Announcing the Slate of Nominees for the AYLA Board of Directors 2026-27

The following candidates are running for the AYLA officers and directors positions.

The new board will take office on July 1, 2026.

Electronic ballots will be sent to members on Monday, April 13, and will close on Friday, May 1 at 4 p.m.

The following officer positions are unopposed:

AYLA President-Elect – Lena Proft

I’ve been involved in AYLA since 2018. During that time, I’ve served as the Government Liaison, a Director, co-founded the Health and Wellness Committee, and I currently serve as Treasurer. I look forward to continuing my service to AYLA and the bar next year by serving as President-Elect. 

AYLA Treasurer – Ben Evans

I am a partner at Cain & Skarnulis, where my practice focuses on resolving complex commercial disputes. I’m currently serving as secretary on AYLA’s board, a co-chairman for AYLA’s Freshquires Program, and a committee member for AYLA’s Judicial Reception event.

AYLA Secretary – Jasleen Shokar

I practice civil litigation at Burns, Anderson, Jury & Brenner. I’ve served as director since 2024. I was part of the 2024 Leadership Academy, have chaired the Judicial Reception Committee for two years, and co-chair the Leadership Academy Committee. I’m involved in fundraising efforts for many AYLA events.

Current President-Elect Gracie Wood Shepherd assume the office of president on July 1.

I have been on AYLA’s board since 2021, and have served as secretary, treasurer, and president-elect.

Directors – 4 Spots open

Jamie Giron

I am an avid runner, doodle mom, and a product liability defense attorney at Bowman and Brooke. I’m originally from the Rio Grande Valley and have been practicing law for seven years now. I attended college at UT in Austin and completed law school in Michigan.

Alexis “Lexi” Gonzales

I’m an assistant district attorney at the Travis County District Attorney’s Office with prior experience as a senior legislative staffer at the Texas State Capitol. I’m passionate about public service and strengthening connection and collaboration across the Austin legal community.

Jennifer Goss

I am an attorney at Hardie Alcozer in Austin, and I am eager to re-engage with AYLA after having my daughter this past year. I greatly valued the AYLA Leadership Academy in 2024, and I look forward to contributing more actively, building more connections, and supporting the local bar community.

Michelle King

I’m a native Austinite and Texas Tech Law graduate. I’m an attorney at McCreary Veselka Bragg and Allen and practice in the firm’s appraisal district litigation team. I currently serve on the executive committee of the AYLA Board of Directors. I graduated from the 2022 Leadership Academy class.

Alexandra “Za” Leissner

I’m a native Austinite and 2024 law school graduate who hopes to serve as a director of Austin Young Lawyers Association. AYLA has played an important role in my journey as a young attorney. I’m committed to helping others find the same support and opportunities while building community and giving back.

Clare Mattione

I have loved planning local service events while on the Service Days Committee, especially organizing the warehouse for Safe Alliance. I am currently in the 2026 Leadership Academy class, where my involvement in the AYLA committees is helping me take a leading role in planning our group service project.

Emma Thomson

I’m running for director to continue the work I’ve been doing with AYLA for the past two years, which included serving as liaison to the Solo/Small Firm Section of the Austin Bar and programming for AYLA’s Freshquires committee, creating CLE and networking opportunities for new lawyers.