The LGBTQ+ Law Section is now accepting applications for the ninth-annual LGBTQ+ Scholarship cycle. A total of $20,000 will be awarded in scholarships ranging from $2,500 to $5,000, based on the strength of the applications.

The Austin Bar Foundation hosted a ribbon-cutting event celebrating the opening of the Austin Bar’s onsite conference space on April 16 at Hilgers House. The Jim & Patty Arnold Conference Room has been a goal since the Bar moved into Hilgers House in 2019. Formerly the garage of the Loewy Family Carriage House, the space has been completely transformed into a sleek conference space that can accommodate up to 30 people.

The Austin Bar is proud to announce we have been honored by the state bar’s Stars of Texas Bars Awards! Austin Lawyer was named Best Overall Newsletter in Division III. This is the second year in a row that we’ve received this honor.

AYLA’s Freshquires program hosted its annual Judicial Wine Tasting event on April 24, 2025. Members of the local judiciary, including Justice Karin Crump, Judge Elisabeth Earle, Judge Mark Lane, Judge Maya Guerra Gamble, Judge Alicia Key, and Judge Sherine Thomas, met with the Freshquires to share their wisdom and favorite wines. Be on the lookout for future Freshquires events, which are tailored for first- to third-year attorneys. 

The Leadership Academy Class of 2025 reached its goal of raising over $30,000 more than any other class in the history of the Leadership Academy. 

This month the Texas Supreme Court Update covers Ferchichi v. Whataburger Rests. LLC and Haven at Thorpe Lane, PLLC v. Pate.

Austin Bar/AYLA member Armin Salek has been elected president-elect of the Texas Young Lawyers Association (TYLA).

Founded in 1981 by members of the Austin Bar, Volunteer Legal Services was built on the fundamental belief that poverty should not be a barrier to justice. The prohibitive cost of legal services often leaves individuals unable to access professional assistance for critical civil matters, such as divorces, child custody disputes, landlord-tenant issues, domestic violence situations, and more.

In the next episode of the Council of Firsts, Amanda Arriaga, first Latina president of the Austin Bar talks to Sandra Avila Ramirez, the First Latina judge of the 98th Civil District Court.

In the next episode of the Council of Firsts, Amanda Arriaga, first Latina president of the Austin Bar, talks to Pete Gallego, retired U.S. congressman and Texas representative for District 23.