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About the Conference

The Central Texas Federal Bench Bar Conference serves as an annual gathering of the judiciary and legal practitioners primarily serving the Austin, San Antonio, and Waco Divisions of the Western District of Texas (WDTX). The inaugural Conference will provide at least 6 hours of continuing legal education  related to federal court practice and current trends and issues in our Divisions of the WDTX. The Conference aims to facilitate professionalism, legal education, and networking opportunities among lawyers of all specialties and to provide a forum for bringing together the federal bench and the bar outside of the courtroom or litigation context. 

Your Questions Answered

Who is planning and hosting the Central Texas Federal Bench Bar Conference?


With the encouragement of current and former WDTX Judges, several lawyers working in the WDTX joined with the leadership of the Austin Chapter of the Federal Bar Association to begin planning a bench bar conference like those offered in other judicial districts around the country. Soon thereafter, the Central Texas Bench Bar Non-Profit Organization was formed for this purpose. After years of discussions and months of planning, the inaugural Central Texas Federal Bench Bar Conference has (finally) come together.

 

    Non-Profit Executive Committee & Members of the Board:

 

  • Andrew Broadaway, Cornell Smith Mierl Brutacao Burton, LLP– Vice President

  • Worth Carroll, Sumpter & Gonzalez LLP - Board Member

  • Trey Duck, Nix Patterson, LLP – President

  • Marcy Greer, Alexander Dubose & Jefferson LLP – Board Member

  • Sara Janes, Weisbart Springer Hayes, LLP – Secretary

  • Brian Nash, Morrison Foerster, LLP – Board Member

  • David Ortega, Naman Howell, Smith & Lee, PLLC - Board Member

  • Greg White, Gray Reed & McGraw, LLP - Board Member

  • Christina Yarnell, Nix Patterson, LLP – Treasurer

What is the Welcome Reception on February 29, 2024?

 

Presenting Sponsors and Underwriting Sponsors are guaranteed two reserved tickets for a Welcome Reception held at the beautiful United States Courthouse in downtown Austin from 4 pm to 5:30 pm on February 29. Space at the Courthouse is limited, so aside from Presenting and Underwriting Sponsors, general admission to the Welcome Reception will be limited to conference attendees on a first-come-first-served basis. The Reception will be an opportunity to welcome and connect with our Judges, speakers, and other notable guests. Light hors d’oeuvres, wine, beer, and other beverages will be served. Guided group tours of the Courthouse will be offered, but space is limited. If you are not a Presenting or Underwiring Sponsor but would like to attend, please sent an email to info@centraltxbenchbar.com. More details about the reception and the opportunity to sign up for a tour will be provided by email closer to the event.

I don’t live or practice in Austin, San Antonio, or Waco. Am I invited?

Of course! With seven divisions covering more than 92,000 square miles, the WDTX is one of the largest and most diverse federal judicial districts in the country. This is why the Central Texas Federal Bench Bar Conference will focus on current trends and issues in the Austin, San Antonio, and Waco Divisions. We just can’t cover it all. But, lawyers, judges and their staff from all seven Divisions of the WDTX and beyond are invited to the Conference and encouraged to attend. We hope to see you there!

How can I be involved in future years?

The Central Texas Federal Bench Bar Conference will be held in February or March each year in Austin, TX. We are always looking for partners and speakers to help build the programing and expand our offerings in future years. If you or your firm are interested in being involved or have ideas regarding speakers or topics, please email us at info@centraltxbenchbar.com.

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