For Random Profiles, we randomly pick one of our 80,000-plus attorneys and do a Q&A. We’ve found that every Texas lawyer has an interesting story. Will yours be next?
Best thing about being a lawyer:
Being able to help people when things are looking bleak
Bet you didn’t know:
I’m a master of obscure and useless information.
Another little known fact:
Dave Matthews and I are exactly the same age, and that means I must be cool.
Born/Age:
San Antonio, Texas / 43 years old
Family:
Married to Elizabeth Olea Garza for 20 years with two children (Mia 15 and Aric 13)
Areas of practice:
General Civil Litigation, Real Estate, Family, Corporate/Commercial
Education:
B.A. and J.D. from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio
M.P.Aff. from the LBJ School of Public Affairs, University of Texas at Austin
Likes/Dislikes:
Like – playing guitar to alleviate stress
Dislike – not having enough time to get work done
Culinary talent:
Official Family Breakfast Maker (French toast, pancakes, migas, eggs, fresh squeezed OJ, bold coffee, biscuits, bacon/sausage, tacos)
What kind of car do you drive?
2003 Toyota Camry
Community Involvement:
St. Mary’s University Area Revitalization Committee, United Way of San Antonio, San Antonio Bar Foundation, pro bono legal work on various consumer matters for people who really need it but can’t afford it.
Heroes:
I don’t really have any heroes, but I very much admire Martin Luther King, Jr., John Lennon, Mohandas Ghandi, Bertrand Russell, Ronald Reagan, Stephen Hawking, Bill Gates, and Oprah Winfrey.
Most important career lesson:
Learn to enjoy it when business is slow. It’ll be stressful when business picks up (and it always picks up).
Current Project:
Developing a mobile phone application for use by attorneys
Favorite saying/quote:
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
When they do the film about you, what actor should portray you?
Steve Carrell
Secret for staying young:
Laughing
Favorite TV programs:
Man vs. Wild; The Office; The Simpsons
Favorite artist:
Marcus Garza
Favorite composers:
Lennon/McCartney
Favorite albums:
Aja by Steely Dan, From the Cradle by Eric Clapton, Revolver by The Beatles, Kind of Blue by Miles Davis, The Unforgettable Fire by U2
Favorite musicians:
Steely Dan, The Beatles, U2, Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Van Morrison, Dave Matthews
Favorite movies:
Excalibur, High Noon, A Man for All Seasons, Life is Beautiful, Gideon’s Trumpet
The last movie I saw was:
The Town
Favorite magazine:
Rolling Stone
Favorite sport:
Basketball
Favorite food:
Carne Asada Tacos
Favorite restaurant:
Güeros Taco Bar (Austin), Mama Margie’s (San Antonio), Rudy’s BBQ
Where to be found on a Saturday night:
At home, at dinner, or at the movies with my family
Talents (besides law):
Ability to make people laugh (unfortunately, sometimes people laugh at me)
Collects:
Movie ticket stubs
Generally likes to read:
John Grisham books; all news junkie
Memorable vacations:
Christmas in New York City in 2009;
A two-week drive across the southwest with my family in 2009. Stops included Las Cruces, Tempe, Flagstaff, Sedona, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles.
My favorite weekend retreats are:
Hiking or biking around Lake Lady Bird (formerly Town Lake), Austin;
Friedrich Wilderness Park, San Antonio
If I had more time, I would:
Go on more vacations to far away places with my family
Biggest misconception about me:
That I’m a “square.” People who like Star Trek can be cool too.
What most people don’t know about me:
I’m a pretty good blues guitarist.
The part of my job I do best is:
Being appreciated or thanked for working hard
The best piece of advice ever given to you and by whom:
“Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff” (from the book with the same title)
*Big Caveat—this axiom does not apply when in federal court
If you could be anyone else for a day, who would it be?
The President of the United States
What do you think are the biggest challenges facing attorneys today?
Resisting the extreme pressure to approach the practice of law strictly as a business, and losing sight of our role as professional problem solvers.
Who is your favorite on-screen or literary attorney, and why?
Rudy Baylor (played by Matt Damon) in The Rainmaker. Baylor is single-minded, tenacious, skillful, and not afraid to take on much more powerful opposition – qualities I like to think that I have.
If you weren’t an attorney, what profession do you think you would be in?
A professor, a teacher, or a coach. I like teaching people and inspiring them to do better.
What’s the turning point that made you decide to become an attorney?
Realizing that I could use my skills to help people, make my family proud by becoming a professional, and make a comfortable living all at the same time.
When you are not practicing law, what do you like to do?
Play guitar, play video games, or just relax at home.
Who are the people you admire most, and why?
My parents. They both came from very difficult backgrounds, and provided my brother and sister and I with a great childhood and education.
What has changed the most technologically or practice wise since you have been licensed?
Social media and law firm websites as tools to market to new and existing clients.
How do you think the practice will change in the next 15 years?
There will be virtual law offices, where clients and attorneys interact regionally, nationally, and even globally through video (e.g. Skype).
Aric Garza works at The Law Offices of Aric J. Garza in San Antonio.
You can also view Aric’ TexasBar.com profile.
Prizes
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Opinions and statements expressed in these profiles are those of their subjects – not the State Bar of Texas.