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Week of March 10, 2008
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SXSW Film Explores History of Prisoners’ Rights Struggle, March 13 & 15
Date: Thursday, March 13, 4:30 p.m.; Saturday, March 15, 1:30 p.m.
Location: Austin Convention Center, 500 E Cesar Chavez St.
Writ Writer tells the story of a self-taught jailhouse lawyer named Fred Arispe Cruz who challenged the constitutionality of prison conditions in Texas in the 1960s, and launched the state’s prisoners’ rights movement. By most measures Cruz was an ordinary criminal. But his extraordinary battle to expose in court the officially sanctioned brutality that led to inmate deaths, and the unconstitutional rules that blocked Texas prisoners from legal representation in the 1950s and 60s effectively paved the legal path to state prison reform.
His story finds special relevance today as the United States faces criticism for the incarceration of foreign “enemy combatants” without access to attorneys or legal proceedings at prisons such as Guantanamo Bay in Cuba. As “extraordinary rendition” is used to interrogate prisoners and the Geneva Conventions are skirted, WRIT WRITER recalls the prisoners’ rights movement of the Civil Rights era, and the conditions that inspired prisoners like Fred Cruz to speak out.
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Award Nominations Due THIS FRIDAY, March 14
Here’s your chance to acknowledge a fellow attorney who always rises to the occasion. The Austin Bar Association and the Austin young Lawyers Association are seeking nominations for several awards that will be presented at the annual Law Day Banquet on Friday, May 2.
Regina Rogoff Award
The Regina Rogoff Award is given annually to an attorney in Travis County that has demonstrated outstanding service in the public/non-profit sector. This award was created as a lasting tribute to the career achievements of Regina Rogoff, who started with Legal Aid in 1973 and was Executive Director for 19 years.
Past Regina Rogoff Award winners include:
2002 Regina Rogoff
2003 Berry Crowley
2004 Betty Bailli Torres
2005 Bree Buchanan
2006 Fred Fuchs
2007 Garth Corbett 08
The Professionalism Award
The Professionalism Award is presented by the Austin Bar Association and Texas Center for Professionalism to a local lawyer who best exemplifies, by conduct and character, truly professional traits, who others in the bar seek to emulate, and who all in the bar admire.
Past Professionalism Award winners include:
2000 Chuck Herring
2001 Xavier Medina
2002 Steve Zager
2003 Tom Watkins
2004 Larry Langley
2005 Mina Brees
2006 Mike McKetta
2007 Claude Ducloux
Please send nominations by Friday, March 14 to DeLaine Ward at Delaine@austinbar.org or Austin Bar Association, 816 Congress Ave., Suite 700, Austin, Texas 78701
Outstanding Young Lawyer Award
The Outstanding Young Lawyer Award recognizes a young attorney (36 years of age or less on July 1, 2007) who has shown exemplary professional proficiency, service to the profession, and service to the community. AYLA's Immediate Past President is not eligible for the award, and neither are current AYLA or TYLA officers or directors.
Past Outstanding Young Lawyer Award winners include:
Heather Way
Cindy Olson Bourland
Judge Elisabeth Earle
Duffy Doyle Crane
Michelle Cheng
Laurie Higginbotham
Liberty Bell Award
The Liberty Bell Award is given to recognize community service that promotes better understanding of the principles of American government and strengthens the effectiveness of the American system of freedom under law. The nominee cannot be an attorney.
Past Liberty Bell Award winners include:
Bruce Elfant
Bishop John McCarthy
Carlen Floyd
Berry Silverberg
Karen Sonleitner
Dr. Paula Tyler
Rosemary Morrow
Jim Kruger
The Outstanding Alumnus Award
The Outstanding Alumnus award is given to an attorney over the age of 36 who was actively involved in the AYLA as an officer, director, committee chair, or committee member, and who has significantly distinguished himself or herself in the profession as an alumnus of our organization.
The Outstanding Mentor Award
The Outstanding Mentor award is an attorney of any age who has consistently demonstrated a firm commitment to successfully mentoring young lawyers in the Austin area legal community. For a nomination form, please visit www.ayla.org.
Please send nominations by Friday, March 14 to Debbie Kelly at Debbie@austinbar.org or Austin Bar Association, 816 Congress Ave., Suite 700, Austin, Texas 78701
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Petition for AYLA Board Nominations Due THIS FRIDAY, March 14
AYLA is seeking attorneys interested in serving on its board of directors for the 2008-2009 bar year. Serving on the board is a great way to gain leadership skills, increase your network, and become more active in the community.
To be eligible for a board position, you must be a current AYLA member and be 36 years of age or under as of July 1, 2008, or licensed to practice law in Texas for less than three years. If you would like to be placed on the ballot, submit a nominating petition signed by five current AYLA members to Debbie Kelly at Debbie@austinbar.org or fax to 473-2720. Nomination petitions are due Friday, March 14.
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Smile and Say Cheese! 2008-2009 Membership Directory Headshots, Next Week - Make Your Appointment Today!
Date: March 17 - 21
Time: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location: Austin Bar Association, 816 Congress Ave., Suite 700
It’s that time of year again…
The Austin Bar is working with a new photographer for the 2008 – 2009 Membership Directory. Matthew Lemke is a professional commercial and portrait photographer in Austin, and specializes in corporate headshots and executive portraits, as well as family portraits. For examples of his work, click here.
Each 15 minute session will cost $15 and is payable upon arrival with cash, check, or credit card. Also, although there is no obligation, participants will have a range of options for purchasing digital files for their own use.
Though we will try to accommodate walk-ins, it cannot be guaranteed and scheduling an appointment is highly recommended. Call Matthew Lemke Photography at 512/970-2633 or e-mail Matt@MatthewLemke.com to schedule your sitting.
The schedule will fill up fast so please make your appointment soon!
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Breakfast with the Judiciary, March 20
Date: Thursday, March 20
Time: 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
Speaker: Judge Fortunato Benavides of the Fifth Court of Appeals
Cost: $20
Join Judge Fortunato Benavides and get a jump on your day with a hot breakfast and networking at the Bar!
RSVP for this great morning event to Debbie Kelly at Debbie@austinbar.org or 472-0279 ext. 105.
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Small and Midsize Firm Reception with UT Law Students, March 20
Date: Thursday, March 20
Location: Shoreline Grill, 98 San Jacinto Blvd.
RSVP by Tuesday, March 18 to Deb Freeman at dfreeman@law.utexas.edu or 232-2162
Want to share your insights about the opportunities and advantages of
working in a small or midsize firm with UT Law students? The Career Services Office of The University of Texas School of Law invites you and your fellow practitioners to their eighth annual Small and Midsize Firm Reception with UT Law Students.
Aside from providing UT Law students will valuable advice, you will receive a resume directory of UT Law students and recent graduates interested in working in small to midsize firms on Tuesday, March 18. Sent via e-mail, the directory will be a password protected PDF for attendees. If you are unable to attend the reception but would like a copy, contact Deb Freeman at dfreeman@law.utexas.edu.
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Fun in the Sun and CLE, March 27 - 28
Date: March 27 – 28
Location: Sheraton Beach Resort, South Padre Island, Texas
Cost: $325 for non-HCBA members; $175 for judges and court coordinators; $350 for those registering at the door; federal employee discount rates available
Do you need an excuse to get away and enjoy a couple of days of fun in the sun at South Padre Island? Well, have we got a great one for you! The Hidalgo County Bar Association will be hosting a two day CLE at the Sheraton Beach Resort at South Padre Island. Their preeminent faculty includes the United States Sentencing Commission from Washington D.C., federal judges, and staff from all over the Western and Southern Districts of Texas, Gerry Goldstein, Rusty Hardin, Tim Evans, and Pepperdine law professor Antonio Mendoza, to name a few.
So, don’t delay, register online today and book your hotel reservations while rooms are available. This program is being marketed all over the Southern and Western Districts of Texas, so please register while room permits.
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Leadership Austin Presents Experience Austin, March 28
Date: Friday, March 28 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Tuesdays, April 1, 8, and 15 from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Registration: $785 (includes course materials, meals and refreshments, and bus tour)
Leadership Austin is proud to present its popular Experience Austin program again this spring, beginning Friday, March 28. Experience Austin allows participants to delve deeper into Austin’s issues and opportunities, icons and institutions. This fast-paced orientation series introduces both new residents and long time Austinites to the latest issues and key players in this "city of ideas."
Experience Austin allows participants to learn the key issues facing our community, discover ways to get involved and learn who the decision makers are to help them get things done. Experience Austin consists of four sessions:
Friday March 28 – Icons and Issues
Tuesday April 1 – Innovations and Economic Trends: The Sky’s the Limit,
Tuesday April 8 – Leadership and Education: Keys to the Region’s Future,
Tuesday April 15 - Quality of Life: the Spirit of the Region
Please contact Kirsti Krejs at ckrejs@leadershipaustin.org or 512-499-0435 x10 if you have additional questions.
Registration can be done online at www.leadershipaustin.org or by calling (512) 499-0435 x 11.
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What Happens in Vegas...Stays in Vegas, April 5
CLE Cost: $195
Austin Young Lawyers Association and the Amarillo Area Young Lawyers Association are hosting the Ninth Annual Las Vegas CLE on Saturday, April 5. This annual pilgrimage to Las Vegas gives lawyers of all ages the chance to earn approximately 5.5 hours (pending approval) of quality CLE, plus the opportunity to win back your registration fee at legitimate games of chance (not a likely occurrence).
Even if the gambling scene isn't for you, the Las Vegas CLE is the perfect opportunity to get quality CLE at an affordable price, expand your network of lawyer contacts from around the state, see great shows, enjoy fabulous shopping, and play unbelievable golf courses. Speakers this year include Texas Supreme Court Justice Paul Green, Justices Brian Quinn and Mackey Hancock of the Amarillo Court of Appeals, and Austin’s own Patrick Keel.
Hotel rooms are available at the Golden Nugget. Make plans early by calling 1-888-404-6441 and mentioning "Amarillo Area Young Lawyers CLE." In addition, AAYLA and AYLA will sponsor a happy hour on Friday, April 4.
Please click here to download the registration form.
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Volunteer Legal Services Needs Your Help!
Date: every Monday and Wednesday
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Monday clinics take place at Martin Middle School, 1601 Haskell St.; Wednesday clinics take place at Webb Middle School, 601 E. Saint Johns Ave.
This is a perfect opportunity for attorneys looking for a short term pro bono commitment. VLS needs attorneys to give one-on-one advice at their twice weekly legal clinics.
Monday night clinics are at Martin Middle School. Wednesday night clinics are at Webb Middle School. Clinics begin at 6 p.m. and usually wrap up between 8:00 or 8:30 p.m.
Decide how often you wish to be scheduled and contact Anna K. Meyers at 476-5550 ext. 304 or akmeyers@vlsoct.org.
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Austin Attorney Leading Delegation to Rwanda
Former Austin Bar President and long-time member Richard Pena is leading the Law and Legal Systems program September 18-28, 2008, in Rwanda. He is extending an invitation to the members of the Austin Bar Association to join him for this internationally significant project.
The delegation is being sponsored by People to People Citizen Ambassador Programs, which was founded in 1956 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in an effort to promote cultural understanding through the efforts of individuals. The delegation of U.S. lawyers will meet with their professional colleagues and enjoy the Rwandan culture.
The program will take approximately 10 days and the itinerary will include a variety of professional meetings, site visits, and cultural activities. Continuing Legal Education credits are being applied for. For detailed information from Mr. Pena on the program, please click here. To find out more about the People to People Citizen Ambassador Programs, visit www.citizenambassadors.org.
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Upcoming Meetings
SECTIONS:
Tuesday, March 11 - CAFA Core DVD Viewing
Tuesday, March 11 - Technology & Computer Law Section Meeting
Tuesday, March 11 - Real Estate Law Section Meeting
Thursday, March 13 - Financial Institutions Section Meeting
Wednesday, March 19 - Business, Coporate, & Tax Law Section Meeting
Thursday, March 20 - Civil Appellate Law Section Meeting
Thursday, March 20 - Construction Law Section Meeting
Friday, March 21 - 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 to receptionist@austinbar.org or call 472-0279 with your name and the name of the committee.
Friday, March 14 - Nominating Committee Meeting
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Proud corporate sponsors of the Austin Bar Association
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