Amarillo Area Young Lawyers Association Hosted Action-Packed 2018

By: Tyler DiMarino

The Amarillo Area Young Lawyers Association (AAYLA) hosted various events in 2018, including two CLEs with other organizations.

First, AAYLA partnered with the Texas Association of Defense Counsel to present the CLE “The Weinstein Effect: The New Legal Landscape for Sexual Harassment,” presented by Heath Hendricks. AAYLA also partnered with the Texas Trial Lawyers Association to present the CLE “Texas Legislative Update” with Mikal Watts and the Texas Trial Lawyers Association Executive Committee.

AAYLA also had community service projects by having its members volunteer with Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas and presenting “Vote America!” presentations at local schools to teach students about voting rights in the country. AAYLA also hosted a New Lawyer Orientation where new attorneys had a chance to meet some of the local judges and attorneys, complete with a happy hour and cornhole tournament.

Finally, AAYLA hosted the swearing-in ceremony for 13 newly licensed attorneys with a reception after the ceremony. The swearing-in ceremony was at the Texas Seventh Court of Appeals with Justices Brian Quinn, James Campbell, Patrick Pirtle, and Judy Parker swearing in the new candidates.

Even more events are in the works. AAYLA has its “Not-Quite-Vegas” CLE planned in place of the CLE planned in Vegas every other year. AAYLA is also hosting the Old Lawyer of the Year Luncheon to honor a member of the Amarillo legal community for their service to the bar. Finally, AAYLA plans to continue its volunteer efforts with Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas and host the annual Easter Egg Hunt and Bunny Hop 5K to help raise funds for the legal aid organization.

Tyler DiMarino is an associate at Sprouse Shrader Smith PLLC in Amarillo. He is an Amarillo native and has been with Sprouse Shrader Smith for the past two years. His legal practice areas include civil and commercial litigation, debt collection, transportation litigation, and appellate work. Tyler is a member of the AAYLA board and has been a member of the board for one year.