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Week of January 8, 2007


Judicial Evaluation Poll, January 16 - Have You Paid Your Dues?

It's almost time for the 2007 Judicial Evaluation Poll. Every two years, members of the Austin Bar Association are asked to evaluate those judges who have been in office for at least 18 months. Respondents are asked to rate many traits, such as fairness, temperament, and work ethic, among others. To participate in this important poll, your 2007 dues must be paid by the end of the day this Wednesday, January 10. To pay your dues, please visit the Web site at www.austinbar.org or contact Tina McCoy at tina@austinbar.org or 472-0279.

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Do You Know a Fantastic Lawyer Under 40? Nominations Due January 17

Is there a hard-working, commendable young lawyer working at your firm? Award them with the recognition they deserve, nominate him or her for the noteworthy Austin Under 40 awards. Austin Under 40 is an event to honor the achievements of men and women under the age of 40 who have made substantial contributions in their professional fields as well as through service in the community. This event both raises the community's awareness of the Young Men's Business League of Austin and Young Women's Alliance and raises funds for the Austin Sunshine Camps and Young Women's Alliance Foundation.

Past honorees include Judge Elisabeth Earle, Justice Bob Pemberton, Duffy Doyle Crane, Michael D. Marin, and Jeff Edwards, among many others.

The finalists will be formally recognized at the Gala event scheduled on March 9 where Austin-based professionals will be selected as category finalists in areas including business, technology, government and public affairs, legal, real estate, and more.

The deadline for nominations is January 17 at 5:00 p.m., so nominate someone today!

To nominate a young lawyer for this award, or for more information, please visit the Austin Under 40 Web site at http://www.austinunder40.org/nominations

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Nuts & Bolts of the Summary Jury Trial Process, January 18

Learn about a dispute resolution process that provides a mini-jury trial in combination with a mediation. This free brown bag seminar will be hosted by Judge Darlene Byrne in the 250th Courtroom (Judge Dietz's courtroom) on Thursday, January 18 at noon. Presentations will be made by lawyers Randy Howry, Allen Rogers, and Geoff Weisbart, who have participated in a summary jury trial, and by Judge Patrick Keel who has served as a mediator for the process.

Date: Thursday, January 18
Title: Nuts & Bolts of the Summary Jury Trial Process
Time: Noon
Location: Travis County Courthouse, 1000 Guadalupe, 250th Courtroom
Cost: Free (bring your own lunch)
CLE Credit: 1.0 hour
RSVP: First come, first serve

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The Stars are Out Tonight at the Austin Bar Foundation Gala, January 20

Join the Austin Bar Foundation for its annual gala, this year themed "The Stars Are Out Tonight." Bid on one-of-a-kind items in the silent and live auctions and shake your groove thing like the star you are to the sounds of Les and the Funk Mob.

Like a true celebrity, not only will you have a blast partying, but you will be helping worthwhile causes of the Austin Bar Association, including Volunteer Legal Services of Central Texas, Rural Legal Aid, People's Law School, Law-Related Education, Austin Adoption Day, Hunger Relief Project and other law-related charities.

The following awards will also be presented:
David H. Walter Community Service Award - Clarke Heidrick
2007 Distinguished Lawyer Awards - Fred B. Werkenthin and Richard Pena

Date: Saturday, January 20
Time: 6:30 p.m. - Silent auction and cocktail reception; 8:00 p.m. - seated dinner, followed by live auction
Location: Four Seasons, 98 San Jacinto Blvd.

A special thanks to

a Benefactor of the gala, for its generosity.

To purchase your individual ticket for $150, visit our Web site at http://www.austinbar.org/abfgalatix.shtml or send in the reply card from your invitation.

For more information, please call 472-0279.

To view a list of items, please visit the Web site at http://www.austinbar.org/abfgalaauction.shtml and check often for updates of new items.

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Part-time Employment Opportunity for Pro Bono Project

The Capital Area AIDS Legal Project of AIDS Services of Austin is seeking a licensed attorney with three years of experience for part-time employment to coordinate a pro bono legal project. Volunteer Legal Services will be partnering with CAALP to provide pro bono civil legal services to people living with or affected by HIV and AIDS. Litigation and family law experience, Spanish proficiency, and knowledge of AIDS are strongly preferred.

The application is available at www.asaustin.org.

If you are interested in this position, please submit your cover letter, resume, and application to ASA, P.O. Box 4874, Austin, 78765, Attn: HR; e-mail: asa.mail@asaustin.org; fax: (512) 452-3299.

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Newly Elected Judge Honored, January 26

Please join us for the investiture ceremony to honor newly elected Judge Diane Henson, Third Court of Appeals.

Date: Friday, January 26
Time: 3:00 p.m.
Location: Third Court of Appeals Courtroom, 209 W. 14th St., Room 101

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Help with Man's Best Friend (No, Not Your BlackBerry)

Problems with your favorite pooch? Ask the dog trainer! Buddy's Chance, LLC, Austin Dog Training and Behavior invites you to a pizza lunch and a talk about dog behavior and training. You'll be able to find out why your dog does the crazy things that he or she does and how to solve common problem behaviors. If your dog's behavior has you howling mad or you'd just like to know how to get him or her to listen to you more, this lunch is a must!

Date: Wednesday, January 31
Time: Noon
Location: Austin Bar Seminar Room, 816 Congress Ave., Suite 700
RSVP: To Debbie Kelly at debbie@austinbar.org

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Upcoming Meetings

SECTIONS:
Tuesday, January 9, Real Estate Law Section Meeting
Tuesday, January 9, Civil Litigation Section Meeting
Wednesday, January 10, CAFA Section Meeting
Wednesday, January 10, Oil, Gas, & Mineral Law Section Meeting
Thursday, January 11, Financial Institutions Section Meeting
Wednesday, January 17, Administrative Law Section Meeting
Thursday, January 18, Construction Law Section Meeting
Friday, January 19, Probate & Estate Planning Section Meeting


COMMITTEES:

Legal Build Committee Meeting – January 11
Time: Noon

Publications Committee Meeting – January 17
Time: Noon

People's Law School Committee Meeting – January 18
Time: Noon

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Proud corporate sponsors of the Austin Bar Association