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Rising to the Challenge
AYLA PRESIDENT’S COLUMN
BY RACHAEL K. JONES, EIGHTH DISTRICT COURT OF APPEALS (REMOTE)
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On behalf of AYLA, welcome to a new bar year! The 2020-21 bar year was certainly one for the books, in many ways. AYLA has done a remarkable job of rising to face the unique challenges with which it’s been presented, finding new and creative ways to stay true to its mission of promoting justice through service to the legal profession and the greater Austin community. I am honored to serve as your AYLA president as we continue to navigate through whatever the future may bring.
Although this year has proven so far to be interesting in its own way, we still remain cautiously optimistic about a safe return to in-person events, including AYLA’s signature programming such as our Docket Calls, Community Service Days, Judicial Reception, Runway for Justice, and more. We can’t wait to see you! In the meantime, please don’t forget that AYLA is here to serve and support you in any way we can.
Along with the rest of the AYLA board, I’m looking forward to another great year. We will continue working diligently to bring you the most impactful programming possible. Whether it’s community service, networking, or CLE, my goal is for your experience with AYLA to be one of opportunity and growth. To that end, if you have any ideas for potential events or programs, whether virtual or in-person—or if you simply just want to reach out—please feel free to contact me any time. You can reach me via my personal email, rkjones983@gmail.com.
Without a doubt, the last year and a half (or so) has put many of us to the test, both professionally and personally. Many of us have had to dig deep to find strength we didn’t know we had. But in the wise words of Franklin D. Roosevelt, “a smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.” We hope you will continue to share your skills—both longstanding and newfound—with AYLA. If you’re looking for ways to get more involved, please consider joining one of our excellent committees. You can sign up for an AYLA committee on our website at austinbar.org/young-lawyers/projects/. We look forward to seeing you! AL
Rachael Jones is a staff attorney (remote) at Eighth District Court of Appeals.
