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Week of January 5, 2009


FLDS Attorney Recognition Event, January 13

Date: Tuesday, Jan. 13
Time: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Location: Parkside Restaurant, 301 E. 6th St.
Cost: donations accepted
RSVP by Saturday, Jan. 10 to 374-2760

The Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, Austin Bar Association, and Brown McCarroll would like you to join them in honoring Douglas Alexander and Amy Warr who offered their time and services to a family in the FLDS case. Come by to recognize your fellow attorneys' hard work for our justice system.

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Rise and Shine! Austin Bar's Breakfast with the Judiciary, January 15

Date: Thursday, Jan. 15
Time: 7:30 a.m.
Location: Austin Bar Association, 816 Congress Ave.
Cost: $22 (covers breakfast and parking validation)
RSVP to Michelle McFadyen at Michelle@austinbar.org

Put your New Year's diet on hold and join the Austin Bar and this month's guest judge for this once-a-month breakfast treat.

The guest judge will be announced in next week's Bar Code.

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Austin Bar Association's Fit Bar Challenge, Deadline January 15

The Austin Bar's Fitness Committee wants to help you run, bike, walk, or swim your way to a new and healthier you in 2009. The Fit Bar Challenge is a personal challenge, and a coveted tee-shirt will be awarded to the people who make it to the end.

From Jan. 1 through June 30, participants will log their points after participating in different activities. And if you are one of the many who haven't worked out since resolution time last January, don't fret! You may pick a challenge level that best suits your lifestyle and fitness needs.

So grab a colleague or even your boss because it's time to jumpstart the new year with a new you! Don't delay because the registration deadline is Thursday, Jan. 15. Click here for more information on the challenge and to register.

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2009 Austin Bar Foundation Gala, January 24

Date: Saturday, Jan. 24
Time: 6:30 p.m. Cocktails; 8:00 Seated Dinner
Location: Four Seasons Hotel, 98 San Jacinto Blvd.
Cost: $165 for individual tickets; $2,500 to sponsor a table of 10; $5,000 to be recognized as a Foundation Sponsor; $10,000 to be recognized as a Foundation Benefactor

The Austin Bar Association brings you a night of Celtic revelry! Join us for an Enchanted Evening on the Emerald Isle as we raise funds to support the many projects of the Austin Bar Foundation. Take part in the Silent, Super Silent, and Live Auctions and you could win priceless sports memorabilia, unique pieces of art, or even a much needed vacation.

The following awards will also be presented:
David H. Walter Community Service Award - John Blazier
2009 Distinguished Lawyer Awards - Pike Powers and Robert J. Hearon, Jr.

For tickets, please contact Mollie Gallagher at Mollie@austinbar.org by Sunday, Jan. 18.

We'll see you on the dance floor where we'll be grooving to the sounds of the Mysterious Ways!

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AYLA Looking for Volunteer Mock Trial Judges, February 7

Date: Saturday, Feb. 7
Location: Travis County Courthouse, 1000 Guadalupe

AYLA is seeking volunteers willing to serve as judges for the Central Texas High School Mock Trial Competition. This competition allows teams of high school students from area schools to prepare and present all aspects of a mock trial (opening argument, closing argument, direct and cross examination of several witnesses). The winning team advances to the State Mock Trial Competition in Dallas with possible advancement to the national competition.

Mock trial experience is not necessary to serve as a judge. There is virtually no advance preparation needed (all judges will receive information describing the relevant issues). The time commitment is minimal -- each round lasts approximately two hours -- and CLE credit is available.

If you can volunteer a couple of hours on Saturday, Feb. 7 to help some potential future lawyers, please contact AYLA Mock Trial Committee co-chairs Nicki Glauser or Alfonso Hernandez.

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Travis County Civil Courts on the Move

A few changes are taking place over at Heman Marion Sweatt Courthouse. See below for a list of the recent and upcoming changes.

November 2008
345th Judicial District Civil Court
Heman Marion Sweatt
Travis County Courthouse
1000 Guadalupe, 4th floor, Room 412
Austin, Texas 78701

December 2008
98th Judicial District Civil Court
Heman Marion Sweatt
Travis County Courthouse
1000 Guadalupe, 5th floor, Room 512
Austin, Texas 78701

261st Judicial District Civil Court
Heman Marion Sweatt
Travis County Courthouse
1000 Guadalupe, 3rd floor, Room 308
Austin, Texas 78701

353rd Judicial District Civil Court
Heman Marion Sweatt
Travis County Courthouse
1000 Guadalupe, 5th floor, Room 501
Austin, Texas 78701

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Featured Member Discount: Affiniscape - Law Firm Merchant Account

Get paid on time in 2009!

There's never been a better time to begin accepting credit cards in your firm. Use credit cards to gain new clients, quickly get paid, and reduce collections. For a limited time, Austin Bar members are invited to open a Law Firm Merchant Account at no cost! The contract is month-to-month and all standard fees associated with opening a merchant account are waived. Begin accepting credit cards and guarantee payment for your legal services.

The $150 virtual terminal start-up-fee will be waived for all members today through Saturday, Jan. 31.

Call 866/376-0950 or click here to take advantage of this end-of-year special. Make sure to mention promotional code: AUSMember09.



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Upcoming Meetings

SECTIONS:
Wednesday, January 7 - Family Law Section Meeting

Wednesday, January 7 - Labor & Employment Law Section Meeting

Thursday, January 8 - Financial Institutions Section Meeting

Tuesday, January 13 - Real Estate Law Section Meeting

Wednesday, January 14 - Oil, Gas & Mineral Law Section Meeting

Thursday, January 15 - Business, Corporate & Tax Law Section Meeting

Thursday, January 15 - Civil Appellate Law Section Meeting

Thursday, January 15 - Construction Law Section Meeting

Friday, January 16 - Estate Planning Section Meeting

COMMITTEES:
The following Austin Bar Committees are meeting at the Austin Bar office, 816 Congress, Suite 700. Parking is available in the adjacent garage, accessible from 9th Street. Please feel free to attend any that interest you. Since lunch is provided, please RSVP by noon the previous day to Mollie@austinbar.org or call 472-0279 with your name and the name of the committee.

Thursday, January 8 - 2009 Gala Auction Committee Meeting

Friday, January 9 - Bench Bar Committee Meeting

Tuesday, January 13 - People's Law School Committee Meeting

Friday, January 16 - Women's Resource Fair Committee Meeting

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Proud corporate sponsors of the Austin Bar Association