Feature TYLA Affiliate

Galveston County Young Lawyers Association’s Outstanding Young Lawyer Award

By:  Melody Poole, President-Elect, Galveston County Young Lawyers Association

Congratulations to Royston Rayzor associate, Kelly Haas, recipient of the Galveston County Young Lawyers Association’s Outstanding Young Lawyer Award for her extensive contributions to the bar and her service to the community. Kelly paused to receive the award in the midst of conducting the bar’s Annual Law Day Luncheon. Held at the San Luis Resort, Spa and Conference Center on April 28th, well over 100 local bar and judiciary members joined to celebrate this year’s Law Day theme: The Legacy of John Adams, from Boston to Guantanamo, and renew understanding of and appreciation for the principle of the rule of law.

As part of the festivities, guest speaker Murray Fogler shared his experience in representing detainees at The Guantanamo Bay detention camp. Mr. Fogler, a partner at Beck, Redden & Secrest, L.L.P., has remained a Texas Super Lawyer since 2003, and is named one of the Best Lawyers in America for Bet-the-Company and Commercial Litigation in 2011 by U.S. News.

Additionally, the Galveston County Young Lawyers Association (GCYLA) presented seven scholarships to Galveston County high school seniors. As a result of their winning responses to the 2011 Law Day essay competition, the seniors were recognized in the presence of their families, the local bar and judiciary, and will receive $500 toward expenses at their respective post-secondary educational institutions.

Lt. Joel Caldwell was also recognized for his time and energy committed to strengthening the effectiveness of the American system of freedom under law. Lt. Joel Caldwell currently serves as Mid-Town District Commander for the Galveston Police Department (GPD). Lt. Caldwell is a member of GPD’s Special Weapons and Tactics Team, Coordinator of the Galveston County Cruelty Action Team for the District Attorney’s Office, Director of the City’s Animal Control Division, and serves on the Board of Directors for the Galveston Humane Society, The City of Galveston Animal Shelter Advisory Committee and is a committeeman with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

With the Law Day festivities over, the GCYLA turns its focus to the County’s second Texas Lawyers for Texas Veteran’s Legal Clinic on May 7th. Board elections for the 2011-2012 year follow shortly after. Over the summer, GCYLA members will continue their community activities, including participating in Lone Star Legal Aid’s Pro Bono and Pro Se Clinic programs, working with Judge Susan Criss to assist women in prisons, and coordinating with the Family Bar, judiciary, and District Clerk to improve pro se services to family law litigants in the county.