About the Criminal Justice Section
Message from the Chair
Dear Criminal Justice Section Members:
It is my distinct pleasure and honor to serve as your 2026–2027 Chair of the Criminal Justice Section Council.
The Criminal Justice Section is one of the few organizations in the state where judges, prosecutors, and defense attorneys sit at the same table as colleagues, working toward a common goal: promoting excellence in the practice of criminal law by embracing ethics, professionalism, education, and fellowship.
Our Leadership Council reflects that balance, drawing members from the Judiciary, the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, and the Texas District and County Attorneys Association.
If you’re already a member, thank you for being part of this community. If you haven’t taken full advantage of everything your membership includes, here’s a reminder of what’s available to you:
- Free and discounted in-person and virtual CLE throughout the year
- Scholarships for the TCDLA’s Annual Rusty Duncan Criminal Law Advanced Seminar, the TexasBarCLE Criminal Law Foundations and Advanced Criminal Law Seminar, and the TDCAA’s Annual Criminal and Civil Law Update
- CJS Survival Guides—practical, easy-reference guides
We’ll also continue our outreach, partnering with law schools and the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals to help build the pipeline for future criminal-law practitioners.
This Section runs on members who show up and get involved, and there’s always room for one more. We’re always looking for members willing to help lead the way, whether that’s presenting a CLE topic or sharing an idea for a future program.
Mark your calendar for a few upcoming events:
- State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting: June 17–18, 2027, Omni Fort Worth Hotel, Fort Worth, TX
- TexasBarCLE Criminal Law Foundations and Advanced Criminal Law Seminar: July 26–29, 2027, Westin Park Central, Dallas, TX
If you’re not yet a CJS member, I’d encourage you to join us through the Criminal Justice Section website or by joining through your SBOT member page.
Onward and upward. Let’s make a remarkable year.
Sincerely,
Stacey M. Soule
State Prosecuting Attorney
Chair, State Bar of Texas Criminal Justice Section