Judges of the State of Texas:

It is my pleasure to serve as chair of the Judicial Section this year. It is really a great job given the quality and energy of the Board of Directors and the Committee chairs and members.

This is a legislative year, and your section is working hard through its Legislative Committee, chaired by Judge Alfonso Charles, to monitor those bills that would impact the judiciary. The Legislative Committee has four subcommittees:

*Civil Justice - Chaired by Justice Brett Busby
*Criminal Justice - Chaired by Judge Jean Hughes
*Juvenile Justice Chaired by Judge Gene Calvert
*Family Law - Chaired by Judge Tim Womack

The work of the section is not limited to monitoring the Legislature. Our Judicial Ethics Committee, chaired by Justice Lee Gabriel, is constantly updating the resources available for resolving the issues you confront daily. This committee has outlined an ambitious long‑term program designed to upgrade your resources so that they are accessible, current, and relevant.

Judge Jennifer Rymel, our chair‑elect also oversees our Communications Task Force and the Membership Committee. In addition to working on maintaining our membership, her committee is reviewing membership services with goal of better services for our section.

If you have questions or concerns about pending legislation, ethical questions, or a suggestion about services the section should offer, I encourage you contact the appropriate committee.

Hon. Kerry L. Russell, Chair 
Judicial Section of the State Bar of Texas