DECEMBER 2025
Celebrating Industry Leaders, Sharing Educational Insights & Looking Ahead to Upcoming Events
Security Insights: Microsoft Teams Is the New Phishing Playground
Genady Vishnevetsky | December 2025
Microsoft Teams is designed to help us collaborate, but what happens when attackers use it to bypass traditional phishing defenses? In this latest Security Insights, Genady Vishnevetsky, Chief Information Security Officer at Stewart Title Guaranty Company, explains how a new Teams feature is being exploited and what title professionals should watch for.
Read more »
Thank You for an Outstanding Texas Land Title Institute
Save the Date: TLTI 2026 | December 2-4, 2026
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the
Texas Land Title Institute, TLTA’s premier education program for real estate attorneys, agency owners, and experienced title professionals.
This year’s success would not have been possible without the leadership and dedication of Institute Chair Roland Love, CTIP, Co-Chair Leslie S. Johnson, CTIP, and the entire Institute Committee. Their thoughtful planning and commitment to excellence ensured a program that addressed today’s most pressing legal and industry issues while providing attendees with actionable guidance they can put to work immediately.
View photos from the event here.
Missed TLTI or Want to Revisit the Content?
An On-Demand version of the Texas Land Title Institute will be available in the coming weeks, with access to key sessions and takeaways on your schedule. Register now and we’ll send viewing instructions the moment the content goes live.
Members looking for year-round access to TLTI materials and proven institutional knowledge can turn to the
TLTA Legal Library. This comprehensive, searchable archive preserves decades of Institute papers and legal and industry guidance in one centralized, convenient resource—available for only $89 per year.
Start your subscription today »
Save the Date: TLTI 2026
We’re now looking ahead to 2026, and we hope you’ll make plans to join us next December in San Antonio. Our Texas Land Title Institute will be held
December 3–4, 2026 with our Commitment to Closing Pre-Institute Program scheduled for Wednesday,
December 2, 2026.
A special thank you to this year's Institute sponsors for making our programs possible!
Title Tip: When an Owner Dies Intestate: What Title Needs to Know
Matt Proffitt, CTIP, Christie Larson, Jay Beitel, and Angelia Williams | TLTA Education Committee Members
We’re back with another Title Tip, our monthly video series offering quick, complimentary education from experienced title professionals across Texas. This month's installment tackles a topic that often raises complex questions and potential risk: handling title when a property owner dies without a will.
The discussion focuses on how Texas intestacy laws and community property rules determine the path of title and why these distinctions matter early in the file. Key takeaways include:
- Why identifying whether the property is separate or community is the first critical step
- How heirs are determined under Texas intestacy laws, including common complications involving blended families or unknown heirs
- Why the date of death is especially important, and how those rules affect surviving spouses and children
- When an affidavit of heirship may be appropriate, and the limitations title must consider
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Watch this month’s Title Tip video here and stay tuned for more insights in our next installment.
Looking to revisit our past installments of the Title Tips Series?
Visit the Title Tips Section in TLTA's
Online Learning Center here.
This information is being provided by TLTA for educational and reference purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial or business advice from or on behalf of TLTA. Users should consult their own legal counsel and subject-matter experts to ensure that any policies adopted or actions taken meet the requirements unique to their company.
Title Insurance Leader and Past TLTA President Patti Bonner Retiring at Year’s End
As Patti Bonner, Senior Vice President and Western States District Manager at Stewart, prepares to retire on December 31, 2025, TLTA is proud to recognize her extraordinary career and more than 40 years of service to both the title insurance industry and this association.
Patti has been a deeply engaged and influential leader within TLTA. She served on the TLTA Board of Directors from 2012–2016 and was TLTA President in 2015–2016, becoming the association’s 101st president. Throughout her career, she has been a highly active volunteer, currently serving on the Legislative Committee, PAC Fundraising Committee, TLTAPAC Board of Trustees, and Regulatory Committee, with past involvement including the Education, Certification, and Land Title School Committees. Her service to the industry was recognized early when she received TLTA’s 1998 Outstanding Young Title Person Award.
As she enters this next chapter, please join us in celebrating Patti’s many contributions and congratulating her on a well-earned retirement. Read more about Patti’s career and legacy in
Stewart’s full retirement announcement here.
FNF Announces Paul Pruitt as Vice President - Texas Underwriting Counsel
December 1, 2025
Fidelity National Financial is thrilled to announce the appointment of Paul Pruitt as their new Vice President - Texas Underwriting Counsel.
Read FNF's Press Release here »
Celebrating 100 Years of Neel Title Company
TLTA congratulates Neel Title Corporation on the occasion of its 100th anniversary, marking a century of service to South Texas and the title insurance industry.
Founded in 1925 when George E. Neel, Sr. purchased the Henry Abstract Company in Laredo, Neel Title has grown alongside the communities it serves while remaining family-owned across multiple generations.
Reaching a 100-year milestone is a testament not only to longevity, but to adaptability, institutional knowledge, and sustained commitment to the title profession. TLTA is pleased to recognize Neel Title Corporation for its contributions to the industry and congratulates the Neel family and their team on this notable achievement.
ICYMI: Registration Now Open for the 2026 Land Title School
March 2–4, 2026 | DoubleTree by Hilton | Austin
Whether you’re sharpening your skills or preparing for professional certification, the Land Title School of Texas offers a one-of-a-kind, hands-on learning experience for title professionals ready to grow.
Offered just once a year and only in person, this program features fresh content, practical workshops, and interactive sessions designed to help you tackle real-world challenges with confidence.
If you’ve got 3–5 years of experience in the title industry, this program is your next step. It’s an opportunity to expand your expertise, connect with peers, and prepare for TLTA’s professional certification program.
Register now to secure your seat »
Interested in sponsoring this year's Land Title School of Texas?
Contact
Josh Meeks to learn more about the unique partnership opportunities available.
Happy Holidays From Your Team at TLTA
The happiest of holidays to you and yours from your team at TLTA. We look forward to seeing you in the new year!
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