TCDLA MEMBER BENEFITS

Join today and become part of a long history of providing services and assistance in the great state of Texas, while accessing valuable resources, services, support, and discounts on seminars, travel, and technology.

Submit an application:
Online: tcdla.com/join Email: Membership Application to mduarte@tcdla.com
Call: (512) 478-2514
Fax: (512) 469-9107
Mail: Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association 6808 Hill Meadow Drive Austin, TX 78736

Networking:

  • Networking: opportunities with the best criminal defense lawyers in Texas.
  • Listserv: connecting our community on important issues.
  • Quarterly Member Socials: build connections and socialize.
  • Quarterly Board Meetings: get involved and contribute your ideas.
  • Members Trip: for both professional development and networking opportunities in a relaxed setting.

Advocacy:

TCDLA employs a team of lobbyists who represent the interests of citizens accused and of those who protect their rights before the Legislature. Having a voice in the legislature recently resulted in the Michael Morton Act. Our legislative team also keeps our members informed with updates and training sessions across the state. We are actively involved in legislative efforts to keep our members up to date.

  • Legislature lobbyists advocating on behalf of Members
  • Dedicated Legislative Listserv and email
  • Members Only Online Access to Legislative Resources
  • TCDLA Legislative Committee Proposal

Educational Opportunities

TCDLA Member CLE Discounts
Members receive significant discounts on CLE seminars. TCDLA hosts more than 60 seminars each year. We also welcome non-members, judges, and professionals in related fields, educating new lawyers and seasoned veterans alike. Visit our CLE/Events  page to register.
Free for Members:
  • Legislative Updates
  • New Lawyer Livestream Series
  • Mindful Mondays: Mental Health Sessions 
  • Financial Fridays (No CLE) 
  • Career Pathways
  • Roundtables 
  • Mentor/Mentee Program 
  • Office Hours
TCDLA DWI Seminars
Get the state’s best DWI training in these upcoming seminars and a $50 discount if you register for more than one TCDLA DWI seminar. Attend any five during a two-year period and receive a TCDLA DWI Attendance Certificate, with the option to buy the engraved statuette.

Scholarships
 The Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Educational Institute provides scholarships for seminar tuition to deserving attorneys actively engaged in the defense of criminal cases who can demonstrate financial need. Visit our scholarship page to learn more www.tcdla.com/TCDLA Scholarships .

Publications & Resources

TCDLA Publication Discounts
As a TCDLA member, you'll enjoy significant savings on our collection of publications. We provide a diverse variety of materials, including code books and legal guides, tailored for criminal defense practitioners. Check out our TCDLA Shop  for a full list of discounted resources available online.
Free for Members:
  • Mental Health Resources
  • State Motions USB for New Members
  • Court Cost Pamphlet
Resources
  • TCDLA App: includes criminal codes, statutes, and case law.
  • Voice for The Defense Magazine: the only statewide magazine written specifically for criminal defense lawyers.
  • Texas Accountability Database: tracks Texas peace officers and State witnesses, aiding members in identifying impeachable conduct and prior testimony, ensuring accountability across jurisdictions.
  • Significant Decisions Report: summary of state and federal case, emailed monthly
  • Video Library & Online Resources: a library including motions, transcripts, briefs, seminars, & more:
    • Brief Bank
    • Client Mental Health 
    • Corrections & Parole 
    • How to Videos 
    • Juvenile 
    • Memo Bank 
    • New Lawyers Resources 
    • TCDLA Grief Resources 
    • Transcripts Database 
    • Voir Dire Bank 
    • Veterans Assistance 
    • Wellness

Member Services:

  • Strike Force: team of specially trained lawyers is here to protect the defense function by assisting attorneys under attack for defending the citizen
  • TCDLA Ethics Hotline: the only anonymous ethics hotline, offers expert guidance on navigating ethical challenges in your legal practice
  • Amicus Curiae Brief Committee: provides support for significant cases in state and federal courts, aligning with its mission to uphold individual rights under the Texas and Federal Constitutions.
  • Member Directory Search: includes a searchable and regularly updated listing of current TCDLA member
  • Expert List: access to an extensive list of experts for all types of criminal cases, including investigation, mitigation and forensics specialists.;
  • Lawyer Locator an online directory that provides members the opportunity to inform others about their interests and focus of practice
  • Moot Court: the Amicus Committee introduces a free moot court program to enhance oral argument preparation for appearances before the Court of Criminal Appeals, ultimately benefiting both members and their clients.
  • Membership Certificates: display your TCDLA membership with pride
  • TCDLA Member Logo: camera-ready art of the TCDLA Logo is now available for use on business cards, websites, etc.

Member Discounts & Savings:

  • LawPay
  • Laurel, A Payment Solutions Program by Efficient Processing
  • CaseFleet
  • Colonial Life
  • Enterprise Car Rental
  • Lenovo
  • La Quinta Inn & Suites
  • Spurs Ticket Advantage Program