From LA to Lubbock: Meet Michael “Miz” Ludvik, Chair of CAFA

SECTION SPOTLIGHT

Learn About the Austin Bar’s Court Appointed Family Advocates (CAFA) Section

The Court Appointed Family Advocates (CAFA) Section is the Austin Bar Association section that provides CLE, training, and networking opportunities for lawyers who are on the Travis County CAFA appointment list. These are private attorneys who agree to represent children or parents in Child Protective Services cases. To get on the appointment list, attorneys must take a minimum of 30 hours of child welfare law-related CLE and then eight hours annually to stay on the list. The Austin Bar met with Michael “Miz” Ludvik, the chair of CAFA, to learn how he came to be the chair and his plans for the section.

AUSTIN BAR: Why did you want to be an attorney?

LUDVIK: I grew up in East L.A. and, after high school, joined the Marines. After several tours, I applied to law school. I thought I could use my legal skills to help others in need at the highest level.

AUSTIN BAR: Why did you choose Texas Tech for law school?

LUDVIK: I knew I wanted to be in Texas, and I wanted to go to a law school where I could start practicing in my third year and make a difference the day I passed the bar exam. Law school is an exercise in gatekeeping more than anything else, and I wanted to make sure that I spent my time in law school actually learning how to practice law. Texas Tech is known for its clinical programs and providing that education to its students.

AUSTIN BAR: Why is it important to you to be on the CAFA list?

LUDVIK: I have always been interested in working with and protecting children. I was a CASA volunteer in law school and volunteered as a Big Brother for many years. Representing children who need a voice was the natural extension of that interest.

Being the chair of CAFA allows me the ability to bring this niche group of attorneys together and brainstorm ways to help families and children in Texas not only become better, but become an asset to society in general.

AUSTIN BAR: Why did you want to be the chair of CAFA?

LUDVIK: I think I always wanted to lead in some aspect. Being the chair of CAFA allows me the ability to bring this niche group of attorneys together and brainstorm ways to help families and children in Texas not only become better, but become an asset to society in general. There aren’t many of us out there (child welfare attorneys), but in Travis County we have some of the best in the state, and we also have creative minds that come up with solutions to problems that our state has had for years. I want to use my position as chair to do all of those things.

AUSTIN BAR: What are your plans for CAFA this year?

LUDVIK: The biggest plan is having meetings and socials in person. The new courthouse will be completed soon, so that is an exciting time as well. Some of the other big plans are getting the section more involved and interactive as a whole with the Austin Bar and State Bar.

Want to learn more about CAFA, the Austin Bar’s CAFA Section, or being on the Travis County CAFA appointment list? Contact Mike Ludvik at m@ludviklaw.com. AL

Michael “Miz” Ludvik is an owner at Ludvik Law Group, PLLC, who primarily practices child welfare, family, and criminal law. His passion is representing children and being their legal voice in the courtroom. He also represents indigent clients and strives to maintain and empower all constitutional rights—most importantly; justice for all.