Electronic ballots will be distributed Friday, April 26; voting will close Friday, May 17.
Austin Bar Foundation Now Accepting Grant Applications
The Austin Bar Foundation is now accepting applications for grants from Central Texas nonprofits and public interest organizations that provide DEI-related services. Applications are due by May 1 at 4 p.m. The form may be accessed here and mailed or delivered by hand to 712 W. 16th St, Austin, TX, 78701. Proposed projects should provide DEI-related services that: Funding may be provided …
21st Annual Austin Bar Foundation Gala Raises Record $234,000
More than 500 guests attended the fairytale-themed Austin Bar Foundation Gala on Jan. 27, 2024, at the Four Seasons in downtown Austin. The $234,089 raised at this year’s Gala is the most ever. Members of the legal community arrived in their black-tie best, while others took advantage of the Gala’s theme, such as AYLA President Sarah Harp, who dressed in …
UT Law Researching How to Reduce Invalid Drug Patents
by Chris Roberts, The University of Texas School of Law How to improve the process of pharmaceutical patent approvals is the focus of a new study by a researcher at The University of Texas School of Law. The result could potentially save consumers billions of dollars and increase access to medications. As pharmaceutical costs rise, many consumers may find themselves …
Austin Bar Members Emerge Victorious in Toxic Mold Lawsuit as Plaintiff, Attorney
Austin Bar member Kristina Baehr and her family recently won a case arising out of toxic mold in their home. Baehr is a trial attorney and the founder of Just Well Law, PLLC, which specializes in representing people exposed to toxic environments. She founded her firm as a result of her experience living in a mold-infested home. Before that, she …
Austin Bar Judicial Preference Poll Results
In a private preference poll, members of the Austin Bar rated the candidates in Travis County’s three contested judicial elections. The three candidates for the 353rd Judicial District judgeship, the two candidates for Travis County District Attorney, and the three candidates for Justice of the Peace Precinct 5 will appear on the ballot in the March primary. The purpose of …
New Law Aims to Improve Access to AP Math Courses for Students of Color in Texas
In an effort to close the equity gap among students in Texas K-12 schools, a new law has been rolling out statewide since May of 2023 year that will help more Black and Latino students enroll in advanced-placement (AP) math classes. The “opt-in” law will automatically enroll high-testing students in advanced math classes, where they will have the opportunity to …
American Bar Association Launches Pilot Program to Help Afghan Legal Professionals
The American Bar Association (ABA) has launched a pilot program to help Afghan judges, lawyers, and prosecutors resume their careers in America after fleeing Afghanistan during or after the August 2021 withdrawal of U.S. troops and the Taliban’s return to power. The ABA Afghan Legal Professionals Scholarship & Mentoring Pilot Program has partnered with 18 law schools in the U.S. …
Decriminalizing Mental Health in Travis County: Part 7
This is the final installment in a series of articles about the Travis County Forensic Mental Health Project. In its Recommendation #3, The Travis County Forensic Mental Health Project compiled a list of what it termed “quick wins”—recommendations that can be implemented relatively quickly with low costs, one-time costs, or low ongoing costs.1 Quick Wins – Low/No Cost The first …
Introducing AYLA’s Freshquire Program – A Community for New Lawyers
The first years of legal practice can be intimidating and isolating, especially for lawyers in small/solo firms or offices without other young lawyers. Imposter syndrome is extremely common, and AYLA wants to do something to help! The Freshquire program was started thanks to a grant from the Texas Young Lawyers Association. The program provides a community for lawyers in their …