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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
The Austin Bar Association is launching the “Stop the Stigma” campaign, an initiative of 2024-25 President Mary-Ellen King, to destigmatize mental health substance abuse struggles, as well as raise suicide prevention awareness in the legal profession. The two tentpoles of this new campaign are the newly launched Stop the Stigma podcast, as well as increased efforts to recruit authors to …
I worked with Justice Mack Kidd on the Third Court of Appeals for 10 years in the ’90s. He was invariably jovial and upbeat. But he had a secret that few people knew about: He and some other members of his family of origin suffered from depression. A few years after I left the Court in 2001, I heard Judge …
Editor’s Note: This article was reprinted with the permission of 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. At the ripe age of 41, my entire life has been leading up to the …