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CHILD 
PROTECTION
LAW
SECTION

The purpose of the Child Protection Law Section is to promote the objectives of the State Bar of Texas by improving the practice of Child Protection Law and by educating Texas attorneys who practice in this area.

PRACTICE AREAS

ANNUAL EVENTS

CHILD PROTECTION
LAW 101

Georgetown- March 6, 2025​

8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

3 Hours CLE (1 Hour Ethics)

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Sheraton Austin Georgetown Hotel & Conference Center

1101 Woodlawn Ave

Georgetown, TX 78628

(737) 444-2700

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Register: Login to TexasBarCLE 

ADVANCED CHILD PROTECTION LAW COURSE 2025

Georgetown- March 6-7, 2025​

Thursday, 1:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.

11.25 Hours CLE (1.75 Ethics)

​​​

Sheraton Austin Georgetown Hotel & Conference Center

1101 Woodlawn Ave

Georgetown, TX 78628

(737) 444-2700

​

Register: Login to TexasBarCLE

SBOT Annual Meeting: CPLS CLE 2025

San Antonio - June 19, 2025 

9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

1 Hour CLE (0.5 Ethics)

JW Marriott Hill Country
23808 Resort Pkwy
San Antonio, TX   78261
(210) 276-2500

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Register: Login to State Bar of Texas

CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT WORKSHOP 2025

San Antonio - Aug 6, 2025
8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

6.5 Hours (1.25 Ethics)

Marriott Rivercenter 
101 Bowie
San Antonio, TX   78205
(210) 223-1000

​

Register: Login to TexasBarCLE

OUR VISION

OUR MISSION

The Child Protection Law Section's mission is to ensure the safety, well-being, and permanency of children in Texas by fostering excellence in legal advocacy. We strive to:

  • Enhance the knowledge and skills of attorneys representing children, parents, and governmental entities;

  • Promote the highest standards of legal practice in cases involving possession, conservatorship, termination of parental rights, foster care placement, and adoption;

  • Support ongoing education, training, and professional development for child welfare attorneys; and

  • Collaborate with the judiciary, legislature, and other stakeholders to continually improve the child protection system.

We commit to upholding the integrity and compassion necessary to advocate effectively for the most vulnerable members of our society.

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Welcome Letter from the Chair 
Texas Child Protection Law Section 

​

Dear Colleagues, 

It is with great honor and deep commitment that I step into the role of Chair of the Texas Child Protection Law Section. I am inspired every day by the dedication of attorneys like you who work tirelessly to protect Texas’s most vulnerable children, support families, and uphold the integrity of our justice system. 

​

The mission of our Section is simple but powerful: to elevate the practice of child protection law, provide vital resources and education, and foster a strong, supportive community of practitioners who share a passion for advocacy and justice. Whether you are representing children, parents, the state, or working behind the scenes in policy or academia, your work is crucial—and we want you to be part of this growing, vibrant Section. 

​

This is a pivotal time in our field. Child protection law continues to evolve rapidly, demanding attorneys who are not only knowledgeable but also connected, informed, and empowered. As a member of our Section, you will gain access to a network of professionals who understand the challenges you face, along with opportunities for continuing legal education, legislative updates, and meaningful dialogue on emerging issues. 

​

Most importantly, you will be part of something bigger than any one case or courtroom: a collective force working to shape the future of child welfare in Texas. Together, we can advocate for better outcomes, share innovations in practice, and support one another through the complex and emotionally demanding work we do. 

​

If you are already a member, thank you for your continued involvement and leadership. If you are not yet a member, I invite you to join us—bring your experience, your voice, and your heart. We need you. 

Let’s stand together to protect children, strengthen families, and build a community of legal professionals committed to justice and compassion. 

​

With gratitude and resolve, 


Hon. Aurora Martinez Jones 
Chair, Child Protection Law Section 
State Bar of Texas 

ATTORNEYS

OUR COUNCIL

Officers
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JUDGE AURORA 
MARTINEZ JONES 
(Austin)

CHAIR

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MICHAEL HULL (Houston)

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YOLANDA CORTES-MARES
(Temple)

CHAIR-ELECT

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JUDGE ANGELA GRAVES-HARRINGTON
(Houston)

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KELLIE PRICE
(San Antonio)

VICE CHAIR

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JUDGE BILL HARRIS 
(Paris)

TREASURER

SECRETARY

IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR

Council Members: Term Ends 2026
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AMANDA LOCKHART
(Bryan)

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JUDGE ROBIN SAGE
(Longview)

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JUDGE CHERYLL MABRAY
(Llano)

Council Members: Term Ends 2027
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RICHARD DECK
(El Paso)

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DYLAN MOENCH
(Austin)

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MICHELE SURRATT
(Lubbock)

Council Members: Term Ends 2028
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EMILY MILLER
(Brownwood)

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JOSE ROCHA
(San Antonio)

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PATRICIA COOKE
(Burleson)

CONTACT
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