It’s NEW for You!

PRESIDENT'S COLUMN

More Committees and Opportunities for You to Support Initiatives

BY AMANDA ARRIAGA, TEXAS CASA

As the new Austin Bar year kicks off, I want to remind everyone about my goal for us to get fresh perspectives in the pipeline. Thus, we need some new committees, plus new committee leaders and members.

Below is the list of Austin Bar committees for the 2022-23 bar year. Some committees have been around for years, some are new, and some are being refreshed. One new initiative is the “Council of Firsts.” I learned that I am the first Hispanic female president of the Austin Bar. I am the 13th female president and the 8th minority. I know that may not be interesting in and of itself, but it does make me wonder how, in a city with as many attorneys as we have, it could be the case that we are still having these “firsts.” I will be working with the other “Firsts” at the Austin Bar, and we will have discussions, make presentations, and write articles in the spirit of trying to discover how we can ensure the Austin Bar is seen as an inclusive organization.

I also want to remind you that we want your new ideas in our CLE programming and in Austin Lawyer articles. If you are interested, please respond to our call for presentations and proposals. We will give preference to those lawyers who haven’t been speakers, presenters, or authors in the past two years. Contact me at amanda@ austinbar.org and let me know what your idea is. We may ask for you to present at Bench Bar or a First Friday CLE, or to submit an article for Austin Lawyer.

If you are interested in serving on any of the committees listed below, please contact Carol Tobias, our membership director, at carol@austinbar.org and let her know what interests you.

2022-23 COMMITTEES

DEI – New!

This committee is a hybrid of the Diversity and Equity committees. The group will host discussions designed to increase understanding and lead to inner and external change; promote networking focused on bridging social capital; compile resources for people seeking guidance; and identify Austin Lawyer authors and topics highlighting Austin’s diversity and history. This committee will assist in the new “Council of Firsts” initiative. This committee may also assist in creating a DEI Roadmap for the Austin Bar.

In addition, this committee oversees the Diversity Fellowship Program, which offers summer internships to minority law school students. Participants intern for Travis County District Judges and for a private law firm.

Family Friendly Events – New!

This committee creates events targeted toward families. This may include a Puppy Parade, a Bar & Grill variety show, and a Holiday Decorating event.

Major CLE Events – New!

This committee, a hybrid of the Bench Bar and CLE Programs committee, plans the major CLE events that occur year-round, including Bench Bar, the First Friday CLEs, and the Equity Summit.

Austin Adoption Day

This committee coordinates the annual Adoption Day event (scheduled this year on Nov. 10), including organizing stuffed animal and book drives and gathering donations of food, balloons, and gift basket items. Interested committee members may also have the opportunity to handle a pro bono case.

Communications

This committee creates and reviews content for Bar Code, Austin Lawyer, the Austin Bar website, and social media.

Fee Dispute

This committee mediates and/or arbitrates fee disputes submitted by clients, attorneys, the courts, and the District 9 Grievance Committee.

History & Traditions

This committee identifies and conducts oral history interviews of Austin attorneys and judges to preserve the history of the Austin Bar, the Austin legal community, and significant legal events in the Austin area. The group will assist in the new “Council of Firsts” initiative.

Hilgers House Preservation

This committee performs duties to preserve Hilgers House, applies for preservation grants, researches the history of the house, and provides tours to the general public.

Law-Related Education in Schools

This committee plans and implements various educational programs aimed at school-aged children and supports the Akins Early College High School legal program, which is the leading high school advocacy training program in the country. The Law-Related Education committee also organizes the Law Day essay and poster contests.

Leadership Academy

The Leadership Academy was established to assist lawyers to make a difference in our community, serve the Bar, and promote professional development. Each year a class of approximately 20-30 members is selected from applications submitted by lawyers from all areas of practice, firm size, and levels of experience.

Gala

This committee plans and produces the Austin Bar’s biggest event, an annual gala, to raise money for the Austin Bar Foundation and all the charitable entities it supports.

Pro Bono

This committee coordinates and plans Austin Bar pro bono programs and develops relationships with pro bono organizations in Austin such as VLS, American Gateways, and the Texas Civil Rights Project.

Lawyer Well-Being

This committee aims to educate, support, and connect our legal community to achieve more balanced, mindful, and joyful lives and practices. AL