Executive Director's Page

The Key to Lawyer Self-Regulation? Your Vote

Did you know that among professionals in Texas, only lawyers govern themselves?

It’s true. As members of the State Bar of Texas, we have the right to vote on the people who represent us, the rules that regulate us, and the dues we pay for the right and privilege to practice law. Doctors and dentists don’t have that right. Neither do architects or accountants. Just lawyers.

Our system of self-governance gives us tremendous power and responsibility. But it only works if we exercise our right to vote.

From February 2 to March 4, 2021, members of the State Bar of Texas will be asked to vote on eight proposed amendments to the rules that govern the practice of law and the disciplinary system for lawyers in Texas.

Chances are you have already heard or read about these proposals. Each was drafted and recommended by the Committee on Disciplinary Rules and Referenda and approved by the State Bar of Texas Board of Directors.

Each proposal appeared in the Texas Bar Journal and Texas Register and was subject to at least one public hearing. During this process, the rules committee received hundreds of public comments and made many amendments in response. The process was transparent and encouraged participation by all members of the bar. As a result, these proposals have been well vetted.

You can learn more about the proposals at texasbar.com/rulesvote and in this issue and the February issue of the Texas Bar Journal.

If you have questions after reviewing the proposals, please send an email to rulesvote@texasbar.com. You can also take part in one of our upcoming public forums at 1 p.m. CST on January 5, January 14, January 26, or February 9. Register at texasbar.com/rulesvote.

Remember, being a member of the State Bar of Texas means you have the power to decide the rules that regulate how you practice. Don’t let others decide this for you. Please exercise your right to vote.

Sincerely,

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

Trey Apffel can be reached at 512-427-1500, trey.apffel@texasbar.com or @ApffelT on Twitter.

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