I am Nikki L. Chriesman-Green, and I am honored and privileged to serve as 2022-’23 Chair of the State Bar of Texas African American Lawyers Section.  Founded in 1992, the AALS advocates for the common professional interests of African-American lawyers, and the community provides professional networking and community service opportunities and promotes increased diversity within the legal profession.  

 

Through regional liaisons, an active committee structure, and the “Speaking Freely” monthly CLE series, the AALS engages its members through professional development, collaborative programming, and “Meet & Greet” networking events.  The AALS Leadership Institute For Texas (“LIFT”), the AALS Law School Committee (including the “Equal Writes” Law Student Writing Competition), and the AALS “Make Your Mark” Pipeline Project strive to mentor future members of the legal profession in the hopes of facilitating a more diverse legal pipeline.  Through its Voting Rights, Legislative, and Judiciary Committees, the AALS will also continue its tradition of advocacy and service to the profession – culminating in the 8th Annual AALS Summit in April 20223 and the AALS Annual Meeting during the State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting in Austin, Texas on June 22, 2023. 

 

These are critical times in our community and our nation – and AALS needs members committed to continued progress.  Accordingly, the “Join.Engage.Impact.” Membership Drive strives to double AALS’s membership by May 31, 2023.  To join today and become an AALS member in this cause, please go to www.africanamericanlawyerssection.com.  I look forward to serving as your Chair, and AALS looks forward to having you as a member during its 30th anniversary commemorative year.  

 

Nikki L. Chriesman-Green, 2022-’23 Chair, SBOT AALS