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: Kirk Cooper
Firm: Chief Staff Attorney at the Texas Court of Appeals for the 8th District
Area of Law You Practice: Civil and Criminal Appeals
Position Held in TYLA: District 14 Director
How did you get involved in bar service?
I started bar service by joining the El Paso Young Lawyers Association after graduating from law school. From there I became a bar junkie. I served as the EPYLA president, and I am also on the Texas Bar Journal Board of Editors.
What is your favorite TYLA project and why?
Spanish for Lawyers (see http://spanishforlawyers.tyla.org/). I like learning foreign languages, and being able to sharpen my legal Spanish while getting CLE is great.
What tips can you give to other attorneys to manage stress?
The best advice I’ve heard is treat yourself like a client—make appointments with yourself and keep them.
What do you do in your spare time?
What’s “spare time”? I enjoy going to the gym, reading the news, spending time with family and friends, and meeting new people.
What is one thing most people don’t know about you?
I used to be a jazz musician in high school and college (baritone sax).