The 2021 rules vote ends March 4, and the State Bar of Texas has resources to help Texas lawyers cast an informed ballot. Free CLE Course The TexasBarCLE Online Classroom is offering the free course “Rules Vote Forum: Proposed Disciplinary Rule Amendments,” which is accredited for 1 hour of MCLE ethics credit. This course is for attorneys who couldn’t attend one of the live rules vote webinar forums. Register here.…

Editor’s note: The online forms hyperlinked in the blog post below were updated on February 25 to correct an error that was preventing our system from recording submitted comments and requests to speak to the task force. If you accessed those forms through this blog post before 12:30 p.m. February 25, we ask that you please resubmit your requests to speak and/or written comments to ensure they reach the task force. We apologize for the inconvenience.…

Update 2/24/2021: We received a report of another scam. A Texas attorney received an email from someone claiming they hacked the attorney’s computer, installed a virus, had access to the attorney’s computer activity, and threatened to publish it. The scammer demanded bitcoin in order to resolve it. The attorney said to the best of their knowledge their system has not been compromised, and all of the statements made by the sender are untrue. View the…

The State Bar of Texas, the American Bar Association, and legal aid providers across the state remind Texans that a toll-free legal assistance hotline is available to low-income individuals and families affected by the Texas winter storm that began February 11. The hotline—800-504-7030—is available in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese and connects low-income individuals affected by the disaster with local legal aid providers who can help with: Assistance securing government benefits as they are made available;…

Editor’s note: The following message was sent to all members on Friday, February 19. Dear Member, We know many of you have been dealing with extended power outages, water service disruptions, and other emergencies. This time of hardship is stressing our families and our livelihoods. Warmer temperatures are coming, but recovery from this hardship may persist for many weeks. Below are resources we hope can help in this time of need. Take Care of Yourselves…

Editor’s note: The Texas Board of Law Examiners, which administers the Texas bar exam, released the following update on February 17. As all of Texas continues to get through a serious and severe weather incident this week, the Board hopes that everyone is managing as best as possible under the circumstances. The Board understands that many applicants for the Texas Bar Exam have been without power or water, which has disrupted their bar exam studies…

Editor’s note: The following message was sent to all members on Friday, February 12. Dear Member, This message includes updated information related to the COVID-19 pandemic and other State Bar of Texas information. We hope this message finds you and your loved ones safe and healthy. Supreme Court of Texas Emergency Order The Texas Supreme Court issued its 35th Emergency Order of the pandemic on Thursday. The order extends until May 12 the force of…