State Bar of Texas

The State Bar of Texas will be closed on Thursday, July 4 and Friday, July 5, in observance of Independence Day. We will reopen on Monday, July 8.

“This year, TYLA is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of lawyers, supporting our current legal professionals in their daily practice, and wholeheartedly engaging with our communities.” In the July/August issue of the Texas Bar Journal, Texas Young Lawyers Association President Hisham Masri discusses TYLA’s signature project this year—which includes creating a comprehensive website for future and current law students on all the facets of entering and succeeding in law school. Read the TYLA President’s Page here: https://lnkd.in/gizq-ejr #LegalReads #UncommonLeaders

A Big Freebie for Lonestar Lawyers! In partnership with the State Bar of Texas, Smokeball is offering their trust and accounting software free-of-charge to Texas attorneys. This special membership perk was a long time in the making and unveiled at the recent State Bar annual meeting in Dallas. In this podcast episode... I interviewed Jane Oxley, the Chief Revenue Officer and co-founder of Smokeball - Legal Software. She shares details about the features, functions, and future plans for this free offering. Tune in and hear where you can access this resource {link to audio 🎧 below}. https://lnkd.in/g6JD9ipC

“I decided to run for State Bar president because I wanted to do all I could to keep our legal profession in Texas—buffeted by the high-pressure demands of our calling and the erosion of civil discourse in our society and among lawyers—in one piece.” In the July/August issue of the Texas Bar Journal, State Bar President Steve Benesh discusses why he decided to run for State Bar president and the initiatives he plans on pursuing during his term. Read the President’s Page,” Keeping Our Noble Profession ‘In One Piece,’” here: https://lnkd.in/ghxTrc_z #LegalReads

“Even as the State Bar of Texas looks to the future by studying AI and other innovations in the law, it recognizes the value in connecting to and studying our past.” In the July/August issue of the Texas Bar Journal, Executive Director Trey Apffel discusses the importance of preserving the State Bar’s past as the focus remains on shaping a better future for Texas lawyers and the clients they serve. Read the Executive Director’s Page here: tinyurl.com/edjulyaug24 #LegalReads

As a new benefits partner of the State Bar of Texas, TPx offers tailored IT and cybersecurity services to protect your law firm from threats and support your compliance needs, including PCI DSS, HIPAA, FTC Safeguards, TDPSA, Texas Cybersecurity Framework & more. https://lnkd.in/gG8pnJdg #MemberBenefitMonday #Ad #Sponsored

“While each is effective on its own, SEO and social media are significantly more capable of yielding digital success when used together in a coordinated manner dictated by a comprehensive digital marketing strategy . . .” In the June issue of the Texas Bar Journal, Stacey E. Burke discusses how a solid strategy combining the use of social media and SEO can lend to a law firm’s credibility and trustworthiness. Read the Solo/Small Firm column here: https://lnkd.in/gcAZF4Jq #SocialMedia #SEO #LegalReads

🏆 Congratulations to Director Robert Tobey on receiving the Outstanding Third Year Director Award and to Director Forrest Huddleston for receiving the Public Member Award! 2023-2024 State Bar Board Chair Kennon Wooten presented these awards during the June 19 board meeting. Wooten said this about Director Tobey: “This director puts the needs of the organization he serves above any desire for personal gain. He leads artfully and efficiently, and always gives people the space they need to contribute to conversations.” Wooten said this about Director Huddleston: “As chair of the Audit & Finance Committee, this director explained audit, finance, and budget concepts in simple terms that everyone could understand, which maximized committee and board members’ understanding of the materials presented and created a welcoming environment for questions and feedback.” Thank you for your service to the State Bar of Texas, Director Tobey and Director Huddleston! #sbotboard24

In the June issue of the Texas Bar Journal, Associate Editor Eric Quitugua tells the story of McLennan County Assistant District Attorney Chris Spendlove’s first year of practice. Read “Chris Spendlove’s Rookie Year” here: tinyurl.com/tbjspendlove #LegalReads #NewTXLawyer

July/August 2024 TBJ cover reveal! This issue features a cover story on 2024-2025 State Bar President Steve Benesh and annual reports from State Bar sections and committees. Look for the online edition at texasbar.com/tbj on July 1.