Established in 1882, the State Bar of Texas is an administrative agency of the Texas Supreme Court charged with managing procedures for grievance, administering a mandatory continuing legal education program, and providing general education programs for both the legal profession and the public. Membership in the State Bar of Texas is required in order to practice law in the state. In addition to helping the state's supreme court oversee all licensed Texas lawyers, the State Bar of Texas also offers community services and legal information to the public.