The Texas Access to Justice Commission with its co-sponsor, the State Bar of Texas, honored veterans throughout the state at the Champions of Justice Gala Benefiting Veterans on Tuesday in Austin. More than $455,050 was raised to help provide civil legal services to low-income Texas veterans. Proceeds are distributed by the Texas Access to Justice Foundation and dedicated to the provision of civil legal services for low-income Texas veterans. Read the news release.…

Texas attorneys elected Larry P. McDougal Sr. of Richmond as 2019-2020 president-elect of the State Bar of Texas. McDougal received 52 percent of the 24,252 votes cast during the month-long voting period that ended April 30. His opponent, Jeanne Cezanne “Cezy” Collins of El Paso, received 47 percent of the votes. In the Texas Young Lawyers Association election, Britney Harrison of Dallas was elected TYLA president-elect. Harrison received 59 percent of the 4,550 votes cast,…

Editor’s note: State Bar President Joe K. Longley sent the following message to members on Friday.  The State Bar of Texas Board of Directors held its quarterly meeting today in Georgetown. Highlights from the meeting are provided below. Proposed rules changes move forward The Committee on Disciplinary Rules and Referenda (CDRR) has recommended rule change proposals pursuant to Government Code section 81.0876. The proposals relate to the following: Rule 1.02 Scope and Objectives of Representation…

The State Bar of Texas Board of Directors will hold its quarterly meeting Friday, April 26 in Georgetown. The meeting will begin at 9 a.m. at the Georgetown Sheraton Hotel, 1101 Woodlawn Ave., San Gabriel Ballroom E. Members of the public are welcome to attend. Click here to view the meeting agenda and materials.…

A Texas attorney’s duty to maintain competence in the practice of law includes knowing about relevant technology, according to a new Texas Supreme Court order. The court, in Misc. Docket No. 19-9016, amended Paragraph 8 of the comment to Rule 1.01 of the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct, which deals with competent and diligent legal representation. Under the amended comment, maintaining proficiency and competence in the practice of law includes knowing “the benefits…

Governor Greg Abbott announced Thursday he has appointed former 14th Court of Appeals Justice Brett Busby to the Texas Supreme Court for a term set to expire on December 31, 2020. Busby’s appointment, which is subject to Senate confirmation, follows the retirement of Justice Phil Johnson in December. Read the governor’s announcement.…

The State Bar of Texas Board of Directors will hold its quarterly meeting Friday, January 18 in Austin. The meeting will begin at 9 a.m. at the Texas Law Center, 1414 Colorado St. Members of the public are welcome to attend. Click here to view the meeting agenda and materials.…