Guidance on Creating a New Local Bar Association

If you’re interested in starting a new bar, the State Bar recommends filing with the Secretary of State as a 501(c)(6), which is a type of tax-exempt, nonprofit organization, specifically created for trade associations. The Secretary of State requires the organization to create a mission statement and bylaws to speed the filing process. Follow the links below for more information:

Texas Secretary of State 
Local Bar Bylaws Sample
Step-by-step advice on “How to Incorporate as a 501(c)(6)”

Please also visit TexasBarCLE for courses, course books, and articles on nonprofit governance.

If you start a bar, please annually submit your current president’s contact information via email to localbars@texasbar.com when a new president’s term begins.