SCOTUS Calls a Halt to ‘War’ Against Texas Bar Mandatory Dues

The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday denied review of a petition brought by three Texas lawyers who argued that the State Bar of Texas was violating the First Amendment by imposing membership and dues on lawyers who object to certain bar policies or activities.

“We are pleased the Court continues to recognize the longstanding precedent that supports the mandatory bar structure,” Texas bar president Sylvia Borunda Firth said in a statement Monday morning. “Thirty other states and the District of Columbia use a mandatory bar structure because it is a proven, effective way to regulate the legal profession and improve the quality of legal services provided to the public. The State Bar of Texas will continue to serve Texas lawyers and the public in fulfilment of its statutory and constitutional obligations.”