Plano, Texas (October 28, 2025) - The Center for American and International Law (CAIL) has announced the election of two new trustees and the re-election of six incumbent trustees following its recent board meeting. Joining CAIL’s Board of Trustees are Stephen (Steve) Benesh, partner at Bracewell LLP in Austin, and Michelle Hartmann, partner at Baker & McKenzie LLP in Dallas. Both will serve three-year terms extending through 2028.
Benesh, a partner at Bracewell LLP and immediate past president of the State Bar of Texas, has more than three decades of experience in complex business litigation. He currently serves as Chair-Elect of the Board of Trustees of the Texas Bar Foundation. He has been repeatedly recognized by Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers, and the Austin Business Journal for excellence in commercial and construction litigation and remains active in civic leadership through Leadership Austin and Scouting America.
Hartmann, managing partner of Baker McKenzie’s Texas offices, co-chairs the firm’s North American Litigation Trial Team and represents clients nationwide in high-stakes commercial disputes. A former law clerk to Judges Carolyn Dineen King and Barbara M.G. Lynn, she is consistently recognized by Chambers USA, The Legal 500 USA, and Texas Super Lawyers for excellence in litigation and trade secrets law and serves on multiple nonprofit boards in the Dallas community.
“We are honored to welcome Steve and Michelle to the Board,” said T.L. Cubbage, President of CAIL. “Their professional expertise, commitment to service, and engagement in the broader legal community reflect the caliber of leadership that has guided CAIL since its founding.”
The Board also re-elected Kim J. Askew (DLA Piper LLP (US), Dallas), Ann J. Bruder (Dallas), Carlos M. Hernandez (Vero Beach, FL), David A. Keltner (Kelly Hart & Hallman LLP, Dallas), Kevin M. O’Gorman (Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP, Houston), and George Seay (Annandale Capital LLC, Dallas) to new terms ending in 2028. CAIL extended its appreciation to Leon Carter and Chip Babcock upon the conclusion of their terms.
To learn more about CAIL’s mission and programs, visit CAILAW.org or contact communications@cailaw.org or 972-244-3436.
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About The Center for American and International Law - Founded in 1947, The Center for American and International Law (CAIL) is a nonprofit institution based in Plano, Texas, dedicated to advancing justice and promoting the rule of law through the professional development of legal and law enforcement practitioners worldwide. Today, CAIL's educational institutes have established internationally recognized forums and programs addressing law enforcement administration, energy law, international and comparative law, transnational arbitration, law and technology, criminal justice, and other relevant topics. Visit www.cailaw.org to learn more.