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 …
12-Step Recovery Absolutely Saved My Life
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 …
Kocurek Wins Judicial Excellence Award
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 …
ACLU Sues County Over Lack of Counsel at First Appearance
The American Civil Liberties Union of Texas has filed a class-action complaint in federal court against Travis County over alleged denial of counsel at first appearance (CAFA).1 Together with the ACLU Criminal Law Reform Project and Weil, Gotshal & Manges, the complaint, filed with the Western District of Texas, alleges Travis County requires people who are arrested to attend their …
Estate Planning for Single Women: Safeguarding Your Client’s Future
Estate planning for single women is often overlooked. Without a spouse to assume key responsibilities in times of need, estate planning is crucial to ensure that your client’s wishes are honored and their loved ones are protected in the event of incapacity or death. When you counsel single women clients, it is important they know that they can safeguard their …
Bending the Rules: The Argument Against Non-Lawyer Entities Providing Legal Services
This is the fifth installment of the “Bending the Rules” series. Previous installments can be found online at austinlawyeronline.com. The interest in non-attorney-owned entities providing legal services in such states as Texas, Utah, and Arizona is not without skeptics. Established by the American Bar Association’s Model Rule 5.4 and enforced by many states’ supreme courts, the rule prohibits fee sharing …
Non-Compete Agreements: An Update on the Anticipated FTC Ban
In August, a big decision was made in Texas regarding the anticipated federal ban on most non-compete agreements that was supposed to take effect on Sept. 4, 2024. The anticipated ban is also known as the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC)’s “Non-Compete Rule” of 16 C.F.R. § 910.1-6. U.S. District Judge Ada Brown granted summary judgment for a business entity …
Gala Sponsorships Now Available; Make Plans for January 25
The Austin Bar Foundation Gala is Jan. 25, 2025, at the Four Seasons! Are you interested in sponsoring the event? Below are our sponsorship levels and their benefits: Benefactor Sponsor– $15,000 • Table for 10 guests. Premium table placement at the front of the stage • Recognition in program • Recognition on website • Recognition in the Austin Lawyer publication …
Austin Bar Launches Legal Expert Network
The Austin Bar has launched its Legal Expert Network to provide the media valuable sources when reporting on important cases, legal matters, legislation, and more. The Austin Bar is committed to being a resource connecting the legal profession with the larger community. Part of the Austin Bar’s mission is to enhance the legal profession through education. We can accomplish this …
Austin Bar Members Appear Before SCOTX to Deliver Oral Arguments
Family Law – Divorce Decrees Douglas W. Alexander Alexander Dubose & Jefferson, for Petitioner In The Matter of The Marriage of Carlos Y. Benavides, Jr. and Leticia R. Benavides The issues in this case are (1) whether, and in what circumstances, a guardian may petition for divorce on behalf of a ward and (2) the effect of one spouse’s death on the …