AYLA Looks Back and Forward

AYLA Holiday Program

The annual AYLA Holiday Program looked a little different this year, just like everything else in 2020.

Even though we were not able to come together for our regular holiday festival, we were still proud to partner with the YMCA to raise money and collect gift donations for families who have been hit especially hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to the many generous donors throughout the Austin legal community, AYLA was able collect every single toy from more than 30 children’s wish lists, plus additional gift cards for their parents.

Thanks to the many generous donors throughout the Austin legal community, AYLA was able collect every single toy from over 30 children’s wish lists plus additional gift cards for their parents.

AYLA members wrapped and hand-delivered the gifts to families across Austin and the surrounding areas just in time for the holidays.

AYLA would like to give a special thanks to the Texas Young Lawyers Association for providing us the grant money to purchase gift cards for the parents, making their holiday a little merrier. AL

Evening with the Judiciary

AYLA kicked off the holiday season with its annual Evening with the Judiciary reception on Dec. 3, 2020. Like so many other events this past year, the Evening with the Judiciary was held virtually, but it gave judges and lawyers alike a chance to show off their new Zoom skills acquired over the last year. There was a fantastic showing from all levels of the judiciary—from justices of the peace to Justices on the Supreme Court of Texas. Likewise, young lawyers from across Austin turned out to connect with judges and each other. The participants met and conversed in a series of randomized breakout rooms throughout the event. As always, the evening gave young lawyers a chance to get to get to know our wonderful judiciary in an informal, unintimidating setting. This year’s virtual reception gave everyone a chance to showcase their holiday spirit and personality. From festive backgrounds to witty repartee in the main Zoom holding room, this year’s event was different, but underscored the camaraderie within the Austin Bar. AYLA would like to thank all the judges who attended this year’s reception. We are hopeful that next year’s Evening with the Judiciary can safely take place in person.

From festive backgrounds to witty repartee in the main Zoom holding room, this year’s event was different, but underscored the camaraderie within the Austin Bar.

This year’s Evening with the Judiciary was possible thanks to our generous sponsors and a grant from Texas Young Lawyers Association. AL

AYLA Cooking Class

On Dec. 10, 2020, AYLA hosted a virtual cooking class. Bramwell Tripp, a professionally trained chef, led the class on how to cook the perfect steak in a cast iron skillet. The meal also included oven-roasted scalloped potatoes and a healthy green salad. Special guest Justice Chari Kelly demonstrated how to make a cosmopolitan cocktail and shared a couple of her favorite wines. Attendees were able to follow along with the instructors and ask questions from the comfort of their own homes. The first ten registrants to sign up won free steaks from Lone Star Meats. The proceeds from the event went to the AYLA Foundation.

This event was made possible by the Texas Young Lawyers Association (TYLA), which generously provided a grant. Thank you to TYLA for your continuous support of AYLA and the AYLA Foundation. AL

UPCOMING EVENTS

THUR., FEB. 18

AYLA Docket Call Virtual Happy Hour

6 p.m.

Visit ayla.org to register.