As summer has come to an end and people are returning to their regular routines and meetings, I’ve been asked a bunch of times, “Do you have a theme for your bar year?” If you read the Q&A in last month’s magazine, then you probably already know my theme, to the extent there is one, is “Connections and Stories”—to make the Austin Bar somewhere we can make new friends (connections!) and learn from colleagues (stories!).
I am particularly excited about the Pro Bono Committee’s plans to add several events that are aimed at having fun while doing good. This is in addition to continuing the family friendly Fall Festival on October 24. The festival has been a huge success the past two years and has raised money to support Voluteer Legal Services. Keep an eye out for fun nights out! And, if this sounds like a committee you’d like to support, be sure to join us by signing up through your member profile at austinbar.org.
You should have received an email from the bar recently asking you which committee you want to be part of. Committee service is the best and fastest way to become an integral part of your bar community. So, pick a committee (or two) and join us. Committees with a lot of action include: Gala, Law-Related Education in Schools, Mentorship, DEI Committee, Golf Tournament, and Bench Bar.
The other best way (yes, there can be two best ways, just like you can have two best friends, why not?) to get involved is to join a section that matches your practice or interest area. Most sections offer CLEs, happy hours, service projects, and other fun and rewarding activities.
Two years ago, President Mary-Ellen King focused her year on attorney mental health and wellness—always an important focus. I hope to continue that work by creating opportunities for attorneys to make more friends, help others, and become more confident in their careers. If you ever wonder if one of our bar events is something you can or should attend, know that the answer is an emphatic, “Yes!” The more you attend, the more you get from your membership. I’ve set a personal goal to meet at least 100 attorneys this year who I don’t already know. The only way that will work is if attorneys I don’t know show up to some bar events, so help me reach my goal!
Upcoming events I want to personally invite you to:
For members of the Civil Litigation section, come hear Judge Amy Clark Meachum and myself explain the new motion for summary judgment standing order and other changes to the dockets in Travis County on September 18;
The AYLA Judicial Reception on September 23 (austinbar.org/judicialreception). Remember, you don’t have to be “young” to join AYLA (they love sustaining members). If you are shy, find me, and I will personally introduce you to other judges and lawyers;
The September Fourth Friday CLE. The Austin Bar puts on a CLE every month that is free for members and is available to attend virtually.
For young litigators and law students, come watch any of our upcoming jury trials (we publish these in Austin Bar Code every week). If you watch in my courtroom and want to talk about what you see, I’d love to talk to you over a cup of coffee!
It’s a bit of a platitude to say that lawyers are storytellers, but that is because there is so much truth in the saying. And stories that move people are always going to be more effective. I believe reading builds empathy and understanding in ways nothing else can. My favorite kind of book is one that is weird and different.
Recently I finished Transcription by Ben Lerner. It is a really hard book to explain, and the plot isn’t really the point. It is a great book for lawyers especially because it is a study on what is the truth, did something happen if it wasn’t recorded, what is a confession, and what are the right consequences for dishonesty. And it’s really short—perfect for a busy lawyer! If you read, let’s talk about it over a coffee!
My other recent favorite is Whistler by Ann Patchett. This is an absolutely beautiful book about second chances and family.
And my “currently reading/on deck” selections include more books than I can realistically get through, including London Falling by Patrick Radden Keefe, Catch the Devil by Pamela Colloff (this one will be an Austin Bar bookclub book soon), and Doctor Sleep by Stephen King–a sequel to The Shining, I cannot even imagine what this is going to be! Happy reading, and I hope I see you at an Austin Bar event this month!
