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2026 Advanced Leadership Institute

April 14-15, 2026
SMU Cox School of Business | Dallas, Texas

REGISTRATION OPENS JANUARY 2026
8-12 CLE Credit Hours Pending

What You Never Learned in Law School

Navigate today’s complex legal landscape with confidence. The Texas General Counsel Forum’s Leadership Institute equips you with the vision, understanding, clarity and agility to lead your legal team to success.

The Texas General Counsel Forum Leadership Institute is a transformative experience designed to elevate in-house legal leaders. Led by renowned faculty from SMU Cox School of Business, this intensive program combines academic rigor with practical insights. Participants gain a deep understanding of business strategy, financial acumen and leadership best practices, empowering them to drive organizational success.

2026 Pricing

Early Bird Forum Member Price
$1,400per person
  • Before March 10, 2026
Forum Member Price
$1,600per person
  • After March 10, 2026
Non-Member Price
$2,000per person
  • Become a Forum Member & Save

2026 Program Benefits

  • 8-12 CLE credit hours (PENDING)
  • All study & classroom materials
  • Certificate of completion
  • Lunch, dinner, continental breakfast & refreshments
  • Attendee directory

Importance of Leadership

Legal leaders are called to manage and lead beyond what they know. This is why the Texas General Counsel Forum’s Leadership Institute was created in 2006 to provide the tools and skills to excel in these unique leadership roles. Partnering with the SMU Cox School of Business, the Leadership Institute provides real world scenarios to prepare you to be a stronger leader in your in-house role.

"The Institute greatly enhanced my in-house business effectiveness. The small, interactive classes, taught by top-notch MBA faculty, helped me focus on legal issues through both a business and leadership lens."

Chris Willis
Chief People & Administrative Officer at PrimeSource Building Products
Leadership Institute Alumnus

Noteworthy Alumni Companies

  • 7-Eleven, Inc.

  • Austin Industries

  • AT&T Inc.

  • Baylor Scott & White Health

  • Ben E. Keith

  • Celanese

  • CenterPoint Energy

  • Chevron Phillips Chemical Co.

  • Children’s Health System of Texas

  • CITGO Petroleum Corporation

  • Comerica Bank

  • Cook Children’s Health Care System

  • Dell Technologies

  • FedEx Office & Print Services, Inc.

  • GM Financial

  • Goldman Sachs

  • Interstate Batteries

  • JCPenney

  • Kimberly-Clark

  • Lennox International

  • LyondellBasell

  • Mattress Firm, Inc.

  • North Texas Tollway Authority

  • NTA Life

  • ORIX Corporation USA

  • Orthofix Medical Inc.

  • PepsiCo, Inc.

  • Rent-A-Center, Inc.

  • Ryan, LLC

  • Southwest Airlines Co.

  • Texas Instruments Inc.

  • The Weir Group PLC

  • Topgolf

  • Trinity Industries, Inc.

  • Varsity Brands, LLC

  • Vistra Energy

Hotel Accommodations

The following hotels offer discounted rates to individuals attending SMU and/or Cox events. Please inquire about SMU rates, availability, and transportation options with the appropriate reservations desk.

The Beeman Hotel

Address: 6070 N US 75-Central Expy 1000
Dallas, TX 75206

Phone: (214) 750-6060

The Lumen Hotel

Address: 6101 Hillcrest Ave
Dallas, TX 75205

Phone: (214) 219-2400

The Highland Dallas, Curio Collection by Hilton

Address: 5300 E Mockingbird Ln
Dallas, TX 75206

Phone: (214) 520-7969

Cancellation Policy

All payments are non-refundable. Fees must be paid in full to reserve a place in the Leadership Institute. If you cannot attend, you may send a substitute or attend a future Leadership Institute. In the event the Texas General Counsel Forum has to cancel or postpone the Leadership Institute your payment will be fully refunded.

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