue to face disaster-related legal problems. If you were affected by Ike and need legal help, visit TexasLawHelp.org and click on the LiveHelp button to chat with a legal volunteer between 11:00 am and 5:00 pm. Attorney and legal professional volunteers are still needed: Click here to help. Please also see our 2008 Hurricane Response page for more resources, including information on donations and volunteer opportunities. (February 2009)

Celebrating Lincoln's Legacy
Feb. 12, 2009, was the bicentennial of the birth of Abraham Lincoln, who is revered as America's greatest president and one of our most admired lawyers. See the current Texas Bar Journal and this op ed by State Bar President Harper Estes.

Court Administration Task Force Report
In October 2008 the State Bar Board of Directors accepted the report of a State Bar task force that considered proposals related to court reorganization introduced during the last legislative session. The board has not approved or considered the substantive recommendations of the report. Click here to read the executive summary (pdf) Click here for the full report (pdf). Click here for a high-res version of the full report (13MB pdf)

Court Orders New Calculation for IOLTA Accounts
In January 2009 the Texas Supreme Court amended rules that govern interest on lawyer-trust accounts to battle dramatically declining interest income. The change makes the benchmark rate the higher of 65 percent of the federal transfer rate, or 65-hundreds of 1 percent (0.65), for banks that choose the safe-harbor option. Read more

FDIC Expands IOLTA Protections
On Nov. 21, 2008, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) clarified the Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program to include client trust accounts. An individual client's funds deposited in IOLTA accounts are fully insured regardless of the amount. The provision is valid through Dec. 31, 2009. To read the FDIC news release, click here.

Editorial: Jury Duty is Everyone's Responsibility
The Dec. 27, 2008, edition of The Paris News has an editorial on the importance of jury duty. Read it here

Texas Lawyers' Auxiliary Celebrates 25 Years
This organization of women in the legal profession and spouses of attorneys seeks to support the State Bar and the profession, promote an understanding of the legal profession, and promote law-related education, citizenship, and public service. Read more.

Minority Director Sought
Nominations are now being accepted for a minority director for the State Bar of Texas Board of Directors. Nominations are due Dec. 15, 2008. Read more (pdf).

Join a State Bar Committee
The State Bar is accepting requests for volunteer committee member positions for the 2009-2010 Bar year.   If you would like to be considered for an appointment to a State Bar standing committee, visit the Committees web page and complete a Committee Interest Form no later than Dec. 5, 2008.

Senators Seek Nominations
Senators Kay Bailey Hutchison and John Cornyn seek candidates for a federal district judgeship in the Southern District and two federal district judgeships in the Western District. For details, read their letter (pdf format).

UT Law Publishes Mersky's Oral History
In 42 years of service to the University of Texas School of Law, the late Prof. Roy M. Mersky developed the Tarlton Law Library into one of the premier libraries in the nation. In tribute to Prof. Mersky, the school has published his oral history. Watch the video and order the transcript here.

Sign-Up Fund
The Sign-Up Fund reimburses attorneys for using qualified sign language interpreters and other auxiliary aids. Read more.

Michelle Hunter is the new executive director of the State Bar of Texas after a unanimous vote by the Board of Directors at its quarterly meeting in Midland on Friday, Oct. 3. Hunter moves into this position after serving as the Bar's deputy executive director. She previously served as the State Bar's finance division director, information manager, and corporate counsel. (October 2008)

Changes to TRAP Take Effect
Amendments to the Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure took effect Sept. 1. The September Texas Bar Journal includes all the changes, with comments. Read them here (pdf). (September 2008)

State Bar Publishes Annual Report
The State Bar's annual report describes specific, quantifiable accomplishments from the most recent fiscal year. Read the report here (pdf). (September 2008)

Annual Meeting - Estes, Cardona Sworn In
Harper Estes took office as the 128th State Bar president during the general session at the State Bar Annual Meeting in Houston. Sylvia Cardona was sworn in as president of the Texas Young Lawyers Association.

Exemptions for Military Attorneys Serving in a Combat Zone
Attorney members of the Armed Forces: Click here for information regarding membership dues waivers and MCLE exemptions. The Supreme Court has signed an order granting dues waivers for any military attorney serving in a combat zone. Click here for the order.

Stars of Texas Bars Winners Announced
The Stars of Texas Bars Awards are presented by the State Bar of Texas to recognize local bar associations for outstanding community involvement, commitment to increasing access to justice, and dedication to the profession. Read the list of the 2008 winners (pdf) (June 2008)

Pro Bono Reporting - Tax Exemption
While you are not required to report your pro bono hours in order to claim a taxable revenue exemption under Texas Tax Code Section 171.1011, you must maintain records of the pro bono services you provide for auditing purposes. Please take a moment to report your pro bono hours by clicking here. To read the Tax Code provision, click here. (May 2008)

Eldorado Update
On May 29, the Texas Supreme Court denied the Texas Department of Regulatory services' petition for writ of mandamus in the FLDS case. Read the Supreme Court opinion. To volunteer to represent indigent adults in Eldorado, please log in to My Bar Page and see "What's New." If you cannot volunteer, but would still like to help, click here for donation information. Also see State Bar President Gib Walton's statement on the situation.

Task Force on Insurance Disclosure to Meet
The task force studying whether lawyers should or should not disclose whether they have malpractice insurance to the public will meet May 21 at 9:30 am at Beck, Redden & Secrest, 1221 McKinney in Houston. The task force will make a recommendation to the State Bar board at its June 25 meeting. For more information contact Ray Cantu at ray.cantu@texasbar.com or (800)204-2222, Ext. 1506.

Important: Your Private Information
Read the details of a new law that allows Texas attorneys to keep personal information contained in State Bar records confidential.

Sign-Up Fund
The Sign-Up Fund reimburses attorneys for using qualified sign language interpreters and other auxiliary aids. Read more.

State Bar Election Results
Roland Johnson of Fort Worth was elected to serve as president-elect during the 2008-09 bar year. He will serve as president of the State Bar during the 2009-10 bar year. Cori Harbour of El Paso was elected president-elect of the Texas Young Lawyers Association. Read detailed results here.

Survey on Insurance Disclosure
State Bar President Gib Walton has established a Task Force on Professional Liability Insurance Disclosure. The Task Force conducted a survey to solicit input from Texas attorneys concerning this issue. Read more about the Task Force.

Austin College 2008 Law Symposium
On Monday, April 7, Austin College will host a CLE event featuring keynote speaker Jeffrey Toobin. Read the details.

In Remembrance: Bill Carssow
Bill Carssow, the first executive director of the State Bar of Texas, died on March 26 at his home in Cedar Park. Read more.

President-elect Candidates Nominated
Candidates for 2008-2009 State Bar of Texas president-elect are Claude Ducloux of Austin and Roland K. Johnson of Fort Worth. Votes can be cast either via paper ballot or voting online from April 1- April 30. Learn more about the candidates.

Judicial Poll Results
Results of the 2008 Judicial Poll have been tabulated. 11,784 attorneys voted (3,323 online and 8,461 by paper). Click here for the results. (pdf).

YouTube Contest Winners
Congratulations to the winners of our first-ever YouTube contest! Read the details here, and check out all the entries here.

Pakistan: A Call to Restore Justice
The State Bar of Texas joins lawyers throughout the world in urging a return to the Rule of Law in Pakistan. To read State Bar of Texas President Gib Walton's opinion on the situation, please click here (pdf) and click here for a newspaper editorial with Chief Justice Wallace Jefferson and Lawrence Sager. View more information and resources.

Resources for Texans Affected by Storms
If you have been impacted by recent severe storms and flooding in Texas, click here for a list of legal resources - including the State Bar's Disaster Hotline - (800)504-7030. If you are a Texas attorney and would like to help, please click here and provide your information.

The Supreme Court of Texas has amended IOLTA rule 7, requiring attorneys to place IOLTA accounts at eligible financial institutions. Read more. If you haven't done so, please submit your annual compliance statement today at www.teajf.org. [August 2007]

In Remembrance: Chief Justice Hill
Former Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice John Luke Hill Jr. died July 9, 2007, at age 83. The State Bar of Texas extends its condolences to Chief Justice Hill's family and friends. Click here for a Texas Supreme Court advisory on Hill, and here for a Houston Chronicle story [July 9, 2007]

Walton Takes Office as State Bar President
Gib Walton was sworn in as the 127th State Bar president by U.S. District Judge Ewing Werlein, Jr. during the general session at the State Bar Annual Meeting in San Antonio. Click here to read Walton's acceptance speech. [June 22, 2007]

The 80th Legislative Session Ends
The 80th Legislative Session has ended. Click here to read our Friday Update e-newsletter, which was distributed during the session Click here to read the State Bar's 2007 Legislative Program (pdf format).

Election Results
Harper Estes of Midland was elected to serve as State Bar of Texas president-elect during the 2007-08 bar year. Sylvia Cardona of San Antonio was elected president-elect of the TYLA. Read detailed results here.

Texas Judicial Council Meeting
The policy-making Texas Judicial Council met May 1 at 1:30 p.m. View the webcast.

Senators Seek U.S. Attorney Candidates
Senators Kay Bailey Hutchison and John Cornyn seek candidates by May 2 for a U.S. attorney position in the Eastern District of Texas. For details, read their letter (pdf format). [April 19, 2007].

For the first time ever, attorneys can submit IOLTA compliance information online. Visit www.TEAJF.org/compliance

Exhibit Features Guantanamo Lawyers
FotoFest will present the exhibit Guantanamo: Pictures from Home. Questions of Justice., March 31 - May 19, 2007, at its headquarters at 1113 Vine St. in Houston. The exhibit documents, through photographs, video and audio works, and narratives, the pro bono work of lawyers who represent detainees at Guantanamo Bay. Read more. [March 2007]

State of the Judiciary Address
On Feb. 20, Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Wallace Jefferson delivered the biennial State of the Judiciary Address in the House Chamber. Read the address (pdf format). [February 2007] 

Candidates Sought for Northern District
Senators Kay Bailey Hutchison and John Cornyn sought candidates by Feb. 16 for a federal district judgeship in the Northern District of Texas. For details, read their letter (pdf format). [January 2007]

Nominations Sought for Pro Bono Awards
The Legal Services to the Poor in Civil Matters committee seeks nominations for its annual pro bono and legal services awards. Click here for details. [January 2007]

Legal Guide for Cancer Patients
The Texas Young Lawyers Association has published the TYLA Legal Guide for Cancer Patients, which explains issues such as privacy, insurance, and employment law. Download the guide (pdf format) and read more. [December 2006]

Court Ruling on Membership Records
Pursuant to a recent court ruling, the State Bar of Texas vs. the Attorney General of Texas, Cause No. GV 403520, an attorney member's Home Address, Home Phone Number, and Date of Birth maintained in the State Bar of Texas membership records are not subject to public disclosure. Click here for more information. [November 2006]

Resources for New Lawyers
Throughout your career, you will rely on the State Bar for resources to help you serve your clients, grow your practice, and balance work with your personal life. Click here for a list of resources . For details on dues and fee requirements, please click here (pdf). [November 2006]

Help For Texas Flood Victims
Persons affected by flooding face many basic legal questions as they begin to rebuild their lives. Flood victims can call the State Bar of Texas Disaster Hotline, (800)504-7030. Click here for additional resources. [November 2006]

State Bar Appoints Habeas Task Force
State Bar of Texas President Martha Dickie has appointed a 12-member task force to conduct a systematic examination of the qualifications and necessary experience for lawyers in death penalty cases. Click here for a roster (pdf) of the Task Force on Habeas Counsel Training and Qualifications. [November 2006]

Legal Assistance for Military Personnel
Service members and their families have numerous legal needs before, during, and after deployment. The Armed Forces Legal Assistance (AFLA) portal provides general legal information to the military community to enhance its readiness. The ABA's Legal Assistance for Military Personnel program (LAMP) provides similar services. Read about how you can help. (November 2006)

Askew Chairs ABA Litigation Section
At the ABA Annual Meeting in Hawaii, Kim J. Askew, a partner in the Dallas offices of Hughes & Luce L.L.P., was sworn in as chair of the American Bar Association Section of Litigation. Askew is the first lawyer of color to servein the position. Under Askew's leadership, the section will work on legal issues surrounding disaster response, and also educate the public about the judicial branch of government. Read more (pdf format). (October 2006)

TYLA, ProBAR Help Detained Children
The Texas Young Lawyers Association and ProBAR are seeking attorney volunteers to help represent unaccompanied children in asylum cases. Read about it in this article (pdf) from the October Texas Bar Journal (October 2006)

Your Guide to the State Bar
The 2006-2007 Volunteer and Staff Guide is available in pdf format at www.TexasBar.com/guide. For a printed copy, email your name and mailing address to: tbj@texasbar.com (supplies limited).

• The Texas Equal Access to Justice Foundation has announced its 2006-2007 grant awards. The foundation awarded $17.8 million to be distributed to 37 legal aid organizations throughout Texas. For a list of grantees, visit www.TXIOLTA.org.

• With a goal to increase diversity in the legal profession, the State Bar’s Office of Minority Affairs presented the Texas Minority Counsel Program, Sept. 28-29 in Dallas. Ron Kirk, former Dallas mayor and Texas secretary of state, delivered the keynote address on Thursday.

Paralegal Standards and Definition
The State Bar of Texas Board of Directors has adopted standards to assist the public, attorneys, and judges regarding paralegal services. Read the standards here (pdf format).

"Pipeline Project" Receives Award
The State Bar of Texas received the 2006 NABE/LexisNexis Community & Educational Outreach Award for its “Pipeline Project” during the recent ABA Convention. The award carries $25,000 in Lexis/Nexis research. Pictured here is 2005-2006 State Bar President Eduardo Rodriguez (left), who developed the Pipeline Project, and Nigel Roberts, Director of Association Markets for LexisNexis. Read more [Aug. 2006]

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