Austin Bar Professional Committees

Austin Lawyers Assistance Program
Chairs: Ann Greenberg, Chief Justice Woodie Jones, and Velva Price
Educates the public and legal community regarding mental health issues; provide support for attorneys suffering with depression.

Bench Bar Conference (Joint committee with AYLA)
Chairs: Judge Amy Clark Meachum, Heidi Coughlin, Judge Gisela Triana Doyal, and Michael Whellan
Organizes and implements the annual conference for Travis County lawyers and judges.

CLE Programs
Chairs: Julia Benkoski and Laura Grabouski
Organizes and develops continuing legal education programs.

Diversity
Chairs: Leslie Dippel, Tony Nelson, and Judge Eric Shepperd
Manages the Diversity Fellowship Program.

Foundation Gala
Chairs: Shannon Meroney and Laura Sharp 
Fundraising Subcommittee Chair: Mishell Kneeland
Plans and produces annual gala to raise money for the Austin Bar Foundation.

Financial Planning
Chairs: Judge Elisabeth Earle and Lance Sharp
Reviews short and long term goals and objectives for the Austin Bar.

Law Day Luncheon
Chair: Arthur Troilo
Creates and implements activities to educate the public and children about the meaning and importance of Law Day, conducts an essay and poster contests of local students on the ABA Law Day theme, and organizes the annual Law Day Luncheon.

Leadership Academy
Chairs: David Courreges and Karin Crump
Initiate and implement a yearly program to further advance knowledge and skills of leadership in all levels of government, public education, nonprofit organizations,and involvement in the bar, culminating with a class project.

Legislative
Chairs: David Chamberlain and David Courreges
Monitors legislation affecting the legal community and helps educate the membership on it.

Membership
Chair: D. Todd Smith
Works on increasing membership in the Austin Bar, particularly in the government, criminal and solo areas.

Mentoring Newly Licensed Attorneys
Chair: Sara Foskitt
Ensure the high standards of the Austin legal community carry forward in each "generation" of new attorneys that enter into practice.

Publications/Web Site (Joint committee with AYLA)
Chair: Vysali Soundararajan
Creates and implements policies and procedures for Austin Lawyer, Bar Code and www.AustinBar.org