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Week of November 30, 2009


Santa Brings a Law Suit, November 30 - December 11

This year's AYLA Santa Brings a Law Suit service project will benefit Lisa's Hope Chest and the Jack Jenkins Debate Opportunity Fund.

An Austin-based, non-profit organization, Lisa's Hope Chest provides gently-used professional clothing free of charge to men and women in need. This clothes closet is different from others because it is designed specifically to help individuals in transition. Approximately 90 percent of Lisa's clients are re-entering the workforce out of the prison system. By donating your own gently-used office wear, shoes, and casual clothing, Austin Bar and AYLA members can help these individuals get back on the right track and on their own feet. She is especially in need of clothing for men.

The Jack Jenkins fund was established to preserve and further the ideals of Jack Jenkins, an accomplished debater who thought debate should be fair and open, affording everyone an equal opportunity to participate. Many of the students lack the proper attire for debate competitions. Donations of ties, belts, dress shirts, and slacks will allow these students to pursue an opportunity that has, until now, been out of their reach.

Please drop-off your generous clothing donations at the following locations:

  • Starbrite Cleaners 2401 Lake Austin Blvd. (472-4676)
  • Starbrite Cleaners 1220 Barton Hills Drive (443-8883)
  • Comet Cleaners 501 W. 15th Street (236-1118)
  • Comet Cleaners 3637 Far West Blvd. (338-0141)
Donations may also be dropped off at Sumpter & Gonzalez at 206 E. 9th St, Suite 1511. In fact, if you call ahead someone will meet you at your car to pick them up from you. Contact Sumpter & Gonzalez at 381-9955 with questions regarding drop-off.

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Austin Lawyers for Hunger Relief 2009

Join the Austin Bar and AYLA as we try to alleviate the hunger pangs of those around the globe. You may choose whether your charitable donation is felt locally or used for international relief. Click here for more information on the Hunger Relief project and how to donate.

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Pick Me! Needs Your Help in December

The Pick Me! Committee needs your help with one class in December! 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.

Volunteers are needed to fill the following time slots once between Dec. 1 and 11 for McCallum High School (5600 Sunshine Dr.):

  • 9:00 to 9:50 a.m.
  • 12:37 to 1:27 p.m.
  • 1:33 to 2:23 p.m.
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 mock voir dire.

Sign up now! Contact Legal Education Committee Chair Robert Robinson at robert.robinson@oag.state.tx.us today to secure your spot and make difference.

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Texas RioGrande Legal Aid Annual Board of Directors Meeting, Dec. 5

Date: Saturday, Dec. 5
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Location:Law Offices of Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, 1111 N. Main, San Antonio.

This meeting is open to the public. For more information, please call Emma V. Villarreal at 1-800-369-0574 or 956/447-4825.

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E-Filing: A Tutorial, Dec. 9

Date: Wednesday, Dec. 9
Time: 9:00 a.m. to noon
Location: County Clerk's Training Center, 5501 Airport Blvd.
Cost: Free
CLE: 1 hour
RSVP to Erica Lopez at Erica.lopez@co.travis.tx.us or 854-9737.

The Travis County District Clerk is extending an invitation to members of the Austin Bar Association to attend "E-Filing 101." The event will include one hour of free CLE credit and includes a presentation about the history of electronic filing, an overview of TexasOnline eFiling for Courts, and information about how to register to file electronic court documents.

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Help AYLA Spread Holiday Cheer, Dec. 19

Date: Saturday, Dec. 19
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

It's that time of year again! AYLA is gearing up for its 27th Annual Holiday Baskets Project and needs your help.

The goal of the Holiday Baskets Project is to provide groceries, gifts, a legal-resource guide, a holiday card, and (if funds permit) a calling card to 75 local families who need assistance during the holidays. This year, AYLA is working with Blue Santa in an effort to maximize the number of families served and increase the level of donations to each family in need.

AYLA needs volunteers and funds for Holiday Baskets to succeed.

  • With assistance from invaluable volunteers, AYLA will deliver the holiday baskets on Saturday, December 19, 2009, beginning at 11:00 a.m. If you want to volunteer, contact Kennon Peterson at kennonpeterson@hotmail.com or 463-4353. You may also donate and volunteer online.
  • Donations are fully tax-deductible (your canceled check is your receipt) and for only $135 you can sponsor an entire family! Send checks made payable to AYLA Foundation to Austin Young Lawyers Association, Attn: Debbie Kelly, re: Holiday Baskets, 816 Congress Ave., Suite 700, Austin, Texas 78701.
Thanks for your consideration and happy holidays!

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Upcoming Meetings

SECTIONS:
Tuesday, Dec 1 - Health Law Section Meeting

Wednesday, Dec 2 - Family Law Section Meeting

Tuesday, Dec 8 - Real Estate Law Section Meeting

Wednesday, Dec 9 - Labor & Employment Law Section Meeting

Wednesday, Dec 9 - Oil, Gas & Mineral Law Section Meeting

Thursday, Dec 10 - Alternative Dispute Resolution Section Meeting

Thursday, Dec 10 - Business, Corporate & Tax 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 Marissa@austinbar.org or call 472-0279 with your name and the name of the committee.

Tuesday, Dec. 1 - Women's Resource Fair Committee Meeting

Monday, Dec. 7 - People's Law School Committee Meeting

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