Austin Bar Blog

Third-party payors are generally permissible; however, this practice presents several ethical challenges that require examination. In this Article from TLIE, we discuss some of the ethical issues implicated by third-party payors and provide some practical tips to avoid violating the Texas ethics rules. Read the article here.

In the next episode of the Council of Firsts, Amanda Arriaga, first Latina President of the Austin Bar talks to Elizabeth Rogers, the first chief privacy officer for the State of Texas and chair of the new Privacy Law Section at the Austin Bar Association. To join the section and learn about upcoming events, please click here.  Listen to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all other podcasting platforms, or watch on YouTube.

María Amelia is a seasoned first chair litigator specializing in complex commercial litigation, with a particular focus on non-compete, non-solicit, and trade secret cases. She also represents clients in a broad array of disputes, including business torts, breach of contract, defamation, and constitutional challenges. With experience spanning diverse industries such as life sciences, financial services, ag-biotech, oil and gas, renewable energy, and more, María Amelia is a trusted partner, offering strategic advice that drives results and enables informed business decisions.
 
Currently serving as a partner at Botkin Chiarello Calaf, María Amelia's notable background includes handling constitutional challenges, administrative tribunal cases, and Texas Public Information Act (PIA) requests during her tenure as the Manager for Complex Litigation for the Attorney General of Texas. Her achievements have earned her recognition as a Super Lawyer and one of Austin's Top Attorneys, while her commitment to diversity and inclusion led to her designation as a Diversity and Inclusion Champion by Texas Lawyer. She remains actively involved in advancing Latina lawyers through her roles in the Latina Commission for the Hispanic National Bar Association and as the founder of the Austin chapter of Cafecitos.
 
Thank you, Maria Amelia for brining your experience, passion, and wit to every part of our community you touch. It is made better by your example.

The Investiture Ceremony welcoming Elizabeth Lawson as a new associate judge for the Juvenile Court has been rescheduled for Friday, August 18, at Gardner-Betts.

Henry Bell or "The Great One" as he was fondly referred to passed away on July 21, 2023 at the age of 82. Read his full obituary here.

In the next episode of the Council of Firsts, Amanda Arriaga, first Latina president of the Austin Bar, talks to Ciara Parks, first female and African American general counsel of the Texas Board of Law Examiners and immediate past president of the Austin Black Lawyers Association. To join, donate, or get information about upcoming events, please visit austinblacklawyers.com. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all other podcasting platforms, or watch on YouTube.

Ketan Kharod is "of counsel” at Guerrero & Whittle, PLLC, representing plaintiffs in personal injury and environmental justice litigation. Ketan first came to Austin in 1997 to attend UT Law School, and then was fortunate to clerk for U.S. District Judge Sam Sparks after earning his JD in 2000. After his clerkship, Ketan was a briefing and litigation attorney on behalf of clients injured by asbestos and other toxic exposures, and for whistleblowers in qui tam litigation before joining Guerrero & Whittle in 2017.
 
As much as Ketan enjoys being a lawyer, he tries to have a life outside the law, whether as a husband, parent, or community member. He is a former, longtime board member of Asian Family Support Services of Austin (AFSSA), which provides culturally-specific services to survivors of domestic violence, abuse, and trafficking. From 2016-2019, Ketan served as a city councilmember (and later, Mayor Pro Tem) for the City of Sunset Valley, becoming one of the first Indian-American elected officials in Central Texas. He was a co-founder of the Indian American Coalition of Texas, and is a lifetime member of the South Asian Bar Association of Austin (SABAA) and Austin Asian American Bar Association (AAABA). He has also been recognized by the UT Division of Diversity and Community Engagement and State Bar of Texas - APIS for community service over the years.
 
Ketan is a vital member of the Austin Bar Association Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee whose invaluable contributions to the Equity Summit helped make it a successful and impactful event. Thank you, Ketan!

April Griffin has served as in-house counsel for several state agencies, advising clients on matters pertaining to government procurement, open government law, agency rule-making, legislative issues, special education, rehabilitative services, employment, and policy issues. As a solo practitioner, she has handled estate planning, probate, and guardianship matters. She has served as legal counsel for individuals and business entities handling transactional matters including business development, entity formation, filings, entity status changes, contract review, contract formation, negotiations, breach of contract and termination issues.

April is a proud supporter of veterans’ rights having served on active duty in the United States Air Force for over seven years. She is a board member for the Austin Black Lawyers Association Foundation and a Council Member of the State Bar of Texas Administrative and Public Law Section. April also serves as a Commissioner on the Travis County ESD 2 Board.

In the next episode of the Council of Firsts, Amanda Arriaga, first Latina president of the Austin Bar, talks to Betty Blackwell, legal legend and first female president of the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (TCDLA). Do you remember the commercial that asked: oh you DO know Betty Blackwell? Watch it here. Listen to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all other podcasting platforms, or watch on YouTube.

Attorney volunteers will provide brief legal advice in their preferred practice area(s) to veterans in need. Walk-ins are welcome or you may pre-register online.  Sign up starts at 1:30 p.m. and please sign in before 3:30 p.m.

Veterans can also complete an intake application via phone. Call 512.472.0279 x110 to see if you qualify.

Volunteers may select a specific time slot or attend the entire duration of the clinic to provide advice.

Austin VA Outpatient Clinic | August 14, 2023  | 1:30 PM - 4:00 PM CT
7901 Metropolis Drive |  Austin, Texas, 78744
Volunteer here. For more information, please see the click here.

Pflugerville Public Library | August 20, 2023 | 1:30 PM - 4:00 PM CT
1008 Pfluger Street W | Pflugerville, TX 78660
Volunteer here. For more information, please see the click here.