Austin Bar Professional Committees

Austin Lawyers Assistance Program
Co-Chairs: Woodie Jones, Velva Price, and Judge David Phillips
Educates the public and legal community regarding mental health issues; provide support for attorneys suffering with depression.

Bench Bar Conference (Joint committee with AYLA)
Co-Chairs: Jan Soifer, Mark Perlmutter, and Judge Stephen Yelenosky
Organizes and implements the annual conference for Travis County lawyers and judges.

CLE Programs
Chair: Julia Benkoski
Organizes and develops continuing legal education programs.

Diversity
Co-Chairs: Judge Eric Shepperd, Leslie Dippel, and Tony Nelson
Organizes and develops continuing legal education programs.

Foundation Gala
Co-Chairs: Amy Welborn and Janet McCullar Vavra
Silent Auction Chair: David Chamberlain
Plans and produces annual gala to raise money for the Austin Bar Foundation.

Financial Planning
Co-Chairs: David Chamberlain and Lance Sharp
Reviews short and long term goals and objectives for the Austin Bar.

Law Day Luncheon
Co-Chairs: Judge Darlene Byrne and Jason Snell
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.

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

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

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