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Week of November 10, 2008
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Volunteers Needed for Pick Me! A Jury of My Peers
The Pick Me! Committee needs your help this week! There are 14 open spots for this Wednesday, Nov. 12 at Bowie High School, and they all need to be filled as soon as possible. This is your chance to take part in a worthwhile and fun youth project that will help high school students understand the importance of jury duty.
The program involves a three-day curriculum which includes the history of the jury system on Day 1, a mock voir dire conducted by attorneys and judges on Day 2, and a video trial on Day 3. We are looking for attorney and judge volunteers for the weeks of November 11 through December 12 for the Day 2 mock voir dire.
Sign up now! A list of class dates, times, and locations can be found here. Please email Brooke Williams at Leslie.dippel@co.travis.tx.us and Robert Robinson robert.robinson@oag.state.tx.us.
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Texas Access to Justice Foundation Needs Your Help by November 13
There is a gap in the coverage of the recently announced Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program (TLGP). This program does not cover Interest on Lawyer Trust Accounts (IOLTA). The unintended consequence of the TLGP is to create a situation in which client funds in excess of $250,000, currently held in IOLTA accounts, are eligible for unlimited insurance if they are removed from the IOLTA account and placed in non-interest bearing deposit transaction accounts. The foundation stands to lose half its revenue. This is compounded by a dismal economy and dramatic cuts in interest.
It has been determined that in addition to the strategies that the American Bar Association and IOLTA community have been pursuing, it is crucial to expand the approach and seek letters to the FDIC from individual lawyers. The Texas Access to Justice Foundation urges attorneys to send letters to the FDIC.
Please include examples of the public good that results from the IOLTA funds and potential consequences of IOLTA not being included in the TLGP, e.g. ethical dilemmas for lawyers in mandatory states, loss of critical legal aid funding. A sample letter can be found here.
Comments can be submitted to the FDIC Web site or by e-mail to Comments@FDIC.gov.
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Participate in Austin Lawyer's Great Debate, November 14
Once again, in next month's issue of Austin Lawyer, Candace Windel and Bob O'Boyle will be debating a topic that is relevant to the legal community. Please send us your comments and opinions on where you stand on the issue.
This month's question is:
"Is the FCC's prohibition against 'fleeting expletives' arbitrary and capricious?"
If not familiar with the Supreme Court case, you may do some investigating by clicking here for a little background information.
Please send your comments, opinions, and if you'd like your name to be included to Kat@austinbar.org by this Friday, Nov. 14. A few of the comments will be featured in the December/January issue of Austin Lawyer. Let your voice be heard!
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AYLA Government Coffee is Back, November 14
Date: Friday, Nov. 14
Time: 7:30 to 9:30 a.m.
Location: Starbuck’s, 10th St. and Congress Ave.
Who: All young lawyers, government and non-government, both young and young at heart are invited.
It's been missing for a few months – possibly even a year – but the Austin Young Lawyer’s popular free coffee event honoring our hard working government lawyers is indeed back and just as good as ever! Come join your fellow Austin young lawyers for morning coffee, hot chocolate, and a Danish or two. Meet new friends, see old ones. We look forward to seeing you there!
As always, if you would like more information on this, or any other AYLA event, please contact Michelle McFadyen at Michelle@austinbar.org.
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New Attorney Orientation CLE, November 17
Date: Monday, Nov. 17
Time: noon to 5:00 p.m.
Location: Austin Bar Association, 816 Congress Ave., Suite 700
CLE: 4 hours
Cost: Free for members of the Austin Bar Association and AYLA; $50 for nonmembers
You graduated from law school. Now what? Entering the legal community can often be an intimidating process. The Austin Bar wants to help you with this transition and bridge the gap from law school to lawyer.
Topics will include:
- State, Federal, and Local Rules
- Legal Ethics
- Criminal Law: What You are Assumed to Know
- Community Involvement
- New Attorney Expectations: What You Need to Know to Shine
A beneficial resource fair and tour of the Travis County Courthouse will follow. Contact Michelle McFadyen at Michelle@austinbar.org or 472-0279 x111 to RSVP for this great event.
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How to Get and Keep Clients (for Life), November 18
Date: Tuesday, Nov. 18
Time: 11:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Location: Williams Center, 1220 Lavaca, Suite B
Cost: $12 for Capital Area Trial Lawyers Association members and $18 for non-members
RSVP by Wednesday, Nov. 12 to
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Rise and Shine! Austin Bar's Breakfast with the Judiciary, November 20
Date: Thursday, Nov. 20
Time: 7:30 to 8:30 a.m.
Location: Austin Bar Association, 816 Congress Ave., Suite 700
Cost: $20 (includes breakfast and parking validation)
RSVP: Advance reservation and pre-payment are required. Reserve your spot by contacting Michelle McFadyen at
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13th Annual Austin Bar Association's Criminal Law Retreat, November 21 - 22 - Register Today to Avoid Late Fee
Date:Nov. 21 - 22
Location: Fredericksburg Inn & Suites, 201 S. Washington, Fredericksburg
Join the Austin Bar and Criminal Law Section for the 13th Annual Criminal Law Retreat in Fredericksburg!
Attendees will have the opportunity to attend a wine tasting and a dinner honoring Ronnie Earle. Join guest speakers as they celebrate Earle's retirement from 30 years of service as District Attorney.
With accommodations provided by Fredericksburg Inn & Suites and Inn on Baron's Creek, the Criminal Law Retreat is more than an opportunity to earn 6.5 hours of CLE. It's a chance to escape for a quick weekend away.
Please click here for a schedule of events and registration form. Forms may be faxed to 473-2720 or mailed to: Austin Bar Association, 816 Congress Ave., Suite 700, Austin, Tx 78701. Register today to avoid a $50 late registration fee that will begin tomorrow!
Contact Michelle McFadyen (472-0279 x111) or Carol Tobias (472-0279 x106) with any questions about the weekend.
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TCWLA Announces the Formation of the Margaret Cooper Scholarship Fund
The Travis County Women Lawyers Scholarship Fund announces the termination of the Marian O. Boner Scholarship (formed in 1983) and the formation of the Margaret Cooper Scholarship. The new scholarship honors the many years of service of 353rd Judicial District Judge Margaret Cooper, who is retiring on Dec. 31 of this year.
Beginning in the spring of 2009, the Margaret Cooper scholarship will be awarded annually to the University of Texas Law School applicant who best demonstrates perseverance in the face of adversity, financial need, and community service. The recipient of the $1,500 scholarship will be announced each year at the Travis County Women Lawyers Association Judicial Reception, usually held in February.
Donations to the scholarship fund are now being solicited in the following categories:
- Supreme - $5,000
- Appellate - $2,500
- District - $1,000
- County - $500
- Justice of the Peace - $250
- Public - $100
Donations may be sent to the following address:
Amie Rodnick
Travis County Women Lawyers Scholarship Fund, Inc.
507 W. 7th St.
Austin, TX 78701
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Featured Member Discount: Tiffany & Co.
Tiffany & Co. has opened a store location in Austin at the Domain. Tiffany's has invited all Austin Bar members to establish a no fees business account which includes a 15% discount. To take advantage of this opportunity, call 800/770-0800 and press 2 to speak with a Tiffany representative. Please include Lynley Chadwell on your application to guarantee the best service.
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Upcoming Meetings
SECTIONS:
Tuesday, November 11 - Real Estate Law Section Meeting
Wednesday, November 12 - Oil, Gas & Mineral Law Section Meeting
Thursday, November 13 - Financial Law Section Meeting
Wednesday, November 19 - Administrative Law Section Meeting
Wednesday, November 19 - Solo/Small Firm Section Meeting
Thursday, November 20 - Business, Corporate & Tax Law Section Meeting
Thursday, November 20 - Civil Appellate Law Section Meeting
Thursday, November 20 - Construction Law Section Meeting
Friday, November 21 - Estate Planning & Probate Law 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, November 12 - CLE Committee Meeting
Monday, November 17 - Budget Committee Meeting
Monday, November 17 - Women's Resource Fair Committee Meeting
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Proud corporate sponsors of the Austin Bar Association
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