June 2025

Kurt Metscher is a 36-year-old family law attorney in Austin. His addiction challenges started in high school, first with marijuana, then amphetamines. After an incident in college, he entered treatment. Initially planning to return to his addiction once his probation was over, he gradually found himself enjoying the sober way of life. He wants people, particularly law firms and partners,

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.

There’s a great song by Wilco called “Love is Everywhere.” “Love, love is everywhere; If, if you want it there.” Whenever I hear it, I find myself doing a gratitude list and thinking about all the people and things in my life that bring me joy, and all the ever-present worries just fade away.

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.

What a year it has been for young lawyers in Austin! I am honored and proud to have led such a dynamic board of attorneys who are committed to justice through service and making the process fun. When looking back at the year’s accomplishments, I am stunned at how much AYLA has been able to achieve.

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 Federal Civil Update covers United States Trinity Energy Services, L.L.C. v. Southeast Directional Drilling, L.L.C., Way v. City of Missouri City, and Villarreal v. City of Laredo.

This month the Third Court of Appeals Civil Update covers In re Bradfield Heiser, In re Andrews, Stone v. Stone, and B.C. v. Tex. Dep’t of Fam. & Prot. Servs.

This month the Third Court of Appeals Criminal Update covers Caballero v. State and Ramirez-Torres v. State.