7 Crucial Updates From The Texas Center For Legal Ethics (TCLE) That Every Lawyer Needs To Know In 2025
The Texas Center for Legal Ethics (TCLE) stands at the forefront of professionalism and ethical conduct for the Lone Star State’s legal community. As of late 2025, the organization is navigating a significant "New Era of Lawyer Engagement," marked by new leadership, a focus on technology's impact, and critical updates to the rules governing attorney conduct.
This article provides an in-depth, up-to-the-minute look at the most important developments from the TCLE and its associated bodies, including crucial new ethics opinions and key personnel changes that directly affect how law is practiced in Texas today. The mission remains urgent: to promote the practice of law by Texas lawyers in an ethical and professional manner, upholding the values contained in the Texas Lawyers’ Creed.
Who Runs the TCLE? A Look at Leadership and Key Personnel
The Texas Center for Legal Ethics, an independent, non-profit corporation founded in 1989, is driven by a dedicated staff and a volunteer Board of Trustees.
TCLE Executive Staff and Leadership
- Executive Director: Brad Johnson. Mr. Johnson has taken the helm, bringing a wealth of experience, including previous service as In-House Legal Counsel and a focus on Disciplinary Rules and Ethics.
- Director, Compliance and Operations: Teresa Schedler.
- Content Management System/Database Specialist: Angie Olson.
2025 Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees provides strategic oversight and direction for the Center’s programs and initiatives. Key members for the 2025 term include:
- Chair: Patrice Childress
- Immediate Past Chair: Judge Audrey Moorehead
- Chair-Elect: Pablo Almaguer (who also serves as Director of Private Bar and Government Relations at Texas RioGrande Legal Aid)
- Secretary: Toni Kersey
- Treasurer: Vicki Blanton
- Other Trustees: Eric Bruntmyer, and a host of other distinguished Texas legal professionals.
The 7 Most Important Legal Ethics Updates for Texas Lawyers (2024-2025)
The TCLE is not just an educational resource; it is a vital hub for distributing and interpreting the latest ethical standards. The period from late 2024 through 2025 has seen a flurry of crucial updates, particularly concerning technology and professional conduct.
1. The Generative AI Ethics Opinion (Opinion 705)
One of the most talked-about developments is the release of Ethics Opinion 705 by the State Bar of Texas’s Professional Ethics Committee in February 2025. This opinion is a landmark for Texas lawyers, as it explores the ethical considerations of using generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) in legal practice.
The core message is that while AI tools can enhance efficiency, the lawyer maintains an absolute, non-delegable duty of competence and confidentiality. Using AI without proper safeguards—such as verifying the accuracy of AI-generated content (hallucinations) and ensuring client data remains confidential—can lead to disciplinary action. This opinion sets the standard for responsible AI adoption in Texas law firms.
2. New Ethics Opinions 707 and 708 Released
In June 2025, the TCLE announced the release of two additional critical opinions: New Ethics Opinion 707 and New Ethics Opinion 708. These opinions address specific, contemporary issues in legal practice, offering essential guidance on nuanced ethical dilemmas. While the full text of these opinions requires direct review, their release signals the Committee’s ongoing commitment to keeping the ethical rules current with the realities of modern practice.
3. The 2025 Chief Justice Jack Pope Professionalism Award Recipient
The TCLE annually presents the Chief Justice Jack Pope Professionalism Award to a lawyer or judge who exemplifies the highest standards of professionalism and integrity. This award is a cornerstone of the Center’s mission to promote the values of the Texas Lawyers’ Creed.
The recipient of the 2025 Chief Justice Jack Pope Professionalism Award was announced as Mike Hatchell. This recognition highlights Hatchell's distinguished career and his commitment to professional excellence, serving as an inspiration for the entire Texas legal community.
4. Texas Supreme Court Amendments to Disciplinary Rules
Effective October 1, 2024, the Texas Supreme Court adopted new amendments and professional conduct rules for lawyers. These changes represent an official, binding update to the framework that governs attorney behavior. Lawyers must carefully review these amendments to ensure their practices, from client communication to financial management, comply with the latest mandates.
5. Proposed Opinion 2025-3
The process of updating legal ethics is continuous and involves public participation. As of late 2025, the Professional Ethics Committee for the State Bar of Texas is accepting public comments on Proposed Opinion 2025-3. The public comment period is a vital mechanism that allows the broader legal community and interested parties to weigh in on proposed changes before they are finalized, ensuring that new rules are practical and fair.
6. TCLE’s Role in Continuing Legal Education (CLE)
The TCLE remains a primary provider of educational programs related to legal ethics and professionalism, often in collaboration with organizations like TexasBarCLE. Given the rapid pace of change—especially with AI and new Disciplinary Rules—CLE programs offered by the TCLE are more critical than ever for Texas lawyers to meet their mandatory ethics education requirements and stay current. The Center's monthly “Ethics” publication is another key resource for ongoing professional development.
7. Embracing a "New Era of Lawyer Engagement"
Under its new leadership, the TCLE is focused on a "New Era of Lawyer Engagement." This shift acknowledges that the challenges facing the legal profession—from technological disruption to the need for greater public trust—require a more proactive and engaged approach from attorneys. The Center is positioning itself to be the essential resource for lawyers navigating these modern complexities, ensuring that professional and ethical standards not only endure but evolve.
The Impact of the TCLE on Texas Legal Practice
The Texas Center for Legal Ethics serves as the state’s conscience for the legal profession. Its work—from publishing opinions that clarify the ethical use of Generative AI (Opinion 705) to honoring exemplary professionalism with the Jack Pope Award—directly impacts the integrity of Texas jurisprudence.
For every Texas attorney, the TCLE is an indispensable resource. Neglecting to stay current on the latest ethics opinions, such as the recently released Opinions 707 and 708, or the Supreme Court’s 2024 Disciplinary Rules amendments, can lead to serious professional consequences. As the legal landscape continues its rapid transformation, the TCLE’s mission to promote ethical conduct and professionalism ensures that the Texas Bar remains one of the most respected in the nation.
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