austinbar.org JULY/AUGUST 2025 | VOLUME 34, NUMBER 6
Austin Bar & AYLA Leaders Recognize Outstanding Member Contributions During End-of-Year Reception
Austin Bar President Mary-Ellen King and AYLA President Emily Morris recognized several members for their contributions during the end-of-year reception.
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t the end-of-year reception, outgoing Austin Bar President Mary-Ellen King and AYLA President Emily Morris presented their President’s Awards to highlight the important contributions of several members of their organizations. King presented her Outstanding Committee Chair Award to incoming Austin Bar Director and Pro Bono Committee Chair Kara O’Shaughnessy, who was instrumental in planning and executing the Pro Bono Fall Festival held in October 2024.
Judge Sylvia Holmes (right) received the Outstanding Director Award for her help with the Austin Bar Foundation Gala.
“Kara took the bull by the horns with the Fall Festival,” King said. “She helped coordinate the decorations, and she even did the rough-and-tumble work of getting a trailer and bringing in hay.” The Fall Festival was a great success, netting $8,000, which was donated to Volunteer Legal Services of Central Texas. The Outstanding Director Award went to Judge Sylvia Holmes for her help with the Austin Bar Foundation Gala. “So much work goes into planning the Gala,” King said. “We Shelby O’Brien (right) received the President’s Award of Merit. O’Brien served as the chair of the Fundraising Committee this past bar year.
do so much ourselves in order to save money and make the Gala as profitable as possible. Sylvia came with glue gun in hand and helped us put together the gorgeous centerpieces and other decorations.”
The President’s Award of Merit went to Shelby O’Brien, who served as the chair of the Fundraising Committee, which was key in monetary, as well as goods and services, Awards continued on page 7.