AYLA President’s Column: Advancing Equality: The Significance of International Women’s Day in the Legal Profession

International Women’s Day, observed annually on March 8, serves as a global recognition of women’s achievements and an ongoing call to advance gender equality. Historically, female attorneys, scholars, and activists have advanced legal arguments, challenged discriminatory frameworks, and helped redefine the contours of civil rights. In courtrooms, classrooms, legislatures, and community organizations, women have been instrumental in championing reforms related to workplace equity, education, family law, voting rights, and protection from violence and discrimination.

Austin Bar President’s Column: Going It Alone

There is no prescribed method of practicing law. Attorneys can do so in large regional, national, and international firms. They can also do so as part of governmental bodies, as corporate counsel, or in small-to-midsized firms. That being said, statistics show that a significant percentage of lawyers operate (like I do) as solo practitioners in private practice.

Where Your Money Goes When You Donate to the Austin Bar Foundation

Funds raised through this year’s Gala will go toward funding the Austin Bar Foundation’s various charitable programs and projects. We want to highlight several individuals who graciously allowed us to interview them to see how the work of the Austin Bar Foundation has impacted their lives.

Austin Bar President’s Column: Why Community Matters – Especially in Our Profession

Bob Weir (the Grateful Dead’s last remaining full-time singer) recently passed away. It affected me deeply because the Dead have been part of my life since I was a child. In grade school, my father took my brother and me to meet Jerry Garcia in his hotel room after a show. That night, Jerry gave us a private tour of the Dead’s tour bus and lifetime backstage passes (that my brother and I promptly lost). As I grew older, I enjoyed attending shows by myself or with friends, especially the pre-show gatherings in the venue’s parking lot. 

Third Court of Appeals Celebrates Service Milestones

As the Third Court of Appeals closed in on year-end and Thanksgiving, it had a time of celebration for those employees who have served the court loyally and faithfully for many years. The court began the Day of Celebration of Public Service in 2024 to celebrate employees who have been with the court for five, 10, 15, 20, and, for some, even 25 years.

AYLA President’s Column: My Path to Leading with Empathy

Each year, the presidents of the Austin Bar Association and the Austin Young Lawyers Association (AYLA) are invited to speak at the Leadership Academy Orientation. This year, I was asked to discuss leading with empathy. As I reflected on my development as a leader and how I incorporate compassion into my professional style, I immediately thought of my friends—many of whom are also my colleagues. Since my undergraduate years, these individuals have been the backbone of my perseverance.

AYLA Member Spotlight: Toni Rask

AYLA recently sat down with member Toni Rask to get to know her better. This is another installment in AYLA’s ongoing Member Spotlight series.