involvement, or leadership in bar associations. Chari: Jillian has reminded me of the importance of staying connected with younger lawyers. Many professional associations are seeing a decline in engagement from newer generations. Through Jillian, I’ve gained insight into what younger lawyers value, how they network, and how they work. It helps me stay relevant and connected—not just in mentorship, but in my own professional development. NAVIGATING THE LOCAL LEGAL COMMUNITY Jillian: Mentorship has helped me immensely in navigating the local legal landscape. Chari introduced me to judges, mediators, and attorneys across practice areas—many of whom I now consider colleagues and friends. She helped me understand the unspoken rules of our legal community, which is so important when you’re just starting out. Also, one of the most important things Chari taught me is how to network with authenticity. Early on, she would walk me around at events and make introductions. But more than that, she taught me how to build real, lasting connections—not just collect business cards. Chari: Mentorship is reciprocal. We’ve each looked for opportunities to elevate and support one another. We’ve nominated each other for awards and professional recognition—things we might not have pursued for ourselves. Everyone needs someone to say, “You should go for that”— especially in a profession where imposter syndrome is real. GENERATIONAL DIFFERENCES: A STRENGTH, NOT A DIVIDE makes life … better for people less fortunate.” That quote speaks directly to what mentorship means to us. It is one way we do something outside ourselves—by investing in each other, lifting others up, and giving back to the legal profession that has given us so much. In Central Texas, where our legal communities often span wide geography but tight connections, this kind of service can be especially powerful. And if you’re looking for a mentor—or hoping to become one—start by simply reaching out. You never know what a single introduction might become. TBJ CHARI L. KELLY has been a judge on the 3rd Court of Appeals in Austin since 2019. Prior to taking the bench, she served as a felony prosecutor, assistant attorney general, and a captain in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps. In 2023, she received the Outstanding Mentor Award from the Texas Young Lawyers Association. JILLIAN FRENCH is certified in family law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and practices in the Austin area. She is a native Austinite, a member of her local bar organizations, and a cross-stich enthusiast. PUBLIC NOTICE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF TEXAS HOUSTON DIVISION Reappointment of United States Magistrate Judge PETER J. BRAY The current term of the office of United States Magistrate Judge Peter J. Bray at Houston, TX is due to expire August 2, 2026. The United States District Court is required by law to establish a panel of citizens to consider the reappointment of U.S. Magistrate Judge Peter J. Bray to a new 8-year term. The duties of a U.S. Magistrate Judge position include the following: Jillian: Our generational differences have only added depth to our relationship. Chari is a very cool mentor—I sometimes forget we aren’t from the same generation. The only time it comes up is when I’m taking notes on my iPad while she’s writing on paper! Chari: Generational differences have enriched our conversations—and our conversations range from serious legal updates and career advice to crafting and tech hacks! I’ll ask her about family law or how to better use my iPad for work, and she’ll bring me up to speed on the latest effective use of AI in the profession. Also being an appellate judge can be isolating at times. Jillian keeps me connected to the pulse of the local legal community—specifically what’s the latest buzz at the courthouse. It’s a valuable perspective I wouldn’t have without her. FINAL THOUGHTS 1. Conducting most preliminary proceedings in criminal cases; 2. Trial and disposition of misdemeanor cases; 3. Conducting various pretrial matters and evidentiary 4. Trial and disposition of civil cases upon consent of the litigants. proceedings on delegation from the judges of the district court; and, The court invites comments from members of the bar and the public as to whether the panel should recommend the reappointment of U.S. Magistrate Judge Bray to the court. Direct comments under confidential cover to: Judge Bray Reappointment Panel Attention: Nathan Ochsner, Clerk of Court U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas P.O. Box 61010 Houston, Texas 77208 Comments must be received no later than December 1, 2025 , 5:00 p.m. One of the guiding principles of our mentorship has been the idea that service is at the heart of professionalism. As the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg once said: “If you’re going to be a lawyer and just practice your profession, you have a skill—very much like a plumber. But if you want to be a true professional, you will do something outside yourself, something that texasbar.com/tbj Vol. 88, No. 9 • Texas Bar Journal 703
Texas Bar Journal October 2025: Page-703
