fall 2003 vol.9 no. 2                                                                                                                            Return to Contents
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NOTICE OF ELECTION FOR BYLAW AMENDMENT

CURRENT BYLAW
ARTICLE II
MEMBERSHIP
Section 1.
Classification of members

a. Active Membership – any person employed in the State of Texas, while not admitted to the practice of law in Texas, who has, through education, training, or experience, demonstrated knowledge of the legal system, legal principles and procedures, and who has satisfied at least one of the criteria for membership established by the Board of Directors of the Legal Assistants Division and set forth in the Standing Rules of the Division, is eligible to become an active member of the Division.
b. Associate Members – The Board of Directors of the Legal Assistants Division shall establish criteria for associate membership which shall be set forth in the Standing Rules of the Division. An associate member shall have all the privileges and prerogatives of an active member, except voting, holding office, or serving as the chair of any committee or subcommittee (Amended June 1986, June 1992)
c. Sustaining Members – The Board of Directors of the Legal Assistants Division shall establish criteria for sustaining membership which shall be set forth in the Standing Rules of the Division. Sustaining members shall not be entitled to vote, hold office, or serve on a committee. (Adopted June 1986, Amended June 1992)
d. Freelance Members – The Board of Directors of the Legal Assistants Division shall establish criteria for freelance membership shall be forth in the Standing Rules of the Division. A freelance member shall have all the privileges and prerogatives of an active member, except voting, holding office, or serving as the chair of any committee or subcommittee.
e. Student Members – The Board of Directors of the Legal Assistants Division shall establish criteria for student membership which shall be set forth in the Standing Rules of the Division. A student shall have all the privileges and prerogatives of an active member, except voting, holding office, or serving as the chair of any committee or subcommittee.

PROPOSED AMENDMENT
ARTICLE II
MEMBERSHIP
Section 1
f. Emeritus – The Board of Directors of the Legal Assistants Division shall establish criteria for Emeritus membership which shall be set forth in the Standing Rules of the Division. Emeritus members shall have all the privileges and prerogatives of an active member, except voting, holding office, or serving as the chair of any committee or subcommittee.
g. Subscribing – The Board of Directors of the Legal Assistants Division shall establish criteria for membership which shall be set forth in the Standing Rules of the Division. Subscribing members shall not be entitled to vote, hold office, or serve on a committee.

EXPLANATION FOR REVISION:
This revision is needed to create two new categories: the Emeritus category for those members who are retirees, and the Subscribing categories for individuals who are involved in the legal profession who would like to support the division, but do not fall into the other membership categories.

NOTICE OF ELECTION FOR BYLAW AMENDMENT

CURRENT BYLAW
ARTICLE III
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Section 9.
Board Vacancies

a. When a vacancy in the office of President occurs, the President Elect shall act as President until such time as the Board, by majority vote, shall elect a successor to serve the unexpired term of such President. Vacancies occurring in any other Board office shall be filled by a person appointed by the President with the approval of a majority vote of the Board.
b. In the event of a vacancy in the office of the President Elect, the duties of the office of President Elect shall be assumed by the parliamentarian, the Secretary, or the Treasurer, in the order named, until such time as the Board, by majority vote, shall select a successor to serve the unexpired term.
c. When a Director’s office becomes vacant the active membership of the District so affected shall be promptly notified of the same. Absent a Direct-Elect who shall immediately fill such office, the Board shall appoint, by majority vote, a replacement from among the active membership of the Division in the District wherein the vacancy occurred, who shall serve the remainder of the term of office in which the vacancy occurred.

PROPOSED AMENDMENT
ARTICLE III
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Section 9.
Board Vacancies

d. When a Director’s office becomes vacant due to the Director being elected as President-Elect, and the term has not been fulfilled, then a special election for a successor to that District shall be held to serve the unexpired term.

EXPLANATION FOR REVISION
This revision is needed to allow the District to vote on the replacement of the Director who has been elected as President-Elect. The bylaws currently state that the only way to fill the Director vacancy is by an appointment by the Board of Directors.

Texas Paralegal Journal © Copyright 2003 by the Legal Assistants Division, State Bar of Texas.

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