UH Law Center Team
Wins NTC Championship!

It began with 28 teams that advanced to Texas from Regional competitions across the United States. After two days of high-caliber mock trials, four teams were named to advance to the semi-finals: University of Houston Law Center, South Texas College of Law, Stetson University College of Law, and Temple University School of Law.

The final round between UH and Stetson was judged by 18 members of the American College of Trial Lawyers, many of whom are sitting federal and state judges. Although Rena Upshaw-Frazier of Stetson University College of Law took top oral advocate honors, the UH team of Michelle Benavides and Eddie Berbarie walked away with the championship trophy. The UH Law Center win marks the first time a Texas team has won the championship since UT Law School's win in 1991. (continued)

(Photo caption: UH team members review problem changes with coach Jacqueline M. Houlette before the final round. Supporting team member, Julie Gray, not pictured.)

Featured Local Affiliate Leader
Ted Smith, Austin
By Dan Hargrove -

This time last year, Ted Smith was busy researching office space, computer systems and business plans along with two fellow colleagues in the hope of starting the first Austin-based labor and employment boutique law firm. Today, Cornell Smith & Mierl, LLP has expanded to five attorneys and quickly become one of the go-to law firms for employers throughout Central Texas. “We felt there was a niche to be found with companies that wanted the legal expertise of a ‘big firm,’ with the value and service of a local practice,” says Smith. “It’s been a tremendous year and we are excited about the future.” (continued)

Feature TYLA Project
Launching Lawyers As Leaders

I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who will have sought and found how to serve. -- Albert Schweitzer

TYLA's Lawyers as Leaders is a web-based matching service designed to pair attorneys with nonprofit and other service organizations in their communities. Letters have been sent to nonprofit organizations all over the state asking them to post volunteer opportunities on the TYLA website. Attorneys can then select from the online database local nonprofit groups they would like to assist.

Lawyers as Leaders can match your unique skills to organizations that need them the most and offer you an opportunity to grow through service and new experiences. Confident, energetic young lawyers can make a difference. By selecting a volunteer project you find interesting and giving of yourself, you can grow personally and make your community a better place. Join TYLA in our quest to be uncommon leaders. To find available opportunities or more information go to www.tyla.org/leaders.

Get to Know Your TYLA President-elect Candidates:
Philip Mack Furlow (Tahoka) & Lee Ann Reno (Amarillo)
By Gindi Eckel -

I have been lucky enough to get to know and serve on the Board with both of the TYLA President- Elect candidates, Philip Mack Furlow and Lee Ann Reno, over the past few years. That distinction, combined with the fact that I asked to author this article again this year, gave me an opportunity to e-mail both of the candidates a few questions about their interests, Texas, and most importantly, TYLA. Read on to discover interesting tidbits about each of these great candidates, and don’t forget to vote this month – ballots are mailed out April 14 and DUE APRIL 30. (continued)

UPDATE / REMINDER
Texas Round-Up 10K Run and Fitness Festival is April 17th!

TYLA, and the Austin Young Lawyers Association (AYLA) are joining forces with Governor Rick Perry to promote participation in this year's event. We need you to sign-up to run and take part in this fun-filled campaign. The Texas Round-Up is the governor's statewide health and fitness initiative designed to encourage all Texans to incorporate daily physical activity and healthy choices into their lives. Participants can sign-up and get guidelines and support online at: www.texasroundup.org.