Texas Lawyers' Insurance Exchange enthusiastically congratulates James E. Brill, a Member of the Board of Directors of TLIE, upon being named a co-recipient of the prestigious 1999 Professionalism Award bestowed by the College of the State Bar of Texas. This award is based on acts of professionalism tending to elevate the prestige of the profession or the promotion of ethics, furthering the continuing education of fellow lawyers, furthering the goals of the College, and serving as an incentive to others. Dallas attorney James H. Holmes, III was the other co-recipient of this award, which originated in 1993. The award recipients were honored at the annual meeting in Austin on February 5.

The Houston Bar Association nominated Mr. Brill, a solo practitioner. Calling him a "champion of professionalism," Houston Bar Association President Andrew S. Hanen stated in the nomination letter: "Jimmy Brill has made outstanding contributions to professionalism throughout his long legal career. He has developed mentor programs at the state and local level, and he has devoted countless hours to mentoring young and less experienced attorneys. His contributions in the field of law practice management have made him a nationally recognized expert, particularly in the area of solo and small office management and efficiency. . . [H]e is the founder of Houston's 'Solos Supporting Solos' group . . . He literally 'wrote the book' on the Texas Probate System and continues to update that publication of the Sate Bar."

Mr. Brill received a $2,500 grant in addition to the plaque commemorating this award of distinction. He has designated the University of Texas School of Law, his alma mater, as the recipient of this grant. In his civil law practice, Mr. Brill engages in probate, estate planning, real estate, corporation, and business law. In June of 1999, he was elected to the TLIE Board of Directors.