The State Bar of Texas Board of Directors held its quarterly meeting September 30 in McAllen. Highlights of the meeting appear below. You can watch video of the meeting at youtube.com/statebaroftexas and read the agenda and meeting materials at texasbar.com/bodmaterials.
2023 President-elect Election Update
The board voted to approve Jerry Alexander, of Dallas, and Steve Benesh, of Austin, as candidates for 2023-2024 State Bar president-elect. Alexander and Benesh will appear on the ballot in April 2023 along with any certified petition candidates. Presently there are no additional president-elect candidates, although members have until March 1 to submit their nominating petitions to the State Bar for certification. For information on how to run for president-elect, go here.
The board’s Nominations and Elections Subcommittee recommended Alexander and Benesh after considering candidates from any county in the state, in compliance with State Bar rules. Click the names below to read the nominees’ interest letters and resumes as submitted to the subcommittee.
Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
In recognition of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in September, President Laura Gibson highlighted the State Bar’s attorney well-being resources, including the Texas Lawyers’ Assistance Program, or TLAP, which provides confidential assistance to lawyers, judges, and law students with substance use and other mental health issues. TLAP and TexasBarCLE are currently offering a free, one-hour CLE titled “What Lawyers Need to Know about Depression and Suicide,” which is available online here.
DEI Committee Appointments
The board approved Gibson’s appointments to the new Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. The committee will identify opportunities within the State Bar to create an environment conducive to diversity, equity, and inclusion; assist in the creation of measurable goals; and periodically report on progress toward achieving the goals set by the board of directors, according to the resolution creating the committee.
New Directors
Two directors were sworn into terms on the board: U.S. Magistrate Judge Irma Carrillo Ramirez, of Dallas, federal judicial liaison to the board; and Christopher D. Pineda, of Brownsville, who fills an unexpired term as an at-large director.
Recognitions
Gibson honored McAllen criminal defense attorney Joseph A. Connors III for exceptional service to the legal profession and the Hidalgo County community. Executive Director Trey Apffel recognized Joanna Herzik, web content specialist, and Teri Rodriguez, webmaster, with the quarterly Staff Excellence Award.
Looking Ahead
The next State Bar board meeting is scheduled for January 27 in College Station. If you have comments for the board, please email them to boardofdirectors@texasbar.com. Click here to find your district directors.