On the Move Congratulations to Jennifer Banda, who has been hired as the new executive director of the Center for Women in Law at UT Law. Jennifer has more than 25 years’ experience in state and federal government relations and was most recently senior vice president for advocacy and public policy at the Texas Hospital Association. She is a graduate …
Preparing for a Great 2025 by Volunteering
In election years and otherwise, it seems every other day can bring something new to be stressed and despair over when reading or watching the news. When the world feels like it is spiraling out of control and we don’t know what to do in response, it can be easy to feel like our actions don’t really matter and freeze. …
Take Part in AYLA’s MLK Day of Service
Each year, in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., AYLA coordinates a Day of Service for its members to participate in several community service events and donation drives throughout Austin. The 15th annual MLK Day of Service will take place on Monday, January 20, 2025. This local project is modeled after the national MLK Day of Service, which is …
Tailgate for a Cause a Success
AYLA’s 8th Annual Tailgate for a Cause fundraiser was a great success. For this year’s holiday event, AYLA will be partnering with Partnerships for Children for their Holiday Wishes Program. The tailgate was a great success and helped raise money to provide holiday cheer to families who might not otherwise have the opportunity.
Third Court of Appeals Criminal Update December 2024/January 2025
The following is a summary of selected criminal opinions issued by the Third Court of Appeals from May 2024. The summary is an overview; please review the entire opinions. The subsequent history is current as of November 5, 2024. EVIDENCE ADMISSIBILITY — Prior abuse allegations and testimony as to truthfulness. Trial court did not abuse its discretion by prohibiting cross-examination …
Is This “Remotely” Possible?
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the Austin Bar Association membership or the Austin Bar Association board of directors. Consider the following three scenes: SCENE ONE Egypt, Giza Valley, Akehnaton’s apartment. 2500 BC. [A knock on the door, it’s Djoser, the chief stone architect of Pharoah Khafre’s …
VLS Honors Pro Bono Champions
Volunteer Legal Services of Central Texas is proud to announce the winners and honorees of its 2023 calendar-year awards and distinctions. Abigail Griffith, an associate at Reichman Jorgensen Lehman & Feldberg, received the Susan P. Burton Award, which is given annually to a volunteer attorney who has been licensed for five years or less and who has provided exemplary pro …
Recent Study Details Payments to Texans Wrongfully Convicted
Texas has paid nearly $100 million to 95 men and women who were wrongfully convicted since 2009, according to a study conducted by criminal defense firm Michael & Associates in Austin.1 Records from the Texas State Comptroller’s Office also indicate the state pays a monthly annuity to each exoneree, totaling almost $500,000 per month. The compensation is the result of …
Serve on the Austin Bar Association Board of Directors
If you are interested in running for a position as a director or officer of the Austin Bar Association, please fill out this form by Jan. 31. All candidates must be current attorneys and Austin Bar members in good standing. Officer positions are one-year terms; director positions are for two years. Nominees for the office of president-elect must have served …
Volunteer Attorney Donates to Austin Bar Veterans Program
The Austin Bar Foundation and its Veterans’ Legal Assistance Program (VLAP) sincerely thanks attorney volunteer Stephanie Long for a generous contribution of $1,200 to VLAP! This was no ordinary donation, however. Stephanie recently got married and, instead of asking for gifts, she and her husband asked for donations to their favorite causes. Stephanie very generously chose VLAP. Thank you very …