Austin, Texas, is where we're at for the next few days, for the 2016 edition of the American Law Institute-CLE Eminent Domain and Land Valuation conference, now in its 33d year. First time we're in Austin, however, and our registration numbers are looking very good, and we haven't had this big a turnout in years.
We haven't been back to Austin in a few years ourselves, so we did what law nerds sometimes do when we go to new towns: visit the local courtroom to check out the scene. So we dropped by the Supreme Court of Texas to take a look. Turns out it was an off-day for the court and it was not in session and the courtroom was locked. But Security suggested that if we asked the Clerk nicely, she might retrieve the key and let us take a look around. And you know what? She did. How very nice.
And an impressive courtroom it is. Modern, yet imposing (as befitting a Temple of Justice®). Here's the view from counsel's lectern, complete with a LCD screen, and a Justice crib sheet in the event you vapor lock and forget one of their names.
And here's a view of a courtroom we advocates don't often see, the one where the Justices are looking at us. Or down at us. We're never quite sure.
Next, we hopped next door to the state capitol building, an imposing 1882 domed structure, complete with its famous door hinges. Took one of the free tours ("Heroes of the Texas Revolution" -- well worth it, by the way). Saw portraits of famous Texans Audie Murphy, Ike, and GWB. No official portrait yet completed of Rick Perry, though. We speculate that he's still deciding whether to wear the glasses.
Up on the third floor (by the bathrooms, next to the elevators) are a bunch of paintings of Texas judges. All have names, except this poor chap, labeled "Unknown Judge." Strange, painting doesn't seem that old, judging by the modern outfit. You'd think someone would recognize him. Maybe he put some legislator in jail, and this was their revenge: Unknown Judge.
Finally, down to the main floor, smack dab in the center of the building. Looking up to the interior of the dome, 20+ stories high. That's a star in the middle (lots of those in all state buildings around these parts), along with the word T-E-X-A-S around it, just in case you don't know where you are. Click on the photo to enlarge, if you can't quite see it in the thumbnail.
The Conference kicks off on Thursday, with a welcoming talk by Austin Mayor Steve Adler, who just happens to be a (former) eminent domain lawyer. We'll have more as we progress.
Brochure/Agenda - 2016 American Law Institute-CLE Eminent Domain Conference, Austin
