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.
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.
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.
Third Court of Appeals Criminal Update
The following is a summary of a selected criminal opinion issued by the Third Court of Appeals from November 2024. The summary is an overview; please review the entire opinion. The subsequent history is current as of April 4, 2025.
Third Court of Appeals Civil Update May 2025
The following are summaries of selected civil opinions issued by the Third Court of Appeals during March 2025. The summaries are an overview; please review the entire opinion. Subsequent histories are current as of April 9, 2025.
Federal Civil Update May 2025
The following are summaries of selected civil opinions issued by the Fifth Circuit in March 2025. The summaries are overviews of particular aspects of the opinions; please review the entire opinions.
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.
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.
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.
Jimmy Vaught Law Firm Merges with Eggleston Law Firm
Austin, TX – April 15, 2025 – On June 1, 2025, The Vaught Law Firm, led by renowned family law attorney Jimmy Vaught, is excited to announce its merger with The Eggleston Law Firm, a distinguished family law practice in Austin. This strategic partnership aims to enhance the quality of legal services provided to clients and expand the firm’s reach …