AUSTIN YOUNG LAWYERS ASSOCIATION
Crushing It at Orangetheory Fitness AYLA Promotes Wellness
T
he Austin Young Lawyers Health and Wellness Committee hosted a private Orangetheory class on March 26, 2022. Thirteen AYLA members joined for an hour-long, heart-rate-based workout that covered three different stations: treadmill, rower, and weight floor. The group burned a total of 8,270 calories together. This event was made possible by a grant from the Texas Young Lawyers Association. The AYLA Health and Wellness Committee was formed to promote opportunities for lawyers to so-
cialize outside of work and happy hours; to get access to, and be inspired by, a variety of different types of workouts; and receive some general encouragement and reminders to focus on their health and wellness―both physical and mental. The committee has future events planned, including rock wall climbing at Austin Bouldering Project in May (more details coming soon). Please contact Lena Proft at lena.proft@utexas.edu or Joseph Keeney at joseph.danielk@ gmail.com if LAWYER you are interested in AUSTIN AL AL getting involved.
AYLA members work out at Orangetheory.
AYLA Member Spotlight: Shivangi Mehta injured and work tirelessly to seek justice for them. AYLA: How long have you been involved in AYLA and what’s been your best AYLA experience so far?
AYLA: Tell us a little bit about yourself and your law practice. MEHTA: I am originally from New York and went to law school in Ohio, but I made my way down to Texas during the pandemic. I’m enjoying Texas and all it has to offer (and while I do not miss the snow, I do miss the New York style pizza). I work as a trial attorney with Zinda Law Group. Our main office is in Austin, but we practice all over the country. Our practice focuses on catastrophic personal injury. We represent people in the community who have been
MEHTA: I joined AYLA just last month, in March 2022, and everyone has been so welcoming! I attended the AYLA Orangetheory class that was put on by the fitness committee and enjoyed meeting the other members. I look forward to all the future events and can’t wait to get more involved! AYLA: What was your childhood dream job? MEHTA: A lawyer! True story, I wrote it in my fifth-grade yearbook. To be honest, I don’t think I truly understood what a lawyer did at the time, but I remember thinking it was a way to speak up for people who couldn’t always speak up for themselves and that seemed like the coolest job.
Put yourself out there and talk to everyone you can. Whether it’s an opportunity to observe a deposition, take one yourself, or meet with other local attorneys, do it! AYLA: What’s your favorite moment of your career so far? MEHTA: Attending my first hearing. I was extremely nervous and did not think I would know what to do or what to say. But I did my research, spoke with a senior attorney, and made sure I knew the file. I walked in confidently (more like sat down confidently since I was at home, and it was via Zoom) and advocated for my client. It was the best feeling, and I realized how important it is to get your reps in and that it gets more comfortable with time.
activities. I enjoy going to Zilker, walking around the Domain, and trying out different restaurants. The food is delicious (especially the tacos)! AYLA: What’s your best piece of advice for fellow young attorneys?
MEHTA: Put yourself out there and talk to everyone you can. Whether it’s an opportunity to observe a deposition, take one yourself, or meet with other local attorneys, do it! I’m new to the area but I’m finding that that has helped me grow as an attorney AYLA: What are some of the AUSTIN and explore Austin at the same LAWYER A L AL things you enjoy most about time. living in Austin? MEHTA: I love walking around the city. It has so many different areas with a bunch of different MAY 2022 | AUSTINLAWYER
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