austinbar.org JULY / AUGUST 2017 | VOLUME 26, NUMBER 5
Introducing Austin Bar Association President—Amy Welborn
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n July 1, 2017, Amy Welborn takes the helm at the Austin Bar Association and begins her term as president. Joining her on the executive committee for the 2017-18 bar year are Adam Schramek, president-elect; D. Todd Smith, secretary; Kennon Wooten, treasurer; and Leslie Dippel, past-president. Welborn, a partner in the Austin office of Hawkins Parnell Thackston and Young, was born and raised in Denton, TX, with two younger brothers. She is a graduate of the University of Texas, where she majored in government and public relations before attending the UT School of Law. She is the proud mother of two energetic and active boys—Travis, age 12, and Jay, age 8. As a result, whenever she is not at work, she can be found on a baseball or soccer field somewhere in the state of Texas. Welborn recently answered the following questions about herself. AUSTIN BAR: Why did you want to become a lawyer? WELBORN: I wanted to become a lawyer after watching the court scene in “Miracle on 34th Street” in which Fred Gailey uses all the Dear Santa letters
from the post office to prove that Kris Kringle is Santa. I felt if he could prove there really is a Santa Clause, then the law could be used to do just about anything. AUSTIN BAR: What was your first job out of law school? WELBORN: When I graduated from law school, I worked for Jerry Galow at Watson, Bishop, London, and Galow. He taught me so very much about the practice of law and life. He taught me to always think about the double edge of any piece of evidence. And I cannot take an expert deposition without thinking about a doodle bug. AUSTIN BAR: What has been your career path from then until now? WELBORN: I have always been a trial lawyer. I love to be in the courtroom. Last year I joined Hawkins Parnell Thackston and Young where I am honored to practice with some of the best trial lawyers across the nation. AUSTIN BAR: What has been your biggest accomplishment so far? WELBORN: I would say time management is my biggest accomplishment. Being a single mom, raising two boys who play multiple sports on travel teams, while also working as a partner in a trial firm, and
Amy Welborn with sons, Travis Grey, 12 (right) and Jay Grey, 8.
serving as Austin Bar President, means that time management is everything. I love the challenge of juggling it all and would not change anything! AUSTIN BAR: How long have you been involved with the Austin Bar? WELBORN: I have been involved in Austin Bar since I was a first-year lawyer. I first ran for the Austin Bar Board of Directors as a second-year lawyer. I had no idea what I was dong, but it sounded fun and I have never looked back. It was a great decision! AUSTIN BAR: Why would you encourage someone to get involved in the Austin Bar? WELBORN: I would love
everyone to be involved. Just show up for something. Come to a CLE, meet someone new at our happy hours, or volunteer for our pro bono projects. We always need volunteers for our committees. If there is a program you like, or would like to see changed, please join the committee and help us improve. We are only as strong as our volunteers. AUSTIN BAR: What has been the biggest benefit you’ve received from being involved in the Austin Bar? WELBORN: The biggest benefit I have received is getting to meet, and become friends with, so many lawyers. I have met lawyers in so many different practice continued on page 5