Editor’s Note: In this blog series, we are getting to know the members of the Texas Young Lawyers Association Board of Directors. TYLA, commonly called the “public service arm” of the State Bar of Texas, works to facilitate the administration of justice, foster respect for the law, and advance the role of the legal profession in serving the public. All TYLA programs are accomplished through the volunteer efforts of its board and committee members, with the cooperation of local affiliate young lawyers associations. Learn more at tyla.org.

Name: Lauren Renee Sepulveda

Employer: Hidalgo County Criminal District Attorney’s Office

Area of Law You Practice: Criminal-Felony

Position Held in TYLA: District 13 Director, Co-Chair of Member Outreach/Service to the Profession

How did you get involved in bar service?

When I started practicing, Judge Nereida Singleterry and Judge JoAnne Garcia encouraged me to get involved in my local young lawyer affiliate and in LeadershipSBOT. When JoAnne decided not to run for reelection as TYLA District 13 director, she encouraged me to run.

What is your favorite TYLA project and why?

Vote America! (see https://tyla.org/resource/vote-america/). I love rolling this project out to our local high schools, registering young voters, and encouraging them to get involved in their democracy!

What tips can you give to other attorneys to manage stress?

It’s OK to say NO. It’s something I still struggle with constantly. Making sure you’re not overloaded will help you manage stress before it starts.

What do you do in your spare time?

Hang out with the light of my life—my nephew, Liam—or binge watch Netflix with my dogs, Leia and Arya.

Anything else that you wish to share?

I’m a proud graduate of Baylor Law School!