Executive Director's Page • October 2026

Service, Leadership, and Your Place in the State Bar

One question i hear often from lawyers, especially newer lawyers, is: How do I get involved?

At this year’s Local Bar Leaders Conference, I had the pleasure of moderating a panel discussion titled “What’s Next: Pathways to State Bar Leadership.” The session focused on opportunities for service and professional engagement within the bar. While the specific programs and pathways varied, the message was consistent: meaningful leadership begins with service.

The good news is that there’s no single path to leadership in the State Bar of Texas. In fact, the strength of our bar comes from the many different ways lawyers can serve. The State Bar includes committees, boards, sections, and divisions supported by thousands of volunteers. Whether your interest is professional development, ethics, access to justice, or simply building relationships with colleagues across Texas, there’s an opportunity waiting for you.

A great place to start is with a State Bar section. Sections provide quality CLEs, connections with lawyers who share common practice interests, and meaningful avenues for volunteer service. Sections offer volunteers a chance to serve on councils and committees, contribute articles to publications, assist with communications efforts, and help develop programming. For many lawyers, section service is their introduction to leadership within the State Bar.

Standing committees offer another avenue for involvement. About 600 lawyers from around the state serve on State Bar standing committees at any given time, helping shape recommendations and initiatives that advance the bar’s mission.

Lawyers interested in developing their leadership skills should also consider LeadershipSBOT. Created in 2008, the yearlong program helps emerging leaders learn what is expected of effective leaders, engage with current bar and community leaders, and explore opportunities for public service and professional involvement.

Some of the most meaningful service opportunities come through the attorney discipline system. District grievance committees play a key role in maintaining public trust in the legal profession by reviewing complaints and helping determine whether professional misconduct has occurred. These committees are composed of nearly 400 volunteers, including attorneys and public members. It is important work that reflects one of our profession’s most fundamental responsibilities: effective self-regulation.

If you’re interested in broader leadership roles, service on the Board of Directors of the State Bar of Texas or the Texas Young Lawyers Association offers the opportunity to help shape the future of the profession statewide. These leadership positions provide valuable governance experience while helping ensure that the State Bar remains responsive to the needs of both lawyers and the public. Most board members began their involvement through sections, committees, or local bar service before taking on statewide leadership roles. Speaking from personal experience, my service as president of the Galveston County Bar Association and as a member of local and statewide grievance panels helped prepare me to serve as State Bar president and now as executive director.

The future of your State Bar depends on lawyers who are willing to contribute their time, talents, and perspectives. If you’re looking for a way to get involved, consider this your invitation. Explore a section, apply for a committee, volunteer in your local bar, or learn more about statewide leadership opportunities.

There is a place for you in the State Bar of Texas. The path to leadership begins with a decision to step forward, get involved, and serve.

Sincerely,

TREY APFFEL
Executive Director, State Bar of Texas
Editor in Chief, Texas Bar Journal