In testimony before the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary on July 9, 2024, Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Nathan Hecht laid out his ideas to make the civil justice system accessible for all Americans.1 Current methods for increasing access to justice fall into two categories: pro bono publico and legal aid services. But even with Texas’ 114,000 lawyers providing

The Texas Supreme Court recently granted review of an insurance dispute that could have far reaching, broadening impacts on the current state of the law in Texas as it relates to the duty to defend. The ruling from the trial court and the Court of Appeals blurred the distinction between defense and indemnity, as well as the distinction between expenses

Trigger warning: This is all true. This is my real family and life. I hope you never need to utilize any of the tips I’m going to give you in this series. 2023, for me, was merely 2020 Part 3–the worst sequel of all time. On Nov. 18, 2023, I logged on to my firm Facebook page and saw a

The Austin Bar Foundation recently showed its gratitude for the service of outgoing directors Blair Dancy, Lowell Keig, and Hon. Todd Wong. Dancy has served on the Foundation’s board since 2020, most recently as treasurer. Keig has served on the board since 2016, most recently as vice chair. Judge Wong has served on the board since 2020. The Austin Bar

Before the fall of the Roman Empire, the poet Juvenal wrote a series of 16 satirical poems in five books, appropriately called the “Satires.” His essays had titles like “What Room is there For Genius?” and “The Dishonest and Dishonorable,” in which Juvenal commented on the foibles of society, covering everything from politics, power and social engagement. In his lament

Austin Bar member Lyndsey Captain Vicknair passed away on June 15, 2024, during a shooting at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock. Vicknair was born on Dec. 31, 1990, to Bobby and Lena Captain. She was a beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, granddaughter, and friend. She is survived by her husband of seven years, Kevin Vicknair, and their young children:

Editor’s Note: This article was reprinted with permission from the Texas Lawyers’ Assistance Program (TLAP). TLAP offers confidential assistance for lawyers, law students, and judges with substance use or mental health issues. Call or text TLAP at 1-800-343-TLAP (8527), or find more information at tlaphelps.org. It’s hard to remember a time when I didn’t feel uniquely awful growing up—where I felt

Kudos Congratulations to Melissa Andrews, equity partner at Holland & Knight, on her appointment to the newly created Third Business Court Division in Austin. Andrews previously served as an attorney for Texas Supreme Court Justice Jeff Boyd and First Court of Appeals Justice Harvey. She is board-certified in civil appellate law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. She is

Austin Bar/AYLA Leadership Academy Class of 2024 Fundraiser Blends Legal and Literary to Raise Money for Center for Child Protection On May 10, 2024, at the Central Public Library downtown, scores of attorneys, friends, family, and community members gathered for a gala fundraiser in support of the Center for Child Protection (CCP), organized by this year’s Leadership Academy. The Austin

On June 4, 2024, DeLaine Ward celebrated her 40th anniversary as executive director of the Austin Bar Association. In 1984, when Ward saw the advertisement for the position, she was a recent journalism graduate from The University ofTexas. She intended to become a journalist and took a job with the State Bar of Texas in order to add some bona