Austin Bar Blog

The Austin Bar Foundation and the LGBTQ+ Law Section of the Austin Bar Association are now accepting applications for the 2026 LGBTQ+ Scholarship cycle. We will award $20-$25,000 to students currently enrolled in Texas law schools. 

To view the eligibility criteria and application requirements, please click here.

Applications are due by July 31, 2026.

Join us for Docket Call co-hosted by AYLA and the Austin Bar Association. Summer law clerks are especially encouraged to attend!

Date: Thursday, June 18

Time: 5:30 - 7 p.m.

Location: Mean Eyed Cat, 1621 W. 5th St

Sponsored by Planet Depos & Broadway Bank

RSVP here

Looking to break into appellate practice or sharpen your skills as a young lawyer? Join AYLA for an upcoming CLE: “Approaching Appellate Practice as a Young Lawyer.”

Hear practical insights from appellate lawyers Ryan Pitts and Chloe Warnberg of Haynes & Boone on how to build and grow your appellate practice.

Date: Tuesday, May 26

Time: 12 - 1 p.m.

Location: Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman, 401 W. 4th St. Suite 3200

Lunch provided and parking validated

Register here.

Join AYLA volunteering at Casa Marianella on Tuesday, May 19th, from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Our group will help sort donations and learn about the services that the organization provides. We will meet at 821 Gunter Street. Children are welcome. Please send questions to this event's lead, Clare Mattione, clare@danleybergia.com.

Date: Tuesday, May 19th

Time: 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Location: 821 Gunter Street

RSVP here

AYLA will host a CLE on mediation and contract negotiations. 

This presentation will feature Nadia Bettac, J. Riggs, and Scott Baker talking about mediation, and Emily Morris, Jenna Malsbary, and Zach Daniel talking about contract negotiations.

Date: Thursday, May 14

Time: 6 - 8 p.m.

Location: Hilgers House, 712 W. 16th St.

CLE credit, snacks, and drinks will be provided!

Date: Thursday, May 14

Time: 6 - 8 p.m.

Location: Hilgers House, 712 W. 16th St.

CLE credit, snacks, and drinks will be provided!

RSVP here.

Attorneys, paralegals, and law students are encouraged to volunteer for our upcoming CANLaw Clinic on Saturday, June 6. A volunteer training for this clinic will take place on Tuesday, June 2. This training will cover the basics of estate planning, including wills, medical power of attorney, HIPPA authorization, physician and family directive, and statutory durable power of attorney.

Date: Tuesday, June 2, 2026

Time: 12 - 1 p.m.

Location: Hilgers House, 712 W. 16th St.

Spots are limited.

Email Randy Cubriel at randy@cubriellaw.com to sign up.

Join us for AYLA Docket Call.

Date: Thursday, May 21

Time: 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Location: Hold Out Brewing, 1208 W. 4th St.

RSVP here.

Sponsored by Munsch Hardt.

Congratulations to the following, who have been elected to the Austin Bar Board of Directors. Their terms will be begin July 1, 2026:

Sam Colletti

Mary Henderson

Judge Jessica Mangrum

Hon. Rudy Metayer

Congratulations to the following, who have been elected to the AYLA Board of Directors. Their terms will be begin July 1, 2026:

Alexis “Lexi” Gonzales

Alexandra “Za” Leissner

Clare Mattione

Emma Thomson

Please join us to celebrate the retirement of Travis County Magistrate Judge Leon Grizzard!

Date: Thursday, May 21

Time: 1 p.m.

Location: Blackwell-Thurman Criminal Justice Center, 403rd District Court, 509 W 11th St, 2nd floor

A reception with refreshments and light snacks will be provided after the program.