TESLAW Council
Our nine Council Members are selected by TESLAW membership once a year and hold three-year rotating terms.
Christian Castle
Council Term Expiring in 2021 / Legislative Chair
Chris founded his firm in Los Angeles in 2005 and moved the firm to Austin in 2011. He works on a variety of transactional matters in the nexus of music, technology and policy.
Austin Champion
Council Term Expiring in 2022
Austin is a business and IP trial attorney in Dallas, Texas who primarily works with companies and individuals involved in complex, high-stakes business and intellectual property disputes.
Stevie Fitzgerald
Council Term Expiring in 2023
Stevie has years of experience in Entertainment contracts as well as in Copyright, Trademark, and Personality Rights.
Ira Perez
Council Term Expiring in 2022
Ira Perez’s practice covers a broad range of transactional and business contract matters and has experience with trust and estate administration, investment analysis, and energy leases.
Sara-Michelle Stearns
Council Term Expiring in 2022
Sarah-Michelle Stearns focuses her practice on risk management, litigation, and appeals. She has experience in a broad range of commercial litigation matters and more.
Stephen Summer
Council Term Expiring in 2021 / Publications Committee
Stephen Owen Summer has been practicing law in Austin and surrounding areas for over 18 years. Before becoming a lawyer, Stephen was a highly regarded jazz musician.
Heather VanDyke
Council Term Expiring in 2023
Heather R. VanDyke is General Counsel of South by Southwest. Heather oversees all legal matters ranging from intellectual property protection, licensing, contracts, insurance and more.
Adam Villanueva
Council Term Expiring in 2021 / Law Student Liaison
High-impact Intellectual Property Lawyer with proven success in trademark portfolio management, IP strategy, trademark protection, litigation strategies and more.
Alyce Zawacki
Council Term Expiring in 2023
Inspired by the bold and visionary, Alyce is a supporter and protector of Creatives, determined to help them monetize their work and manage the risks associated with bringing projects to life.
