News From Around the Bar • October 2026

Sylvia A. Cardona Elected 2026- 2027 Chair of the Texas Bar Foundation

Sylvia A. Cardona, a partner in Rosenthal Pauerstein Sandoloski Agather in San Antonio, has been elected 2026-2027 chair of the Texas Bar Foundation (TBF). Cardona took o?ce June 12, according to a press release. Cardona has a broad complex litigation practice representing companies and individuals in state court, federal court, and arbitration proceedings. Fluent in Spanish, Cardona also has experience in cross-border transactions and assisting non-U.S. persons and entities with their U.S.-based businesses. She handles all aspects of litigation and serves as lead counsel in high-stakes related disputes. In 2008, Cardona was elected as the first Latina president of the Texas Young Lawyers Association.

Founded in 1965 by attorneys committed to serving the public and advancing the legal profession, the TBF has remained steadfast in its mission to strengthen the justice system for all Texans through the philanthropic support of its fellows. Over the past six decades, the TBF has awarded more than $30 million in grants to nonprofit organizations across Texas, supporting programs that provide and expand critical legal services to underserved communities, including survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking, abused and neglected children, veterans and seniors, and others in need of legal assistance. These grants support a wide range of initiatives, including legal aid services, victim support programs, access to justice efforts, and projects that improve the administration and delivery of justice statewide. For more information about the TBF, go to txbf.org.

HOUSTON BAR FOUNDATION AWARDS $30,000 IN SCHOLARSHIPS TO HOUSTON LAW SCHOOLS
The Houston Bar Foundation (HBF) awarded $10,000 scholarship grants to each of Houston’s three law schools, South Texas College of Law Houston, Thurgood Marshall School of Law, and the University of Houston Law Center, to support law students who demonstrate financial need and a commitment to public interest law, public service, and pro bono work. The scholarship funding will be distributed during the 2026-2027 academic year and may be awarded to one or more students selected by the law school, according to a press release. “The Houston Bar Foundation is proud to invest in the next generation of lawyers who are committed to expanding access to justice,” HBF Chair Benny Agosto Jr. said in a press release. “These scholarships help support students whose dedication to serving others reflects the foundation’s mission and values.” Scholarship recipients will be selected by their respective law schools based on financial need and demonstrated interest in public interest law through academic achievement, volunteer activities, clinical programs, internships, or career goals. The grants are part of the HBF’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the legal profession and promote service to the community through charitable giving and educational support. For more information about the HBF, go to houbf.org.

MARCY HOGAN GREER RECEIVES 2026 CHIEF JUSTICE JACK POPE PROFESSIONALISM AWARD
Marcy Hogan Greer is the 2026 recipient of the Chief Justice Jack Pope Professionalism Award, which is presented annually by the Texas Center for Legal Ethics to an appellate attorney or appellate judge who epitomizes the highest standards of professionalism and integrity. The Pope Award is named for former Supreme Court of Texas Chief Justice Jack Pope, one of the Texas Center for Legal Ethics’ founders and the first recipient of the award in 2009. Greer received her award during the Texas Supreme Court Historical Society John Hemphill Dinner on September 10 in Austin. Greer, a partner in Alexander Dubose & Jefferson in Austin, is recognizedfor her work in federal and state trial and appellate courts throughout the country. “Chief Justice Jack Pope represented the highest ideals of the Texas legal profession: excellence, respect for others, and devotion to the rule of law,” former Supreme Court of Texas Chief Justice and 2014 Pope Award recipient Wallace B. Jefferson said in a press release. “Having spent much of my life observing lawyers and judges at their best, I have come to appreciate the qualities that distinguish the truly exceptional. Marcy Hogan Greer exemplifies those qualities. She combines exceptional advocacy with sound judgment, humility, and an unfailing respect for the legal system and everyone who participates in it. She has earned the admiration of lawyers and judges across the country not only because of her remarkable accomplishments, but because she conducts herself with grace, fairness, and unwavering integrity.” For more information about the Chief Justice Jack Pope Professionalism Award, go to legalethicstexas.com.

WILL AI SEND CLIENTS TO YOUR FIRM?
In a recent episode of the State Bar ofTexas Podcast, host Rocky Dhir welcomed marketing professionals Amanda Sexton and Zack McKamie to discuss effective marketing strategies for law firms. They talked about SEO tactics and what lawyers need to know about developing an advertising approach that makes sense for their individual law firm. Later, they discussed the ethics of lawyer marketing, AI considerations, social media use, and much more. Sexton, founder of FocusWorks Marketing based in Morristown, New Jersey, uses the power of digital marketing to grow brands and businesses. McKamie, vice president of marketing at Androvett based in Dallas,leads integrated marketing strategies for legal industry clients, professional services firms, and related businesses. Listen to the episode at texasbar.com/podcast. The State Bar of Texas Podcast is produced in association with the Legal Talk Network.