Find Your Way with AYLA

Join an AYLA Committee

NEW: TRIAL INSTITUTE

Co-chairs: Blair Leake and Catherine Marsolan

This committee organizes a series of Continuing Legal Education (CLE) courses focused on improving specific trial skills. Each CLE will include a live demonstration of a skillset, as well as a panel of judges and attorneys to discuss the demonstration and skillset.

ANNUAL FUNDRAISER – CRAWFISH BOIL

Co-chairs: Sarah Harp, David Holmes, and Will Hailey

This committee plans and organizes an annual crawfish boil fundraiser each spring.

AYLA members performing community service at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

BENCH BAR

AYLA Co-chairs: Rachael Jones and Blair Leake

This committee helps plan the annual day-long CLE hosted jointly by the Austin Bar and AYLA.

CONTINUING LEGAL EDUCATION

Co-chairs: Emily Morris and Myra Dioquino

This committee plans and organizes quarterly CLEs for AYLA members.

COMMUNITY SERVICE DAYS

Co-chairs: Jenna Malsbary and Meghan Kempf

This committee provides lawyers and non-lawyers with periodic (non-law-related) opportunities to volunteer for nonprofit organizations. The community-service events provide an opportunity for lawyers to make a relatively small time commitment, usually just a few hours on one day, while being exposed to various charitable organizations and meeting other members of the legal and non-legal community.

MLK DAY OF SERVICE

Co-chairs: Jenna Malsbary, Meghan Kempf, and David Holmes

This committee coordinates multiple community-service events on MLK Day, in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

DOCKET CALL

Co-chairs: Sarah Harp, Jillian French, and Kelly Combs

This committee hosts a monthly happy hour for AYLA members. This event is the gateway event for many of our members, as nearly everyone’s first experience with AYLA is a Docket Call.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Co-chairs: Joseph Keeney and Lena Proft

This committee is focused on lawyer wellbeing through group exercise and promoting healthy lifestyles. The committee aims to bring lawyers together in monthly activities such as running, biking, hiking, swimming, etc. Get to know other lawyers in an environment outside of the office or courtroom.

HOLIDAY PROGRAM

Co-chairs: Ciara Parks and Morgan Shell

The holiday program utilizes the legal community’s resources to provide special holiday gifts and informative materials to Austin-area families in need. This year we will partner with the YMCA.

JUDICIAL RECEPTION

Co-chairs: Ciara Parks and Gracie Wood Shepherd

This committee hosts a reception for AYLA members to interact with members of the judiciary.

LAW-RELATED EDUCATION

AYLA Chair: Samantha McCoy

This committee plans and implements various educational programs aimed at school-aged children. This is a joint committee with the Austin Bar.

TAILGATE FUNDRAISER

Co-Chairs: Sarah Harp, Emily Morris, Eric Cuellar, and Jillian French

This committee plans and hosts a tailgate fundraiser event at a University of Texas football game each year.

FAMILY FRIENDLY EVENTS

AYLA Co-chairs: Ciara Parks and Gracie Wood Shepherd

This committee focuses on creating events that are targeted to families. This is a joint committee with the Austin Bar. AL