Disability Issues Committee
The Committee studies the concerns of Texas lawyers with disabilities, as well as clients and members of the public, and make recommendations to the State Bar Board of Directors concerning ways in which the role of people with disabilities in Texas can be enhanced by improvement in programs and initiatives sponsored by the State Bar.
Diversity in the Profession Committee
The Committee's purpose is to examine the historical and current status of minorities in the profession and to make recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding how the bar can take action to enhance employment and economic opportunities for minorities in the profession and to increase involvement by minorities in the bar.
Asian Pacific Interest Section
To advocate the common professional interests of lawyers of Asian-Pacific Islander heritage in Texas and those lawyers having an interest in the affairs of the Asian community and the law of countries on the Pacific Rim. In addition, the Section seeks to utilize the legal skills of its members to promote Asian interests and concerns in both public and private forums throughout the State of Texas. The Section strives to address Texas Asian legal concerns in order to heighten public awareness of how such legal issues can affect every facet of life in Texas. Formed in 1995, the Asian Pacific Interest Section (APIS) of the State Bar of Texas was created to be a statewide umbrella organization to promote the common professional interests of lawyers of and interested in Asian-Pacific American heritage, community and culture in Texas.
African American Lawyers Section
Founded in 1992, the AALS advocates for the common professional interests of African-American lawyers, and the community provides professional networking and community service opportunities and promotes increased diversity within the legal profession.
Women in the Profession Committee
The Committee's purpose is to assess the status of women in the legal profession; to identify barriers that prevent women lawyers from full participation in the work, responsibilities, and rewards of the profession; to develop educational programs and materials to address discrimination against women lawyers; and to make recommendations to the State Bar Board of Directors for action to address problems identified by the committee.
LGBT Law Section
The Section's mission is to: promote the study of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and HIV law; study and report on laws, decisions, and government regulations as they affect the rights, responsibilities, and the needs of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and/or transgender people, as well as persons who are living with HIV; provide a common meeting ground and forum for lawyers, judges, and law students interested in the legal problems of people who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender persons, as well as people who are living with HIV; and take action regarding these matters, subject to these bylaws and the laws, rules, and regulations of the State of Texas.
Native American Law Section
The Native American Law Section of the State Bar of Texas was organized for the purpose of advocating the common professional interests of Native American lawyers and of all Texas lawyers having an interest in or practice that includes American Indian law. Membership in the section is open to all persons with an interest in Native American law in Texas, regardless of heritage or profession.
Women and the Law Section
The Section's mission is to (a) encourage and facilitate the active and effective participation of women - both in the legal profession and in the community - and (B) to address women's current needs and the issues affecting them.
Hispanic Issues Section
The purpose of the Hispanic Issues Section is to study and report on laws, judicial decisions and governmental regulations as they may affect the particular needs of the Hispanic community of Texas, to provide a common meeting ground and forum for members of the profession for consideration of special issues with respect to the recognition and enjoyment of constitutional rights of the Hispanic Community, both individually and collectively, and to take such action with respect thereto, all subject to our Bylaws and the laws, rules and regulations of the State Bar of Texas.
Diversity Resources
The State Bar of Texas believes we must play a critical role in helping lawyers and law firms achieve opportunities for women and minority attorneys in our state.
By promoting education and programs to our base of more than 96,912 attorney members — as well as supporting their own law firm initiatives — we hope to help create a more diverse profession for everyone.
Office of Minority Affairs
The State Bar's commitment toward creating a fair and equal legal profession for minority, women, and LGBT attorneys includes many initiatives with support from our Office of Minority Affairs.