2024

Thank you to everyone who donated and/or came out to support equal access to justice in Central Texas and lawyer well-being on Saturday, Oct. 26! We had two big events that day: One was the Pro Bono Fall Festival, held in conjunction with the Mother Attorney Mentors of Austin (MAMAs) to raise funds for Volunteer Legal Services (VLS) of Central

This is what I know: Depression lies. Depression will tell you that you aren’t successful, that you don’t deserve what you have. That you aren’t a good partner, parent, child, or friend. Depression holds you hostage. It isolates you and warps your reality. It distances you from those who love you and whispers words of shame, doubt, and derision. It

The following are summaries of selected opinions issued by the Texas Supreme Court in September 2024. These summaries are prepared by court staff as a courtesy and are not a substitute for the actual opinions. The summaries are overviews of the opinions; please review the entire opinions. ADMINISTRATIVE LAW: Administrative Procedure Act  Tex. Dep’t of State Health Servs. v. Kensington

Judge Julie Kocurek of the 390th District Court has been named the 2024 recipient of the William H. Rehnquist Award for Judicial Excellence. The award is given by the National Center for State Courts (NCSC) and is one of the country’s highest judicial honors.  The recipient is decided by the Governance and Nominations Committee of NCSC’s board of directors, which

Hi, I’m Carly, and by the grace of a Power much smarter than me, I have been in a 12-step recovery program since April 30, 2011. I have never publicly disclosed my sobriety despite it being a part of my life about which I am most proud, most protective, and for which I am most profoundly grateful. Yet, I have

Kudos Congratulations to the following, who were among those named by Texas Lawyer as “Lawyer of the Year” in their respective practice fields in and around Austin: Thomas K. Anson Energy Regulatory Law Tom Anson practices state and federal energy and utility law at Clark Hill. He assists companies and governmental bodies on regulatory, transactional, and litigation matters involving electricity

The legal profession is often associated with prestige, financial success, and intellectual rigor. However, behind the veneer of professional accomplishment, many lawyers grapple with intense pressures, burnout, and stress throughout their careers. When they retire, these challenges often don’t disappear. In fact, for many, retirement can exacerbate underlying mental health and substance abuse issues, leading to a crisis that demands

At the AYLA board retreat in early August, AYLA President Emily Morris expressed that one of her goals this year is inclusion and prioritizing CLEs for AYLA members. With that end goal in mind, AYLA is intentionally recruiting young lawyers interested in speaking on their area of expertise on our panels and as CLE presenters.  Including young lawyers in presentations

The Austin Young Lawyers Association (AYLA) held its annual Evening with the Judiciary at Chateau Bellevue on Thursday, Sept. 26. For more than 20 years, this reception has been a signature event where AYLA members have the opportunity to share an evening of food and conversation with local, state, and federal judges.  We also thank our generous and loyal sponsors

The following are summaries of selected civil opinions issued by the Fifth Circuit in September 2024. The summaries are overviews of particular aspects of the opinions; please review the entire opinions. ADMINISTRATIVE LAW: Department of Labor’s minimum salary requirement did not exceed its delegated power to interpret the Fair Labor Standards Act’s “White Collar Exemption.” Mayfield v. United States Department