Leadership Academy 2025 Kicks Off

What an incredible start to Leadership Academy 2025! The #LeadershipAcademy2025 orientation on Jan. 10 was an inspiring kickoff to this year’s journey. The 2025 class heard numerous thought-provoking presentations from leaders in the Austin legal community.

AYLA Seeking Nominations For Awards

Each year we present three awards for outstanding community and professional service, and mentoring. Know a deserving person in the community who should be recognized? Nominate someone today for one of our three awards: Liberty Bell (awarded to a non-lawyer), Outstanding Young Lawyer, and AYLA Mentor. Nomination forms are due Friday, March 1, and can be found online at AYLA.org.

Pena Returns to Ireland with Legal Delegation

Our legal delegation, which was comprised of lawyers and guests mainly from Texas, went to Ireland as a legal delegation Sept. 17-27, 2024. Our goal was to delve into Ireland’s road to peace stemming from its Troubles; how the Rule of Law plays out in the country; and the importance music has played in the history of Ireland.

2025 Starts with New Judge Investitures

Below are the remarks of Austin Bar President Mary-Ellen King during the recent inverstiture ceremonies for the new Third Court of Appeals justices, Travis County criminal magistrates, and district court judges.

Q&A with Joel Bennett on Getting and Staying Sober

Joel Bennett is a highly respected attorney who has been a legal leader in the Austin area for more than 45 years. He has served as a lieutenant in the armed forces, worked for the Travis County Attorney, been honored by the State Bar of Texas, and been appointed and served as the first judge of the Travis County Adult Drug Court, where he presided over and saved thousands of lives.