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Week of April 20, 2009

A Class Apart: A Mexican American Civil Rights Story DVD Release, April 21

In the new American Experience documentary A Class Apart, PBS Home Video highlights the landmark 1950s Supreme Court case that redefined civil rights for Mexican Americans in the United States. Award-winning producers tell the historic tale of how a small-town Texas murder case spurred the Mexican American civil rights movement and helped end Jim Crow-style discrimination throughout the Southwest. Hailed as "eye-opening" and "outstanding" by the Baltimore Sun, A Class Apart: A Mexican American Civil Rights Story will be released on DVD April 21.

For more information and to buy the DVD on or after April 21, please click here. You may also view the video online by clicking here.

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Conquering Cancer Art Show and Silent Auction, April 22

Date: Wednesday, April 22
Time: 5:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Soigne Boutique, 4800 Burnet Road, Suite 410

The Austin legal community does a great job of supporting and fighting for the less fortunate in and around our hometown. However, it is time to help lift up one of our own.

Maggie Weaver, a local family law attorney, is currently fighting stage IV colon cancer. Many of her painted works will be for sale at this show as well as pieces by other freelance artists.

Come and enjoy appetizers and drinks while showing your support for Maggie and her battle. Together we can help find a cure!

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Austin Bar Members' Networking Lunch, April 23

Date: Thursday, April 23
Time: noon
Location: Green Pastures, 811 W. Live Oak St.
Host: Jo Ann Merica
Cost: $21
RSVP to Michelle McFadyen at Michelle@austinbar.org or 472-0279 x111.

Looking to get more involved in the Austin Bar? Would you like to meet some new Austin Bar members? As the latest Austin Bar member benefit program, this monthly social lunch hour is the perfect place for new and seasoned members to come together and make the most of their membership.



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Members Only Free Fourth Friday, April 24

Date: Friday, April 24
Location: Austin Bar Association, 816 Congress Ave., Suite 700
Time: noon
Cost: Free
RSVP to Mollie Gallagher at Mollie@austinbar.org or 472-0279.

Austin Bar members are invited to this free CLE opportunity with Stanley Johanson as he speaks on "Commonly Encountered Ethical Issues." Take advantage of this member perk by contacting Mollie at the Austin Bar to RSVP today!

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AYLA Co-Sponsors Spring 2009 Board Summit, April 29

Date: Wednesday, April 29
Location: Junior League of Austin, 5416 Parkcrest, Suite 100
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Cost: $35

Where can you help in Austin? More than 20 nonprofits are excited to find board or volunteer matches with local professionals. This event is designed to introduce you to nonprofit organizations that can use your skills and enthusiasm.

For more information and to register for the Summit, please click here.

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Legislative Update, April 30

Date: Thursday, April 30
Location: Austin Bar Association, 816 Congress Ave., Suite 700
Time: noon to 1:15 p.m.
CLE:1.25 hours
RSVP to Michelle McFadyen at Michelle@austinbar.org or 472-0279 x111 for lunch.

Mark your calendars for a Legislative Update featuring David Chamberlain as moderator and Jay Harvey and Dicky Grigg as panelists.

The Texas Legislature has been very busy this spring. Don't miss this opportunity to hear about the various bills introduced this session and how they may affect your practice and your clients.

You may either bring a lunch, or RSVP to Michelle McFadyen and pay $7 for pizza.

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"Food from the Bar" Food Donation Drive, Through April

“Food from the Bar” is a proven anti-hunger program supported by Texas Women Lawyers along with the Travis County Women Lawyers Association to benefit the Capital Area Food Bank. For the month of April, women lawyers in Austin are coordinating this “Food from the Bar” food drive to fill the bank before school is out. This campaign will help ensure that children have enough to eat during summer months when there are no subsidized school lunches.

Cash is the best gift of all because for every $1 donated, the Food Bank can provide 5 nutritious meals. Online donations can be easily made by clicking here.

If your office or household would like to collect goods, please remember that the following items are the most needed in unbreakable containers:

  • Canned meats
  • Canned vegetables
  • Pasta and pasta sauces
  • Beans
  • Rice
  • Healthy cereals
  • Peanut butter
  • Baby food and formula
If you have two filled boxes, call the Food Bank to pick them up at 282-2111. Otherwise, please deliver the collection to the Food Bank at 8201 S. Congress by Friday, May 1. Thank you for your help!

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Terrorism, Crime & Business Symposium, April 30 - May 1

Date: Thursday, April 30 and Friday, May 1
Location: Federal Reserve Bank, Houston Branch, 1801 Allen Parkway, Houston
Topic: Understanding the Fundamental Legal & Security Liability Issues for American Business
Cost: $300

Founded in 2003, the St. Mary's University School of Law Center for Terrorism Law is dedicated to the study of legal issues associated with antiterrorism and counterterrorism. The goal of the Center is to examine current and potential legal issues related to terrorism through professional exchanges such as symposia and consultations. The Center's two-day symposium in Houston, featuring a speaker lineup from the government, business, and legal communities, promises to offer attendees the very latest information.

Seating is strictly limited to 195 guests so please sign-up quickly. For more information and for a registration brochure, please click here.

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Be a Bookworm with the Bar, May 1

Date: Friday, May 1
Location: Austin Bar Association, 816 Congress Ave., Suite 700
Speaker: James Grippando
CLE 1.0 hours
Cost: Free

If you missed out in participating in Leapholes last year, here's your chance to take part this year. In this short and easy-to-read novel, James Grippando educates young readers not only about the legal system but about the changes the legal system creates in society and invites young readers to analyze the benefits and detriments of historical legal precedent.

Be a part of legal history now by volunteering a couple hours of your time to discuss the book with young readers in our local schools between May 4 and 14. We do all of the work for you, all you have to do is curl up with a good book and join us for an information session!

Earn CLE and listen to James Grippando discuss his book with volunteers next Friday. This is not mandatory for volunteers but will give them more insight into the book for the class discussions.

If you are interested, please contact Law Related Education Co-Chair, Rob Robinson, at Robert.Robinson@oag.state.tx.us or Brooke Williams at Brooke@austinbar.org or 472-0279 ext. 108. Please RSVP for this information session by noon on Thursday, April 30.

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Family Fun for AYLA Members, May 2

Date: Saturday, May 2
Location: Qua, 213 W 4th St # 100
Time: 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Cost: $8

AYLA has teamed up with Austin Little Lounge Lizards for an afternoon of fun and dancing for AYLA members and their kids. AYLA is going as a group to Little Lounge Lizards dance club party at Qua, a swank dance club with a huge aquarium, live shark tank dance floor, abundant disco lights, and lots of complimentary Clif Bar snacks!

Little Lounge Lizards dance club party is where cool kids ages 10 and under along with their groovy grown-ups can boogie down to dance hits from the 70's on up spun by Austin's popular live DJ Syko. Please RSVP to Debbie Kelly at Debbie@austinbar.org and let her know how many adults and kids will be coming. For more information, please click here.

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Leadership Austin: Igniting Passion, May 5

Date: Tuesday, May 5
Location: Chez Zee, 5406 Balcones Drive
Time: 7:30 to 9:00 a.m.
Cost: $25 ($20 for members of the Essential Class Alumni Association)

This season at the Engage Speaker Series, attendees have discussed their vision for the community: from leadership turnover to change in the political climate; from emerging economies to affordable housing. But how can you make an impact right here in Central Texas? Join Leadership Austin for a special discussion on getting involved. Explore options for community engagement with leaders from some Austin non-profit organizations, and make plans for you and your family to help Austin become a stronger community. For information and to register, please click here.

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Texas Center for Legal Ethics and Professionalism - Executive Director Job Notice

The State Bar of Texas has posted a job opening at the Texas Center for Legal Ethics and Professionalism. They are currently looking to hire a new Executive Director. All applications are due by 1 p.m. on Wednesday, May 15.

For more information on this position and an application, please click here.

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Upcoming Meetings

SECTIONS:
Monday, April 20 - Civil Litigation Section Meeting

Thursday, April 23 - Solo/Small Firm 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.

Wednesday, April 22 - People's Law School Committee Meeting

Friday, May 1 - Women's Resource Fair Committee Meeting

Friday, May 1 - Leapholes Committee Meeting

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Proud corporate sponsors of the Austin Bar Association