23rd Annual Austin Bar Foundation Gala 
Saturday, January 24, 2026

Four Seasons Hotel - 98 San Jacinto Blvd.
 6:30 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

The gala raises funds for the nonprofit Austin Bar Foundation, which supports law-related community projects that provide legal assistance to those in need, legal education to the community at large, and supports attorney well-being. Funds raised at the gala support the operation of the Foundation and  law-related projects, such as the Diversity Fellowship Program, Justice Mack Kidd fund, the CANLAW clinic, Law-Related Education, Austin Adoption Day, and Veterans’ Legal Clinics. Since its inception in 2003, the Foundation has raised more than $2 million for area legal-related programs.

Through the Foundation’s grant program, we further our mission to improve public awareness of the legal system, the administration of justice, and the delivery of legal services. Past grant recipients include CASA of Travis County, American Gateways, Volunteer Legal Services, Texas Accountants and Lawyers for the Arts, Austin Community Law Center, Austin Classical Guitar’s juvenile justice program, Texas Fair Defense Fund, Texas Rio Grande Legal Services, and many others.

Funds raised through Fund-A-Need  will support the Foundation’s programs, such as Law-Related Education for Children, Austin Adoption Day, CANLaw legal clinics, the Veterans Legal Assistance Program (VLAP), the Justice Mack Kidd Fund, and the new Crisis Assistance Program (CAP).

Honoring Austin lawyers who have excelled in their profession and service to the community will be a highlight of the evening. The Foundation is pleased to announce this year’s award recipients.

2026 Distinguished Lawyer Award Recipients: 

David Chamberlain, Chamberlain - McHaney

Judy Kostura, Sorrels Law

Richel (Rikky) Rivers, Rivers McNamara

David H. Walter Community Excellence Award Recipient: 

Hon. Rudy Metayer, Chamberlain - McHaney

Legacy Award:

Warren Vavra, Travis County Court Administrator