The following candidates are running for the AYLA officers and directors positions.
The new board will take office om July 1, 2026, along with Gracie Wood Shepherd, who will serve as president. Gracie has been on AYLA's board since 2021, and has served as secretary, treasurer, and president-elect.
Electronic ballots will be sent to members on Monday, April 13, and will close on Friday, May 1 at 4 p.m.
The following officer positions are unopposed:
AYLA President Elect - Lena Proft
I’ve been involved in AYLA since 2018. During that time, I’ve served as the Government Liaison, a Director, co-founded the Health and Wellness Committee, and I currently serve as Treasurer. I want to continue my service to AYLA and the bar by serving as the next AYLA President-Elect.
AYLA Treasurer - Ben Evans
Ben Evans is a partner at Cain & Skarnulis PLLC whose practice focuses on resolving complex commercial disputes. He is currently serving as a Secretary on AYLA’s Board, a Co-Chairman for AYLA’s Freshquires Program, and a committee member for AYLA’s Judicial Reception event.
AYLA Secretary - Jasleen Shokar
Jasleen K. Shokar practices civil litigation at Burns, Anderson, Jury & Brenner. She’s served as Director since 2024. Jasleen was part of the 2024 Leadership Academy, has chaired the Judicial Reception Committee for two years, and co-chairs the Leadership Academy Committee. She’s involved in fundraising efforts for many AYLA events.
Directors – 4 Spots open
Jamie Giron
Jamie Giron is an avid runner, doodle mom, and a product liability defense attorney at Bowman and Brooke LLP. She is originally from the Rio Grande Valley and has been practicing law for seven years now. She attended college at UT in Austin and completed law school in Michigan.
Alexis “Lexi” Gonzales
Alexis “Lexi” Gonzales is an Assistant District Attorney at the Travis County District Attorney’s Office with prior experience as a senior legislative staffer at the Texas State Capitol. She is passionate about public service and strengthening connection and collaboration across the Austin legal community.
Jennifer Goss
I am an attorney at Hardie Alcozer in Austin and I am eager to reengage with AYLA after having my daughter this past year. I greatly valued the AYLA Leadership Academy in 2024, and I look forward to contributing more actively, building more connections, and supporting the local bar community.
Michelle King
S. Michelle King, a native Austinite and Texas Tech Law graduate, is an attorney at McCreary Veselka Bragg and Allen, and practices with their Appraisal District Litigation team. She currently serves on the Executive Committee of the AYLA Board of Directors and graduated from the 2022 Leadership Academy class.
Alexandra “Za” Leissner
I’m a native Austinite and 2024 law school graduate who hopes to serve as Director of Austin Young Lawyers Association. AYLA has played an important role in my journey as a young attorney. I’m committed to helping others find the same support and opportunities while building community and giving back.
Clare Mattione
I have loved planning local service events while on the Service Days Committee, especially organizing the warehouse for Safe Alliance. I am currently in the 2026 Leadership Academy class, where my involvement in the AYLA committees is helping me take a leading role in planning our group service project.
Emma Thomson
I’m running for Director to continue the work I’ve been doing with AYLA for the past two years, which included serving as liaison to the Solo/Small Firm Section of the Austin Bar and programming for AYLA’s Freshquires committee, creating CLE and networking opportunities for new lawyers.
.png)
