Dear Members of the Corporate Counsel Section,

First and foremost, my heart goes out to those who are grieving from the tragedies associated with the flooding earlier this month. Our hearts are heavy and we mourn with you. Please find disaster relief resources on the State Bar of Texas website and remember to check for ongoing updates. My fellow Section leaders and I are actively evaluating options, and we invite all to likewise seek opportunities to serve those impacted by these tragedies.

Let me now turn to more mundane matters of Section business. As we embark on another exciting year, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for the opportunity to serve as Chair of the Corporate Counsel Section of the Texas State Bar. It is truly an honor to work alongside such a talented and dedicated group of professionals who continually strive to enhance the practice of in-house counsel and make meaningful contributions to the legal community.

This year, our Section remains committed to providing high-quality programming, resources, and networking opportunities to help our members navigate the complex and ever-evolving landscape of corporate law. Whether through continuing legal education (CLE) programs like our popular monthly Power Hour webinar or our in-person In-House 101 and Advanced Corporate Counsel CLE events, we strive to foster an environment where in-house counsel can connect, collaborate, and continue to learn from one another.

More than ever before, our Section is committed to supporting pro bono legal services. Since 1997, the Corporate Counsel Section has awarded over $1 million dollars in grants to pro bono legal service providers. These grants help expand access to justice across Texas while showcasing the leadership and generosity of in-house and outside counsel. No Section member dues are used for the funding of these pro bono grants. Instead, our Section relies on generous contributions from the Texas legal community to sustain this important initiative.

Finally, I want to extend my appreciation to all the volunteers, leaders, and supporters who help make the Corporate Counsel Section such a vibrant and dynamic part of the Texas State Bar. Your dedication and hard work make our Section stronger each year.

Thank you for your continued involvement. I am excited to work together with you all for a successful and productive year ahead.