See the results of the 2026 Judicial Preference Poll.
Where Your Money Goes When You Donate to the Austin Bar Foundation
Funds raised through this year’s Gala will go toward funding the Austin Bar Foundation’s various charitable programs and projects. We want to highlight several individuals who graciously allowed us to interview them to see how the work of the Austin Bar Foundation has impacted their lives.
Third Court of Appeals Celebrates Service Milestones
As the Third Court of Appeals closed in on year-end and Thanksgiving, it had a time of celebration for those employees who have served the court loyally and faithfully for many years. The court began the Day of Celebration of Public Service in 2024 to celebrate employees who have been with the court for five, 10, 15, 20, and, for some, even 25 years.
AYLA Member Spotlight: Toni Rask
AYLA recently sat down with member Toni Rask to get to know her better. This is another installment in AYLA’s ongoing Member Spotlight series.
Call for Nominations for the Austin Bar Board of Directors
If you are interested in running for a position as a director or officer of the Austin Bar Association, please fill out an application by Feb. 27.
Alvarez, Howard, Taylor Sworn in as Magistrates to Travis County Criminal District Courts
The following are remarks from the investiture ceremony for Travis County’s new magistrate judges: Adam Alvarez, Naomi Howard, and Jesse Taylor. The ceremony was held Nov. 19 at the Thurman-Blackwell Criminal Justice Center.
Goal Setting for Lawyers: A Useful Framework for Sustainable Success
Three years and 2,000 miles apart, we each reached the same crossroads. Both of us worked as public defenders—Mindy in California, Lindsay in Colorado—where success was measured in jury verdicts, motion wins, and sheer survival in a relentless, high-stakes system.
VLS Recognizes Outstanding Attorneys with Annual Pro Bono Award Ceremony
On October 23, Volunteer Legal Services of Central Texas gathered to celebrate the power of pro bono at the Judge Suzanne Covington Pro Bono Service Awards Ceremony. The event recognized law firms and attorneys for their investment of time, legal expertise, and philanthropic resources to increase access to justice. This award ceremony is named after the Honorable Suzanne Covington, who began her judicial career in 1990. Judge Covington served in the 201st District Court in Austin for 15 years.
Hilgers Haunted Nights a Spooky Success
On October 24th and 25th, Austin lawyers experienced a new kind of Halloween fun—an immersive, theatrical tour through the haunted halls of Hilgers House. With nearly 200 LED candles lighting the way, guests were ushered through the three floors of Hilgers House as they met magical residents from the house’s 125-year history.
Texas Supreme Court Update December 2025/January 2026
The following are summaries of selected opinions issued by the Supreme Court of Texas. The summaries are overviews; please review the entire opinions.