State Bar of Texas

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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 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 highlights from the sessions in the May issue.

A link to the article is in the comments

“It is said a closing argument can win or lose a case. What if it wins the case but costs you the appeal? How far is too far?”

In the May issue of the Texas Bar Journal, Elizabeth Cantu, a co-founding member of Ramon Worthington Cantu, discusses whether closing arguments can go too far while examining In re Space Exploration Technologies Corp.

A link to the article is in the comments

We’re excited to announce our keynote speakers for the 2026 State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting!

🌟-> Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock - Supreme Court of Texas
🌟-> Hon. Evan A. Young – Justice, Supreme Court of Texas
🌟-> Hon. Jeffery S. Sutton – Chief Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit
🌟-> Damien Riehl – Solutions Champion, Clio

Register for the 2026 State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting to see all the keynote speakers! https://www.texasbar.com/Content/NavigationMenu/Events/AnnualMeeting/AnnualMeetingHome/default.htm

A Closer Look at the Succession Planning Toolkit [VIDEO] Steve Bolden (Chair of the State Bar of Texas Law Practice Management Committee) highlights the Succession Planning Toolkit and the importance of succession planning for young and older attorneys.

June 2026 TBJ cover reveal! This issue focuses on children and juveniles, from youth being tried as adults in Texas after Miller to navigating the complex role of a court-appointed legal representative. Plus—seven SEO and AI optimization tips for law firms. Look for the online edition at texasbar.com/tbj on June 1.

“Protecting client information is no longer just a technical exercise. It is a core professional responsibility, and one of the clearest ways the modern practice of law is being reshaped in real time.”

In the Legal Tech column in the May issue of the Texas Bar Journal, Majo Castro discusses how cybersecurity is now a core part of legal counsel itself.

A link to the article is in the comments

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The State Bar of Texas will be closed on Monday, May 25, in observance of Memorial Day. We will reopen on Tuesday, May 26.