Apply to AYLA/Austin Bar Leadership Academy

Applications are now open for the Austin Young Lawyers Association/Austin Bar Association’s Leadership Academy!

This long-running program was established in 2010 by Austin Bar Past President David Courreges and current Third Court of Appeals Justice Karin Crump. The program assists Austin-area lawyers in making a difference in the community, serving the Bar, and promoting professional development.

Each Leadership Academy class is tasked with completing a group service project that benefits the Austin community. The class will work together to plan and execute an event, fundraiser, or any other project they wish. Past examples of class projects include the first class’s project called Law Prom, which raised funds for Texas RioGrande Legal Aid. The 2022 class’s project raised funds to renovate the victim-witness room at the Gardner-Betts Juvenile Justice Center.

The program will start in January 2027 with an orientation. There will be a monthly meeting from February through May, with a happy hour following the conclusion of the May meeting. Finally, in June, the 2027 Leadership Academy Class will conclude with the realization of the class project.

If you are interested in applying to the 2027 Leadership Academy, please visit austinbar.org/leadershipacademy. The application deadline is Nov. 20, 2026.