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.

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.

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.

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.

The following are summaries of selected opinions issued by the Supreme Court of Texas. The summaries are overviews; please review the entire opinions.

The following is a summary of selected criminal opinions issued by the Third Court of Appeals from April 2025. The summary is an overview; please review the entire opinions. The subsequent history is current as of October 6, 2025.

October was filled with a lineup of fantastic AYLA gatherings.

David Chamberlain, Judy Kostura, and Richel “Rikky” Rivers have been named the Austin Bar’s 2026 Distinguished Lawyers. The Hon. Rudy Metayer has been named the recipient of the David H. Walter Community Excellence Award by the Austin Bar Association. The Austin Bar Foundation will also honor Travis County Court Administrator Warren Vavra, who will retire from the position soon after the new year, with the Legacy Award.

The AYLA Health & Wellness Committee is excited to announce that AYLA will be publishing its inaugural recipe book in 2026.

The Austin Bar Association’s Animal Law Section is organizing a holiday fundraiser and donation drive in support of Meals on Wheels Central Texas PALS (Pets Assisting the Lives of Seniors) Program.