The Austin chapters of American Inns of Court are accepting applications for the 2025-26 terms. The American Inns of Court are designed to improve the skills, professionalism, and ethics of the bench and bar.
Richard Pena Honored for His Military Service
Former Austin Bar President Richard Pena was honored for his military service in Vietnam by a Texas veterans program.
The Texoma Hero Program is a joint project of U.S. Army veteran Billy Teague and HOT 107.3 FM in Sherman, Texas. The program has recognized local and regional veterans for their service since 2015.
An Ode to Quiet Activism
Mr. Rogers once said, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’” In these uncertain times that quote rings true more than ever.
Revolutionizing School Safety at SXSW
SXSW is a week-long conference and festival held in Austin each year that celebrates the convergence of film, music, tech, education, and culture. Because Hollywood A-listers tend to be the focus of the news during SXSW, I was surprised, and excited, to be invited to a technology school-safety exhibition.
A Few Tips I’ve Learned as AYLA President
Being a Taurus, spring has always been my favorite season. As I write this column, the wildflowers are out in full force with bluebonnets leading the charge. It is a season of renewal, growth, and a push to finish projects that need to wrap before summer sets in. AYLA has enjoyed a busy spring full of inspiring CLEs, service projects, and community.
The Healing Power of Sound Baths: A Guide for Attorneys
The term woo-woo is defined as “dubiously or outlandishly mystical, supernatural, or unscientific” and while I like good supernatural fiction, I stick to science and facts otherwise. So, it was with bit of skepticism that I followed fellow committee member Corrine Smith’s suggestion for a wellness event: sound bath.
How I Stay Sober as a Lawyer in Recovery
From Guest Columnist Kurt Metscher: When I got sober on July 26, 2010, I had no intention of staying sober, or even of living past the age of 25. At the time, I was 22 years old, homeless, and very much lost in the chaos of addiction. My story isn’t unique. Millions of people are suffering from substance use disorder in our country right now, and many of them are also practicing law.
Introducing the AYLA “Picklepalooza” – A Day of Fun for the Whole Family!
Please join us on Saturday, May 10 at Austin Pickle Ranch for Austin Bar Association and AYLA’s Leadership Academy PICKLEPALOOZA—An All-Ages PickleballTournament Fundraiser Benefiting CASA of Travis County The Austin Bar and AYLA’s Leadership Academy is thrilled to invite you to Picklepalooza, a fun and competitive pickleball tournament in support of Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) of Travis County, on Saturday, May 10, 2025, from 4-7 p.m. at Austin Pickle Ranch – Braker …
The Robert Roberson Case: A Struggle for Justice and the Role of the Texas Attorney General’s Office and Legislature
The death penalty case of Robert Roberson has captivated attention across the nation, not just for the tragic death of his daughter, Nikki, but for the layers of injustice that have been revealed through the legal process and the evolving understanding of medical science. Roberson’s conviction in 2002 was based on the now-discredited medical theory of “Shaken Baby Syndrome” (SBS). …
Recent Austin Bar Systems Improvements
The Austin Bar recently unveiled several systems improvements to give our members more value. The Austin Bar now features a self-service classified ads platform. Do you have office space to lease? Post a classified ad at austinbarclassifieds.com. This simple but powerful website allows you to create an account in the process of creating a classified ad, pay for that ad, …