2022 Bench Bar

Great In-Person Insight!

The Austin Bar and AYLA’s 32nd Annual Bench Bar Conference took place on June 3, 2022. The in-person event bounced back after previously going virtual due to the pandemic. Those who attended expressed excitement over getting to “rub elbows” with fellow members. The event featured members of the judiciary and the legal community providing invaluable insight to members on issues crucial to judicial process in Travis County. Bench Bar committee members worked hard to make the conference a success and included moderators and panelists from various sectors of law. The committee included Justice Chari Kelly, Judge Karin Crump, Judge Brad Urritia, Scott Brutocoa, Maitreya Tomlinson, and Rob Frazer.

Attendees were treated to panels including justices, judges, the district attorney, the county attorney, and more. From judicial bingo to ethics Jeopardy, the learning never stopped! The full-day event was engaging yet fun filled, with an atmosphere allowing a free flow of questions and answers.

Awards were presented to the following legal professionals who have made a difference in the field of law and the community:

The late Ira Davis

Ira Davis (Posthumous Award) – 2021 Regina Rogoff Award for Public Interest Work: The late Ira Davis was a graduate of The University of Texas School of Law. The father of four was also an Army veteran. Davis practiced criminal defense law. He was well-regarded for his commitment to justice for all. Beginning in 2014, he served as the first executive director of the Capital Area Private Defender Service, a nonprofit that revamped the indigent defense system in Travis County.

The late Ira Davis

Leslie Dippel

Leslie Dippel – 2022 Regina Rogoff Award for Public Interest Work: Leslie Dippel is the director of the litigation division in the Travis County Attorney’s Office. Dippel also leads the Austin Bar membership committee and supports various bar initiatives and programs. She is a member of the Robert W. Calvert Inn of Courts and also dedicates her talents to numerous groups in Travis County.

Leslie Dippel

Mary Evelyn McNamara

Mary Evelyn McNamara – Professionalism Award: Mary Evelyn McNamara practices family law. She is devoted to helping families through crises. At the Austin Bar, she provides monthly case updates to the Family Law Section. McNamara also serves on the State Bar’s Family Law Council and was a founding member of the Barbara Jordan Inn of Court. AL

Mary Evelyn McNamara