State Bar of Texas

State Bar of Texas Regulating the legal profession and advancing the quality of legal services in Texas since 1939.

The State Bar of Texas is dedicated to improving and advancing the quality of legal services to the public, protecting the public through the discipline system, and fostering integrity and ethical conduct in the legal profession. If you have information regarding attorney misconduct, please visit texasbar.com/grievanceinformation.

“With the U.S. Supreme Court’s framework governing juvenile punishment now largely settled, the central challenge for Te...
06/05/2026

“With the U.S. Supreme Court’s framework governing juvenile punishment now largely settled, the central challenge for Texas courts and practitioners is one of implementation. The task is not to revisit first principles but to apply them consistently and thoughtfully within a system in which early decisions shape all that follows.”

In the June issue of the Texas Bar Journal, Elizabeth A. Henneke, founder and chief executive officer of Lone Star Justice Alliance, and Nydia D. Thomas, director of training at Lone Star Justice Alliance, review the governing doctrine, the developmental science that informs it, and statewide Texas data on sentencing and parole outcomes for youth tried as adults.

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In the June issue of the Texas Bar Journal, Texas Young Lawyers Association President Alyson A. Martinez reflects on her...
06/03/2026

In the June issue of the Texas Bar Journal, Texas Young Lawyers Association President Alyson A. Martinez reflects on her year serving as president of TYLA.

“When I first got involved in TYLA, I didn’t know where it would lead. But
I trusted the process. I stayed open to what was in front of me. And all along, I
carried Güelita Tencha’s words with me. Por algo será.”

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Annual Meeting is almost here! 🗓 Our team is in full prep mode, putting the finishing touches on everything including as...
06/03/2026

Annual Meeting is almost here!

🗓 Our team is in full prep mode, putting the finishing touches on everything including assembling tote bags to help you get the most out of your onsite experience.

MCLE credit for Annual Meeting sessions will be self reported, so be sure to keep track of the sessions you attend along the way.

Have questions about MCLE credit, including out of state credit? The Annual Meeting digital programming guide has all the details in one convenient place.

When you arrive, stop by the registration desk to pick up your tote. We can’t wait to welcome you!

“I end my term feeling grateful for your service and hopeful that, withcontinued leadership from our profession, we can ...
06/02/2026

“I end my term feeling grateful for your service and hopeful that, with
continued leadership from our profession, we can reach the day when all Texans have access to the legal help they need.”

In the June issue of the Texas Bar Journal, State Bar President Santos Vargas reflects on the Texas legal community’s support of the “Stand With Santos” access to justice campaign over the past year.

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06/01/2026

In the June issue of the Texas Bar Journal, Executive Director Trey Apffel spotlights featured speakers and shares key details about the 2026 State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting.

“This year’s meeting will be a jam-packed two days where you can earn all the
CLE you need for the year from sessions in nearly every practice area. We’ve also got great featured speakers lined up for you.”

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Smokeball is a leading cloud-based legal practice management software whose all-in-one platform automatically records ti...
06/01/2026

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State Bar of Texas members receive a 10% discount on Smokeball.

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It was a meaningful May at the State Bar of Texas! From honoring leaders in the legal profession to supporting access to...
05/31/2026

It was a meaningful May at the State Bar of Texas! From honoring leaders in the legal profession to supporting access to justice and engaging with communities across the state, here are some highlights. ⚖️

May 7 – The Hispanic Lawyers Section and Texas Access to Justice Foundation hosted their annual Lawtería event, which brings the Texas legal community together for a law-themed twist on Lotería. This year, the event raised $60,000 for the “Stand With Santos” access to justice initiative.

Photo credit – Texas Access to Justice Foundation

May 8 – The State Bar of Texas recognized former Chief Justice Nathan Hecht and former Justice Jeff Boyd on the occasion of their recent retirements from the Supreme Court of Texas. Together, Chief Justice Hecht and Justice Boyd had nearly 50 years of combined service on the Supreme Court.

May 8 – State Bar President Santos Vargas and President-elect G. David Smith spoke to members of the Rockwall County Bar Association. The pair updated the Rockwall bar on the latest State Bar activities, programs, and member benefits.

Photo credit – G. David Smith

May 11 – The State Bar of Texas commemorated Law Day by honoring the winners of the 2026 Law Day Contest. The celebration featured remarks from Supreme Court of Texas Justice Evan Young, State Bar Executive Director Trey Apffel, and TYLA President Alyson Martinez and a tour of the Capitol complex.

May 15-16 – The Texas Young Lawyers Association Board of Directors held its quarterly meeting in Lake Conroe. During the meeting, the board welcomed Supreme Court of Texas Justice Brett Busby as its new Supreme Court liaison.

May 21 - The Texas Association of Civil Trial and Appellate Specialists (TACTAS) Judge of the Year Awards dinner brought together some of the legal community’s most respected leaders—complete with a memorable group photo featuring multiple State Bar presidents. The night celebrated Justice David Gunn and Judge Lauren Reeder.

*From left: 2025-2026 President-elect G. David Smith, 2025-2026 President Santos Vargas, 2019-2020 President Randy Sorrels, 2022-2023 President Laura Gibson, 1995-1996 President David Beck, 2024-2025 President Steve Benesh.

Photo credit – Randy Sorrels

The Texas Bar Journal attended SXSW 2026 to cover law-related panels that were featured at the conference. Read highligh...
05/29/2026

The Texas Bar Journal attended SXSW 2026 to cover law-related panels that were featured at the conference. Read highlights from the sessions in the May issue.

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