The purpose of the Bench Bar Liaison Committee is to pursue projects of mutual advantage to the bar and the bench; to render assistance to the appellate judges and the appellate courts with regard to public information, CLE, and training; and to create an environment of a respectful, but friendly, camaraderie between the appellate bench and the appellate bar. The committee has completed a number of projects, including updating the 2005 Handbook to the Texas Appellate Courts, providing appellate speakers for the annual judicial conference, and hosting a reception for the appellate judiciary. This year, the Committee will: (1) begin interviewing justices and staff members of the intermediate courts of appeals about issues of interest to appellate practitioners, ; (2) monitor developments in the 2007 legislative session as they relate to the judiciary, including the issues of judicial selection and appellate court funding; and; (3) work in conjunction with the CLE committee to encourage open forums where judges and attorneys can frankly discuss issues related to the processing and presentation of appeals.

Volunteers welcome: Having recently completed a number of projects that do not need to be repeated annually, the Committee is looking for fresh ideas and projects and would welcome all volunteers who have ideas for further projects and would like to assist in pursuing those projects.