Current Bylaws
BY-LAWS
OF
COASTAL BEND WOMEN LAWYERS ASSOCIATION
Article I
Name
The name of the organization shall be Coastal Bend Women Lawyers Association (CBWLA) and it shall be a not for profit, unincorporated association.
Article II
Purpose
The purpose for which CBWLA is organized is to promote the common business interests, within the meaning of Section 501(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code and its underlying regulations, of women in the legal profession. In particular, the purpose of this organization shall:
2.1 provide a vehicle for women lawyers in the Coastal Bend area to become acquainted with one another, network, socialize and support each other professionally; and
2.2 provide continuing education of interest to the membership.
Article III
Membership
All dues-paying lawyers who are members in good standing with the State Bar of Texas are eligible for membership. Membership terms are from July 1 to June 30 of each year. Only members who have paid their dues are eligible to vote on items brought before the general membership.
3.1 The Board of Directors may establish any deadline for paying membership dues at the established amount before late fees are imposed. The Board of Directors may also allow for a pro-rated amount for attorneys licensed after July 1 or for new members who move to the Coastal Bend region after a substantial portion of the fiscal year has passed.
3.2 Any decision by the Board of Directors to assess late fees or grant a pro rata reduction must be made at a regular meeting of the board.
Article IV
Board of Directors
4.1 The Board of Directors shall consist of CBWLA members in good standing who have been duly elected by the general membership.
4.2 The Board shall consist of a president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, general board member and the immediate past president up to a maximum of 15 board members.
4.3 The Executive Board consists of the president, vice president, secretary and treasurer.
4.4 The Board shall hold monthly meetings except in extenuating circumstances. The meetings shall be called to order upon a quorum being present. Special meetings may be called by or at the request of the President.
4.5 The Board manages the affairs of CBWLA. All decisions will be by a majority vote of its Board, except in cases where the board determines that a vote of the general membership is required for a particular action or decision.
4.6 Generally, voting by the board shall be done in person at regularly scheduled meetings. However, at the discretion of the president, the CBWLA board shall be permitted to conduct votes via electronic mail. However, if a board member objects to voting by email on a particular issue, that member must object by email to the entire board. If there is no objection, the president is responsible for sending out the email and notifying the board of the deadline for voting. A majority of the board must respond for the email vote to count.
4.7 Attendance at monthly board meetings is required. A total of three (3) absences without good cause will be grounds for automatic removal from the board. Reasons for not attending a meeting shall be given to the President before the meeting when at all possible. Although removal after three meetings is automatic, the board has the discretion to waive the removal if the removed board member requests reinstatement before 30 days after automatic removal.
4.8 If a vacancy occurs during the tenure of an Officer or Director the procedure for filing that position is as follows:
(a) Officer – If a vacancy occurs from the executive board, then that position shall be filled from a member of the board of directors.
(b) Director – If a vacancy occurs on the board of directors, then that position shall be filled by an appointment made by a majority vote of the Board of Directors.
4.9 No Director shall be entitled to receive or accept compensation for any services she may render to the organization except to be reimbursed for any actual substantiated expenses incurred on behalf of the organization.
4.10 The Executive Board may authorize any officer or board member to bind the organization in contract, but no officer, board member, or other person may bind the organization in contract or pledge or any other way, unless so authorized by the Executive Board.
Article V
General Operations of CBWLA
5.1 Monthly meetings shall be held every month except July. Meetings shall be open to the general public. The cost of the meeting shall be publicized with the notice of the date and place of the meeting.
5.2 The president shall call the meeting to order, make announcements, update the membership on ongoing projects and upcoming events, and present any matter to the membership for voting. In the absence of the president, the vice president shall preside or another duly designated board member.
5.3 Monthly meetings may feature a speaker who will speak on any topic of relevance to the membership, with preference given to speakers whose topic will qualify for CLE credit for attendees.
5.4 Each year, CBWLA may raise funds to cover annual expenses such as the Spring luncheon, the Guardian Ad Litem seminar, travel expenses and gifts for speakers, and charitable efforts and contributions.
5.5 CBWLA may benefit one or more charity or community based organization each year.
Article VI
Duties of Executive Board
6.1 President:
Responsible for oversight of operations of the organization;
Calls meetings to order and makes announcements;
Presides over Executive Board meetings;
Performs committee work as necessary;
Advises the Executive Board of date, time and location of executive board meetings;
Prepares agenda for monthly executive board meetings to be circulated to Executive Board Members one week in advance of meetings;
Maintains a roster of Committee Chairs, committee members and contact information; obtains a monthly update of committee work from committee chairs;
To provide the deciding vote in case of tie.
6.2 Vice President:
Supports the President in all aspects and responsibilities;
Serves in the absence of the President;
Responsible for securing speakers for monthly meetings, and obtaining CLE certification for eligible meetings;
Responsible for annual membership survey;
Maintains a copy of the current membership roster (as does the Secretary);
Delivers a copy of current By-laws to incoming Executive Board members at their initial board meeting;
Maintains a roster of Committee chairs, committee members and contact information, and obtains a monthly update of committee work from committee chairs;
Performs committee work as necessary.
6.3 Secretary:
Maintains list of all current CBWLA members including addresses, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses;
Takes minutes at all meetings of the Executive Board noting decisions made and action taken; prepares written minutes for approval at the next Executive Board meeting;
Conveys a list of names, contact numbers and e-mail addresses of all Executive Board members to each board member;
To notify Board Member of her automatic removal within five (5) days of the 3rd missed meeting;
Advises membership of date, time and location of monthly meetings via fax or e-mail;
Performs committee work as necessary.
6.4 Treasurer:
Keeps the financial records of the organization and files necessary I.R.S. or state required reports and forms;
Receives mail at the CBWLA mailbox;
Collects money from fundraising, monthly meeting fees and annual dues;
Provides a financial status update at monthly executive board meetings;
Writes checks to pay for CBWLA expenses;
Performs committee work as necessary.
6.5 General Executive Board Members:
Attend and vote at monthly Executive Board meetings;
Serve as CBWLA public relations representatives in the Coastal Bend community;
Performs committee work as necessary.
6.6 Immediate Past President:
Has no responsibilities, but is invited to attend all Executive Board meetings and advise and vote with the board;
May perform committee work.
Article VII
Standing Committees
The following committees are created and shall be activated and charged with duties at the discretion of the Executive Board. Other committees or sub-committees may be formed as necessary.
a. Spring Luncheon Committee;
b. Social Committee;
c. Membership Directory Committee;
d. Guardian Ad Litem Seminar Committee.
Article VIII
Election of Executive Board
8.1 At the May meeting of the Executive Board, a slate of new board members and officers are nominated by the outgoing board;
8.2 The names of the nominees are posted throughout the month of May to the entire CBWLA membership;
8.3 At the June regular CBWLA meeting, the slate of new Executive Board members is voted upon by the general membership.
Article IX
Amendment of Bylaws:
Bylaws may be amended by a majority vote of the Executive Board; such amendments are subject to a ratification vote of the general membership.
Article X
Expenditures of CBWLA Funds
Any expenditure over $100.00 requires approval by the Executive Board.
Article XI
Fiscal Year
The fiscal year of CBWLA is from July 1 through June 30 of the following calendar year.
OF
COASTAL BEND WOMEN LAWYERS ASSOCIATION
Article I
Name
The name of the organization shall be Coastal Bend Women Lawyers Association (CBWLA) and it shall be a not for profit, unincorporated association.
Article II
Purpose
The purpose for which CBWLA is organized is to promote the common business interests, within the meaning of Section 501(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code and its underlying regulations, of women in the legal profession. In particular, the purpose of this organization shall:
2.1 provide a vehicle for women lawyers in the Coastal Bend area to become acquainted with one another, network, socialize and support each other professionally; and
2.2 provide continuing education of interest to the membership.
Article III
Membership
All dues-paying lawyers who are members in good standing with the State Bar of Texas are eligible for membership. Membership terms are from July 1 to June 30 of each year. Only members who have paid their dues are eligible to vote on items brought before the general membership.
3.1 The Board of Directors may establish any deadline for paying membership dues at the established amount before late fees are imposed. The Board of Directors may also allow for a pro-rated amount for attorneys licensed after July 1 or for new members who move to the Coastal Bend region after a substantial portion of the fiscal year has passed.
3.2 Any decision by the Board of Directors to assess late fees or grant a pro rata reduction must be made at a regular meeting of the board.
Article IV
Board of Directors
4.1 The Board of Directors shall consist of CBWLA members in good standing who have been duly elected by the general membership.
4.2 The Board shall consist of a president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, general board member and the immediate past president up to a maximum of 15 board members.
4.3 The Executive Board consists of the president, vice president, secretary and treasurer.
4.4 The Board shall hold monthly meetings except in extenuating circumstances. The meetings shall be called to order upon a quorum being present. Special meetings may be called by or at the request of the President.
4.5 The Board manages the affairs of CBWLA. All decisions will be by a majority vote of its Board, except in cases where the board determines that a vote of the general membership is required for a particular action or decision.
4.6 Generally, voting by the board shall be done in person at regularly scheduled meetings. However, at the discretion of the president, the CBWLA board shall be permitted to conduct votes via electronic mail. However, if a board member objects to voting by email on a particular issue, that member must object by email to the entire board. If there is no objection, the president is responsible for sending out the email and notifying the board of the deadline for voting. A majority of the board must respond for the email vote to count.
4.7 Attendance at monthly board meetings is required. A total of three (3) absences without good cause will be grounds for automatic removal from the board. Reasons for not attending a meeting shall be given to the President before the meeting when at all possible. Although removal after three meetings is automatic, the board has the discretion to waive the removal if the removed board member requests reinstatement before 30 days after automatic removal.
4.8 If a vacancy occurs during the tenure of an Officer or Director the procedure for filing that position is as follows:
(a) Officer – If a vacancy occurs from the executive board, then that position shall be filled from a member of the board of directors.
(b) Director – If a vacancy occurs on the board of directors, then that position shall be filled by an appointment made by a majority vote of the Board of Directors.
4.9 No Director shall be entitled to receive or accept compensation for any services she may render to the organization except to be reimbursed for any actual substantiated expenses incurred on behalf of the organization.
4.10 The Executive Board may authorize any officer or board member to bind the organization in contract, but no officer, board member, or other person may bind the organization in contract or pledge or any other way, unless so authorized by the Executive Board.
Article V
General Operations of CBWLA
5.1 Monthly meetings shall be held every month except July. Meetings shall be open to the general public. The cost of the meeting shall be publicized with the notice of the date and place of the meeting.
5.2 The president shall call the meeting to order, make announcements, update the membership on ongoing projects and upcoming events, and present any matter to the membership for voting. In the absence of the president, the vice president shall preside or another duly designated board member.
5.3 Monthly meetings may feature a speaker who will speak on any topic of relevance to the membership, with preference given to speakers whose topic will qualify for CLE credit for attendees.
5.4 Each year, CBWLA may raise funds to cover annual expenses such as the Spring luncheon, the Guardian Ad Litem seminar, travel expenses and gifts for speakers, and charitable efforts and contributions.
5.5 CBWLA may benefit one or more charity or community based organization each year.
Article VI
Duties of Executive Board
6.1 President:
Responsible for oversight of operations of the organization;
Calls meetings to order and makes announcements;
Presides over Executive Board meetings;
Performs committee work as necessary;
Advises the Executive Board of date, time and location of executive board meetings;
Prepares agenda for monthly executive board meetings to be circulated to Executive Board Members one week in advance of meetings;
Maintains a roster of Committee Chairs, committee members and contact information; obtains a monthly update of committee work from committee chairs;
To provide the deciding vote in case of tie.
6.2 Vice President:
Supports the President in all aspects and responsibilities;
Serves in the absence of the President;
Responsible for securing speakers for monthly meetings, and obtaining CLE certification for eligible meetings;
Responsible for annual membership survey;
Maintains a copy of the current membership roster (as does the Secretary);
Delivers a copy of current By-laws to incoming Executive Board members at their initial board meeting;
Maintains a roster of Committee chairs, committee members and contact information, and obtains a monthly update of committee work from committee chairs;
Performs committee work as necessary.
6.3 Secretary:
Maintains list of all current CBWLA members including addresses, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses;
Takes minutes at all meetings of the Executive Board noting decisions made and action taken; prepares written minutes for approval at the next Executive Board meeting;
Conveys a list of names, contact numbers and e-mail addresses of all Executive Board members to each board member;
To notify Board Member of her automatic removal within five (5) days of the 3rd missed meeting;
Advises membership of date, time and location of monthly meetings via fax or e-mail;
Performs committee work as necessary.
6.4 Treasurer:
Keeps the financial records of the organization and files necessary I.R.S. or state required reports and forms;
Receives mail at the CBWLA mailbox;
Collects money from fundraising, monthly meeting fees and annual dues;
Provides a financial status update at monthly executive board meetings;
Writes checks to pay for CBWLA expenses;
Performs committee work as necessary.
6.5 General Executive Board Members:
Attend and vote at monthly Executive Board meetings;
Serve as CBWLA public relations representatives in the Coastal Bend community;
Performs committee work as necessary.
6.6 Immediate Past President:
Has no responsibilities, but is invited to attend all Executive Board meetings and advise and vote with the board;
May perform committee work.
Article VII
Standing Committees
The following committees are created and shall be activated and charged with duties at the discretion of the Executive Board. Other committees or sub-committees may be formed as necessary.
a. Spring Luncheon Committee;
b. Social Committee;
c. Membership Directory Committee;
d. Guardian Ad Litem Seminar Committee.
Article VIII
Election of Executive Board
8.1 At the May meeting of the Executive Board, a slate of new board members and officers are nominated by the outgoing board;
8.2 The names of the nominees are posted throughout the month of May to the entire CBWLA membership;
8.3 At the June regular CBWLA meeting, the slate of new Executive Board members is voted upon by the general membership.
Article IX
Amendment of Bylaws:
Bylaws may be amended by a majority vote of the Executive Board; such amendments are subject to a ratification vote of the general membership.
Article X
Expenditures of CBWLA Funds
Any expenditure over $100.00 requires approval by the Executive Board.
Article XI
Fiscal Year
The fiscal year of CBWLA is from July 1 through June 30 of the following calendar year.