Member Spotlight: Stephanie Eberhardt

AUSTIN YOUNG LAWYERS ASSOCIATION

AYLA Interviews Stephanie Eberhardt

AYLA: Tell us a little bit about yourself and your law practice.

Eberhardt: I am an Assistant Attorney General with the Consumer Protection Division at the Office of the Attorney General. My practice involves investigating and litigating against individuals and businesses for violations of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices—Consumer Protection Act and other consumer protection statutes. I have worked on cases involving debt collection, high school diploma mills, the sale of synthetic marijuana in retail establishments, price gouging, opioids, and disaster scams. I started in the Houston office of CPD in 2014 and transferred to the Austin office in 2020.

Stephanie Eberhardt

AYLA: How long have you been involved in AYLA and what’s been your best AYLA experience so far?

Eberhardt: I moved to Austin at the beginning of the pandemic, and I didn’t know anyone outside of work. Also, everything was very locked down. I was involved in the Houston Young Lawyers Association, so I signed up for AYLA as soon as possible. I think my first event was a virtual trivia night. I didn’t know anyone, but I showed up and asked if any teams needed an extra person. And, I had a great time! I’ve also liked the AYLA virtual yoga classes. Everyone has been very kind and welcoming. I’m looking forward to meeting AYLA members in person!

AYLA: What was your childhood dream job?

Eberhardt: In elementary school, I wanted to be a pianist. Then, a professional swimmer. Neither panned out! By high school, I was pretty set on being a lawyer.

AYLA: What’s your favorite moment of your career so far?

Eberhardt: When I was a baby lawyer at the AG’s Office, I started helping out on a debt collection case. The lawyer whose case this was told me I could sit second chair if this case went to trial. About three years later, this case went to trial, and I sat second chair. My favorite moment of my career was getting the jury verdict in that case—the jury found in the State’s favor, found all the violations, and awarded almost $26 million in penalties.

AYLA: What are some of the things you enjoy most about living in Austin?

Eberhardt: The trails and parks are beautiful. I also like trying out all the tacos.

AYLA: What’s your best piece of advice for fellow young attorneys?

Eberhardt: Get involved in bar associations! It can be challenging to go to events and meetings with everything else going on in your life, but we don’t practice law in a vacuum. It’s good to meet people and learn about legal developments outside of the scope of your day-to-day practice. And if that’s showing up even once a month to something, do it! AL