Job Well Done!

AUSTIN YOUNG LAWYERS ASSOCIATION

AYLA Recognizes 2022 Award Winners

The Austin Young Lawyers Association will honor three award winners at Bench Bar on June 3, 2022 at the Austin Country Club. The award winners are named for their outstanding commitments to the legal community. From public service to teaching young students and mentoring young lawyers, these dedicated honorees play a vital role in laying the groundwork for future leaders in the legal field and community. We salute you!

OUTSTANDING YOUNG LAWYER AWARD

Joseph Keeney

Joseph Keeney is a 2014 graduate of The University of Texas School of Law. He also holds a B.S. in economics from Texas A&M University. Keeney is employed by the Office of the Attorney General of Texas.

Keeney exhibits incredible commitment to increasing public service opportunities for AYLA members and community partners. His community involvement includes volunteering at events with the Austin Area Food Bank, the Green Corn Project, and Volunteer Legal Services of Central Texas, and assisting local shelters.

LIBERTY BELL AWARD

Johnny Galan

Johnny Galan is a 1997 graduate of The University of Texas, where he majored in government. He has been a teacher at Fulmore (now Lively) Middle School in Austin since 1998. He consistently provides exceptional service as a middle school law teacher and mock trial coach. Galan is passionate about teaching Intro to Law and leads the mock trial team.

Students learn key legal concepts and issues and explore law’s effects on society. Galan enjoys arming students with the knowledge that they can have a voice in the community.

MENTOR AWARD

Judge Sherry Statman

Judge Sherry Statman is known for lending a helping hand to aspiring judges and supporting young lawyers. She was first appointed to the Austin Municipal Court bench in 2006. Some of her service includes memberships in the State Bar of Texas’ Lawyer Assistance Program Committee, Travis County Women Lawyers’ Association, Inns of Court, and the Texas Municipal Courts Association. Judge Statman is also a former president of the Barbara Jordan Inn of Court.

Judge Statman is a steady and constant support for young lawyers in the community in many ways. She takes the time to get to know an individual and provides great advice based on the person’s specific area of interest.

AYLA is proud to recognize these honorees for 2022 and appreciates their efforts to serve our community. Keep up the good work! AL