With the flurry of the holidays behind us, many consider early January a time for reflection. Growing up, I did not go through the usual exercise of adopting New Year’s resolutions. Rather, I was usually content to enjoy a bowl of black-eyed peas and catch a movie or two. I now realize, however, that it is important to reflect on where you have been, where you are currently, and where you hope to be in the future.

Don't lose perspective. At a CLE presentation last week, a panelist reminded the audience that an effective trial lawyer should be mindful of the big picture when approaching his or her case. The panelist asserted that too often lawyers get caught up in details that have nothing to do with proving the essential elements of a claim or defense. As an appellate lawyer, I could not agree more. My former supervisors always cautioned me to “stay out of the weeds.”

One of the Texas Young Lawyers Association’s signature projects for the 2016-2017 bar year is I Was the First. You Can Be a Lawyer Too!, a “pipeline” program that will feature a diverse group of first-generation lawyers who have made significant contributions to Texas and the nation.

As a lawyer, I have repeatedly reflected on the fact that I don’t really make anything. At the end of a long day at the office, I often do not have something tangible to show for all those hours at my desk thinking.

The fall is always a busy time for me personally and professionally.  The thought of the imminent
holiday season inevitably gives me a swift kick in the you know where as I push to move projects off my desk and prepare to celebrate with friends and family.

Among the Texas Young Lawyers Association’s many charges is to support and partner with local young lawyer affiliates around the state. The bulk of that work is done through our Local Affiliates Committee and at the annual Bar Leaders Conference, which this year takes place July 15-16 in Houston.

I had never viewed the world with a scarcity mindset. There was always going to be enough success for everyone if you worked hard and played nice. Law school changed that for me. Especially when I learned about the dreaded grading curve. There could be only a certain number of A’s? What madness! Compounding my stress was the fact that my 1L grades could shape the career options that would be available to me in the future.

Neighbors come in all types. Following a few scientific Google searches, I have determined that the internet recognizes Fred Rogers as “the best neighbor ever.” On the opposite end of the spectrum is Gladys Kravitz, the hyper-nosy neighbor on Bewitched. Apparently Gladys is so well known that there are many online articles discussing something called “Gladys Kravitz Syndrome.” Unfortunately, I do not believe there’s a cure.

I first ran for the Texas Young Lawyers Association Board of Directors in 2012 at the encouragement of my co-worker, Keith L. Krueger, who had just finished his second term on the board and been elected secretary. Although I knew of his work ethic, I had never worked with him outside the office. What I soon learned was that Keith was deeply committed to service in all aspects of life. For those of you who didn’t have the privilege of knowing him personally, he embodied the persona of a servant leader. When Keith died, it became my goal to not just build my own legacy within TYLA, but to continue his as well.