Jackson Walker associates Shari Mao and Amanda Crouch successfully organized the first-ever Swearing-In Ceremony for new San Antonio attorneys on Nov. 13, 2014.

Swearing-in ceremonies are a time-honored tradition in many cities across the country; however, San Antonio did not previously have this type of event. Recognizing the need, Ms. Mao and Ms. Crouch worked with the Bexar County Women’s Bar Foundation and San Antonio Young Lawyer’s Association to plan and host the first in what is expected to become an annual event.

“The swearing-in ceremony is a significant and important moment in the life of a new attorney, and we wanted to ensure that our San Antonio colleagues were able to enjoy this experience,” said Ms. Mao.

U.S. District Judge Xaiver Rodriguez and Chief Justice Catherine Stone of the Fourth Court of Appeals presided over the ceremony, which was held in the Bexar County Cadena-Reeves Justice Center and open to all who passed the Texas Bar Exam in July. The inaugural event was a tremendous success, with 50 inductees and over 200 attendees, including representatives from a wide variety of local bar organizations and support networks who provided information to the new attorneys. A catered reception followed the ceremony. The event was sponsored by the St. Mary’s University School of Law Alumni Association and San Antonio Bar Association.

Ms. Mao represents privately held and publicly traded clients in a variety of corporate matters from entity formation and corporate governance to securities offerings and compliance with securities law. She assists clients in negotiating loan agreements and mergers and acquisitions, along with drafting forms in support of business operations including service agreements and terms and conditions. Additionally, she advises family offices in planning and restructuring entities for asset protection, tax planning, and investment and estate planning strategies. Ms. Mao received her B.A., magna cum laude, from Duke University and her J.D., magna cum laude, from St. Mary’s University School of Law.

Ms. Crouch has developed experience in a wide range of litigation matters, including particular experience in commercial litigation, creditor representation, oil and gas litigation, and defense of personal injury claims. Ms. Crouch emphasizes efficiency in her practice and is frequently able to obtain a cost-effective resolution that fully achieves the client’s business goals. Prior to joining Jackson Walker, Ms. Crouch interned for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Western District of Texas and for Justice Phil Johnson of the Texas Supreme Court. Ms. Crouch received her B.S., with high honors, from the University of Texas and her J.D., cum laude, from Baylor University School of Law.